Posted by Pugpillow on: Mon Feb 27, 2006 1:46 pm
My Mei-Ling is almost 12 and definitely showing signs of age. I would love to share info with others about the special requirements and challenges of senior pugs. Puggiepanache, I know Ruby is a fabulous 13-yr-old. Any advice and ideas?
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Posted by punchpuggy on: Mon Feb 27, 2006 6:48 pm
I don't have any experience with senior pugs, but I did have a 17 year old cockapoo. I spent tremendous time and energy looking after him in his last few years. He was completely deaf (we got good at hand signals), developed cushings (we had to take special measures to ensure that he wasn't left alone for very long and had to put diapers worn like a belly band to prevent accidents) and in the end, he developed seizures (from the cushings tumour growing). It was difficult but I'd do it again in a heart beat. That little dog was happy and loved and did so much for me, right up until the end.
My only advice is do your best and take lots of pictures. I found that once they are gone, I took great comfort in creating little memorials for them. It made me feel better.
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Posted by Pugpillow on: Mon Feb 27, 2006 7:26 pm
That's great advice. I can honestly say there has never been a day since July 2, 1994 that I have taken her for granted. She has and continues to be the joy of my life.
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Posted by Rosiepug on: Tue Feb 28, 2006 6:02 am
Punchpuggy, that's both a beautiful and sad story!
I too, have looked after senior dogs with ailments, both seizures and tumors.
When the dogs were young, I dreaded the senior years and what it may bring. Personally I found it more rewarding. Making them comfortable and attending to their needs, towards their final years is a golden time for both pet and owner and probably a time when the bond between you, is at it's strongest.
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Posted by punchpuggy on: Tue Feb 28, 2006 9:30 am
It certainly is bitter-sweet Rosiepug. You feel sad because you know they don't live forever and one day you'll have to go on without them, but you also feel joy that you loved them more than anyone else could and gave them the best life and did your best to ensure their senior years where as comfortable and happy as possible. (sorry for the huge run on sentence!) A day doesn't go by that I don't think of my lost little dog and what he contributed to my life.
People who don't have pets or don't like them are truly missing out.
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Posted by Pugpillow on: Mon Mar 06, 2006 10:35 am
Daily poop accidents are becoming more common than not. Seems she can't tell when it's happening. Fortunately, they're firm. I know, I know, too much information.
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Posted: Mon Mar 06, 2006 11:01 am
Yup, I'm almost inclined to keep a roll of toilet paper in my pocket! This morning, as I lifted her down from "big bed", I caught one in my hand (EEWWW ). Bryan (who's home now from the jungle - YAY) saw what happened and suggested he bring dinner in tonight. The thought of my cooking with the same hands kinda put him off. Good job there's lotsa Purelle around the house.
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Posted: Mon Mar 06, 2006 2:31 pm
I dread the day I will not have her by my side, poop and all! I read in a book once that you will know when it's time to help them to the Bridge, and she is far from that. The only thing that would make me "put her down" would be if life was intolerable for her. And if I had to do that, it would be nearly intolerable for me. Going now to get a tissue ....
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Posted by Rosiepug on: Mon Mar 06, 2006 2:39 pm
Please don't cry
You have days like this, when you're caring for an infirm pet! It shows how much you love them.
I've put several senior animals to sleep and my worst fear, was that you wouldn't know when the time was right! Believe me you do! You get comfort from knowing that you never let that precious companion suffer.
It's truley bitter-sweet. Enjoy her every day. Sending a big hug to you both!
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Posted by Pugpillow on: Tue Mar 07, 2006 7:05 am
http://www.seniorpetproducts.com/index. ... ct&id=1106 Came upon this webssite for products for senior dogs. One of the products is a Bottom's UP harness for dogs who are hind-quarter-challenged. Anyone have any experience with this product?
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Posted by Rosiepug on: Tue Mar 07, 2006 8:55 am
I like the look and the read-up about this. It certainly makes sense and is something I'd probably try out, if my dog needed this kind of support!
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Posted by Candace on: Tue Mar 07, 2006 7:28 pm
That leash looks neat. Salvador might benefit from that. He can't walk very far or jump up. It would be easier than carrying him home. Or, I could just buy a wagon and let him ride in style!
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Posted by Blanche on: Sat Mar 11, 2006 7:35 pm
Hilary--the sure sign of a senior pug owner is when you free hand the poop!! Bob is also a drop and walk pooper--I also don't think he knows when it coming until it's already there. I just clean up and move on. I did buy Bob a wagon, but he thinks it's undignified to ride so I have to monitor his walking as he gets tired but won't ride or be carried. Stubborn old coot.
Sadly, it is my big girl, Scout, who is fading fast on me. She is the dog of my son's childhood and the first dog my husband really attached to. She's 11 now, has cancer that we can do nothing about really--but is so far pain free. She is my co-foster parent and as much my son's mother as I am in some ways. Her loss will be a hard blow to our family. How can you not love a dog who goes out and helps the blind pug find the sidewalk in the backyard on command? "Scout, go help Pete" and off she goes to lead him safely back to the sidewalk when he gets turned around in the backyard. She's a gift.
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Posted by Pugpillow on: Mon Apr 17, 2006 10:18 am
Here's a good site on what happens when dogs age and what we can do to help them.
http://www.blackiesplace.com/old_dogs_are_special.htm ***********************************
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