Sunday, February 25, 2007

Who Says....





...you can't teach an old dog a new trick!



Here is Cinnamon and her new Carpeted Telescoping Ramp.



The coolest dogs always have all the latest equipment!


At her yearly checkup, we discovered that Cinnamon is suffering from severe hip dysplasia and osteoarthritis. I had noticed that her back legs were giving her problems, especially on stairs, and also just after waking up - trying to get up and move around is tough on her. Dr. White showed me her x-rays, and it was quite obvious even to me that her hips are badly deteriorated. We've started her on Rimadyl and glucosamine, and I think I've seen some improvement in her mobility, although I'm afraid I'm just trying to convince myself that she's getting better.

Cinnamon will be 13 this year. A ripe old age for any dog, but really quite old for a larger breed like she is. We are going to be dealing with quality of life/end of life issues with her soon, and my heart breaks to think of it. I'll notice Randy looking at her, and then he'll look at me, and I'll say, "Stop. Just don't even..." as if not saying it will keep it from happening. I tell Dr. White that she will live forever, and he always smiles gently and says "Cinnamon is such a good girl."

That she is.

And if a silly Carpeted Telescoping Ramp for the van will help us take her along for one more Spring Break trip to the beach, then she will go.

For as many more trips as our Good Girl has left in her.

1 comment:

Kari said...

I'm sorry to hear about Cinnamon's hips! My childhood dog (Tooie) was 14 when my parents had to put her to sleep...she was blind in both eyes and after a lot of fire ant bites (they had a mound under her dog house) it was decided it just wasn’t a good life for her anymore...So I know where you are coming from with that...I hope Cinnamon has a lot more time with you guys and I know she will bring yall much more joy!!
And I love the ramp!! Might have to get Wicket one of those...not because he needs it (he's only 3) but because he is to chicken and lazy to jump up into the car!! Enjoy Spring Break!!!!