Our Labrador Barney was in the garden on Saturday when I noticed something wasn’t right with him he was dragging his left hind leg and very confused. I think he probably had a stroke and I had to virtually carry him out for a pee etc although he still had a good appetite. He’s thirteen now and pretty much blind so we had the discussion that every pet owner dreads and decided that if he hadn’t shown signs of improvement by today then we would be getting the vet out and I would be digging ( another) hole in the garden. Well he must have heard us talking because he’s perked up significantly and although sleeping lots he’s been trotting around the garden and enjoying the sunshine today. I was totally convinced his time was up but looks like there’s a bit more life in the old dog yet !
So, I decided to groom Iggy this morning and it was like something from a comedy sketch. He obviously couldn't work out whether I was stroking him, wrestling with him or he was being attacked by a small bristly animal (ie: the brush), so we ended up more or less fighting and rolling around the floor with each other, with him alternately biting the brush and trying to run away with it, batting my hand away with his paws, licking my face affectionately and peeing with excitement. As a result, my attempt to make him a bit less messy ended up with me, him and the floor covered in dog hair, drool and p!ss, so I don't think I will be doing that again in a hurry. Here he is earlier today. This is pretty much how he is most of the time I am working at my desk when the girlf isn't here and when he's not sleeping or savaging a shoe or whatever. He wakes up, walks over to my desk and stands up beside me (always on my left side), then taps me on the shoulder with his paw, but if I ignore him, he starts licking my ear. Then when I pay him attention, he shoves his nose under my armpit and forces his head and body through until he is standing at the desk and will stay there pretty much as long as I let him.
Does he wee all over the place when you come home? My spaniel used to get over excited when my dad called round and would start peeing everywhere, only did it with my Dad. My sisters Basset would do it when I went round there but not with anyone else
He's with me more or less all the time, so I don't experience it much, but he did it in the dog sitter's kitchen when I collected him from there a couple of weeks ago. He also sprinkles everywhere then rolls over in it to have his tummy tickled every time my girlf or my sons come over.
Barney seems to be recovering well from his episode last Saturday he’s even been out for a couple of walks which is amazing considering I had to carry him out to the garden for three days. Back to play fights with his best mate as well today.
Sadly Barney became poorly over the weekend and it was obvious that his health and well-being had deteriorated significantly so we let him go yesterday. We got the vet to come out and he went off to sleep lying on his blanket under his tree in the garden where he’s now resting. We had thirteen wonderful years with him and he will always be in our hearts.
My heart goes out to you and your family at this profoundly difficult time. Remember the good times. Andy
Really sorry to hear that, sounds like he had a loving, caring home and a wonderful life. Bracing myself for similar with the older hound. RIP Barney.
I feel your pain fella. We are in the same situation here after shit xray results last week. Our bairn is booked in for Friday. In the meantime she is being extra spoiled rotten and is eating better than me and the missus.
What a beautiful way to go. It’s brought a tear to my eye. Iggy is only 18 months old but the thought of one day having to say goodbye to him often passes through my thoughts and it upsets me deeply. I only wish they could live as long as we do. RIP Barney and I hope your grieving passes quickly and soon turns into happy memories of a life lived and loved.
Sorry to read about Barney ,our springer Purdey will be 13 next week Arthritis now in her hind legs but doing well on tablets,this will be the last dog after 43 years,all spaniels.
Your first litter? I’ve had Border Collies for 50 years, but we only started breeding 4 years ago. Wish we could have 20 or 30 years ago. I love every minute of the experience, every time
