Considering the little scare Rainie gave us last week only 2 days before her 14th birthday, I was so relieved and happy to say happy birthday to Raindog last Wednesday, January 11. She was diagnosed with old dog vestibular disease and when you don’t know what that is, it sure is scary to see it happening to your pet. She spent a day at the vet under the care of our wonderful doc and friend, Charlie Meynier, as well as his awesome staff at Vail Valley Animal Hospital. She is getting better every day with medication and support from all of us. I have her old climbing harness that we have used to help her with stability in walking in the snow and going the bathroom. Hopefully, she will make a full recovery in a matter of weeks. She wasn’t feeling too good on her actual birthday, but J, Megan, & Raina all came over to hang with Rainie.
The whole gang (meaning the people who know her best) celebrating Rainie’s 14th
Rainie is still hanging in there and while she obviously doesn’t run or climb peaks with us anymore, she is just the sweetest thing ever and my best friend (and first love 🙂 ). She enjoys her walks with us to the park and laying in the snow with her tennis ball. Honestly, I couldn’t imagine life without Rainie by my side, but a week ago Monday sure prepared me for life without her. Fortunately, we got another chance to spend precious time together for however long it lasts. Kristine and I had long talks about losing Rainie and agreed that we need to provide her with the most comfortable and loving environment possible and enjoy our time together to the max. While a week ago Monday was one of my most stressful, emotional, and sad days yet, I see it as maybe a learning experience to hopefully let go of Rainie a bit easier than when that day finally does come. Nevertheless, no matter what, she has lived an amazing life.
Raindog and her ball. Photo by Dianne Oelberger
Hiking to cut down our Christmas tree
Recovering from her vestibular disease
Kristine got this awesome 4wd Radio Flyer wagon for Rainie. She loves riding in it.
Feeling better 🙂
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Happy belated Rainie! Hope she’s made a full recovery by now. I identify with a lot of your thoughts. We have an almost 13 year old, been going through the expected decrease in what we can do together these days. These older years have made me super focused on enjoying every single day we get and making them the best I can for her.
Jennifer,
Thanks for the comment! Just saw this! Hope you and John are well. Rainie is doing pretty well for being 104 yo now 🙂 Just trying to spend as much time as possible with her and keep her comfortable and happy. Glad you are doing the same with your 13yo.