GREETINGS FROM SOUTH AFRICA!
MAXMOM here...
MAXMOM here...
Hello there to all my friends across the globe and especially to our new readers from Maxdog's blog!
WELCOME TO MAXMOM's BRIC-A-BRAC!
The sun is attempting to break through the misty clouds today. It will be a welcome reprieve from the general prevailing damp and sombre mood. There is nothing like a bit of sunshine to lift one's spirits! The pin-oak tree on our pavement is almost entirely yellow!...
Autumn colours are everywhere - a total contrast to our predominantly green garden.
Only the tips of the white-stinkwood tree have begun to change colour...
People here seem fixated on the weather, so I thought I'd show you a different kind of weather guage ...
Some trees insist on being the spokestree for their particular street...
Isn't it pretty?!
---xXx---
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Despite the transforming environment, my mind remains engulfed in Max's illness.
It's difficult to think about anything else.
It's not fun to be in this process, but we take each day for what it offers.
Maxdog is still pain-free (thankfully) and comfortable. Although he sleeps for most of the time and we battle to get him to eat, he perks up dramatically for his walks. On his evening 20 minute walk, he'll romp around without a care in the world, irrigating the neighbourhood and sniffing his favourite spots. He really loves his walk!
So whilst he is pain-free and enjoying his walks, on this his
87th day of Grace
we feel strongly that we should just let him be.
We need to stress that its not time to Euthanase yet!
We need to stress that its not time to Euthanase yet!
Although I understand that some of my readers feel differently,
I plead with you for your understanding and to trust our own decision in this matter.
Sending our love and strength to those owners who are battling with sick animals and are facing the difficult decision of WHEN to euthanase.
We can truly empathise..
With love
34 comments:
Hello Caryl & Max & gang - may you be blessed with more days together.
Thinking of you in Philadelphia, and sending hugs & licks to Max,
Nadine, Apples & Neeli
We truly believe Max will let you know what the steps will be...follow his lead and let him be just Max...
XxoooXxoo
Thank you for sharing the journey.
XXoooXXooXo
Your fall colors are just beautiful. We are sad to hear about Max but he still loves his walks. We trust in your love for Max to do what is best for him.
Woos - Phantom, Thunder, and Ciara
You will know when the time is right. God may have other plans, he may just take Maxdog quietly and peacefully in his sleep, then you won't have to make the decision of when.
I love the picture of the three dogs together, they are beautiful dogs.
Yes, we agree. When the time is right, you'll know without a doubt. In the meanwhile, savor the fact that Max lives completely in the present and relishes every second of those autumn walks. The family photo is wonderful!
Your pal,
Petey
I've heard that you just know when the time is right.
I've not had to cross that bridge yet, as my beloved Chumley passed suddenly 3+ years ago of a blood clot. (I rushed him to the emerg vet but there was nothing to be done to save him and he had to be pts, to my everlasting shock and grief).
To be honest, I dread facing the decision for my current three cats, and hope it's many years down the road, though of course life offers no guarantees.
Please know my thoughts and prayers are with you all (including Max, of course) and that I'm sending universal Blessings and Light.
Love seeing your green garden, while the foliage is so colorful on the streets! And that String Barometer is a riot! "A day at a time" is a wonderful adage to go by with Max (and all things, methinks!), but it's very hard. Very glad to hear he still enjoys his walks though - I know Max will let you know what to do.
Hugs xo
Sam, Oz and Ma
Max will let you know, you have to have faith in yourself and in him. The right time will be when he tells you it is.
As for the sleeping dog syndrome, I know, as Kira sleeps most of her days, she is usually only awake for an hour or two a day. The vet says she is in no pain, but the meds make her very sleepy. I was told by another vet to euthanize her several years ago, and we have had many happy fun times since then. Trust in your instincts and your heart will tell you what to do.
-Kira The BeaWootiful's Mom
I can't imagine someone suggesting such a thing...
No one knows Max like you and you will always do what is best for him.
Cherish each day.
Hugs to you all,
Kit
How I feel on the euthanasia subject is that as long as the animal still gets some enjoyment from each day, it's not time for the humans to put him down.
He will decide for himself. I would say more that if Max stops enjoying his walks and won't wag his tail anymore, you should think about it. But now....now is not the time, not yet.
I can't believe others are telling you that you should euthanize Max now. First of all, they haven't seen how he is doing. And second of all, it's really inappropriate for them to assume you aren't taking everything into consideration, that you don't know what you're doing.
I don't think that's okay. At all.
On a happier note, that string thermometer is hilarious....I've never seen one like it!
Love,
Heather and Ellie
Enjoy the autumn right along with Max. I know how you are feeling right now...it's consuming. But trust that Max will let you know if and when the time comes. One of my friend's dogs just crossed over to the rainbow bridge in her sleep. She never suffered. She enjoyed each and ever day as does Max. It's just a little different now that before but there's still beauty in his life. Afterall, you are right beside him all the way...
I so have to agree with you that while ever Max is pain free you can still enjoy time together.. No matter what anyone else thinks. You will know what is best for Max.. Enjoy your time together as it is surely a gift.. Hugs GJ xx
Everyone has said it so well, you will know as Max will tell you.
Enjoy the present, go with your heart.
God Bless you and your family
Hamish & Sophie's
Mom & Dad
Uhm, South Africans are fixated on the weather. Nope, you don't get to take that award - at least not yet☺ Try the US, especially those of us who live in the north! Holy moley! That's all we think about and talk about and wish about!
I love the string barometer!
As for euthanasia, my only wish is that you are able to discuss and share the decision with someone you love and trust. It sounds as if you definitely have that person in the shape of your husband. I say this because I have never felt lonelier than that awful night in February when I had to make a decision on behalf of Hamish and there was no-one else around. I tried to call my good friend and neighbour Kirsty, who is a vet and also someone whose good judgment I trust, but she was away that night.
Later, Kirsty did tell me there was nothing else I could have done, but I must say, contrary to what some of the other comments say, it was NOT my experience that I 'just knew'. I think that taking a decision to end a life of a creature you love is more difficult than that.
Sorry this probably isn't helpful, but it is from the heart.
By the way, if you look at Bertie's blog today, the 'other dog' featured, Bonnie, belongs to Kirsty, who you can catch a glimpse of sat on the step, besides her son, at the end of the video.
Best wishes and hugs to Max.
Gail.
I love your fall colors.
I've been this horrible thing and you do "just know." I think it's something God will speak to you about and give you His indescribable peace in.
Enjoy this time.
arf arf arf c has stacked mollies stone collection and he calls that his weather gauge loves and licks
oh maxmom please to just not woowy about what others feel you should do. its YOUR max and your max will paw at you the time he feels ish right.please to just take this most precious time that god is allowing you to have wiff the max and savor it and treasure it and no more woowies just love. . .
moments you will forever hold hear in your heart.
we ruff all of you and please to give healing sugars to max from ush
the pittie pack
OMG, I can't believe others might be suggesting that you should put Max down now! They can't see how he acts from day to day and how he is doing. I would be highly offended if someone said something like that to me.
I've had to put 2 dogs and a cat down. It's never easy. I do think you'll know when the time is right, you'll feel it in your heart. For now, just enjoy each extra day with him and treasure it always.
You will know when it is time, or Maxdog will let you know.
Dear Caryl,
What other people think does not matter – what matters is that you and Max have a special bond and when you look into his eyes you know how he really is and what he needs.
It is nice to read Max is still enjoying autumn walks, and we wish Max many more pain free days of grace surrounded by the love of his family.
Caryl, NO ONE should question your love, devotion and decisions concerning Max; I have no doubt Max has the best family in the world making informed, loving decisions for him...The photos are wonderful...Take care of yourself and listen to your heart, not other people's opinions...Blessings to all of you.
Well, tomorrow is the third anniversary of the day when I had to send my heart dog to the Bridge, so I can certainly understand! People kept telling me that I'd know when it was time for her to go, and I kept feeling that her spirit was fighting to be with me. That morning she looked at me, just that look, and I knew she was ready to go. It was the hardest thing I have ever had to do, and I've second guessed myself about it a million times, but my mind knows that I did right by her, and I've come to peace with it in my heart, even though I wished for a different outcome. She was just too young, too full of life and too wonderful to have had to go so early, but that doesn't change anything. I understand that you have to be able to be at peace with the decision, and all those people who told me that I would know when it was time were right! Sending big hugs to you!
There is no more personal, painful, and profound decision than the one you will have to face. None of us are there in your shoes, but the one thing I totally know is that you will make the right decision, at the right time, out of love and compassion for Max. Wish we could alleviate the pain in your heart.
I agree with our friends.
One day at a time and when the time comes... Max will tell you.
Take care
Kisses and hugs
Lorenza
Dear Maxmom
Do not worry. When the times comes when the Rainbow Bridge appears in the sky- I believe Max will lead you to it. He will tell you when he is ready. This is the way it should be. Forest animals go to the bridge when they are ready.
Sometimes we help them over the hurdles and jagged cliffs.
Let time take its course, let the leaves fall to the ground and swirl. Let Max stay by your side until he heads you toward the horizon
love
tweedles
Dear Max mom. I knew exactly how you are feeling now. My 18 years old Shih Tsu left me in last August. My soul went with him. I couldn't eat or sleep. Wakened up in the middle of the night thinking that he was still with me. Couldn't bear to buy the pork chop that I've beeb feeding him with over the years. Tears always fill my eye whenever I think of him. It's very painful just like loosing your own child ! He's been gone for 9 months now and I still misses him alot. God bless you and your family. God bless Max dog !
Happy 88th Day of Grace dear Max! (well, it is 5 May here) We feel so blessed to have another day with you.
No doubt that you look after the best interest of Max and we support your making the most out of each moment you have with him.
We are here for you and we will continue to be here always.
We also love the beautiful autumn colors. This is one season that we don't have here in the Philippines (Winter is another) and we could not help but fall in love with the radiant colors or red, orange and auburn leaves.
Thank you for all the positivity that you share with us here and in Maxdog's blog.
-Fudgie, Princess, Frappie, Mocha, Sugar, Wai-Pai, Wai-Max & the Piappies
Animals are in no hurry to leave, unless they are in terrible pain. Only you and Max have the right to make such a decision. We are glad you are having these days together
I can only repeat what others have. YOU know Max. YOU will know when the time comes. My wish for you would be the gift of Max sparing you the call and leaving for the bridge on his own. While neither is easy(losing a heart dog just is devastating) at least one is spared the decision. And I hope Max has many more days of grace with you.
You remain in our hearts and prayers.
Hugs
Jamie and the Texas Sundogs
(we did click on follow. we hope Max's blog has many more entries though )
I know you live in the most beautiful country in the world but I'd have to say that first photo has to rank amongst the most entertaining and warming photos on any blog - ever!
By the way we are now, more than ever, absolutely 100% convinced that his eyes will tell you everything you need to know. Don't be afraid - you will have a certainty to reassure and guide. We so understand how exhausting these up one day down the next protracted days of grace can be. After 10 years you'll be able to read the signs . You remain our guide through all of this.
Dear Caryl, I can also tell you with all assurity in my heart that you do know when it's time to let your beloved companion go. With the exception of 2 Goldens, (who left on their own during the night) we have known each time. And, as difficult as it was, we were with them as they left this life for the next--I wouldn't do it any other way, and would never allow anyone to tell me what my heart and my dog tell me...
Please know that just as I have said prayers for strength and comfort for Digby, I also continue to include your family and your precious Max.
Everyone always has different opinions and feels differently about things. However, in this time it is your choice and you know what to do. We know your love and bond with Maxdog - we all feel it and have it with our own fur friends. May you have many more days to share.
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