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BS: Welcome, Mariah
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BS: Welcome, Mariah |
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Subject: BS: Welcome, Mariah From: wysiwyg Date: 28 May 07 - 09:32 AM Dear friends, a quite elderly couple, are now BOTH in care situations as of this week, so their elderly dog Mariah is Faulkner&Ruby's guest of the week. She has lived with cats and dogs and is enjoying the adventure, as are her hosts. She COULD have stayed home with meals by neighbor, but she seems quite happy to have critters (and us) to play with at least briefly at some time of her choosing during the day. She's housebroke in all respects-- tidy toidies outside, and likes the chain on the big, shady stone porch in front just fine for a little breeze and respite from endless butt-sniffing. I think she's got Oldtimer's Disease and can't remember whose butt she's sniffed from one hour to the next! :~) I'm very impressed with Faulkner's manners. He will sit and relax on command, even as she gets in his face (and his smelly bits), if I ask him. She's arthritic enough that I'm glad he respects the cue to back off when asked. (He first demonstated this care for the frail with an elderly house visitor, so I suspected that he'd be fine.) And he was kind enough to finish her untouched supper from last night (I forgot to close her zone off), so tonight we will serve all 3 in closer proximity to help her understand that eating is "required." ("Close" = adjoining rooms with doors open, not side by side in the same room.) Even Ruby is thrilled for the company. Mariah is a black sheltie/cocker mix, I guess. She looks like a fat, wavy Schipperke. But since I've never seen even one of them in this area, her heritage is probably more prosaic. F is a man-dog, but Mariah (like Ruby) is a momma's dog. Her mom has been in care now for many months, and it's great to see Mariah thawing out from missing her so badly. Why is she here? Because her parents' adult kids are having 'that decision' to deal with-- where is it best for mom and dad to live? And because they wanted to take one thing off the table: "I have to get home to take care of Mariah." I know a LOT of adult kids do that dance badly, but believe me, they have been bending over backwards NOT to take their folks out of the home. It just suddenly got urgent, as it sometimes does, with a few too many ER visits and a fully stocked fridge/pantry going ignored...... Mariah's presence here may also help daddy, in case he needs a spare room here while he fattens up. Anyway, while the kids sort all that out, we have Mariah. If she stays, and acclimates, I'll investigate whether her momma's care facility will let Mariah visit. She's not the first adult depressed, grieving dog we've helped find her way out of the funk. If she's still here next week, she'll get a ramp to use the dog porch access to the dog yard, like the rest of the dogs. (For now, since she can't jump up to the dog porch, she's a leash-toidy.) ~Susan |
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Subject: RE: BS: Welcome, Mariah From: wysiwyg Date: 28 May 07 - 10:07 PM Long day, much success. Some modifications to environment done. Needs a vet visit. Thinking about how to get a freebie-- I am BROKE. ~Susan |
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Subject: RE: BS: Welcome, Mariah From: Sorcha Date: 28 May 07 - 11:31 PM GOOD on ya for this. Hope Mariah keeps well. See PM. |
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Subject: RE: BS: Welcome, Mariah From: wysiwyg Date: 29 May 07 - 11:04 AM Regular vet located, check. Shot record gotten, check-- current on rabies but no distemper since '01. Not on any meds, check. Vet appointment made, check. Funds solved, check, I think. Eating now, check. Happy dog, check! (Faulkner: "Is that dog yummies I smell? Where'd you put it?!?!? Can I help her finish it again today? Is that a CAN in the trash? Where's MINE? What's this Dinner Rounds crap in my bowl that I thought I liked so well?") (Ruby: "Bring her back to me! I'll sniff her silly! Will she play with us!?!?!?") (Hardi: "Here, Faulkner, here boy-- GOOD DOGGGG, yes you're still my dog! You the DOG!") (Me: [shaking head] "I'm going to the pool!") ~S~ Mariah sure likes that old stone porch out front, especially the thick-folded braided rug on the stoop. She'll go back into the laundry room/playroom while I'm out, though-- hate to have her fall off the high stoop while I'm gone and land on her head! The playroom smells like her daddy though, since he's often stopped by to care for our critters when we've been away, and sat to visit with them a bit. Mariah like to hide, to sleep. Likes a lair, under and preferably behind things. (Easy to provide.) Gosh, is she a momma's dog, though: following me around everywhere and learning the layout up close-- she doesn't see or hear too well but her sense of smell is GREAT. ~Susan |
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Subject: RE: BS: Welcome, Mariah From: wysiwyg Date: 29 May 07 - 11:53 AM (Mariah: "Are those Dinner Rounds? Are they spoken for-- is this that big-ole, marshmallow-hearted doggie's bowl? Oh I'll just have a few....") ~S~ |
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Subject: RE: BS: Welcome, Mariah From: GUEST,Elfcall Date: 30 May 07 - 11:09 AM WYSIWIG Thank you so much for sharing - Elfcall |
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Subject: RE: BS: Welcome, Mariah From: wysiwyg Date: 30 May 07 - 08:24 PM Well, we've had a lot of dog sharings at Mudcat. It does help to talk about it. She may be here for a week or a day or 3 years, and I may or may not find I've bonded whenever she departs. She's been a good companion, I am sure, all her life. She may never get back to her momma, but she deserves a salute. She'll be seeing a vet Monday (sooner if she gets urgent), and I'll have a better idea then of what to expect. I did see her daddy today who is home at least temporarily.... he's very relieved that she's here, though. The neighbor who had been feeding her can focus now on HIM, and on the cats that are still there to keep him company. I've been doing some checking, and I think I'll be able to take her to see momma once her routine here is settled. I think knowing that momma is somewhere, and that it's not a place with smells a dog would like, will help make sense of this to Mariah. She's perking up nicely, following me around but feeling safe enough to curl up on her own to sleep, too, if I'm busy doing stuff around the house. (Faulkner: "What are these kibbles, and where have you been hiding them? Hm, soft AND crunchy, smells different, nice change! Oh, are these HERS? I gotta leave it ALONE?!?!?!?") ~Susan |
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Subject: RE: BS: Welcome, Mariah From: Sorcha Date: 30 May 07 - 09:14 PM Good, Sooz. You know the drill. What goes around, comes around. May her final days, however long they are, continue to be just HAPPY. |
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Subject: RE: BS: Welcome, Mariah From: wysiwyg Date: 30 May 07 - 10:34 PM She is documented as at least 14-- momma has had her at the present vet for 11 years, and she was "3" when they got her "from a pound"-- the generic age they give ALL unknown-provenance dogs when they start a record, if it isn't puppy and if it shows no aging. So 14-17 I would think. Grayed muzzle and feet, hair worn off on privates, coat otherwise OK. No fleas, thank God! Our rental was all infested carpet when we moved in, waiting for new dog residents to move in so they could hatch? Tore out all that after the housefire. The dog run remains-- thank God-- flea-free and chemical-free. So thank you Mariah for not bringing any! As to type-- the more I look at her, the more I think she does actually have a fair bit of Schipperke. Her coat has their roughness, but more overcoat with a little wave, and some sheltie-like feathering. Plus she has a tail, and I think Schips don't. She's too tall for a Schip, too. A little more than knee-high, but squarer-bodied. Very broad hips, square setup. Very fine leg bones and very dainty paws. The real domey head like a Schip, and no spaniel ears. I'd bet cocker/Schip/sheltie. I'll know more if I take her to visti momma, but momma is to deaf and demented to understand my Q's or give good answers. But not too demented to be happy to see her. The digital camera isn't working at present or I'd post a picture. She has picked out one of the cats. At home, she has one of 3 that she plays with. Doesn't chase any of them, but has a favorite. The one she picked here will probably sleep with her; she rubs up on her already. Mariah's section of the downstairs is the slate-floored laundry room and adjoining playroom where cats bunk when we go away; her daddy has often come to tend the cats so his smell, and his kids', is all over that room and the rug there is crap in case she messes, but thick and comfy to sleep on. It's a favorite lair of the cats (their own couches!), and they have been readmitted to it as well since they're all getting along so well. She goes to bed early, as she does at home, and then Faulkner doesn't have to share us for the last hours before bed. I'm keeping her on her wake-sleep routine so that her dinnertime can stay managed within the rotation of feedings of all the critters that need to eat separately. ~S~ |
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Subject: RE: BS: Welcome, Mariah From: Sandra in Sydney Date: 31 May 07 - 05:06 AM Susan, I'm enjoying reading about Mariah, thanks for sharing her life with Mudcat sandra |
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Subject: RE: BS: Welcome, Mariah From: wysiwyg Date: 31 May 07 - 07:06 AM Maybe Mariah will type her own blog entries once I get those toenails trimmed back! :~) ~Susan |
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Subject: RE: BS: Welcome, Mariah From: Leadfingers Date: 31 May 07 - 02:12 PM I hope Faulkner doesnt feel too out of things with another 'lady dog' in residence - I have fone memories of him . |
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Subject: RE: BS: Welcome, Mariah From: wysiwyg Date: 31 May 07 - 03:34 PM Oh, no, he still gets his King Dog time and perks. Like last night-- a rare opportunity to come upstairs to his Bossman's part of the hosue to sleep up in our part of the "cave." He enjoys Mariah, very graciouys host-- as long as he gets his turn. She's not the first dog he's hosted briefly, so we knew what to expect. We don't ask any mor of him than he's happy to give. This time of year, he prefers to be out in the dog yard sniffing the breezes most of the day. ~Susan |
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Subject: RE: BS: Welcome, Mariah From: wysiwyg Date: 01 Jun 07 - 02:52 PM Mariah the Good received a 15' extension to her porch tether today, so that she can hang her butt over the grass, instead of over the stone step (tryi ng to get to the grass). When I showed her it had been lengthened, she demonstarted her willingness not to make it unpleasant for us to step off the porch to fetch the mail. It is so interesting to learn an adult dog's tricks-- to discover what they know and how to work with them for mutual happiness. It's the upside of fostering. The downside, of course, is bonding. She's made to bond, and I am too, but she's not my dog. But she'd like to be. Monday (or after the labs come back midweek), we'll see what the vet says about her future. It's our regular vet, so I know I can count on her guidance. She's particularly gifted in communications about prognoses, and loving a dog as long as reasonable, but making tough decisions when the time comes. Someday I'll tell how she helped us when my son's cat had to be put down, when he was at sea (several years moved out) and in the Navy. That cat had the best care possible (thanks to their willingness to take Dave's plastic in absentia),but a soft and quick end when care had done what it could. Ouch! That's enough for now! ~Susan |
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Subject: RE: BS: Welcome, Mariah From: Mr Red Date: 02 Jun 07 - 08:01 AM Joy is looking for a dog used to old people. Her dog has just died and dad doesn't want to do anything. At 92 hew is entitled to be depressed but if anyone in the Gloucester UK area knows of a not too lively dog needing a good home PM me or contact via my website |
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Subject: RE: BS: Welcome, Mariah From: wysiwyg Date: 02 Jun 07 - 09:33 AM Awwwww....... best of luck! Be sure the local shelter knows-- when they take in the old ones, so often they just put them down (here anyway), because they are so seldom adopted. ~Susan |
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Subject: RE: BS: Welcome, Mariah From: wysiwyg Date: 03 Jun 07 - 09:14 AM Mariah's daddy is doing REALLY, REALLY well. A visit is in the works. He surprised me by saying he thought she should NOT go to visit momma. His reasoning made sense though, and I'll be respecting that. Vet tomorrow. She's finally learned the Dog Rotation routine, cooperating with movement through our House of Many Doors without having to go on the lead to get from sleeping area to Out door, and back again at the end of the day or when we leave to go somewhere. Next challenge-- our vacay in July. Thinking that if the vet OKs it, she may go home then. Daddy should be strong enough by then and it will be yet another opportunity for the adult kids to send in another helper to check oin their dad when they check on Mariah. Momma is angling to get home too, if care facility agrees her PT is far enough along. Oh!!! Suddenly, I know just who it can be, too-- someone who also could help this couple in other ways, who is in need of a light activity that focuses on helping someone else-- who loves dogs and would be dropping in our ours (paid) while we're gone anyway. Right along the route. LOL-- life works out well sometimes. ~Susan |
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Subject: RE: BS: Welcome, Mariah From: wysiwyg Date: 05 Jun 07 - 10:39 AM corrected post Mariah has been cleared by the vet to continue enjoying her golden years-- nothing wrong that isn't normal for her age, and nothing needing major intervention or treatment. She had a good bit of toenail overgrowth knocked back, a dental exam to rule out need for extractions, general exam with bloodwork to rule out organ failure, weight ruled normal, and a good manual exam by an experienced practitioner looking for any tumors hiding under the thick coat. We were sent home with updated shots done and flea treatment to apply. The vet did the difficult toenail clip herself, and was happy to make sure that the $$ help we received to do that covered it all-- thanks be to Mudcat, and good country vets! Daddy also has been making great strides. He's gotten the recent medical situation well in hand, changed docs (coinkydink: people I know and trust) with great reputations who are linked to and right next door to the community hospital that has done such a great job with both daddy and momma. He's resumed eating well and is following guidelines laid out by family and doctor in all major areas. His color and affect are GREAT, and the zip is back in his step. He has a ways to go on getting back the weight and muscle that vanished with the medical problem his prev. doctor had missed, but he's in about the same shape as Mariah. He's going for a way-overdue haircut today. He will attend a family/care planners' meeting tomorrow for Mariah's momma. Momma depserately wants to go home, but has failed home placement several times in the last two years owing to her inability to follow PT and OT therapy and recommendations. She falls and requires ambulance personnel to get her back up. She needs "personal care" several times a day. So we'll see. But she wants Mariah back home, whether she gets home herself or not. She's not aware how sick daddy got, and why Mariah left for vacation..... But I think this round of vacation is coming to a close. Mariah is basically a very happy, perky personality in an old, creaky body. She's done fine going back and forth up to this point, and I think she can continue going back and forth as needed. So she'll resume having an air-conditioned trailer to sleep in, instead of our shady porch. I'll continue visiting her daddy and checking on her (taking F to keep that connection in her memory), and daddy trusts me now to take her if she needs to be taken. Bonus-- I've made sure our petsitter will meet her before she goes back home, in case he ends up having her in the bunch on his upcoming visits. He can be another resource for momma and daddy, as well, if they choose to follow up with each other. (I'll take him along when I return Mariah.) It's been a good visit. If and when she comes back, we know what we need to know about including her in the routine and she has chosen favorite spots that will always be her spots. I'll keep a can of her food on hand in case, and return the rest to daddy. Gee I love it when a plan comes together! ~Susan |
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Subject: RE: BS: Welcome, Mariah From: wysiwyg Date: 09 Jun 08 - 10:43 AM Mariah had a good year. Thanks again to the helping angels. ~Susan |
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Subject: RE: BS: Welcome, Mariah From: Bee Date: 09 Jun 08 - 02:09 PM This was a touching story, Susan. You and yours are obviously very kind and understanding people. |
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Subject: RE: BS: Welcome, Mariah From: gnu Date: 09 Jun 08 - 03:32 PM Indeed! |
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Subject: RE: BS: Welcome, Mariah From: wysiwyg Date: 09 Jun 08 - 05:19 PM Thanks, but today I'm more struck by how my mom must have felt the day she took two teen-neglected dogs in for their "last appointment." Last night I was called to "take Mariah," and take her I did. Since it had been a year since the vet had last seen her, I was sure she would need shots and another checkup. The assessment and result were not as encouraging as last year's, so.... I did the "adult" thing. Maria did have a good year, though, mostly sleeping the days away where she felt safe. Her mama is more or less in permanent care now, and her papa has head health challenges all year-- some large, some small, but becoming nearly constant now. When I stopped in to pick up Mariah I saw (and smelled) a home that is no longer being cared for, much less the critters. Pet food everywhere but no cleanup-- papa just can't, anymore. I understand that the younger critters will be leaving for new homes in the next several days as well. Oh I know-- this is all part of having pets and having elderly friends; but it sure is the sucky part. Nothing special about me being the one doing it.... as I've written before, here in this past of the world we just take our turns as they come to us. I'm just one who can do this... Not much else to say. ~Susan |
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Subject: RE: BS: Welcome, Mariah From: Ebbie Date: 10 Jun 08 - 12:31 AM Bless you, Susan. But then, you already are, right? |
