SAYING GOODBYE TO JOEY, PART 1

 

For those of you who you read this blog (it's been a while since I last posted) you are most likely a cherished family member or adored friend to me and/or Jason and Eliza.  So it also probably means you are very familiar with our dogs, Daisy, Joey and Deuce.  Whether you know them well or not you most certainly know how much we love all three of them and how much a part of our family they are.  So it is now fair to say that it wouldn't be a surprise to anyone who knows us just how devastating it is to say goodbye to any one of them.

Joey (who turned 13 in December) has been struggling with myelopathy since last fall.  One rear leg started to drag but he was able to get around quite well.  Around Christmas he started to walk on his knuckles on his bad back leg almost all of the time.  He soon wore his fur and nails down but never really seemed to be in pain.  A few weeks back we noticed his other back leg was now dragging more than occasionally and his ability to get around was now much more of a struggle.  Over the last couple of weeks we have been moving him about from spot to spot by carrying him or using a sling specifically designed for dogs with myelopathy.  We knew our time with him was growing short but we were hopeful we still had plenty of time to enjoy with him.  The degeneration seemed to come on very slowly last fall and only gradually hamper his ability to get around.  However now it seems as if his body has shifted into a new gear, a much faster gear.  Before this new gear set in Jason and I both agreed he still had a pretty nice life, he was eating well and in general was still the same old Joey we knew and loved so the slight inconvenience of catering to him was really no big deal.  But this last week it has been especially difficult to watch him struggle to get up from his pillow or hold himself up, things he was able to do just last week.  As heartbreaking as it is we have decided it is time to help Joey end his journey with dignity and love.

The reason I am posting this is pretty simple.  I love Joey.  Many of you care for and adore him as well.  This moment in our journey together is too special and personal to post on Facebook and honestly, too painful to put out there for people who don't know us or Joey to comment about.  I also thought it would be therapeutic for me, too, and for those of you who are finding it hard to say goodbye to Joey I wanted to share this with you, as well.  I am going to try and post everyday this next week.  We have scheduled June 1st as our final day with Joey.  We are spending the next few days loving him, spoiling him (hence the trip to the store for steaks, pork chops, bacon, sausage and frozen peas) and giving him comfort and care.  If you would like to join us on this part of our journey, learn how I came to love Joey and reminisce with us about how great a dog Joey is,  please check back often.  We thank you for your thoughts and kindness during this difficult time.

We send our love to each and every one of you.  And if you have a special dog in your life...give them the biggest hug you've got in you.  They will repay it tenfold.  It's what dogs do.

Patty, Jason and Eliza
Daisy, Joey and Deuce (and Otter, too)