u/missuslindy

They were very excited for their fruity Pangea. Hopefully the little ones got to get a lick in 💕

My old black & tan shiba is 16-1/2. He’s had dementia for the last couple of years but the last few weeks have gotten worse a bit faster than I would have hoped.

He still eats but I have to lead him to his food. If he misses his bowl, it’s almost as if he’s forgotten where his food is. I carry him down the stairs, most of the time he wobbles up later at night. The house has nite lites & rugs everywhere. He is our corner inspector! A few days ago, he splooted while I was out and couldn’t get up (not the first time). I was only gone a couple of hours and came back to him laying in his urine & faeces. He has non-slip socks and assorted paw balms. I do as much as I can and only listed some of the things done to help accommodate his age and disability. That was Tuesday and it’s only been today (Saturday) that he’s back on his wobbly feet. Lots of other indicators that the time is near or here.

My kids are coming over for ‘the discussion’. My daughter wants an assessment visit to the vet before any final decision.

My other one, The Ginger Terror, is 14 and has been with him for the last 12 years. He is a rescue that was about 5 when we got him. What happens to her if he just doesn’t come home anymore? I want her to know that we let him go in peace but I don’t want to give her the stress of looking for him around the house. I also don’t want to stress her coming to the vet, she really panics when we get there. Also don’t want her to think that’s what is going to happen to her (at least not yet, and hopefully she passes in her sleep). What has worked for you if you’ve been through this? Any suggestions on how to gently handle this? Thank you for helping me through this 🧡