About three weeks since last update on Chief

I think--think, mind you that I have the right medicine combination in order to keep him 'comfortable'. His days are much different than before 'arthritis' let itself be known. He and I don't run as we used to, but rather walk. At times I will pick up the pace using a treat to get him to 'exercise safely'. If he had his way he would lay around most of the day because number one he realizes that he can't play with Susie any
longer and two that it feels 'better' not to run. As I think of him turning 3yrs old in July I have difficulty comprehending all that he has been through medically; or let me rephrase this--what all of us have been through along with him. I still fill up thinking about the days he ran and ran and ran. He reminded me of a Stallion back them and when he and Susie played it was indeed a 'ballet of wonder'! I had so many things I was going to have him participate. Activities that will never come to fruition primarily due to his medical challenges that is his urine issue having been re-routed so to speak due to a stone lodged and tear in his bladder and his arthritis and chronic degenerative joint disease. While he and I continue to 'struggle' with pulling issues notwithstanding the amount of work and training I have done with him to decrease this I continue to be in 'awe' of him. He is and continues to be a 'gentle spirit' and a most 'loving dog'. I often refer to Chief as 'an old, wise soul'. Rather than focus on the dreams and expectations both he and I had in terms of 'working together' (having fun with each other) I focus on what I believe to be a tremendous opportunity. An opportunity that allows us to get to know each other by the way we 'are' with each other throughout each day rather than what is 'objectively measured' in terms of what is 'done'. There are moments when I experience the energetic, pain free Chief of yesterday. As I watch him ever so 'gracefully' glide through the air at a fast pace I am reminded at how fleeting life is at any given moment and am grateful for this time together regardless of his condition.

Eventually I would like to begin an 'on-line forum' for animal lovers caring for their animal companions. For now in reviewing the options given to me by Blogger I believe that if someone replies by writing a comment I can then respond. So for now this is the manner in which I can communicate for those who are enjoying, living with and caring for their animals. You can also email me at marymarriage.familycounselor@gmail.com and I'll be happy to enter your comment as a post and respond, thus allowing others to read.

Not savvy on lists so this at least is a beginning of trying to help people with issues similar to the challenges I have and am facing with our animals. Although the Blog is entitled Chief and Susie, the posts will definitely include information about cats since we have Breezette, Cassandra and Margaret.

Wishing you all well, strength and peace as you 'live and love' with your animals.

June 4, 2014 and just when I thought I had decided what to do regarding.........

the type and dosage of pain medication to give Chief, I discovered that for the most part I will need to assess his 'comfort needs' daily rather than administering the same med at the same dosage every day. At times it is quite evident to see through observation that he is in discomfort while at other times his being 'uncomfortable' is more subtle but nonetheless 'present' and therefore needing to be addressed. It is quite surreal while within several hours I have the distinct pleasure and joy then followed by sadness, of seeing Chief as strong, confident and no signs of sedateness to Chief who I can only describe as 'walking and acting' as if he is in great discomfort, very old and yes, 'out of it'. Not sedate mind you, but just 'somewhere else'. Since my last entry I have had a 'host' of thoughts, and feelings about all the work that is connected with 'properly and sensitively' caring for him along with other entities in our home needing my 'patience and attention'. While Susie doesn't have complex issues similar to Chief, she does have three that require my attentiveness to becoming aware and learn ways to help meet her present needs. The first issue involves issues pertaining to her 'urine flow'. For some reason if I don't get her outside within 15 minutes after she eats, even if she has urinated prior to eating, she will have an accident. Seems to only happen after meals. Accident may not be the correct term, since it is more like some just flows out of her while she is napping after she has eaten. Second issue is her hind legs and hips which I am noticing as being different (somewhat rigid) when she moves especially after playing Frisbee with me. The third issue is that she no longer has Chief as a playmate.....at all. While I make sure that they have little opportunity to play in a manner in which Chief will suffer pain wise after; Chief himself retreats and distances from her when she is headstrong on playing. I have tried on numerous occasions to have them together outside but in such a fashion so that they do not play together. This has needed to stop since it always ends up with both of them trying to play with each other, Chief of course jumping up and jumping back which of course causes him great discomfort later in the day. The host of emotions and thoughts I have experienced are similar to anyone finding themselves in a situation that they 'never' thought possible and would not have 'chosen' to have this be a part of their life. What do I want? Since my husband just had his 90th birthday and he is the 'music to which I have danced with life, and loving every moment of it' I desire to be with him and for him . He is my priority. He is the person whom I would gladly give my life if called upon to do so. I never had any intention this period of our lives to share him and meet his needs with Chief, Susie, Cassandra, Margaret and Breezette. Any person who has been confronted by needing and wanting to meet needs of multiple entities whom they love will understand what I am now talking about.  It is an ongoing process. An on-going process of 'living' and of learning what 'love' is all about. So one day I experience great resentment of the animals because I feel that they are preventing me from being with and for my husband as much as I wish to be. The next day rather than resenting the animals I somehow am 'more attuned' to the needs of the animals. That somehow through the 'ordeal' of feeling resentment I re-discover each animal's unique value resulting in a more fervent resolve,  to 'strive' toward providing each living entity in our household with the experience of a high quality of life, a happy and meaningful life. If you know anyone who is experiencing a multitude of tasks and issues such as the ones I am describing and you have the inclination and time, reach out to let them know that they are not alone in their 'struggles' and that whatever they are confronting that it can be understood and effectively handled by them in such a fashion that enables them to feel 'good' about themselves and their efforts at striving to do the very best that they can for all concerned. As a counselor who strives to understand and assist all those who come to me, through my own experiences of 'living my life' I can with great confidence state that while over the years I have genuinely 'sympathized' with people I now am much more capable of 'empathizing' with them.