I downloaded a checklist for Finn

[conuly]

So, yeah.

What really is frustrating is that he improved so much over the years. When we got him he could barely walk, he couldn't play, he grabbed frantically at every bit of food, he couldn't be left alone even for a minute, he didn't know how to sit or stay, he couldn't climb on and off chairs or up and down stairs. And little by little - he got better. He could walk. He could be left alone without immediately panicking. We could touch his hindquarters, he wasn't scared of the dark anymore. He learned to play, guys. I mean, his idea of play was mostly to start for the ball and then remember he'd rather be snuggled than bring it back to us, but he was enthusiastic about it! Even as recently as a summer ago he was still learning new things, doing new things.

And in less than a year, it's like it's all gone. He doesn't howl when we leave, but that's about the only lasting change. So I don't... I don't even know.

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Comments

[gwydion]

I'm so sorry.

[gingicat]

My sympathies.

[viggorlijah]

looking at tht chart is so hard when it comes to the time - I am so sorry, and much love to Finn

[andrewducker]

I'm glad that you got to share all of the time in-between.

[sallymn]

{hugs} I feel for you and for Finn.

[conuly]

It should’ve been better his whole life, though. He should have never have been in the state he was in when we got him.

[andrewducker]

No. I'm really glad you got to rescue him, and I wish you'd had longer.

[rebeccmeister]

This is so tough.

A number of years ago, a friend of my adopted an elderly dog. The dog had also clearly been through a lot in his previous life. I saw two things: the time with the dog, although all too short, and with its challenges, was a HUGE help for my friend with where she was in her life. And as with Finn, the time with good care was a huge help for Benjamin the dog.

We can't change what happened before, but it's clear you have been able to do so much for Finn.

[conuly]

He still seems happy, or at least not unhappy... but the other thing is, he needs watching. I mean, he always did, his separation anxiety was really bad for a long time there - but he needs somebody to make sure that if he's lying down he can get up to pee, or that he doesn't have to bend down to get water, or - especially! - that he doesn't fall down any stairs. And this is something we really can't keep doing forever. It sucks to have to make this decision on practicality as well as his quality of life, but....

Well, we aren't quite there yet. We'll give it another month or two, if nothing changes for the worse.

[movingfinger]

I’m sorry. He is a sweet dog and your love has made his world so much better.

[chanter1944]

I am so sorry. :( Thank you for rescuing his sweet self, truly.

[conuly]

He is an intensely sweet dog.

[adafrog]

{{{hugs}}}

[cellio]

Aw damn, I'm so sorry.

Would baby gates help with the stairs? (They did for our elder dog, but it really depends on how things are laid out.)

[smokingboot]

I am so sorry to read this.
You give him happiness and security and love. Well done X