Monday 18 February 2008

Bittersweet Days




Well, Yogi did get to Norfolk but sadly couldn't stay. We had to bring him home late on Saturday night because he seemed to be uncomfortable and was unable to control his bladder. Ken and Shirley, Rich's Mum and Dad were absolutely FANTASTIC about it and said that it was no problem at all. But we were distressed about it all the same and I would imagine that Yogi picked up on our distress. He is also struggling to poo. He does, but it's a big effort and I think that it is causing him some discomfort. The thing is, on a walk he looks completely normal. Not as much energy as he used to have but he can do 7 or 8 miles and run and play with the best of them. It's just that when he is not walking it is so apparent that he's not at all well. In many ways I wish that it was more clear cut.


Anyway, he is happier at home and the cool tiled floors help him I think.


Today I took him to see John. He has agreed that we should cut down on the steroids as with Yogi getting up every 2 hours he is not getting enough rest. There is a very fine line between the quality and quantity of his life. Now we just need to go for quality. He also examined his tummy which is a bit sore when pressed. This is due to his internal glands pressing on his intestines which in turn make it difficult for him to poo.


BUT he did have a superb day on Saturday by the sea and on Sunday on a walk at home. So here are some pictures. These are on a walk from Holme Next the Sea to Old Hunstanton, a beatiful walk following the beach nearly all the way. Of course, once at Hunstanton there was a brief interlude at the pub....




On Sunday we walked along the Nene way, the weather was superb and the ground was nice and crisp from the frost. Yogi hasn't been swimming since November, there seems no point in curtailing his favourite activities any longer so once again it was fantastic to see him throw himself into the lake after a stick or his pink ball.






Yogi was a little exuberant while jumping up for a stick, he misjudged his leap and this is the result of his teeth connecting with my arm (through 2 fleeces). By the way, he is NOT a biter or harmful in any way. But it does go to show the damage that can be done unintentionally by dogs teeth....I call it a little love bite from a big bear :o)


7 comments:

Linda Seid Frembes said...

Bittersweet, indeed. My, but just look at him go! Dogs are amazing. As you said, at least he had a good Saturday and a good walk at home.

Sending healing thoughts to you both.

Alison said...

beautiful pictures of a gorgeous boy. His eyes look so happy when he is swimming. You are very right in saying "quality of life, not quantity". As you know, we are doing the same thing and when they look at you with their big brown eyes and their tongue lolling...you know they are happy and they are thanking you!! Take care my friend..these are not easy times.

Unknown said...

I love to see the pictures of Yogi. He looks so happy and having lots of fun. What you are doing is the best for him - letting him enjoy life to the fullest. Please know that I am thinking of you always during this difficult time and send lots of prayers to you, Yogi, your Mum and family.

Aoj and The Lurchers said...

Youch!

Bless him, it's lovely to see him looking so happy!

Lesley Rigby said...

I agree with everything the others have said. In the past few weeks alone I would say Yogi has had more happiness than an awful lot of dogs ever get in a lifetime. You are lucky to have each other and you couldn't be treating the situation better. I'm thinking of you as always. Lots of Love.

HandH said...

It looks so beautiful there, I'm glad you had some time away. Hope the change in meds helps Yogi - and blimey, that's quite a mark for a play-leap! Large gins all round, oops, I mean healing thoughts :-)

Fiona said...

Thank you everyone. Such lovely comments.
Handh, yep gin would be good :o) However the bite was entirely my fault, I usually make him sit and wait before anything is thrown for him. That day I was just so chuffed to see him play that I didn't. My fault entirely. Anyway, at least it shows there is nothing wrong with his gnashers!!! :o)