Jake Update

[TMarie]

Hi Everyone!

I wanted to give another update on Jake. Just since I gave an update 2 weeks ago on Ruth's senior update thread, Jake has continued to decline.

He continues to have difficulty getting up, and walking. I tried to get some pictures of him standing so you all can see his legs, but he immediately goes into a sit when I walk away from him. His hind legs tend to cross over, or they stay so close to each other that both feet are touching, which causes him to fall to one side. I guess the good thing is, when he falls he doesn't splay, he just goes down on one hip.

The other day he was so excited when Ken came home, because he knew we were taking him out front with us, and he tried to hurry, which he just can't, and he slid and fell on the kitchen floor. Poor guy, he was so excited, it didn't even phase him, we just had to help him up. He is now avoiding the kitchen some, unfortunately he has to go through the kitchen to get to the back yard.

His ball chasing days are over. But lying down and chomping on one is ok. He has lost so much muscle mass, not just in his hind legs, but we can see it in his face and pretty much all over.

Summer is quickly approaching, and many of you know he can not handle the heat, as his lungs are full of scar tissue. He is increasingly having difficulty breathing. Our temps here for the past 3 days have already been 93. I was really hoping for a longer winter, but unfortunately we have been running the air conditioner since January.

We are taking one day at a time with him, and making each day right now count with him. All good things. We have been taking him to see some of his favorite people and favorite places, although he does tire easily, so we take it easy with him.

We find it difficult sometimes when we look at him and remember the big athletic boy he once was. He looks tired, but for now, one day at a time.

These pics were the best I could get, taken just this last Friday.
Hope you enjoy my big boy, even though he looks tired, he still has some happy days left to share with us.

[BowWowMeow]

Oh Tammy, I'm so sorry. I understand what a struggle this is for you and Ken. My Massie LOVED playing ball and as she got older and weaker I would roll her the ball. She still enjoyed the game though It sounds like even though Jake is having more and more trouble getting around he is still happy. Jake is such a sweetie.

Chama splats (that's what I call it) on the floor sometimes. It doesn't seem to phase her either. She just waits for me to pick her up or she scrambles up herself sometimes too. I can't remember--does Jake have a harness?

Chama is already having trouble breathing here and it's only been in the 40s and 50s! I don't think she'd last a day in the 90s!

Please give Jake a big hug from me and toss him his ball. Enjoy whatever time you have left.

[TMarie]

THanks Ruth. Yes Jake has a harness, the same one Jean had. It isn't helping as much now though. I was just looking at the one MRL posted that a friend of hers had, that might help even better.

[LisaT]

I"m sorry Tammy.

[ninhar]

Tammy, I have the same issue with Sheba falling due to loss of muscle mass in her hind legs and she started being afraid, first of crossing thresholds and then of just walking on any floor where she felt she was slipping.

I found that Home Depot has cheap 6' long non-skid runners for about $12. I bought 8 to create paths between the area rugs on the first floor. It didn't take long for her to realize that she wouldn't slip and fall as long as she stayed on these and I can see the difference in her confidence level.

[middleofnowhere]

The runners are a good idea.
You might find massage down the spine helps get blood flowing to those hind quarters & helps muscle mass. So does massaging the legs & an occasional spritz of Bigeloil (horse liniment). The last chiropractic/acupuncture session Barker the Elder had was terrific. She walked straight for 2 1/2 weeks, she had more energy, just a whole lot of "repair". If he is slightly anemic or borderline, talk to your vet about adding a little bit of iron (via pill).

[kelso]

Love the pictures of Jake, especially the first picture, what a sweet expression. What a handsome, handsome man!

Many thoughts for Jake and your family.

[flyinghayden]

Such a sweetie. Cherish the time you have with him. I always love to see pics of him.

[TMarie]

Thanks everyone.

We did have one runner for the kitchen, but Ken is picking up a couple more.

Jake has been having Chiro and acupuncture treatments for the past year. It has just gotten to the point that they are no longer helping.

I give him his massages every morning. I have never heard of Bigeloil, so I will look into that.

[2dogcrew]

Tammy, your boy is just a sweetheart! I know he'll work with all his being to remain with you and Ken for as long as he can. These special dogs will not quit until their bodies are just too tired to work anymore. My Ana played *frisbee* up to 3 days before we let her go. She kept her play face and didn't mind playing wheelbarrow to get around when she wasn't in her wheelchair. I'll never forget how brave she was in the last days. I know I'll see her soon again when she's beautiful, healthy and vibrant. Enjoy spending those special moments with your boy. When Jake is ready to go, he'll let you know.