You know those really fun pictures that are shared sometimes … the little boy with the puppy.. accompanied by the next photo of the grown young man with the very same now-ancient dog?
Well let me tall ya, It ain’t so fun when it’s not just the dog who’s gotten OLD. BOY, what a difference 10 years makes. *sigh.
About dear Ben, our 11 year old Dane – according to the Vet, he’s ancient for a dog of his size. He used to be 190-ish on a chubby day, now around 150 with atrophy and a more careful diet. His heart is crapping out, but five pills a day are keeping it ticking for now. The hind end, though.. is what is betraying him mightily. We’ve built a ramp for him to use to get up into the house from the side porch steps and he spends more time sleeping than anything else. The vet assures us he’s not in pain, just extremely weak in the hind end due to some sort of failing nerve and muscle situation that is common in the large breed dogs in older age. He explained it well, but my half-assed hearing didn’t catch most of it and I didn’t want him to have to repeat himself.
PS… You can’t go into a bathroom up here in this old house without expecting you’ll have an audience when you come out, wondering what you were doing in there and why weren’t they invited?! This was the scene in front of the master bath after my shower this morning.
On occasion Ben looks like he’s ready to hang it up, and we all gather round with heavy hearts and tear streaked faces pondering what we should do next. And then he perks up again and we say… Not Today.
We take each day as it comes, and the vet says we’ll just know when it’s his time to leave us. So hard to watch them deteriorate, and then to lose these members of our family, well…most of you know the woe. The love and companionship they provide is immeasurable, and the heartache equally so. I can’t imagine my life without my animals in it, though, so it’s a price I’ll continue to pay for the bonds we share.
We’ve got a horse show in Massachusetts for the next four days – thankfully the weather won’t be GodAwful hot or freezing rain. In closing, here’s a drink recipe that looks particularly scrumptious that I plan to make on a cottage day this summer.
Coconut Cream and Lime Margarita
Ingredients
- Kosher salt, grated lime zest and sugar for rimming glass
- 2 lime wedges
- 2 oz. (60 ml) coconut cream or cream of coconut
- 1 1/2 oz (45 ml) blanco tequila
- 1 oz. (30 ml) fresh lime juice
- 1/2 oz. (15 ml) Cointreau
- 1/4 oz. (7 ml) simple syrup
Directions
1. On a small plate, combine equal parts salt, lime zest and sugar and spread in an even layer. Gently rub 1 of the lime wedges around the rim of a rocks glass. Holding the base of the glass, dip the rim into the salt mixture. Place in the refrigerator until ready to use.
2. Just before serving, fill the glass with ice. In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, combine the coconut cream, tequila, lime juice, Cointreau and simple syrup. Cover, shake vigorously and strain into the ice-filled glass. Garnish with the remaining lime wedge. Serves 1.
Oh, dear, the only thing my husband likes more than coconut is margaritas. This could be be big.
Best wishes to Ben. I would have a heart attack were we to meet, but even though I’m terrified of dogs I know how they are real family members for many people. End of life is a difficult patch for everybody around.
OH, then please make him this drink, and get back to me with the review 🙂
My heart was hurting reading about your big Ben; what a beautiful (and I’m sure) sweet soul. They do fill our hearts with so much love and it’s SO painful when they have to leave us. We lost our Boxer (Cocoa-13 years) earlier this year and I still feel a big hole in my heart.
I suppose a couple of those margaritas could help with the heartache?
Yes Let’s give it a try!..lol.. and I am sad for you in the loss of your dear Cocoa.
Hello,
Sending good wishes for sweet Ben. The drink sounds delicious. Wishing you a happy day!
HI Eileen – give it a try!
I’m sorry your boy is aging so. I said goodbye to two boys 3 months apart! It was torture!!!!all that to say I know where you are….. the decision making and missing!😩
Oh that had to be real hard 🙁 May you once again find love in a four legged friend
Ben is so beautiful and I see he has pals up on the bed behind him… and I like your steps up to the bed. it is so hard to lose them but to me they are worth every moment of their lives.
without a doubt 🙂 and p.s… those steps are for the littlest, Bailey.. who refuses to use them.
Your gentle Ben – I know how difficult it is seeing him like this. But, you are one of the best animal person’s I know, Karen.
Wouldn’t mind that drink about 15 minutes from now. 5 O’clock. 🙂
xoxo
Well I’ll be right over with the pitcher 🙂
Oh, and good luck to your girl the next four days. 🙂
xoxo
Oh dear, just hearing and seeing Ben is distressing as it is such a common site here with my Howie. We love them so, adore them so, need them so. Howie’s coat has changed, he takes longer and longer to stand and stretch, and sleeps almost round the clock but always by my side. Can your Ben still hear? I feel so bad when I startle my old guy, or see him looking for me as he didn’t realize I left the room we were in.
I am more distressed over losing him than I am with my own weird health.
Wish I could have one of those drinks right about now – Have a great show!
What a crappy hand, to have to worry about him right now as you’re trying to sort your own health out – and I am hoping you’ve gotten some decent answers and are perhaps starting to feel better? Here’s praying Howie sticks around for his Momma for a little while longer.
You’ve had a rough animal year. I hope Ben stays around comfortably, if slow, for a longer while. He’ll tell you when he’s ready to say goodbye. But what a fine companion and what love you’ve shared over the years. There’s nothing like animal devotion, is there? It’s its own special thing.
Thank you, Jeanie. If it comes to the point where he’s really uncomfortable, we won’t let him suffer. You are so right about it being a special thing. Can’t and won’t imagine life without it.
My heart goes out to you and Ben. I just lost my sweet Dale last month. I had him for 13 fabulous years. He came down with cancer and they said he had 2 weeks to live, but he proved them wrong by living another 2 good and happy years. Sending you and Ben a big hug!
I’m glad you got those additional two years – which is a big span of time in “dog” years!
It is sad to see our pals get older for sure. You will know when the time comes. Vet told me the same thing for my Tiger kitty and he was right. Just love him as best you can til then.
That drink looks wonderful!
I have been “pet less” for 7 months. I have had at least 1 animal in my life since I was 3. (I’m 58). My house is so empty , but I’m just not ready yet. Hugs to Ben
Cindi
You’ll know when you’ve found the right one to bring home. Thank you for the kind words.
My cat of 11 years has failing kidneys. Weekly fluids and meds won’t stop the inevitable March. Every morning he’s waking me at 2 am is a gift.
I would not change a single solitary moment.