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!