BarneyMacRosie

It is with great sadness that we let you know that our dear Rosie Posie was put to sleep today Tuesday 17 April 2007. Of all the dogs from the pound who we have fostered, Rosie was the only one who we decided to keep permanently. And I think that says a lot about Rosie and what she meant to us. We adopted her at aged 11, expecting to give her two or three good years, and yet she has had five wonderful extra years with us so we feel happy about that. She enjoyed her trips to the coast – her namesake town of Rosedale – and a peaceful pottering life with us and the two boy dogs who doted on her also. Over the last year, she has gradually gone down hill and those of you who know us and Rosie, or who are simply dog lovers, will know how hard this is for us, and how much we will miss her. But we are thankful for every day we had with her. And we wish her peace and lots of rest for ever more. Love you Rosie Katie and Phil

So sorry about Shadow Paula Katie

Aww - miss Jenny was one of my all-time favourites. Good on you Rozzie for making her last couple of years comfy and loving. K

We took Rosie back to the Vet on Saturday as she hasn't been doing very well. Over the last four weeks, she has lost weight, seemingly gone blind, and not interested in doing very much. Also walking aimlessly and in circles a bit. We also took her off the thyroid pills because these seemed to be making her worse. Anyway, we pretty much started grieving and resigning ourselves that we have to let her go when the time is right. The Vet said there wasn't much that could be done for her - that she couldn't afford to lose any more weight and that she might even have something wrong with her brain - possible brain tumor - not just dementia, and that this would cause her to walk in circles, lose sight so quickly, and not be able to eat. She was doing a weird thing where she would seem semi-interested in food like roast chicken and start to lick it, but not be able to chew or swallow it. I didn't want to force feed her because this would distress her very much. Anyway, Vet said there was one more thing we could try and that was to give her Cortisone (steroids), which might give her a few more weeks, or even months. So she started taking the Cortisone on Saturday, and honestly by today she is a different dog. She is eating well, appears to be able to see again (?), and is full of life. I am so pleased we didn't give up on her. I know she will get worse again, and her time to go to the Bridge will still come, but for now, I am just enjoying seeing her being 'Rosie' again. She is lying happily now where the sun comes through the window. Katie

Rosie won't eat from my hand either

And with friends...

P.S We did get to the beach and she enjoyed her little wanders on the sand. He she is pottering behind Barney being a boof-head in the hole he dug for himself...

Thanks for all your comments. It is good to know we are not alone. In the last week, Rosie's biggest problem has been lack of appetite. We just can't get her to eat enough. She will have about a tablespoon full but not enough. We have tried roast chicken, cat food, and even black pudding, heated up in the microwave etc - all of which she has a little taste but then no longer interested. We haven't tried puppy milk but will give that a go too. The decrease in appetite seemed to co-incide with the thyroid medication, so she has been taken off the pills and the Vet is going to re-examine her tomorrow for possible other underlying conditions made more prominent by stimulating her metabolic rate, such as possible heart disease. The poor girl. She had cuddles in bed with me this morning lying on my chest like a little koala and she is just so sweet. But there is hardly anything to her now. She was only 4.5 kilos (underweight) and has dropped to a dreadful 3.6. I feel awful about that but don't know what we can do to get her to eat. Apart from that she seems happy - just pottering around and sleeping like she always does. Phil and I have discussed euthanasia, and of course we will make that decision when we have to, but the Vets are not advising that at present. But I am certainly not going to let herself starve. We will talk more with them about her tomorrow. Hugs to all the oldies - Katie

Thanks everyone Yes, that's all I can do I guess. It's so hard when they get like this, not that I've experienced it before, but I know a lot of others have. We are going to the beach soon, so I hope she shows signs of still enjoying that because she normally loves it. K

Rosie has progressive cognitive dysfunction / senile dementia which appears to be getting much worse. She had a bad night last night and I am very worried about her. She has been on the drug Fitergol before with not much improvement, so the Vet has recommended trying the Hills BD (brain diet) food. I am realistic to know that she is not getting 'better', but any improvement would be good to get the most quality out of the rest of her life as possible. Has anyone had experience with senile dementia and/or the BD food and if so, - did the food make an improvement? - how did you decide when was the 'right time' that your dog was ready to go to the Rainbow Bridge? Or do you think I will just 'know' (as I did with my previous dog, 'Mosh')? thanks Katie

We're thinking of you both too.... Katie, Barney, Mac and Rosie

Hi BMP Nessie was one of the puppy farm dogs wasn't she? That, of course, is going to have a lot to do with it. The main thing I know about timid dogs is that it is best to ignore their timidity and not to re-inforce it by giving them attention for it. It's hard but I believe you just have to treat her like 'normal' and even be a bit 'tough' by just ignoring any silly shyness and leaving her be until she works it out that whatever is frightening her really isn't that scary after all. I am not sure whether medication would help, but perhaps you could consult a vet who also specialises in behavioural issues. She will improve, but she may never overcome it completely. One of my friends has a dog who was extremely fearful and gradually has improved over time. But, he still won't let me approach him for a pat or whatever - I have to wait for him to come up to me. But that is better than not allowing anyone to pat him at all. Interestingly, the best I have ever seen him was during the Canberra bushfires when he first got evacuated to my place, and then in turn when I had to evacuate - I didn't have time for any mucking about, so was quite direct with him about what I wanted from him and he did exactly what he was told and let me put a harness and lead on him for moving out and everything. He showed no fear during that situation I think because I treated him exactly like a brave dog, which he became. If Nessie is doing well at training one-on-one, then I don't think it matters whether she passed the test or not. Being shy may just be one of her 'things'. Dogs do strange things sometimes. Barney is afraid of the vaccuum cleaner. Mac only drinks the outside water. Rosie holds her paw up like it is 'sore' when visitors come. I think you may just have to let her be and see how she goes, while introducing her to as many non threatening social situations as possible. And try not to reward the behaviour by molly-coddling her when she does it. But worth consulting a specialist too, if you are really worried. What, exactly, does she do and is she scared of apart from strangers giving her food? Katie

Yay for Ollie :D

Hi Jodie Big to you and Ollie from me and my guys - Katie

Welcome home Ollie

I use the complete mix (with added meat) and love it. My dogs all lost weight on it, but they needed to I know two suppliers in Canberra. cheers Katie

Works for me. I haven't tried the chicken wings, but the chicken necks are good. The dogs liked the roo chunks also. K

I order multiples of the 1kg bags of raw mince to use with Vets All Natural complete mix. The bags are flat which makes them very easy to store and serve. Colette who runs the Canberra franchise is very nice and my dogs and I are very happy with it. I work from home, so can accept delivery which is good. cheers Katie