03/31/2024
Well, I don't want to grandstand or be dramatic, but my heart is devastated this morning. Bruce the Great Dane, our beloved companion and my work partner for every one of the 55000 miles I travel for work every year for the past 9 years, is in real pain. He turns 11 tomorrow, and I am torn up but his arthritis, likely neurological hind deficiency, and general back end weakness are making it almost impossible for him to summon the muscle strength to walk more than about 15 feet or p*e or p**p on his own without having to rest. His legs shake when he eliminates, and I reassure him and hold him up by the back end harness we're using at each trip outside. It's no way for such a wonderful loving, loyal compassionate partner and friend and family member, to live. We have been increasing glucosamine, steroid doses (originally for his Addisons cortisol response but now for anti inflammatory as well), acupuncture, laser treatments, spinal herb medication and physical therapy, but it's getting worse and we haven't found a way to reverse it. He is resting comfortably and I will give him the best day I can today, out in the sun in our backyard and plenty of treats. He can still summon strength for food but it's only a few feet away from his living room bed. I have been helping him up and down stairs and using a ramp for the truck and a harness for months, and I'm finding he needs more physical support now, not less...this is wrecking me but we will have to do the noble and dignified thing tomorrow...Sadie, Chassy, Jepson, Margaux and Kola will be waiting for him at the Bridge, I am sure...
