Ladywolf Is Failing, How do you make THE decision? Options

[ladywolf]

No, this is not a new topic, but it's a new phase of the process, and I thought I would start a new thread about Ladywolf and me. (See "How to Savor the Time with a Dying Pet.)

All of her legs are giving out on her now, and I may have just taken her for her last woodsy ramble. She simply can't keep up even on a very short walk anymore--she lies down to rest, and today I had to leave my friend with her and walk back to get the car, which I then had to navigate over a very rough stretch of mountain dirt road--but not very far, because we simply hadn't gotten very far before Lady called it quits.

Just now, she fell going up a friend's three or four stairs. I can't lift her--she weighs almost as much as I do--though I can help her to stabilize when trying to get in and out of the car, for example, or climbing that short staircase. She's a real trooper, but it's obvious that she's in a lot of pain from the cancer now. However, when she's lying around, she's still very perky and fresh and alert, and her appetite for home cookin' continues to be great. Lying down or sitting up, she seems like the same old Wolf. It's just when she tries to get to her feet...

I'm not really writing just yet to pose the question in my title, because I can't handle talking about it today. I could just use some more support, because obviously we can't continue like this indefinitely--something will have to be done, at some point...

I feel oddly unemotional about it all today, but god knows I have been having lots of those moments over the course of these past few months, since the cancer was diagnosed. She's fourteen or fifteen, and the most magnificent creature you've ever seen--about 80 or 90% pure Alaskan Grey Timberwolf. She is the most intelligent, sensitive, loving, funny, intuitive creature I have ever had the incredible grace to have in my life. I'm trying to remember that.

I don't have the money right now to choose to have her euthanized, I really don't. But a wealthy friend who's paid some of her other bills might pay for it for me, since it would be the last time I asked her for help.

I gotta' stop writing about it right now. I could just use some more support.

Thanks, everyone.

Big Hugs--Margi and Ladywolf

[moon_beam]

Hi, Margi, I'm finally being able to get caught up on posts, and am SO O O O glad Jan was able to help you with your pictures. They are F A B U L O U S!!!! I am so o o o glad Ladywolf is doing better on her increased pain meds. Sometimes that's all it takes - - as long as the pain is managed that does provide a continued good quality of life. And I hope this continues for many many many many . . . . . more months to come.

I agree with you that wolves are very much maligned, and it just makes me heart sick to know what has happened to them here in the States. Thank goodness for the National Wildlife Federation and other similar groups who are working to bring them back to our wilderness and preserve their rights to live. The same plight and fight for survival faces our wildlife cats as well.

Margi, it's always good hearing from you and getting caught up on your news. Please know you and Ladywolf are always close in my thoughts and prayers.

Peace and blessings,
moon_beam

[ladywolf]

Hi all-

Ladywolf had a bad, stumbly sort of day. I can't decide whether it's better to rest her or walk her a little on these kinds of days. Logic says rest, but her lifelong history says walk her a bit. It feels terrible not being able to take a real walk with her anymore. I feel the loss horribly. I have yet to leave her home while I go out for a walk, but I guess that that day is coming, any day now. I can't get fat and lazy just because Lady can't go hiking anymore!

I'm rambling--it was just a hard day.

Margi and the Wolf

[CharliesMom]

Ladywolf had a bad, stumbly sort of day. I can't decide whether it's better to rest her or walk her a little on these kinds of days. Logic says rest, but her lifelong history says walk her a bit. It feels terrible not being able to take a real walk with her anymore. I feel the loss horribly. I have yet to leave her home while I go out for a walk, but I guess that that day is coming, any day now. I can't get fat and lazy just because Lady can't go hiking anymore!

I'm rambling--it was just a hard day.

Margi and the Wolf

Margi, I'm so sorry. I had those kind of up and down days with Charlie too. One day I'd be rejoicing because he had a little more energy and had even eaten a bit without throwing up. The next he'd be so weak he could barely walk and I'd feel my stomach twist into knots. Those are the times when you wish they could talk so they could tell you how they're really feeling and maybe give you some advice about what the heck to do. It's such a helpless feeling. I'll be sending you lots of positive energy. Take care.

Barbara

[ladywolf]

Margi, I'm so sorry. I had those kind of up and down days with Charlie too. One day I'd be rejoicing because he had a little more energy and had even eaten a bit without throwing up. The next he'd be so weak he could barely walk and I'd feel my stomach twist into knots. Those are the times when you wish they could talk so they could tell you how they're really feeling and maybe give you some advice about what the heck to do. It's such a helpless feeling. I'll be sending you lots of positive energy. Take care.

Barbara

Thanks, Barbara, I really appreciate it. Her stumblyness today colored my whole day--I couldn't do ANYTHING right!

So sorry about Charlie too.

Hugs--Margi and the Wolf