The Big E – ‘E’ternity

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174 – September 2019

By Elaine Lessig

A few weeks ago we noticed that Maxine, our sixteen year-old ruby Cavalier known as Max, started slowing down. She was sleeping longer and deeper, requiring greater effort going up the two steps leading to the dog suite, and eating her food without the usual delight. If she needed to go outside, her strident plea required a fast response. Once she was in the courtyard, she speedily attended to her needs and demanded to come in “now!” A big change was that she came in with wet skirts. A recent difficulty supporting her back legs was becoming obvious. Her sixteen happy, healthy years was truly starting to show.
When Max entered this world, it was into my hands. My notes remark, “The first of four big, fat puppies born on a dreary November day.” There were three rubies and a tricolor. She has always had huge, dark, round eyes, black eye rims, and the melting expression for which the breed is known. Her days in the ring were few. She finished quickly and went on to be a stellar mom, sharing her sweet temperament and desired conformation with her offspring. For all these years, she has never had a major ailment. In a breed with a strong propensity for mitral valve disease, her heart is clear. There is nothing to complain about, nothing at all.
A definite presence within the group of dogs with whom we share our lives, Max gets along with everyone. She has a distinctive bark. It has never been a quiet one. To see her be among the last to go out when she had always been one of the first is very telling. Most of the other dogs watch out for her. Some seem to be doing it deliberately. She tolerates getting her face cleaned by them after she eats. They are better at it than any method I know. When I say “clean,” I mean clean. One or more of the dogs can be found lying next to her most of the time. She still enjoys their company, but no longer cares about the toys which are all around.
We both know that every day is more precious than the one before. We marvel at her tenacity. When we see her tail wag, her bright eyes sparkle, or sitting in front of the empty water bowl letting us know to fill it, our hearts are full. There are so many joys from a beloved dog with senior status. There is a certain satisfaction to watch every stage of a dog’s live. The energy, enthusiasm, and excitement of raising a puppy is intoxicating. Watching that puppy become a show dog makes us proud. Seeing the get is always a wonder. Then involving the dog in other events, performance, or service work provides the stimulation which keeps a dog involved. Too quickly, we need more than two hands to count the years.
When we acquire a dog by purchasing, breeding, adopting, or inheriting it, we also accept the premise that we will outlive them. It is not anything that is at the forefront of our decision to actually have a dog. More likely it is the background noise in the decision. There, but not there, until the time comes to confront the inevitable. Then our hearts sink with the knowledge that soon is too soon.
So, here we are. We go through each day mindful of the truth. Adjustments are made to be respectful but honest. If it takes two bottom baths to keep her clean, there is no problem. We do it. We put her dish on a skid proof mat making it easier for her to eat. A gentle boost is available to get up the two steps into the dog suite. Time is made to sit with her on the wicker chair and sing a song. Photos are taken to enjoy today, tomorrow, and always. What could be more beautiful than her glorious head now and forever?
Maybe I sound brave? Trust me. I am not. I know there may be difficult decisions to be made. What was once the noise in the background has now become too loud to ignore. I know a life well lived is the greatest gift, but a difficult one to accept.

Click here to read the complete article
174 – September 2019

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Posted by AnthonyA on Oct 23 2019. Filed under Current Articles, Featured. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. Both comments and pings are currently closed.