Wednesday 18 August 2021

Two sides of the story

 
Gail here.

You see in the pictures a dear beloved dog snoozing comfortably on the sofa.


You see him happily roaming along a soft boggy path on the Applecross peninsula, managing a five mile walk with ease, so long as no steep climbs are involved.


The pictures do not lie. But neither do they tell the whole story.

What you don't see is the dog straining for up to a minute to empty his bladder, contorting his slender frame into increasingly awkward positions, a thin pink trickle coming out, pain in his deep-set eyes. You don't see his frequent 'accidents' indoors, and the fact that he now shares my bed at night only by virtue of wearing a 'dog nappy' to prevent leakages. You don't see, on every  place where he rests, a discreetly positioned super-absorbant puppy training pad underneath his familiar blanket.  You don't see the washing machine in near continuous use. You don't see the door to my front room in Aberdeen permanently closed to try to preserve at least one part of the house free of the acrid whiff of the dog pee which a shelf full of disinfecting and odour eliminating products cannot completely disguise.

You don't see a deaf dog standing in my hallway, tail at half mast, a look of bewilderment on his fuzzy little face as he tries to make sense of his near-silent world.

Tomorrow, when I've summoned the strength, another phone call to the vet. Bertie is already on thrice daily medication. I am not convinced that the answer lies in yet more tablets.


19 comments:

  1. Oh no, our thoughts are with you and the decisions you may have to make. Sometimes life is not easy. Kia kaha (stay strong) From the three bestest maremmas in all the land.

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  2. we hope so much that your vet can find a good solution for Bertie.... but no matter what he will say, we are with you and you have not to walk a maybe bumpy road alone...

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  3. Please give Bertie a big hug from us both here, he must already know how much we love him.
    You are both forever in our thoughts, and we
    hope that the vet will find something to help.
    Reading this made my human cry.

    Love,
    Inca xx

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  4. Huge hugs to both you and Bertie, Gail♥

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  5. Hari OM
    ((((((((((((((((O)))))))))))))))
    YAM xx

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  6. Oh Gail...I'm so sorry and I do understand what you mean about 'not seeing'. As with Bertie, Madi was always pictured snoozing comfortably.
    No pics of the twice daily SUQs fluids or all the meds we gave her or her struggles to get up and down.

    God bless you as you are charged with the ultimate loving gift we promise our beloved pets...that they will have no pain, dignity and grace.
    Hugs and love Cecilia and Bryan

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  7. Oh dear. We're so sad to hear that Bertie is having such a rough time lately. Our paws are crossed that you will do the best you can for him and we send warm hugs your way, too.

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  8. We're sad to hear that Bertie's having a hard time. Hopefully you can keep him comfortable.

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  9. You will know what is right. And Bertie will, too.

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  10. Here in Canada our thoughts are with you and Bertie. Bertie has been fortunate to have such a good life with you. He’s a brave and hardy pup. Much admired from here. I’m sure you’ll know how to love him best.

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  11. So sorry to hear this report. Bertie has been so strong for so long. Enjoy every day he gives you.

    Hugs and Woos - Lightning, Misty, and Timber

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  12. Having recently lost Pocket, we know what you are going through, and it is one of the hardest things we have to do. Praying you have more day together.

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  13. Oh noes. Bertie I knows you have your Terriertude in spades, and you puts on a brave face for Gail. I hopes there is something that can be done to make you more comfortable, butts Ma gets it. She can tells you abouts the 'walking poopin' cause it hurts to stand in one place and 'tuck' from the arthitis. Ma is just happy that it's outside 😉
    I'll keep my paws crossed for you my pal, and sendin' lots and lots of AireZens ❣
    Kisses,
    Ruby ♥

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  14. Bertie, Mr T knows how encroaching deafness shuts your life down, and a recent straining to pee event sent our household into a tailspin of vet visits and yucky medicine and even yuckier special food. Why is it that what is supposed to be good for you tastes so vile or uninteresting? We hope you get something that helps it hurt less and you can go on enjoying walks and cheese scones for a while yet.

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  15. Bertie and Gail, may you both share the love and strength you have for each other in this trying time. Love every moment you have together. Hugs across the wires to you.

    Rosie, Redford and Lesley

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  16. Gail, Lady remembers standing at the end with an ill dog. Knowing what is coming. Trying to imagine it as a new beginning but only seeing a heartbreaking end. May you both find peace during this difficult time. Big hugs.

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  17. Bertie and Gail, sending you love 💕
    It is a difficult time and you will know what is best.

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  18. my heart is breaking with yours and my eyes are filling with tears. so sorry your sweet buddy is in pain and struggling so hard. hugs and love and prayers coming to you.

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  19. Sending you all our love, Bertie, and don't worry- you have a devoted mum who will make all the right decisions for you. Take care both of you xx

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