Cassie Report
 

Cassie is still hanging on. She has developed what the vet calls old dog vestibular disease. She was just walking around in circles. I thought she had a stroke but the vet put her on dramamine and it has helped a lot.

For those of you who don't know, Cassie is a really sweet little shih tzu we fostered when she was six weeks old. She was rescued from a puppy mill and has always been a very quiet shy little girl. We fell in love with her and couldn't stand the idea of her being handled by strangers again. (We have managed to keep several dogs that we were only going to foster! LOL)

Cassie, who will soon be 14 years old developed cataracts and glaucoma. She had to have her right eye removed and is completely blind now. She is also deaf. but yet she is a happy little girl that wags her tail and greets me at the door every night. She sleeps most of the time partly due to the dramamine.

The sad news is that she has a lot of muscle wasting and her appetite has declined. I truly fear that we will lose her in 2013. If you know me and our story then you know that it will absolutely kill me. We spend a lot of time cuddling and enjoying or time together while we can. Adie still tries to take care of her and sometimes has to fight off Gracie when Gracie tries to pick on her. Skeeter and Tyler just leave her alone but take advantage of her not being able to see if she drops her treat. They are like two little vultures. LOL

I think Cassie has recently lost her sense of smell. She used to be able to find her way around the yard by following her own trail. But now she gets lost and we have to go get her. It makes me sad to think about how she feels out there not knowing where she is.

I know most of what I have said is sad but I know she has had a wonderful life. She has loved and been loved by all of us. No dog could have asked for more.

It is so hard watching them slip away. Sending many prayers and hugs.

Lou, I'm sorry to hear Cassie has vestibular syndrome BUT this may be the cause of her lack of appetite as it makes them nauseous. Did the vet see fluid in her ear/s ? My Annie had this a couple of yrs before she passed & it was terrible for her. I am Praying that Cassie recovers quickly, poor sweet girl. You know I have a soft spot in my heart for Cassie & am so glad she has You.

I'm sorry to hear of what Cassie is dealing with and what you have to watch. It's so hard when it gets closer to their time. Praying that she'll have some comfort in what is left of her golden years.

Praying for Cassie and you, and many special moments to come...

My coworker's Yorkie has this very same condition, I'm so sorry for Cassie and you.

I am so sorry to hear about Cassie. Good thoughts and blessings to you both

You are just the sweetest thing! I copied the message I just sent to you and pasted it here. I didn't realize it has been so long since I updated everyone on Cassie's health.

Cassie frequently seems dazed and just stands in one place. Still the little sweetie wags her tail and seems to be cheerful when you snuggle or pet. I feed her an evening meal because I think she sometimes can't find the food dish in the morning and she has gained a little weight. We put a long lead on her when she goes out so we can get her back in. This has given her confidence to walk around and enjoy the fresh air. She gets lost on her own every time now. I think she has frequent bouts of confusion. but she still holds her head up in the air and sniffs when food is anywhere near her so she still has one or two of her senses left. I had thought she lost her sense of smell. Her other eye is starting to act like the one that was removed. We will soon go to the vet to see how bad/painful it is and what can be done. We have decided that even though it will kill us if she needs surgery we will not put her through it.
I can't imagine what she would feel like if she was dizzy dopey, blind, deaf and in pain. Can you?

Now that I have given you a downer let me tell you that Adie has stepped up and taken command of the pack as Alpha. She growls at the other dogs and pushes them away from Cassie if they get too close. This is because Gracie and Skeeter have lost their respect for her and try to nudge her out of the way or take food from her. The transition is something to behold. Cassie now waits for me when Adie comes to tell her we are going outside. She can hear Skeeter barking but nothing else. (Skeeter is very loud and when he starts barking Cassie will get up wagging her tail and bark along with him. So she is still enjoying some of her life if not all of it.

Aw! Praying for sweet Cassie... wishing her many happy days ahead!