An update on Red;
(I guess it is no small coincidence that Red’s struggles come on Giving Tuesday, a day when we can help other people as well as buy stuff cheaply. Red is all about giving, if you wish to honor him and his spirit, and send him some great energy, please consider supporting the RISSE Amazon Wish List, which supports new refugees and immigrants to America, or the Mansion/Refugee Fund (Jon Katz. P.O. Box 205, Cambridge, N.Y., 12816, or via Paypal, [email protected] or through the one-time any amount donate button here. You might also wish to contribute instead to a good cause of your own choosing, this is a good day for it. And thanks for the many donations to RISSE yesterday, we are denting their new and long list, I might be losing my mind, but I believe this energy is getting here, and helping.)
We are into the whirlwind now, taking it one day at a time. Red had an awful relapse Tuesday evening, right after we got home from the vet, he is better this morning, but far from well, I am sorry to say.
Our vet, Dr. Fariello, says we just don’t know what it going to happen, we are giving him anti-inflammatory medication, and treating his condition as a fracture of the spine, related to arthritis and earlier injuries.
So we’re into the whirlwind, the twilight zone between health and sickness, clarity and uncertainty, pain and comfort. I’ve been there before, you have been there before, this will take a while.
I did get Red outside for a brief walk in the yard – he didn’t even look at the sheep, which alarmed me – and he ate very little food. On the positive side, he was moving more easily, and he could walk on his own power. Compared to last night, that was good to see.
Last night, I was close to concluding he ought to be put down. His legs were once again paralyzed This morning, it is better. But not nearly good enough.
He was able to move his legs and walk, but very slowly, and obviously with discomfort.
I don’t want to be myopic, this is not a way that I would wish Red to live for very long, he is moving stiffly, and lying completely still for hours.
I think we will just need to take it one day at a time, as Dr. Fariello suggests. If he is like this in a few days, we will have to meet and reassess.
We took a short, but good walk around the yard in the snow.
Red is a strong dog, and a stoic dog, it is very difficult to know when he is hurting, he just seems to move through it. And there is the very real possibility that the problem is neurological, and if so, that is not treatable.
It looks like a neurological disorder to me, even a stroke, but I am not vet or guru. I trust Dr. Fariello and follow her guidance. I have no need of trawling the Internet in search of miracle cures.
So we are trying to treat what can be treated, and see if that works.
As I have written, I will not permit Red to suffer greatly for any long period of time. Dr.Fariello’s responsibility is to treat Red if she can, mine is to be his advocate and monitor his suffering. I will be faithful to that duty, as Red has always been so faithful to me.
I thank you for the hundreds of messages of love and support, and I thank you for honoring Red by supporting his great work, especially the refugees and the Mansion residents. That is the best way I can think of to support Red, and do good in his name. Curious that this is the giving holiday.
I will offer updates now twice a day, once in the morning, once in the evening.
I understand that I will continue to get many messages which begin with the words “I know you hate unsolicited advice, but here is some.” I’ve finally learned how to handle these. I just say “thank you.” CBD oil is fine, but it’s not going to cut it for paralysis or a fractured spine.
Neither is a handicapped wagon for Red walk with on paralyzed legs for the rest of his life. That is not for him, not for me. I don’t judge anyone else for doing it.
I don’t understand why people think their dogs medical problems or the remedies they have attempted are useful in any way to me or to Red right now, I think dog love is a kind of addiction, for me and for so many others. I would be almost criminally irresponsible to make life-and-death decisions for Red based on the experiences of people I have never met.
I understand that people can’t help offering their own stories and experiences about their animals. I see it is human nature, not malevolence. If I can accept life and death, then I can and will accept the nature of people, I don’t have to use it or even read it.
I want to say to you good people that we are all responsible for ourselves and our dogs. This is always a chance to learn about boundaries, at least for me. It is Dr. Fariello’s job to try to save Red, my job to work with her.
It is not anyone else’s job to save Red, or to heal him, it is not healthy to take that on, and I don’t wish for anyone to take that on.
A number of gifted and well-meaning healers are urgently offering themselves to work with Red, I am sure they are valuable and worthy. But this is my job, that’s how I see it. I don’t wish to turn it over to anyone else.
Perhaps I’m just odd that way, but that is what I feel. People have to make their own choices about whether to respect that or not. I can handle it, either way.
Your good wishes and support are plenty good enough, they really matter. I love Red, but I don’t wish to love him too much, not beyond the appropriate parameters of the dog-human relationship. That means perspective about money, pain and suffering.
Thank you is a magical phrase, it softens the soul and lifts the spirit. I like it.
Red is sleeping beside my chair in my study now, where he likes to be. I will, per instructions, make him uncomfortable, and let him rest.
So if you can afford to or wish to, take a look at the RISSE Amazon Wish List, or my Mansion Fund. You can also check out the WBTN Wish List and support community radio.
They seem to need a new drum unit for the radio station printer.
And most importantly, you can send good thoughts and wishes to Red, I have this feeling he is receiving them. I think they make him stronger.
He is an empathic creature, if any living thing receives energy, it is Red.
More later tonight.
My thoughts are with Red and you along with your trusted advisors. May Peace and Comfort surround you all during this time.
I have had several pets survive things that I thought they wouldn’t. I hope this will be true for Red. Thank you for sharing both the ups and downs of owning a dog. Sending that requested energy from northern Michigan to Red (and you and Maria)!
Sending love and prayers to Red from a house full of Labradors in Prince Edward Island, Canada
Good on ya mate!
I know you are a good steward!
Thank you for your blog, your photography, your wife and all I have seen here over the past few years!
Sending prayers for you, Maria, Red and others for healing, peace and comfort. Love goes on forever in the spirit.
Sending all good wishes for you, Maria, Red, Bud, and all the others. This is the side of live that’s always difficult.
Sending love and light to Red…. and the rest of you, too.
Jon just ask for more grace… this is a difficult time for both you and Red. He is not at his best and his journey/recovery is moving slower than you hope for. While sharing your intimate feelings with a wide audience you are showing that you are human and do not have the answers for everything. Asking your readers to switch their empathy and respect for a compassionate hard working loving pet that has lived his life with the utmost elegance and refinement to your other good causes at this time is just not realistic or understanding. Most folks refuse to be that transactional…let the energy and love flow for what it is… our hearts go out to the entire Bedlam Farm family. Just take it in. Been there where you are at so many times and wished someone would just tell me it is all in the grace. Please accept this advice for what it is… humanity.
God bless you Jon Maria Fate Bud and dear Red. Peace hope & joy to all the residents of Bedlam Farm.
At least he was able to walk this morning after Tuesday evening’s collapse., although obviously with difficulty. He is fortunate to be with you and Maria and to be at home. It’s hard to be patient when no one knows for sure what ails your magnificent dog – to simply do what you can for him and wait to see if meds / rest will make a significant difference. I think your idea to focus on giving in honor of Red is beautiful – there’s nothing else people can do except send loving energy, so here’s a light-wave of it from Georgia.
Ok I’m prepared to get my head bitten off! You said if he were a human he would have an MRI. I know it is costly but that is surely something worth doing for Red and may mean a diagnosis of the problem.
I have no desire to eat your head, Ruth, nor do I have any wish to replace my vet with you. I am well aware of MRI’s and what they do, I will say with respect it is not your business. You are not responsible for my dog, nor have I asked your advice. If you know I don’t wish to hear it, perhaps you could explain why you are giving it anyway. Since it doesn’t matter to you what I want or think, I’m not clear on why I should seek advice from you.
Fair point Jon. I should have known better.
Thanks for understanding Ruth, it’s not a big deal, the impulse to help is strong…and not a bad thing.
Thoughts, prayers & healing energy sent to you all!!
When Red was so sick previously you were correct when you said you felt he was telling you that he was not ready to go. I wonder if you have any of this sense now? You have such a strong connection to him.
I will pray for you all and hope for a good outcome for Red.
Lee
Red is safe with the people (and dogs) he loves and is receiving excellent care. Praying for one more miracle for him – he beat Lyme disease! Sending my love and support.
Best wishes, love and positive energy on their way. Thank you for sharing Red with us as he has gone about his work. I am sure you will both continue to keep faith with each other. Love and positive energy – Jim
My dogs both have Lyme Disease, and took the antibiotic for it for 30 days. My vet said it stays dormant in their system, but can resurface at any time and cause lameness possibly requiring another round of antibiotics. Has anyone had their dog have reoccurrences like that?
Yes,I think many millions of people have. Talk to your vet about it.
Sending good wishes and vibrations of healing and hugs to Red, you and Maria, Bud, and Fate (and the baby snail). You are your own best counselor.
Sending loving energy to Red, you and Maria .
Sending love and light. I support you in all you do with and for Red. Blessings.
I’ve been praying for Red since the beginning. I send you positive thoughts and vibrations from Canada. So glad to know he can walk again on his own. Bon courage.
Sending love & prayers to Red, you & Maria, Bud & Fate. You, Red, and the vet know what is best. Your heart must be warmed at the outpouring of love for you all. It seems to have brought us together ‘in community.’
Red is a most wonderful dog. ….All around.. with intelligence and devotion to you and his sheep….I will pray that he can recover from the latest health issues. Jacqueline