Eli is a very special boy but you don't need me to tell you that. Hope the swelling continues to improve.

The swelling continues to improve I'm thinking we'll be back on our walks next week.

Very good news!

You know it's funny-but it gets to be a real privilege to take our dogs for a walk-there's a lot to be thankful for.

MJ

Could use some good thoughts and prayers. Eli went down three times on our little walk today. Later he tried to get up on the sofa and he fell back and on the floor. Not sure if its just a bad day for him or the progression of the DM, I fear it might be the later.

There's a strong west wind carrying all good thoughts straight to big brother Eli.
Such a gorgeous, good dog

MJ

Stopping in to stay hello and I hope Eli is doing well. Gracie had unexplained swelling. We thought it could be due to jumping off the couch and jamming her shoulder. It would be so much better if they could talk.

Sending love and hugs.

Yeah, I'm thinking Eli took the stairs wrong. It's just three steps but I put some mats at the bottom to cushion his landing. His leg is a little swollen still but much better.

Every day I wonder how much longer.

Took Eli out in the backyard today for fresh air and pics!

IMG_0532 by Rosa Mack, on Flickr

Eli with baby bro in the background

IMG_0575 by Rosa Mack, on Flickr

One more

IMG_0540 by Rosa Mack, on Flickr

Looks like I got so excited with the pictures posted last time that I forgot to give an update. Prior to that I was wondering how much longer we would have left.

Well, good news. It was a soft tissue injury. The swellings almost gone. It's still swollen, but much better than what it was. He's back to his 'normal limp' but without any additional hesitation or favoring one front leg over the other.

His back legs are hanging in there. Usually we don't go too far on our walks, but we always end it by siting on the sidewalk in front of the house and spending time together. I want him (and me) to have ton's of wonderful memories of special time we've spent together. We always have 'our little talks' then while I shower him with treats and petting.

I have no doubt that he's enjoying his life.

As far as the fecal incontinence, that seems to have gotten worse. It's not completely out of control yet. But there are many days when he poops in the house more often than he did outside that day. I'm going to call the Vet next week and see if we can increase the meds I use for this. Hopefully I can and the increase will work.

So I'd say he's doing better. As you could see in the pictures he's getting around pretty well. He's an amazing friend and I love him so much.

Thanks for the update. I'm glad "better". Afterall, fecal incontinence is inconvenient but not life threatening in the usual sense. ...

I'm so use to it now, it rarely even bothers me. A lot of the time he'll give me 'that look' and I'll know he's gone. I just get up and clean it up. While it bothers him a little bit, I think we've both gotten use to the routine. I know if given the choice he would never potty like he does, he just doesn't have the choice.

I've got this boy as long as I can keep him walking and am able to keep him pain free for the most part.

I felt exactly the same way with Sean when he had fecal incontinence. They are such proud dogs and simply can't help it. We are there to support them in any way we can.

Eli is doing pretty good. We had some warm weather which seemed to help. Wish it had lasted longer but the rain and cooler weather has returned.

We attempted to take the boys for ice cream this weekend but Eli just couldn't get in the car. It really was heartbreaking. Of course, I went and got his ice cream but it was so hard to put him back in the house and then driving away.

He took a nice long two block walk the other day but since then he's been reluctant to go anywhere. I put his shoes and leash on but he doesn't want to go far from the property. That's fine with me, as long as we have time together.

I'm sure it must have broken your heart to go for ice cream and not be able to take Eli along. But I'm happy to hear you brought a "doggie" bag home and he's doing pretty good overall. Gotta love that guy!

I happened upon a great suggestion that I wanted to share. You know how our seniors that lay around a lot get callouses on their elbows? Eli had developed these. This person suggested Swim Arm Bands. I found these at the Dollar Store, blew them up and put these on his elbows. Works great and takes all that pressure off! You can use more or less air depending upon the size of the pups legs.

I'm thrilled to give this update. Can't say I understand what's going on yet but its worth celebrating.

About six days ago I was late at giving Eli his many meds. I thought 'lets try to go off and see how he does'. Since that time Eli has gone outside to potty all but one time!!!! And that one time he was struggling to get up so I just encouraged him to go right there.

He's been much more engaged and frequently goes outside just to lay down in the sun or shade. He just seems so much happier.

I'm so happy to have my days filled with the love of my boys.

Hope the good news continues and Eli doesn't relapse. Fingers crossed for both of you. Thanks for the celebratory update!

That is surely worth celebrating

Every single day counts

thanks for the update,

MJ