Our poor old sweet Prince is having more and more health issues. At first it was his hearing. Then his eye sight. Next came a slipped disk, arthritis, teeth extractions, and sadly doggy alzheimers. A few months ago we took him into the vet, who is a total doggy lover and I trust, and she sat me down for the talk. She looked me in the eye and said "you know he has lived a long good life. He's fifteen for goodness sake, but his kidney functions are rapidly declining. At this point, you probably have a few months left. So embrace your precious moments with him." I wasn't too sad until I got into the car and processed this reality. Prince was one of my first children. And even though I know he has lived a long good life, it really broke my heart at the thought that his time on this earth with us was drawing to an end.
So Greg and I talked with the kids and explained to them why he was having all the accidents and what was going to happen. And that we should embrace our time with him and show him extra love and mercy in these next few months.
I hate to say it, but honestly it is no fun. There is not a day that goes by that I am not cleaning up after him several times. At this point he is restricted to our kitchen, because he likes to pee on the carpet, everywhere and if we let him outside he escapes through our fence posts and wonders off. He also barks constantly and at nothing. I am doing my best, but it is challenging. I keep telling myself this is a test to see how we will handle getting older ourselves. My kids on the other hand have little to no mercy. Grant it they don't have much of a bond with him, for he is not much of a kid dog. But I am afraid to see what lies ahead for Greg and I. I think the first moment we show any sign of old age they will quickly sign us off or put us out to pasture. Only when I remind them of our decreasing days with him do they cut him any slack. I pray daily for God to give us all the love and mercy towards our sweet Prince that he deserves. Sadly, this is a life lesson that we too will be old and have our issues someday and I hope and pray someone show us a little grace as well!
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