I know he can't live forever
When Shaggy was 15 and nearing the end of her life, he was 13 at the time, he paced himself after her. Slept all day and would slowly walk to the end of the block and back - they were so alike. When her eyesight failed he touched her body as they walked being her guide. She would often stray off the path and he would nudge her back. Merlin arrived a few months before Shaggy passed and as a result of losing his lifelong buddy, Blue slowly bonded with Merlin. At age 13 for the first time in his life - he played and rough housed. Blue and Shaggy never did that their entire lives although they were close. With his new friend Blue got a "second life". He was active and would race around like mad, rough housed with Merlin several times a day and still does. Just as he did with Shaggy he would fool his brother and pick up his plate and carry it off if they finished before he did as he knew they would take it from him. Yesterday I had all 13 foster bunnies in various pens in the yard and all three dogs plus two of the cats. An amazing site but I knew Shaggy's legacy continued to live on. She taught Blue never to chase small creatures but to be gentle with them. In turn, Blue passed it on to Merlin and Panda. The bunnies were not stressed at all as the three canines just gave them kisses but did not harass them in anyway. Blue made sure of that and it's the only time I've seen him stand up to Merlin the alpha in previous times when Merlin did not behave as he should. Merlin always listened to Blue as I think he realized it must be serious for that passive ole guy to stand up to him. It is now ingrained in Merlin's head. However his back end is troubling him more these days and he's often tottering on three legs as one hind leg sometimes can no longer support him. Yesterday, was a beautiful sunny and warm day and that old bugger was racing around the yard with his funny front leg propeltion (sp?) He still can go down the backstairs but now barks when he needs to go up as he wants me to stay on the top step to watch him. He seems to keep his dignity as I've on a few occasions picked him up and carried him up the stairs but he doesn't like it and seems to prefer to do it himself. It's ironic that my son - his lifelong buddy is coming to stay with me in a few days as he's having surgery. Blue was "his dog" and so Blue and his boy will get to spend some time together. It seems like I've had him forever and tomorrow I'm going to take him to the vet to see if there is something that can be done regarding his failing back end. His spirit is still active - unbelievably he has never once soiled inside the house - continuing to ask to go outside! Food has always been one of his greatest pleasures and his nose still works great as he can find the tiniest crumb that otherwise Merlin or Panda would miss. He still chases balls although now instead of throwing it as hard as I can I only throw it a few feet but he still gets it! I could lift him up and down the stairs but I don't want him to be in pain and as he's aged he's developed numerous lumps which I always have aspirated to check. They are benign. Tomorrow I'll have two new lumps checked that have developed on his spine. These are harder than the other ones. I'm trying to prepare myself in case the diagnosis is not good. I take consolation of how good his life has been, friends to play with, cats who adore him and will clean his ears and give him kisses and balls to chase. March 24th/1990 is our anniversary of when he came to live with me as a one year old. I love my Ole guy. Marianne |
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I know just how you feel Marianne! Ginny |
i am so sorry. No matter how many times we face this type of sitution, it is like a new rip in our hearts.  |
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I hear ya. You know I just went through this and it's the hardest thing in the world.  |
| Big hugs to you! I can't imagine but am glad Blue has lived such a long life with someone as special as you and your son.
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| Marianne,
I hope that something can be done to help Blue's back end stability. I also hope his lumps are just old age related. |
| I keep thinking how fortunate you are to have had him for so long! The fact that he's still in relatively good health is such a blessing. No, he can't live forever. None of us do. But, he's had a good life with you and known happiness and love and FUN, that many never experience. He is indeed a lucky dog and you are lucky to have him.
I hope the vet can help his back end problems and that the lumps are benign. |
| Marianne, I'm right there with you. Still fighting with myself about Drez, too. Hopefully the vet can give Blue something to help ease his pain. 19 is just an amazing age for a larger dog (or any dog for that matter!) to live to. He'll be with you forever! |
| It is hard when they age, Marianne.
Look how smart you were back in 1990, naming him Ole Blue!  |
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A hug for Blue from my boys-
And one for you as well |
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| 19 is so amazing...hugs and kisses for you both.... |
| I hope you get nothing but positive news! |
| OMG your story made me cry - it is so beautiful!!!! Give Blue a hug for me and remember that All Dogs really do go to Heaven where they are young and fun and happy forever. I'm so very sorry... |
| I have been there as well. Ole Blue must love you very very much |
| It sucks when they get old. Sounds like he still has a lot more life left in him so give him lots of extra hugs.
Good luck with your son's surgery... I'm sure he is glad to be hanging out with Blue again. |
| no matter how long it is, it's never long enough. |
| Best wishes to both of your boys.
I hope the biopsies come back good. They did for Bubba with all the good wishes and prayers from this group!
Simon sends a little of that healing Basset drool too. |
| You guys are all wonderful !!! Thanks so much for all the comments and support!!
When posting I thought of the special seniors on this forum, Tasker and Ms Drezzie - belly rubs to both. Jil- I also thought a lot about Miss Lucy and your recent heartbreak. Ron, your post cracked me up! LOL! I think I gradually started calling him Ole Blue at around the age of 16. Kinda like your mom did when she stopped calling you Ronnie. ha ha! I'll keep you guys posted as to what the vet recommends. In a nutshell tomorrow is not the day I'll be saying goodbye to Blue. My son is going to arrive at my place on Sunday and he can spend time with his buddy and that's important before we make any decisions. Thanks again to all! |
| Marianne, how blessed you are to have had so many years. I know it is NEVER long enough but what a blessing! |
| It will be so hard to let him go he has been a loving part of your life for so long but Blue is a real testement to your love and care Marianne |
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