Sad Newbie Needing Guidance

[KimInMD]

I work with a local rescue. We recently had a Yorkie I was going to adopt, but a lady with much recent loss in her life applied for him, and they were a good match. I was sad, but let him go, knowing that I really wanted to add a Yorkie fur baby to my family. The group even said they would be on the lookout for me at the shelters and mills.
Two weeks ago I found a little female Yorkie running down a four lane road 10pm on a snowy night. She had a crust of bread in her mouth, and she thought we were trying to take her food. She was dirty, and I cut 1 1/2 lbs. of mats off her. Her toenails were embedded in her footpads. The groomer said her nails had not been cut in over a year. Her ears were infected, she's deaf, she has dermatitis, she's missing teeth, and the ones that are left are rotten & need removal. They are embedded in her sinus cavity causing weeping eyes and runny nose. She was used as a breeder. She is not spayed, and has at least 3 mammary tumors which need removal. Her knees are bad (luxating patellas sp?) Worst of all, she has Canine Cognitive Disorder (doggie dementia). She is up pacing all night long. We started her on Anipryl yesterday (it's $60 per mo.) The vet's best guess is that she is 10+. He really doesn't know how long she has left. I tried hard to find her family, but no one has stepped forward to claim her. I really think she was dumped because she is no longer a money maker. It's so sad what she's been through. I am already so attached to her. She is such a love bug, She follows me everywhere, and sleeps in my bed (during the short time she does sleep). I love this little girl more every day. She is so special and perfect to me. I am willing to put out big money to get her the medical care she needs, even though she is not yet legally mine (30 days / 2 wks. left). Even with all the treatment, the dementia is not going to go away, though the meds can possibly slow the degeneration down for awhile. Am I just foolishly wishing I can "fix" her? Does she have a shot, or am I just prolonging her time on earth because I am being selfish? She has so much going against her, and I know it's going to crush me to lose her. Humans haven't done right by her, and I want her to know what it feels like to be special, and loved and the pampered princess she is to me. I am so torn. Does anyone have any words of wisdom for me? I want to hear the truth, whether encouraging or painful. What would you do if you were in this situation? I'm sorry this post is so long, but I can't ask for your opinion without giving you all the facts. Thanks so much for listening. I feel blessed to have found this site. I've spent hours reading and becoming informed. You guys "get it", and understand how I feel about this little fur baby. I trust your advice. Thank you for being there. BTW- I named her Lucy.

[terrilynncs]

First let me say Thank you for saving her.... and you sound like a great person...... IF it were me, and I was in your shoes, I'd keep her. OK, she's got issues, some which can fixed... and some not. I did rescue for years, my Yorkie is a rescue from the shelter... she had similar problems too.... I LOVE senior dogs... think they are wonderful and so Lucy may or may not have much time left, but it sounds to me like you can give her the best of what's remaining of her life! Some of the issues you can learn to deal with.... and the bad knees thing, my Yorkie has bad knees too (like a grade 3 or 4)..and is fine, so she's not going to do any jumping or agility...who cares, I love her more than words can say... she's hardly on the ground anyways! Good luck to you and keep us posted. Lucy sounds like a she hit the "jack pot"!

[Rhetts_mama]

First of all, welcome to YT. There are several members here who have senior yorkies who are dealing with dementia issues. They love those dogs just as much as the ones who aren't having any issues. I say that if you are in the position to give her what she needs( medically and emotionally) then absolutely go for it and give her all the love she deserves.

[megansmomma]

Your story hits very close to home for me. My Truman is your Lucy. I wouldn't have changed a thing for all the money in the world. Truman touched me in such a way that I will never forget and do not regret for one second. Welcome to YorkieTalk

http://www.yorkietalk.com/forums/gen...hicago-il.html

[Lisa and Pic]

Bless you for taking her and glad she has a place to be warm and safe and loved.

[ErinsWhitney]

Originally Posted by Rhetts_mama

First of all, welcome to YT. There are several members here who have senior yorkies who are dealing with dementia issues. They love those dogs just as much as the ones who aren't having any issues. I say that if you are in the position to give her what she needs( medically and emotionally) then absolutely go for it and give her all the love she deserves.

Oh my goodness, what a lucky little girl to have been found by someone like you! I've never dealt with a dog with so many issues, but I can imagine that if I were you I would not be able to let her go. I say if you are indeed in a position to make her last few years wonderful and give her the love and care that she has never known, you should absolutely do it! Reading her history makes ME want to! You are her angel, and you will be so rewarded for it some day.

[EsmeeKimme]

Just echoing the statements here. She really did hit the jackpot with you. I would take her and love her for all the time she has left. If you have the resources and the time to put into her I am sure the love you receive back will be tenfold. Sounds like you two where meant to find each other. I hope you enjoy every moment, no matter how long it is

[margaritaville]

Welcome and thank you for taking care of her. My yorkies are 5 and 6 but before them I had a Bichon who was 17yrs old. He was deaf, incontinent of urine, wore diapers and had irritable bowel disease but was very loved. Sounds like that poor baby has been on her own for awhile and you are committed to caring for her.

[TxVicki]

Welcome and thank you taking in this poor sweet girl.
I have had my share of Seniors that I have adopted. I had one, her name was Jazz, and she had just about the same conditions that you describe, her age we estimated was about 13. I only had her 3 1/2 months before she passed. BUT those 3 1/2 months I know were the best months she probably ever had. I did every thing I could for her. If I had to do it again I would certainly do it. Bless you again, please love this baby for what ever time she has left. She may surprize you and last several years.

[Sammy Mommy]

I have tears in my eyes reading this. You are not being selfish by wanting to keep this precious little one and loving her and taking care of her. You are a warm, big hearted ,loving person to take this baby in. Lucy is blessed to have you to love her and make the rest of her life comfortable, cared for and loved. I am so happy that you found her and will give her the wonderful life that she deserves. I wish you and Lucy all the very best!!!!!!!

[Buster Brown]

I am deeply moved by the love and compassion you have for Lucy. I commend you for being willing take on the huge emotional and financial risk to rescue this poor dog. I feel every moment she spends with you is quality time and it gives her the love and kindness she truly deserves. I wish there were more people like you and others here on YT that rescue, especially the older and more difficult cases. What ever time Lucy has left I know it will be her golden years thanks to you. Bless you.

[manolos mom]

Welcome to YT and thank you for taking care of Lucy.

[BanditSocks2]

Even if your time with Lucy was short, I think you wouldn't regret it for a minute. You'd be the human and compassion and love she didn't get to experience in her life ever before. KUDOS to you for doing the right thing, and it's great that you are realistic about all her ailments and the cost of helping treat them. From reading your post it seems that just having you in her life for the past two weeks has helped her immensely already. Sending hugs your way.

[AlicetheYorkie]

It's so wonderfull what you are doing for Lucy, I am practically crying. Like everyone has said, you are absolutely 100% doing the right thing for this little girl.

[LIL MIS' MAGIC]

Bless you and Thank you for saving Lucy!