On Friday night I caught the last plane out of Johannesburg and flew to Durban for a very last minute visit. I had been intending to stay in Joburg for the long weekend, but this change was prompted by my mom who phoned me during the week and told my Milty was doing really badly and that I should make a plan to come visit.
Just over a year ago Milton starting tripping and falling over a lot. At first it was gradual, but over the course of last year he got progressively worse. At first he was on a cortisone treatment which made him really unhappy, and after that acupuncture, which he has continued. Nothing has helped though, and over the past 4 months he has completely stopped being able to walk. The muscles in his back legs have atrophied to such a extent that he needs help with everything, including going to relieve himself. Looking after him has placed a huge strain on my mom, and it is becoming very difficult to manage. She has constant back pain trying to help a dog that weighs 25 kgs to go outside and he needs to be washed all the time because he has trouble controlling his bodily functions.
It was really hard seeing him this way over the weekend. Boxers are meant to run and jump and play, not lie on the floor day-in and day-out because they can’t walk. The most horrible sight was seeing him get all excited when we took his back harness out so we could take him to the beach on Sunday afternoon; he started crawling on the floor, dragging his back half. I’m not sure how much longer he’ll be around, and I’m dreading the day we have to make that call. I don’t want to write about what an amazing dog he’s been – all dogs are amazing. I also don’t want to sound crazy, going on about my dog, but the fact of the matter is that he has been a part of my life for longer than most of my friendships, and certainly all of my relationships put together. I’m so grateful to my mom and my sister for everything they are doing for him, seeing that I am all the way over here; but in a horrible selfish way I am also relieved I don’t have to see him like that every day.
Anyway, I don’t want this to sound like some sort of weird eulogy to my dog (who at least for now is still alive) so I will stop writing now. It really sucks when pets get old – there just isn’t a more eloquent way to say this. If your dog is anywhere near you, give him or her a hug.
lightness of being 
You don’t sound crazy and there’s nothing wrong with saying your dog is amazing. I’m very sorry — I’ve been where you are and it’s a very sad place to be. I’m glad you got to spend time with him on the beach this weekend though 🙂
PS: He is a very handsome boy.
Thanks Heather, he is isn’t he. I always think he looks like he is smiling.
Let him go – set him free
http://mrbaggins1.livejournal.com/tag/baggins
Absolutely nothing wrong with this post. It’s so sad when this sort of thing happens. In my opinion dogs are better then most humans…
Thaks Chicara
Sorry to hear about Milton! You just made me cry – and I’m at work! I will HUG my dog when I go home for a quick lunch!
thank you and sorry for making you cry
It makes us human – I am counting the minutes to lunch, so I can give Stitch a big hug! we send our love to Milton and you!
aw, that is so sweet, thank you so so much. You are very lucky
These are really beautiful pictures of your sweet old guy. Sorry there’s such a big hole in your heart….
elisa
thank you Elisa
So touching. This brought tears to my eyes as I understand how close one can get to a dog. Such beautiful pictures. I had to part with a canine a few years ago that I was deeply attached to. I still miss him and dream of him. It’s a difficult thing and the loss is real. Sending thoughts of comfort your way.
Bindy
thank you, it really hurts when I think about it, but I don’t want to see him living like this either
Oh – we are going through the same thing!
I’m sorry to hear that. It is the worst thing.
I am so sorry! He is such a handsome guy!
Thank you, he is the cutest isnt he? I’ve always thought he still looks a bit of a puppy
Hugs! Treasure the happy memory. This is not a weird post at all.
Thank you Lisa, I really appreciate it.
Beautiful photos and a touching post, thanks for sharing.
thank you for taking the time to read it