Let me tell you about Mooch.

Mooch is such a sweetie. :D

I can relate to your story. My dog Barney lived to be 18 years old, but my mom adopted him on the day he was supposed to be put down. That was in 1976!!! :eek:
When he died I was 12 years old, which means he was part of my family 6 years before I was. Barney got diagnosed with diabetes when he was about 12. My mom had to give him insulin shots everyday and check his blood sugar. There were times I'd come home and he'd be shaking because of an overdose. (it's especially hard to control a dog’s blood sugar because they can't tell you how they are feeling) Anyway, we used to ask ourselves if we were doing right by him, but we KNEW we were. You are absolutely doing right by Mooch. You'll know when it's her time, but it doesn't seem like now is. Whenever it is her time you will know that you gave her a long happy life and that should make you smile.

Your life with Mooch is so moving, tears came to my eyes.
I congratulate you for helping this little, sweet baby, and I congratulate her for returning the love and care and dedication you gave her.

I wish both of you the best and the better.

Rosana
and
Rex, GSD 3y

Mooch is a beautiful dog. And so are you for taking such good care of her. It's rare to find a person to do as much for an animal as you have done for Mooch.

Mooch will be fine with her lack of vision. She will let her nose and ears guide her. Like a child, she needs to learn to find her way on her own. It might be better to lead her outside to potty instead of carrying her.

My dog, Bear, lost both eyes a couple of years ago. He's now 13. He has learned to rely on sound, vibrations and smells to get around the house and yard. He goes through two doggy doors and down four steps to get to the yard. I've taught him several words--turn right, careful, step up, wait, right, left, easy--to help when we go away from home. Occasionally he will get lost in the yard, but he finds his way back in eventually.

I know you will be there for her when she tells you it's time. I hope it doesn't happen for a looooooooong time!

Mary

P.S.
To My Peanuts
Bear is also diabetic. He gets the same amount and kind of prescription dog food twice a day and insulin shots twice a day. He has had NO overdose problems in over three years, and I don't test him at all. One he was regulated by the vet, he was just a normal dog again. The secret is no diet change, no ordinary treats, and shots on time every day.

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Originally posted by mruffruff

P.S.
To My Peanuts
Bear is also diabetic. He gets the same amount and kind of prescription dog food twice a day and insulin shots twice a day. He has had NO overdose problems in over three years, and I don't test him at all. One he was regulated by the vet, he was just a normal dog again. The secret is no diet change, no ordinary treats, and shots on time every day.

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Barney was on a similar regimen. Diabetes is funny that way; it can act completely different from patient to patient. You never know what can change blood sugar readings. Things like stress and weather also come into play. We used to test Barney at least once a day and monitor his insulin very closely. You are VERY lucky Bear is regulated if you never test his blood sugar.

Quote:

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Originally posted by mruffruff
Mooch will be fine with her lack of vision. She will let her nose and ears guide her. Like a child, she needs to learn to find her way on her own. It might be better to lead her outside to potty instead of carrying her.

My dog, Bear, lost both eyes a couple of years ago. He's now 13. He has learned to rely on sound, vibrations and smells to get around the house and yard. He goes through two doggy doors and down four steps to get to the yard. I've taught him several words--turn right, careful, step up, wait, right, left, easy--to help when we go away from home. Occasionally he will get lost in the yard, but he finds his way back in eventually.

I know you will be there for her when she tells you it's time. I hope it doesn't happen for a looooooooong time!

Mary

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Thank you for your avice and help. I carry her outside because our house is built up and she have to walk down 6 steps to get to the yard. I worried that she couldn't do that and she would fall off the steps. But now reading about your Bear and the four steps, I'll give it a try. This is going to be hard, I'm a over protective mother. :D

I have started teaching her some words, Like "up" when I go to pick her up, so she doesn't get scared. I make this sound of sorts, hard to explain, when she starting to walk into things, so she stops. I was going to just say "no" but didn't want to confuse her for those times I need to say no to something else. When she heads the right way, she gets a "good Girl". the hardest part is when she first wakes up in the norming, she never sure were she's at, so I'm trying to find a starting place for her so she can figure things out. It's not going to well right now.

Thank you for your story about Bear, it gives me that big ray of hope for Mooch. Old dogs can learn new tricks and in time, maybe this will be normal for Mooch and us.

Thank you to everyone for your support.

My heart breaks for you because I know exactly how you feel. I can't imagine my life without Duke. I think you're doing fine with her as long as she's not in pain and can still eat well and all. And I'm sure she still feels love and joy when you hold her. You'll know when the time is right if she doesn't leave this world in her sleep. I'm praying that's what Duke will do because I don't think I could bear to take that trip to the vet. Looking forward to meeting you this weekend! We'll have to get lots and lots of pics.

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Originally posted by dukedogsmom
My heart breaks for you because I know exactly how you feel. I can't imagine my life without Duke. I think you're doing fine with her as long as she's not in pain and can still eat well and all. And I'm sure she still feels love and joy when you hold her. You'll know when the time is right if she doesn't leave this world in her sleep. I'm praying that's what Duke will do because I don't think I could bear to take that trip to the vet. Looking forward to meeting you this weekend! We'll have to get lots and lots of pics.

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Thank you,
That trip to the vet is never a easy trip to take. My one thanksful thought is, I don't have to do it yet and two that I have a wonderful vet that comes here, if it has to be done. I'm set on any of my babies being home were they feel safe and loved on their last day. Never in a cold office.

Look forward to meeting you also this weekend. I've decided not to bring Mooch, with all this going on, so the husband is staying home to care for her. But Brandy and I will be there, camera in hand. :D Just no pictures of me, I don't want to break anyone's camera. LOL See you Sat.

Thank you for sharing this lovely story and lovely Mooch with us!!

Give her kisses from my two and me.