I don't know what is going on.  We just went to see Dr. Pam before she went on vacation a couple of weeks ago.  I noticed a little bit of it then but it is becoming more obvious to me now.

Here is what I am seeing:  Sammy is sleeping more.  He is falling a lot more.  He doesn't want to hop very far.  He didn't want to eat his dinner the other night and only ate it after I sat with him.  I was rubbing his back the other day and he lifted his lips at me, almost like I was bothering him.  He doesn't want to go far out into the yard to go potty anymore.   He has within a few days just finished his antibiotics for a microscopic bladder infection.  He will get re-checked when Pam gets back.  If it isn't gone, we can't do metronomic chemo anymore for him.

Also he has lots of good moments, like tail wagging growling happy to get food moments, barking at the neighborhood dog moments, prance in circle moments.  Everytime he catches my eye he does a full throated growly "love ya" mom noise complete with tail thumping wags.  He does want to stay outside and watch the world go by.  He smiles with all his teeth still, head down, tail full throttle.

Pam had said that he would benefit from accupunture and we will do that, but it can't be for another couple of months.  I have tramadol I could give him, but I am not sure if it is pain, or if his front leg is giving out.

What should I be thinking?

Elizabeth and Sammy

I don't know if this holds true for dogs but last summer my mom did a sudden downhill decline.  Weak, confused, sleeping and not eating, the works.  It turned out to be a bladder infection.  I couldn't believe a bladder infection could cause that much trouble.  Once they got it cleared up, she improved immensely.  I was astonished.  So I would not wait until Pam gets back if you can help it.

I can't say if Sammy's behavior parallel's Tate's at the end or not, but he never declined pets and hugs.  Not at the end.

I do't know but Im hoping he feels better soon!

Hopefully it's the weather or his infection.

We will be cheering for him!

Do keep us posted!

Hope it is something easily fixed. We'll be sending out pawsitive thoughts to you and Sammy.

As others said, enjoy all the good moments. Savor them!
Jackie, Abby's mom

I too hope that our man Sammy is just having a bump in the road, but I also wouldn't wait to get him checked out. The peace of mind alone that answers bring cannot be overrated.

Sending our big old' lover boy, Sammy, some hugs from his Washington girls.

Micki and Rio

I think it helps (as always) to have people to bounce things off of.  I read and re-read everyone's posts, including mine.  I then called and got some financial stuff switched around and will be calling to get his acupuncture set up as soon as possible. 

I think maybe his infection is messing with him? Maybe his neck is still tweaked?  I think too he grew to love Gayle so much, we would read her blog to him and her stories, and he would sniff the fur she sent him, maybe he is missing his forever love too.  I cried hard the day I read about Gayle, I wasn't expecting to see that she had gone, and I know it affects him when I am sad.  He just knew somehow that his girl had gone to the bridge.  I didn't want to tell him, but I haven't been reading him anymore stories either.  He loves his family in Tenn, Charon, he sends his love your way.

Dr. Pam is the best vet I have ever met, she loves our Sammy and is completely knowledgeable in all things dog.  She is also very loved by Sammy.  I don't trust anyone else who doesn't know his circumstances, or I haven't dealt with them personally to take care of my most precious boy.  She will be back in 10 days, so we will wait (unless something awful happens.)

I just came home from buying replacement carpets.  There are many spots that Sammy falls because of our hardwood floors.  When he was going through chemo he had a few accidents and the runners were never replaced.   I am going to be covering as much of the hardwoods up as I can and if my husband says ANYTHING, I will refuse to make him dinner FOREVER.  Ha. take that! No more of your favorite spaghetti night MR.  He won't ever read this so no worries :)

Any who, thank you all who have chimed in, I am just so scared.  I don't want to watch my puppy die.  I can't handle it.  I have begged God to help me to keep him, to cure him.  He has done nothing to deserve this.  He is still so young to me, my lifetime little boy.  I wish I could fight this fight for him, to protect him.  I guess at this point I am just rambling.  I HATE CANCER. 

Elizabeth and Sammy

Elizabeth,

I hope this is just a bump in the road.  Sending lots of positive thoughts and prayers to Sammy!!! 

Hugs,

Ellen & Charley

Elizabeth,

Please know that you and Sammy are in my prayers.  You have been so kind and generous to us since I joined this site and I am sorry that you are going through a hard time.  Please keep us posted.

Lisa