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.