Today held another trip to the veterinarian for both Grace-A-Rue and Poppy. There was both good news and bad news, smiles and a moment of sadness.

Poppy, although she had a few worms, came through with flying colors.  She’s very, very, very thin, borderline emaciated, and weighs only 21.7lbs.  She’s an estimated 10yrs old, heartworm negative (yipee!!), has already consumed her dewormer, and is now ready for some good meals that will fatten her up.  Doc said her head tilt looks to be “Old Dog Vestibular Disease,” as she showed no signs of infection or ear trouble. We have no idea how long she’s had it, so the head tilt may go away or it may stick around…adding to her beauty. 😀 Regardless, she’s glad to be away from the scary vet clinic, and has pranced around the yard, happy and playful.

Rue, on the other hand, isn’t doing quite as well.  Last night she started having trouble with her back legs, losing function with them.  I walked her with a towel and she didn’t seem to mind at all, as she was simply happy to do what she wanted to do.  My talk with doc concluded that most likely she’s starting to go downhill, and he was in agreement that a tumor was most likely the cause. He placed her on prednisone, and prescribed another antibiotic due to probable aspiration again (she’s sounding a bit wet in the lungs), and we’ll see how she responds. It will hopefully make her a bit more comfortable until it’s time to say goodbye. She still gets up occasionally, for example, when you say “TREAT,” but she can’t hold herself up very long.  She doesn’t let it get her down, however, and she’s had a fabulous attitude.  She just takes it in stride and keeps on going.  Amazing.  How in the world these animals tolerate so much, so easily, is beyond me.

Dr Shrum kindly let me know, however, that I will probably have to make the decision before she will…he mentioned that with her good attitude and breed (known for being stoic) she will probably not give up.

I’ll be honest…I hate making the decision.  It’s hard.

However, I will do what’s best for Rue. I will keep her uplifted and comfortable until she is no longer happy. I have no idea how long it will last, but I know that I’ll cherish this last little bit of time with her.

She was incredibly irritated with me and the camera at this point…I do have several of her smiling. 🙂 Poor animals can’t get a break when I have access to a camera! 😀

So keep sweet Grace-A-Rue in your thoughts and prayers. She’s had a lot thrown at her and carried of a great deal of weight on her shoulders, yet she’s been a champion despite.

Sweet Rue…She makes me proud to be a rescuer.