What worked for me was taking my Basenji for a short walk along the road that I live on every hour until she went. After just a couple of days it made a big difference and after that I increased it to 2 hourly, 3 hourly and so on. I think it worked because she became used to going outside and it felt less familiar going inside. Going outside and waiting for her to perform with her getting stressed, wanting to go back inside and not understanding what I was asking didn't get us anywhere and this was much quicker and long lasting. Now she goes for 2 decent walks per day (morning and night) and usually asks to go into the garden once in between (she is 18 months old). My Basenji was a puppy so if you decide to try this you may not want to start at hourly. The other benefit of this is that she doesn't tend to want to poo in the garden unless she has an upset stomach.
Pee pee and more pee
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My "hat" is off to you…. there is nothing worse the dealing with a sick dog that you know in your heart of hearts that there will come a time that you will have to let him go sooner then his time would be without a terrible affliction like Fanconi.... I am sure you will know when... and he will cross the Rainbow Bridge and be healthly and happy ..... and thank you for the time you gave him and all the love....
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Like Pat, my hat is off to you as well. I know I'm extremely fortunate with Stormie at this point. I can't imagine when the time comes that I have to make a desicion like you're faced with. You and Rocky are both in my thoughts….
Hugs,
Lorraine -
In the middle of the night it's pretty hard to take. My female used to pee on our bed if we left the room in the morning before walking her (she pretended she was fast asleep under the blankets). Very upsetting, especially on a Sunday morning when we were planning to lie around in bed for a while.
When my first basenji, Pasco, had diabetes, I didn't realize it at first and actually thought he was being spiteful sometimes because he wasn't sure that he liked a new man moving in the house (well, that was partly possible, too). I felt terrible when I realized that he was sick and all I thought was that he was being vindictive.
He was such a great dog. Taught us a lot about basenjis. My son's friends loved him, partly because he was just so…Pasco. When he died, one of my son's friends sent the news out to all of Michael's friends via email - simply said "Pasco died." No more was necessary.
I'm so sorry to hear that Rocky is not doing well. I know what it's like to love and care for a sick dog and how much you're will to deal with because you love him. My vet gave the same "quality of life" advice, which seemed fair to me at the time. They give so much to us. My best to you and Rocky.
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To everyone who's been sending well-wishes and thoughts our way, a quick little sad update.
Rocky's disks between his spine have started calcifying. I camehome Monday night to him screaming in pain everytime he moved his neck. Rushed him to the doctor and after a series of x-rays, they found the calcified disks. Short of puting him on a heavy dose of steroids to combat the pain (which is not an option due to his kidneys and "starvation" mode when on any kind of pill), there is nothing we can do.
He screams whenever he moves… we gave him a pain shot that should last 24-48 hours and today he is acting a little less sore and screaming less... but this is no way for my boy to live.
He'll be put down Saturday morning. I don't want to do this but I have no choice. I can't let my boy live in pain just because I'm afraid to let him go. He's told me it's time... I just can't imagine my life without him.
Thanks again everyone.
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I am so sorry to hear it is time to say goodbye to him. All our prayers with you at this time.
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I am sorry to hear that Rocky has had yet another tragedy strike. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
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Really sorry for Rocky and yourself to go through all that! You and Rocky will be in my thoughts!
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I'm very sorry you are having to say goodbye to your beloved pet. I will definitely keep you in my thoughts as you both cope and say your goodbyes.
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I'm so sorry.
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I'm so sorry to hear the time has come for you to say to goodbye. I will be thinking of you both.
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You are doing what is right for Rocky, soon he will be free and without pain over the rainbow bridge… hugs...
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You are doing what is right for Rocky, soon he will be free and without pain over the rainbow bridge… hugs...
Our prayers are with you in this sad time.
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Hang in there and know that you are doing the right thing for Rocky. I'm so sorry.
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I'm so sorry you have to say goodbye to your friend. I really feel you are doing the right thing for Rocky. I put my baby girl to sleep just a month ago.. It was the hardest thing I ever did..
You are both in my thoughts.
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I'm so sorry for your loss.
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So Sorry to hear this.
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wow. It's so hard to know what to say because words certainly don't heal the heart. I'm sorry for the pain and suffering you are both enduring, and wish you strength on Saturday as you send Rocky across the bridge.
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Prayers to you during this difficult time.
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You are doing the right thing for Rocky by letting him go on Sat. You are right, he is letting you know it is time. I am so sorry for you, it will be difficult but letting go sometimes is part of loving something. You have been strong, and so has Rocky. You have given Rocky a good life, and now you have to stop the pain, it is right.
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Rocky departed from this world today at 5:00 p.m. He screamed in his sleep the past two days… I couldn't prolong his suffering, nor mine watching him fade.
Today was a good day. He was upbeat and the weather nice enough to take a long, long walk. And then we said good-bye.
I will always love you, Big Dog. We will meet again.
