Rex hanging in there

I have not posted in a few days. I've been super busy with a web design project. In this economy I have to take what I can and sometimes that's a little more than I can fit into a day's work.

Yesterday Rex looked better than he has in a long time. I have plowed a large circle in an open area where I walk him. It's a lot of snow here now and he can't walk through the deep snow. This circle is also a good measurement for how far he can walk. For the last week he could walk this circle one time before his limping became too severe. Yesterday he made this circle twice and still he was not limping as badly as he normally would have done after one lap. That's my boy!

Rex is still on:
Rimadyl 200mg a day
Cosequin DS 4 tablets a day
Acupuncture once a week

What's working or not is hard to tell. I think the combination of the above is all beneficial to him.

Rex a little better

Rex is showing more energy and sometimes gets up off the couch by himself. He has not done this in a long time. He shows signs of walking better at the beginning of his walks. After 5 minutes, he's pretty much done and needs to go back in and lay down. I don't see any signs of pain. I have not heard him make any noises this past week. He has now had 3 acupuncture sessions. I'm still not sure what have caused the improvement, the Rimadyl or the acupuncture. Tomorrow he has been on Rimadyl for 2 weeks. I have not noticed any side effects so far.

Rex not improving

Resting after 2nd acupuncture session

This is so frustrating. We can't seem to get Rex's leg to improve. He has now been on Rimadyl for one week and completed two acupuncture sessions. It pains me to see him limping so severely and not being able to walk for more than a few minutes. In all other areas he is perfect. Very alert, energetic and have so much willpower to keep going. I'm torn between keep trying and to put him down. I don't see any pain and the vet and the acupuncturist agrees. This is the only reason I keep going. The moment pain enters the picture I know what to do. I will try two more sessions and if that does not show any improvements I will have to make a decision.

More energy, still limping badly

Rex seem more alert, and energetic this morning. He walked out of the RV with more determination that he has had for the last few weeks. He also wanted to walk faster this morning despite his limping. It does not seem to bother him much. It's looks awful to me, but if he can handle it I guess I have to go with it. When he was sick with a kidney infection last year he did not want to get up from the couch and go out. He's nothing like that at this time.

No change

Loving the couch

I was warned by the acupuncture doctor that Rex may get a little worse the day after. He seems the same today. Still limping badly, but he has good energy and appetite.  He wants to walk, I have to coach him to keep these walks short.  I gave him 200 mg of rimadyl today. He's been on 100 mg a day for two days. Our next acupuncture session is on Monday. We're taking it one day at the time.

First acupuncture session

Today we went for Rex's first acupuncture session. He did very well. He had a few moments when he got a bit restless and started panting a little, but overall  he was a good patient. The Dr. said we can't expect too much during these first sessions. Rex may even appear to be worse due to the treatment. She also tested Rex for pain and discomfort and agreed with me that he does not seem to be in much pain. I'm very curious to see if this will help. I'll keep my mind open to this.
He is now resting peacefully on the couch after having his meal. I could tell he was relaxed  and a bit weak since he could not  finish his meal standing up. He was so cute, right in the middle of his meal he stumbled over to the couch looked at me to indicate he wanted me to help him up. He finished his meal laying down.

Rex on Rimadyl - Day one.

As this video shows, Rex's limping has now gotten worse and has become a big concern to me. He does not seem to be in pain since he wants to keep walking and I have to force him to turn around to keep his walks short. This is all about him not me. I'm ready to let him go. I just do not see it in him yet.

Rex on rimadyl

Resting after dinner.

I started Rex on Rimadyl today. He got one chewable (100mg) at 11:00am. The vet said 2 a day. I will wait until tomorrow morning before he gets his 2nd. I'll give this with his morning snack. I will monitor this like a hawk. At the sign of any side effects I with stop.
I will upload a video for each day starting today.

Rex not ready!

This just blows my mind. This morning when I took Rex out he could barely walk. This convinced me that I had come to the right conclusion to let him go. I took him over to the vet to put him to sleep. I asked the vet to come outside and take a look at Rex walking, just to get the confirmation from him that I was doing the right thing. I have known him for a long time and trust his judgment. I got Rex out of the truck, which pretty much entails carry all his 130 lbs and set him down. Rex must have understood that this a life and death situation because he decided to walk around with such drive and determination that he almost made me look like a fool. His limping was much less and he walked with a speed I have not seen i awhile. I guess he is not ready to go. So, we decided to put Rex on Rimadyl and see what happens. I have mixed feelings about Rimadyl, but I have seen dogs doing great on it so I own it to Rex to try. I also asked the vet about acupuncture and he said he have seen dogs doing very well after a few sessions. So, we made another appointment for Monday to start Rex on that.
Well done Rex! You're such a fighter!

The acupuncture Dr. just called and said she had a cancellation and we will start tomorrow, yeah!

Goodbye and thank you my old friend

The day I have dreaded for the last two years has come. Rex's legs has over the last few days gotten worse and now reached a point where he has a really hard time walking and even standing. He has very little control over his rear legs and struggles to keep his balance. Fortunately he does not seem to be in much pain, but this is not a life of a dog. Keeping him longer is not what is best for him. Deprived from running and walking he seems miserable and the right thing to do is to let him go to sleep forever. He have had such a great life. I like to think he was fortunate to come to me. I'm sure I have extended his life several years feeding him the food he was designed for. I never expected him to live to the age of 12. For 8 years we walked 3 times a day rain, snow or shine, never missed it once. He also never ever missed a meal. Was only sick one time! He's been an unbelievable easy dog to have, don't bark, never whined once!! Gosh I'll miss this guy. I'm planning on taking him to the vet tomorrow. Damn, I hate this part of owning a dog.

Dogs with discipline

I take my dogs with me anywhere since I know they enjoy driving  in my truck. This includes grocery shopping. It has always amazed me how they know to leave the groceries alone. There is meat and all kinds of great smelling foods right there next to them and all they do is sniffing it a few times. I can even leave the truck and nothing has been touched when I come back. Such good boys. They do the same at home. I can leave my plate with food on the dining table and  go somewhere, and the food will be there when I'm back.

Camelot eating

Here Is Camelot finishing up his dinner of raw chicken wings, thighs and gizzards.

Rex is struggling

Rex is having a small setback. He is limping a little on his right front leg. He sort of walk it off after a few minutes. He is also limping a little more on his rear right leg. I will watch him carefully over the next few days. If he gets worse I'm afraid I have to make some long dreaded decisions. I'm prepared though. It's all about him and his well being. I promised him no suffering. Still loving the snow!

Main meal

Here is a typical dinner for the boys. This is a mix of chicken wings, thighs, gizzards, green blend and multi vitamin powder called daily blend.

I add water otherwise they eat it too fast.

Digojo is back --- still going strong!

I forgot to mention this.....
This was my favorite story last year. Digojo (16) came here with a huge tumor in his mouth. The vet wanted to put him down. I talked the owner into waiting a few days and try something. I had a bottle of concentrated B17 (laetrile) and I told him this could help. Fortunately the owner was willing to try anything at this point. One month later Digojo was cancer free. You can read more about this amazing story here

Cold morning

It was below zero again this morning. We have to shorten down our walks when the temps drop this low. Like kids my danes loves to eat the snow.

When it is this cold the snow that gathers in their paws really bother them. They eventually stop and start tripping their looking at me for help.

Nice Great Dane service dog story

Great Dane service dog makes people look past the wheelchair read more

I'm thinking of training Camelot II to become a service dog. He's so friendly and calm. I'll will have him evaluated for this next year to see if he's a good candidate.

Rex moving into 2nd. gear!

This afternoon Rex was unusual peppy and much quicker on his feet. He was almost running. Something is working! I apologize for the shaky video.

Morning snack

A sure way to get both of my dogs up in the morning is to serve them their morning snack. The reason they get this tiny meal is so I can portion their supplements out better . They get several that are suppose to be taken two times a day.
They both get a multivitamin called daily blend (powder), green blend (powder) and Omega 3. I mix the powder into raw ground meat. Camelot also get half a chicken wing to keep his poop hard. Camelot came to me with chronic diarrhea. This half chicken wing taken with his morning snack and 3 whole chicken wings with his main meal keeps his poop nice and firm and his anal glands empty.

Rex get a variety of  supplements for his joint issues. I'm currently testing Cosequin DS extra strength.

Waking up on a cold morning

Both my dogs know when there is a cold windy storm outside, somehow they feel it and just want to sleep in. Rex always digs is nose under a pillow or blanked. When he is comfortable he makes purring noises.

Camelot likes part of his body covered under a blanket in the winter. He shares the king size bed with me at night these days so Rex can have the space he needs. He gets up and changes position a few times during the night.

I normally would not have a dog in my bed, but Rex sort of takes priority these days. I don't mind since Camelot is very quiet and hardly moves all night.

Great story

I like this story!
A Great Dane, a goat and a 3 legged dog.

Read the story here

Happy birthday my friend! Rex is 12 today.

For the last 8 years Rex has been living and traveling with me and my other Danes. I got him at the age of 4. Rex is a genuine kind dog, incredible balanced and even tempered. I can't remember him ever doing anything wrong. He's just hanging out following me quietly. Such a great dog. 

He is now in is last phase of his long life, struggling with pretty serious join issues. I'm taking it day by day with him now. Watching for pain and signs of discomfort beyond what is good for him. I just do not want him to end his life miserable. So far so good. But, I'm prepared and I do live everyday with him as it could be the last. So, happy birthday buddy, I'm pretty sure we got many more walks together.

Rex's progress

Rex is doing quite well on his new supplements (Cosequine DS). The dragging and limping is for sure less noticeable. One would think that his arthritis would slow him down in thsese frigid temperatures, but he is actually quicker than he's been in a long time.

Rex on new supplements

I have for the longest time used a certain natural supplement for Rex's joint problems. My supplier is out and I'm out too, so I have to find something else meanwhile. My vet really swears by Cosequin, so I bought some last week and Started Rex on it this Friday. I'm actually seeing a difference after already. He is lifting his dragging leg more and not limping as much.  I'll will record him walking to day if I can get him out in this freeze.

Winter has arrived

Winter is here.... and my Danes really enjoy the snow. Even Rex seems to move quicker when it's cold.

Camelot is just have a grand time running in the white stuff. The picture is from yesterday, before a blizzard arrived. The temp dropped from 30F to 0 overnight.
The walk this morning will be very short. When the temp drops below 10, the snow that gather in Rex's paws are too cold for his comfort. He will stop and try to lift all legs.... tripping, waiting for me to dig it out. The interesting thing is that when he  starts walking again the new snow that gathers in his paws does not bother him as much.

Rex did not make it to the acupuncture sessions we had scheduled.   I completely messed up my back and was not able to move much the last few days. Feeling much better today, so we will make a new appointment.

Made appointment for acupuncture

Today we made an appointment for acupuncture. I did not know that this little mountain town had such a service. We have to wait until Monday for our first consultation though. I have to admit that I'm skeptical, but I'm curious enough to see if it makes a difference. Too many people says it is helping their dogs so I have to see for myslef. I've never been afraid if trying different things. We never really learn or progress if we don't. 

I'm exited to report back here with the results. All I hope for at this point is for Rex to be able to lift his foot a little so it clears the ground and limits the dragging of his foot. Anything beyond that would be outstanding. 

Rex made his first noise today.

Today Rex let me know that his leg hurts him a little. I can best describe the noise as something between a grunt and a yelp, very short less than a second, not laud. He makes it when he exits the door going down a few steps and when he walks down a  ramp I use for him when he exits the truck.  It's seems to be his right rear food dragging and bending backwards that causes this. I have to help him out, which I've done for months, but this is new.

Rex has a rather low threshold for pain, something I have learned over the years. but pain is pain and that's my number one concern. I will never let him live a life in pain. It's a bit frustrating since everything else is functioning very well with Rex. He's alert, has great eye sight and hearing. All organs are in good shape. I'm changing his joint supplements to see if that make a difference.

Rex still walked the entire trail this morning and the afternoon.

Another good day for Rex

Rex had another good walk to today. Close to a mile. His paw is healed and I'll take of the boot tomorrow.

P.S. Somone asked me if that's his ribs showing. No... that's shadows from some bushes. 

Camelot craving a little attention

"Hey, not to be selfish here but what's up with all the attention to Rex? I know he's the old guy and may not have much time left with us, but could you throw in a pic of me now and then?" Camelot II has for the last couple of years gotten so much attention due to his severe timidness. After working all that off he has become such a delightful and easy-to-have dog, that little or no special care is needed.

Rex made the morning walk again.

Once again Rex championed through our morning walk and made it to the end of the trail. He is definitely walking faster these days.  I guess dogs like humans have good days and not so good days. For me keeping an eye on Rex and adjust to his days is what I have to do.

Booty time

The cold frozen ground is wearing on Rex's dragging leg so I fitted him with a boot.

Monday morning walk

Rex is doing pretty good today. This guy keeps impressing me. A couple of weeks ago I thought he was near the end. This morning he made it to the end of the trail. That's a solid one plus mile walk. The limping and dragging of his right leg seem to be something that does not bother him too much. The booty I put on him appears to benefit him.

This boy knows how to get cozy

"There is nothing like coming home from a walk and get under my blankets"

Rex likes to get tucked in under pillows and blankets. When I get it right he lets me know by purring like a cat.

This purring/low grunting noise is also a great indicator on how he feels. One of the favorite things you can do with your dog is to rub their ears. I don't know of any dog that do not like this. When I do this with Rex and if he does not make this purring noise I know something may be wrong. This is how I found out that he had a kidney infection last year, long before I could notice it otherwise.

By living so close to my dogs for so many years I have developed an awareness for the very subtle signs they give.  

Dragging leg

When Rex get tired his rear right leg starts dragging a little. This wears on his toes and nails. Now with the colder weather the ground is harder and the wear on his feet causes one of his nails to bleed. A doggy boot prevent this.

Rex is still not showing any sign of pain. He still walks about a mile on his morning walks. On the 27th he will be 12, such trooper this guy. 

Doing well

It's been a week with no major issues. Rex is actually doing a little better. His energy level is for sure up. I did increase the amount of Green Blend I give him twice a day. I really think this supplement is beneficial to his joints.

Morning walk 11-2-2010

Below is a video from 11-2-2010. Showing Rex walking. He was actually doing pretty good that morning. And this is what makes this last journey with him so hard. He has good days and not so good days. I'm constantly watching out for any sort of pain. I know from past experience with Rex that he's wimp when it comes to pain. He will not move, definitely not walk. So as long as he is walking I know he is not in a lot of pain.

Dealing with an aging dog

Rex will be 12 this month. His health is increasingly becoming an issue with him. I'm know I'm entering into the area of what is best for him. I keep telling myslef that this is about him not me.

His main health concern is his hips. They have become very weak over the last years. He frequently falls back on his butt and is unable to get up. The look on his face when this happens kills me. He just looks so sad and helpless. "It sucks getting old daddy"

I will write a detailed report on his last days on this earth with focus on what is best for him.

Relaxing after a meal

That was a nice meal.

Rex has this habit of sitting on the couch after a meal. It's on of these rituals Rex has always done. This is the only time he will do this. He sits there for about 5 minutes, watching TV. Then he gets down, turn around and gets up on the couch.

Water breaks - keeping Camelot cool

Ahhh this is great stuff!

It's hot here and Camelot's black coat is cooking! I''m amazed how hot Camelot's body gets when he is exposed to the sun! I can't image feeling that intense heat on my body. So, to help him cool off I bring several bottles of cold water. I hose his body down often, I can tell he likes it since he stands all still and let me soak him. He's not a fan of water and will not go swimming, so this is the only way I can get him wet. He also drinks from a bottle. First time I tried this he had no clue what I was trying to make him do. Rex has been drinking from a bottle since I got him, so by seeing this Camelot quickly picked it up too.

Rex likes to dig in

Tell me when we're ready to go out

Rex has always liked to cover himself on a chilly morning. If the temperature drops below 68 inside he likes to cover his nose and part of his body under a blanket.

He actually re-arrange pillows and blankets to make a comfy nest type area to sleep in. He has done this since I got him. He is the only Dane that display this odd behavior.

Long time no post

It's been a long time since my last post. I had to put everything on hold in order to secure my finances. The bad economy hit me real hard. But, I'm not complaining, many got hit worse than I did.

I still have a roof over my head (my RV) and my two Great Danes. Rex is still holding up pretty good. He has good days and not so good days. But, that is expected considering his high age. He is approaching 12 now.

Camelot my young Dane has become a total sweetheart. He has such a great attitude towards everyone, dogs and humans. I think he will become my oldest Dane.

I'm thinking of getting more involved in informing people about big dogs and their expected life span. I truly believe big dogs can live much longer than many do today.  The key is the food. Commercial dog food is the main problem dogs face. Large dogs need more nutrients, much more than found in so called "dog food" sold in stores. I hope to educate dog owners about the right food to feed their dogs. The right food is the type of food a dog's digestive system is designed for.

Rex's age of almost 12 is considered high for a large breed like Great Danes. I will monitor Rex very carefully and document everything I give him on a daily basis and share is here.  His diet is very simple and easy to implement. I consist of raw natural food including bones plus supplements. I have tested a lot of supplements over the last 4-5 years and narrowed it down to a few that seem very helpful to Rex and his old age.

Resting like a Dane on the couch

I got Rex when he was 4 and already at that time he showed signs of joint problems. This is definitely his biggest challenge. His hips and rear legs are weak and uncoordinated. He often falls backward and have a hard time getting up and sometimes he can't. He also trips himself and falls down that way.
When I walk him I have to make sure I know where he is at all times. He loves being off leash and explore the terrain by himself. It's bushy here and he can easily get lost if he falls down. In the evening I use a collar that is lit bright red to prevent him from getting lost.