Red had a good week. He was alert, he ran a little bit, he jumped into the car more easily. I see his eyesight is getting worse, he is almost completely blind in one eye now, and there is also a cataract in his other eye.
His work with the sheep is low-key and businesslike, but I’m not letting him run or chase after them, and that is okay with him, a sign of his growing frailty. At the Mansion, all of these issues melt away, he seems so confident and alive there, he rushes in with his tail wagging, he runs into the office to greet his girlfriends and admirers, the Mansion aides, he tears down the hallway to the Activity Room, where there are more friends.
We stop to visit the residents sitting on sofas quietly or in chairs in the hallway, sometimes we knock on doors to see if anyone wants to see Red – everyone does. Lots of beautiful moments with Red, I hate to even think of going in there without him, that is worrying about the future, which I’m learning not to do.
In the moment, Red is good, better than good.
I’m glad he has this other work, he loves it, is wonderfully good at it, and it keeps him active and engaged, and feeling as if he has good work to do. That matters to a border collie.
A good week for Red, and I know better than to reach any grand conclusions, his paralysis can return at any time, the wrong twist, the wrong turn, nature’s own path. I want him to live as normal a life as possible, taking as much care as I can.
We must all come to an end, me, you and Red. He will leave when he is ready.
I am glad that he is having a good week because I have grown to love him too. I have two aging dogs at home. They are slowing down as well, sleeping a lot and eating less. As long as they are not in pain, we accommodate to their needs.
So glad Red had a good week! I’m sure you treasure this time with him watching him fulfill his purpose with the
Mansion residents. I’m hoping/planning to get a dog to eventually do pet therapy. I’ve been listening to your radio program–so much helpful information! I realize how important it is to find ‘the right’ dog for this work.
Thanks Linda, much appreciated…
I catch myself doing the same, Job, thinking about how I will feel after Ipo (E PO) is gone. I then stop and think that by thinking this way I am taking away from the precious time I have with her today. We only have today to enjoy what we have. She is teaching me a lot in my old age.
My 14 year old Aussie, Cody has worked with me 6 days a week on a horse farm since he was 4 months old. Six months we foal out mares and 6 months we get yearlings ready for sale. He’s losing his hearing and vision is reduced and he uses stairs to get up in my truck. He sleeps a lot more now but never too deep to not know where I am. I struggle between just living in the moment and the ominous dread of the huge gaping void he will leave in my heart and my life when he is gone. I try to live everyday with purpose and enjoy all the days we have left together to their fullest. Your posts have really meant a lot to me Jon.