I love Gus’s donkey ride, we haven’t been able to do that since we got his muzzle, which frightens the donkeys and causes him to be a bit off-balance. This was Gus’s high water mark as a farm dog, and kids send me letters all the time begging for him to get up there again. Not at the moment.
Gus on the donkey defined him for a while, and brought him some national attention. Every photo of him on a donkey went viral. It was a delightful sight, an affirmation of our wish for him to be a farm dog.
Maria and I took vet to the Gus and today and we had a good, thorough and honest talk with her about his megaesophagus and what we can expect in the future,, we went over the history of Gus’s experience with the disease, what worked, what didn’t, we checked over his weight, discussed how it impacted on our lives and how we felt about it.
We spent a long time discussing Gus’s suffering and digestive troubles.
Dr Fariello laid out all of the options available to her now, and we all spoke openly and honestly about how we felt. I think those conversations need to be private.
As is obvious, we talked the possibility of euthanizing Gus and also discussed what might be worth trying for a while longer. It is such a gift to have a vet we can talk with so openly. I will be honest with you, as I strive to be, Maria and I said we wanted to think about things and talk about them privately.
There is a time to share things and a time to go inward and look for clarity, and in privacy. So I won’t write about Gus further or read messages about him until we get clear on what we are doing.
Maria and I always have this agreement that we both have to be in the same place when we make important decisions, each of us has veto power at anytime over any decision. We both have different was of deciding things, but we always get to a place where both of us are in agreement.
Perhaps I am just learning how to do it, but Maria and I talk very easily and openly with one another, with respect and understanding. We always get where we need to go.
When we do something it is because we have talked about it, thought about it, argued about it, and come to the same place.
If we don’t, then there is no decision. So I’ll be writing on the blog this weekend as usual, but not writing about Gus for a while. I’m not being coy, but sometimes I just have to go inward, to the center, and listen to myself and Maria. And sometimes, I just need some space to think. So does she.
We have a good and full weekend planned, my writing class in the morning, friends visiting Saturday and Sunday, maybe a movie sandwiched in between, new pasture boots for Maria.
I am in close contact with Robin Gibbons, Gus’s breeder and her son Bryan, they are good and valued friends and we share all of the news of Gus’s condition with them. Bryan loved Gus when he was a new puppy, they are pals still. They are wonderful people, and we value knowing them, we consider them family. Gus’s illness was not a breeding issue in any way.
So, I’ll be in touch. If and when there is some news, I will share it as soon as seems right. I believe very strongly that everything is a gift, I respect life and accept it. That is my faith, and is what sustains me.
You and Maria will do the right thing for Gus and as painful as your final decision may end up being, it will be made with love and that is all that matters.
If course privacy is utterly called for and I applaud your decision. This is a sad and difficult enough time as it is without being subject to every troll who reads your blog spewing venom at you. (Warning: advice ahead. Block them without explanation. You can always unblock them when this crisis has resolved itself to the point where it’s not unbearable to read or respond.).
Whatever you decide it will be the right one! It will be hard … take care!
I totally understand….
Jon and Maria,
Thank you for this. I agree wholeheartedly. This is a private matter for family, not your “internet” family. Bless you and baby Gus. I love him like my Boston. Peace to you in your decision. It will be the right one.
Mary
Jon & Maria,
I applaud your decision making process. Whatever you decide will be fitting and proper. Thanks for letting us know the reason behind not talking about Gus until you’ve made your decision. I would worry otherwise considering Bedlam Farm part of my extended family that I view every morning. Thanks again, Bev
Peace be with you, whatever your decision.
Susie
Thank you for sharing what you have. This is no easy decision, good or bad. I know you and Maria will take the time you need and the information you have and do right by Gus.. Thinking of you, take care
Had a startling thought early this morning while walking, megaesophagus ends in GUS!
Yikes!
I’m curious, do parent’s euthanize their children if they have a incurable disease or do they provide as much love and support,and prayers as they can?
Euthanizing children is illegal William, euthanizing dogs is not. That is one difference. These are personal choices we each must make, that’s another. And I don’t argue my decisions, whatever they are, thats a third. If you’re asking me, I think permitting children to suffer hopelessly and agonizingly for years without hope is cruel. I would be inclined to ask my child what he wanted and try to abide by his or her wish, since you asked. And I wish the same for elderly people with terminal diseases who suffer awful pain for years before they die. As a hospice volunteer, I can tell you that’s a lot of people. I wouldn’t wish it on a dog, a child, or you.
Jon and Maria this is just a short note to tell you how much I have enjoyed, and will continue with your blogs. I do think of Gus a lot mainly because he is so darn adorable. I will be praying for you both in your decision time. I have walked that road, but I was alone so I’m pleased you have each other to lean on. Be strong.
Love and blessings Judie
Judie, it is nice and helpful to read a message like this.
Sending you all thoughts of comfort, peace and strength in the days ahead, and always. None of us out here in internet-land have any rights or say-so in the decisions you and Maria and your vet will make. You’ve treated Gus with love and honesty, the same as with all the dogs you’ve written about. Enjoy the time you have with him, that’s all any of us can do.
Sincerely hope you will try a “Bailey Chair” before any final decisions. I am an RN and a vet tech and have seen several dogs have full, healthy and long lives using this method of feeding. It does not take long and the dog tolerates it well. The chair can be purchased or built. They can be custom made for any size dog. I have personally used it for 2 dogs who came thru our rescue and it’s easy and effective. The dog is fed a “mash” of whatever the veterinarian prescribes (soaked kibble, canned food, home-cooked diet) in the chair where the dog either stands on hind legs (with padded support all around) or sits on haunches. THe feeding takes only a few minutes. Then there is the maintaining an upright position for about 30-40 minutes after the feeding. This does not mean the dog will never regurgitate food, but for the most part they do not. The dog can also be given water using a thickening product that is used for humans who have had strokes. It is called “Thick It”. It is flavorless and can thicken any liquid just a little or to almost jello consistency. You can purchase this at the pharmacy, online or probably Walmart.
Usually at least initially, a dog will need 3-4 smaller feedings in a day. This can often decrease as the dog grows and thrives. One does still have to take precautions that the pup does not eat stuff off the floor (especially a problem if there are little children dropping food around). Sitting upright in this manner and for the time allows the food to pass into the stomach and the cardiac sphincter at the distal end of the esophagus to close and help keep it there. The lower esophageal sphincter (LES) is a bundle of muscles at the low end of the esophagus, where it meets the stomach. When the LES is closed, it prevents acid and stomach contents from traveling backwards from the stomach. It is also called the cardiac sphincter.
Here is a site where Bailey Chairs are made: https://www.baileychairs4dogs.com/ They can be made by anyone. My husband who is handy but not a professional built one for our foster pup. It was not as attractive as the one our rescue ordered from this website for another dog, but it worked very well during the time we had the pup. Please consider giving it a try.
As living proof of a wonderful family who adopted TWO megaesophagus dogs who are siblings, please visit this Facebook site: https://www.facebook.com/RaisingDuncan/
Duncan came thru our rescue over 2 years ago and was skin and bones. The Bailey Chair changed his life and you will see he is healthy and happy as is his sister who came to the family about a year later. These wonderful people have two happy, healthy and energetic dogs and the “feeding and waiting process” has been well worth it to them.
Phyllis, we are no seeking advice from people online, we are well aware of Bailey chairs and have been on many of the megaesophagus sites many times, too many to count, and are in touch with vets and medical specialists and many people who have dogs with this disease. I am fully aware of the medical and anatomical issues relating to the disease. Hopefully, your message may be useful to others, I would be derelict if I had not learned it months ago. It is not new to me.I do not need you to beg me to consider helping Gus. It’s offensive and inappropriate. I could quite easily write a book on the subject, but won’t. We will make the best decision we can for Gus by ourselves, and in private.
I’m so sorry for this situation, but trust that you and Maria will make the right decisions regarding your beloved dog. You don’t owe us any explanations, this is a private family matter. Just know that I am thinking of you all, and wishing you all the best, no matter what the outcome. Whatever happens, you did right by Gus.