Dr. Fariello confirmed today what I have been seeing and what Bud spotted some weeks ago – Red is declining in measurable and visible ways.
Red’s long time vet at the Cambridge Valley Veterinary Clinic, she examined him today and performed additional acupuncture treatment. She said that Red’s heartbeat is weakening, his cognitive skills are declining, and the paralysis that engulfed him a few months ago could return at any time.
She also confirmed that he is nearly blind in one eye, and losing sight in the other. With some luck, he could be around a good long time, or he might be unable to move or walk any day. She diagnosed him as having a spinal fracture that made it unbearable for him to walk at times, and was not curable.
Red is on anti-inflammatory medication and, when necessary, pain killers. He is not in great pain now, but was earlier in the week. And his moving more stiffly and slowly than ever before. I trust and accept this diagnosis, it confirms what I have been seeing and believing.
Dr. Fariello asked me what I was seeing and feeling, and I said I believed Red was failing at an accelerating pace. He seems to be less active and focused and mobile by the week.
Clearly, this is also driving Bud to guard Red and protect him in the pasture. Dogs see things we don’t see.
I believe most of you know my own philosophy. I will make Red as comfortable as possible and have worked with Dr. Fariello to put Red on a maintenance program of medication, acupuncture, and frequent examinations. We both agreed today that neither of us would want Red to suffer any great pain for any serious length of time.
We are lucky to have a vet like her, she is so open and compassionate and easy to talk to.
We both hope Red can live on a restricted regiment for years, and that he can do therapy work for short periods. No running or active sheepherding, lots of rest and quiet. Red is having trouble getting in and out of the car, I have a ramp for him if necessary, so far I am lifting him up when he needs that.
Red can manage stairs, but with some difficulty. We’ll have to figure out how long he’ll be able to come upstairs with us at night. Red is confused at times, I see he can’t quite herd the sheep, and is losing his hearing. Red is the most responsive dog I’ve ever had, but that is changing.
He comes from Northern Ireland by way of Virginia, and he has worked hard all of his life herding sheep until recently and now, doing intense therapy work. He is eleven and that can be a typically common life for working dogs.
We have lost a lot of dogs in recent years – Rose, Lenore, Frieda, Izzy, great dogs who left the world when they needed to go. Most of them died before their time.
Over this time, I have developed strong feelings about dogs. A dog like Red is a miracle, an amazing animal, and I am so lucky that Dr. Karen Thompson gave him to me, and so grateful for my time with him. I cannot count the number of lives he touched and the number of people he helped.
I won’t dishonor this gift and this time by turning it into a lament. Every day with Red has been a good day for me, he is closer to me every minute that my own brother ever was in life. I will work hard to support him living for many years, my instincts tell me he is preparing to go, sooner rather than later.
I am no seer, and no shaman, I do not have a crystal ball. As always, Red reminds me and keeps me focused on what is important and life. He has helped teach me about mortality in our therapy work. It is sad to lose someone or something we love, but it is also appropriate to me to celebrate a life lived fully and well, dog or person, rather to simply mourn it and definite only by sadness.
Red is unique in my experience. He has never turned away from anyone, hurt any living thing, failed to offer love and support where needed.
I don’t wish to get ahead of myself, I think we will take very good care of Red, and I hope he will be around for a good while. He and I are going on stage together in a few weeks to celebrate his life, that is my new monologue for my acting class.
I will be transparent about his illness and condition, as always. Thanks for caring about him.
Hugs to you both. He is amazingly special!
We all love Red and know you are his very best guardian. Red will let you know when he is ready to go. Until then enjoy and cherish every minute with such an exquisite creation and best friend.
I love what you wrote. It’s exactly how I feel.
While this is difficult news, it’s not unexpected. Red is such a special dog and we all should learn to be more like him. A loving, caring creature. I have been privileged to learn about him and you have been blessed to have him as a life partner.
Dear Jon,
As you stated Red has touched many lives, what a joy it has been to bear witness to the spirit of the marvelous creature!
Thank you for sharing him with us and for always doing what is best for Red. It is when dogs are in their golden years that we humans can care for them as they have cared for us. Hugs to you and Red. Tess
that is sad news, not unexpected but sad never the less. I have said this before, I know you will do what is best for Red when the time comes but I sense that his loss will take a larger toll on you than any of the others. We dog people are lucky to have good dogs all our live and extremely lucky if one like Red passes our way in a life time.
AWWW Good , good, RED…. we love you!
They even put a carpet down for you, knowing how you dislike linoleum……………
wishing you the best, dear, BOY!
But then, you already have it!
All my love to Red
Thanks for always keeping us updated. I will send positive thoughts and prayers and energy for all of you. It is hard that our dogs age so much faster over shorter periods of time. But I try to think that gives us a chance to have more of them in our lives.
You are a good man Jon, and I love the way feel about Red and are seeing what is in front of your eyes..it takes a special person to see and know these things because, as most of us that have been in this position, it is so very hard when the time comes and to be completely unselfish, thinking only of our dog. Red is very lucky to have you, he will be well taken care of, this I know!
Beautifully written. Thank you, Jon.
It has been wonderful to have Red in my life – thank you and thanks to Red. I hope he’s here much longer. It is a great coincidence that you will celebrate his life for you acting class. I do not know if you plan to share your words, but that would be very nice. I will keep thoughts of Red and positive wishes in mind.
A difficult time for all. Still, you are therapy for each other.
Good Red and good you.
Red is an amazing dog and friend. I believe all your dogs were great but Red is extra special. Red is a beautiful soul. I wish him health and a long pain free life.
Jon, I am so sorry to hear that Red is having a rough go of it. 11 is a good life for working dogs, but I hope he will be with you for many years to come. He is so much a part of the Mansion & of your lives. I hope you make many more memories to treasure when the time comes for him to leave. That time is never long enough..Love to you & Maria and Bud too, from Ruger the Aussie & I.
No words, really, Jon, other than to say I’ve followed the blog since the beginning and I’m with you as are many others. Red is truly a gift, a wonderful dog and such a good boy. Wishing all of you strength, clarity and compassion as you navigate this part of your journey together.
You and Red have had a special place in my heart. Blessings to you both for all the good thoughts you bring to all of us. Special dog and person you both are.
There is just something about bc’s they are like no other dog. We love you Red get well.
My heart holds you close, Red. You are the spirit of love and devotion, which will be with Jon and all of us who love you… always. God speed…
This blog was… how do I say it? Relevant!! Finally I have found something
that helped me. Appreciate it!
Good to hear…
Love to Red, you, Maria, Bud, Fate and the rest of the Bedlam Farm group. I know,as always,you will do what is best for your beautiful Red.