As a carer for my 88year old mother who can only sit in an armchair all day and not be able to move we decided that as we used to have a much loved dog it was a good idea to get a small one which would help to alleviate her boredom and constant thoughts of pain and to enable me to get out for three half hour walks a day up the local hills.
As a continuation of the previous post Millie finally ate her food after me worrying she was not eating.
Mum was made up with her but didn't like the way Millie kept jumping up on the furniture which was no big deal to me as I just kept picking her up and putting in her new bed which was all part of training.
Come 10:00pm mums diabetic blood sugars were raised significantly along with her blood pressure which all indicated she was getting stressed and at her age that's not good.
Plans were to put Millie in the kitchen with her bed but as soon as I shut the door she started whining and scratching at the door. After half an hour of trying without success I decided to put her bed in my bedroom as all she wanted was to be with company and not be left on her own. 1:45am Sunday Millie start to whine and sat up in her bed obviously just wanting reassurance so I gently petted her and she raised her paw for me to hold and licked my arm.After a couple of minutes she settled down and not a peep was heard until I got up and let her out into the garden at 7:00am.
Normally I check on mum before getting her breakfast but had decided that Millie had to have her walk first so out we went up the local hills for half an hour which she loved and what a beautiful morning it was.Getting back I let her go in the garden and watched as she tried to jump over the pond,yes you've guessed in she went.She scrambled out and looked very pleased with herself . I got the hose out and washed her down with no problem at all,how she loved being dried with a towel.
Went to see mum and she was very bad in bed, the excitement and stress had got to her which we had not expected at all.It was at this point that I decided mums health had to come first and that Millie would have to be returned to the rescue centre.I rang them up and they said it was ok to bring her back they would find room for her.Getting into the car park at the centre and opening the boot Millie knew where she was, she sat in the boot with her head lowered in despondancy as I took her name tag off.
I'm afraid I was just choked and very dewey eyed as I handed her back as I still am.I feel I have let a lovely animal down which I have never done but I know I have done the right thing as a carer.
Mum is still in bed (Tuesday) and hope that she will improve to get back in her chair.
So if I could make a plea to anybody who would like a 6 year old Beagle called Millie please contact
http://www.appledown.co.uk/ and enquire, I think she would love to live on a narrowboat with the freedom and constant company of a couple who would give her all the love she needs and would give back double the love shown.
She has no problem with children and takes no notice of other dogs and would make a great companion for someone.It is important to stress that she does not like being left alone due to her previous owners.So if you can help please do.
About Me
- Dave Winter
- At the moment I am caring full time for a family member and when the time comes I will be selling up and living on a narrowboat.I enjoy reading,especially about those living on narrowboats and their daily lives.The tug Nb Resolute in the above picture is NOT mine but is owned by Dave Moore and is something I would aspire to own one day although I am going to look at many boats before I make a decision on the style and interior.Tugs are looking good at the moment but have yet to look around one. My interest in narrowboats started some 47 years ago. As a lad I cycled from Luton to bridge 111 on the G.U.by the Globe to fish and watch the Morton and Clayton boats go by,full of coal with a family on board and always wondered how they kept their balance on the planks that ran above the coal and why the the dogs didnt jump in the canal.That fascination has stayed with me so when I am able I will be there on my narrowboat joining in the great community of boat owners. Find me on Twitter: http://twitter.com/brassiclint or listen to my music site.Use earphones or earplugs depending on your musical taste :) http://blip.fm/Dave_Winter
Oh, Dave.
ReplyDeleteHow I wish I could help.
One day, perhaps, when I have no cats, I will get a dog for company. I want to go off and travel around a bit and - you can take a dog with you - but not two cats!
One day, but not yet.
Don't get too upset, you did the right thing. Hard choices I know - but life I have found is never a
'Bed of Roses'.
Cheers......Bernard.
Hi Dave, I am a friend of Bernards with 2 dogs of my own, so I know how hard this must have been for you.
ReplyDeleteIt was better to make the decision sooner, rather than later, before she had a chance to really settle down and bond with you.
I used to volunteer at a rescue and I know that adoptions don't always work out and sometimes the dogs have to be returned.
My 2 dogs came from the rescue aged 3 years and 18 months, so were fairly well established in their homes, but being adaptable creatures, soon adjusted to being part of a new family. I'm sure Millie will be the same.
She sounds like a very sweet dog and I'm sure she will have no trouble finding another home where she will soon settle down.
Incidentally, my friend Anne has a "second hand" Beagle, who was problemtaic in her previous home. Anne sys they are independant, stubborn and yes- love water! Luckily, she is an experienced dog owner with no other demands, so she was able to persevere with her girl.
Don't be too hard on yourself and I hope Mum is feeling more relaxed now, without the extra worry.
All the best Kath