When I think of my precious little matriarch, Aija, that I lost at 16 years of age, I am reminded that actually, one day, if I live long enough, I too, will be where she was.....exactly where Ashley, Fiona, and Lucy all are or were. These little senior ladies were all such loyal, and devoted girls. As their caregivers, who they depend on for help and assistance with what has become the near finish of their life story, we must do so with all the love, respect, kindness, tolerance and admiration they would be showing us, if the shoe were on the other foot. Dont think of it as, "she pees and poops anywhere she pleases".....think of it as "as hard as she tries, she more often than not, now can not get all her business done outside, so with senior muscles that can no longer clamp and hold her elimination events, to her embarrassment, she has frequent accidents."
Dont think of it as, "she whines a lot until she gets what she wants"....think of it as,
"she still tries desperately to communicate with me, but her prissy little actions, or that quirky little pep in her styep, or that twinkle in her eyes, or that little yip or bark, has become a memory for us both, as age has robbed her of that ability and she can only talk to me with whines." Confusion, dementia, and failing sight must be terribly frightening for her and she wants reassurance that all is well and she is safe. You are the only one she depends on to give her that and she is secure in the love and tolerance you show her. For her arthritis, I would give Cosequin or if she will chew it up, you can crumble Dasuquin.....I have seen with my own eyes the miraculous change in arthritic joints in my seniors with the Cosequin, and now the Dasuquin....it makes new dogs out of them, as far as arthritic joints and pain is concerned. I dont know of any sedation....I have never had to use anything like that.... Praying for you, for the strength and endurance and tolerance to continue to cater to her every whim...she adores you and she deserves nothing less from you! |