Old Dog Is Old

Ancient and Decrepit Dog has begun limping when she first wakes up. (She sleeps much of the time, so it's noticeable when she awakens and ambles around the house.)  It's the front leg with the spindle cell tumor that's giving her trouble. We've opted not to remove the tumor because it would leave her with an open wound that would be very slow to heal, and we're concerned about anesthesia for her given her age and poor reaction to tranquilizers. The tumor is not huge, but it is slowly, inexorably growing.  She's lumpy.

In addition, she's extremely arthritic in her rear end.  The end result of the arthritis and the tumor:  she slips and trips while walking; she gets stuck getting on and off furniture more often; she's having trouble getting up and down the stairs. She looks pitiful.  She is too big and crabby to be carried -- it would be dangerous both for her and for anyone who attempted to help her.  We've increased her pain meds, and can increase them once more by giving a third dose midday if needed. Hopefully, that will help a bit.

Despite it all, her tail still wags.  She can't hear us, but when she sees us, she thumps her tail on the couch where she lies.  

It is déjà vu for Herself, this sensation of knowing the end is nigh (though how nigh, she does not know). The loss of ottoman-shaped dog is still relatively fresh.  It is hard.  

Rest easy, ancient and decrepit dog.  We will do all we can to ease your days.

She rests on the couch with Offspring the Third.

Her eyes, they shine. I do not know why.