Ultimately, increasing Buddy’s diet was futile. He just didn’t want to eat. Even smearing peanut butter on things didn’t work and the night time routine of a carrot at bed time, which both Honey and Buddy loved, was also ignored.
After another E.coli infection, we reaffirmed our stance with the vet of doing what we could until they told us otherwise.
His weight loss was obvious and exercise was near impossible. His appetite was gone and keeping some definition about him was becoming difficult but after 2 weeks’ worth of antibiotics, he returned to somewhere near his old self.
It was all starting to take its toll on Buddy though and with his weight loss came a distinct lack of energy and routine tasks were becoming arduous. Going outside to the toilet was too great and accidents were now happening inside regularly.
This itself was no problem for us though as I was prepared to carry him, but we realised that while we had always said Buddy was a happy dog, smiling at will, suddenly we couldn’t remember when we last saw that happy face.
I’m sorry to hear Buddy has been having a rough time with all the infections and weight loss.
It saddens me to read that he hasn’t been his usual happy self and you can’t remember the last time you saw his “happy face”.
I’ll be sending Buddy positive thoughts that he gets to feeling better soon.
Sahana and her Angel Leland
Ohhhhh arriving at that point is so difficult. I know those feelings and it just breaks your heart. But when you can look at life through your dog’s eyes and then ask yourself “What’s best for him?” that’s when you know you’ve been a good student and were paying attention.
{{{{{hugs}}}}}
Buddy had been through so much, but you were there to always pick him up……what a true loving bond you shared with him…. I remember all too well about that beautiful, sweet, loving Lab smile that seemed to disappear….I truly understand what you were feeling……
Love,
Bonnie & Angel Polly