Thursday, July 22, 2010

Damn...

I took Lagniappe out for a walk tonight--just a short walk around the block to keep his hind legs exercised. We've done this walk a hundred times--it's only about a mile--and I swear that it wasn't so long ago that I was the one who might or might not make the whole trek back when I was just learning to walk again after losing my foot. Back then he capered along without a care in the world, motivating me and even pulling me up the hills. But lately he's been struggling a bit and I've been the one trying to motivate him. After all of the long walks and hikes we've taken together over the years, this one's never amounted to more than half an hour's pleasant diversion in the evening. Until tonight.

Lagniappe's hind legs gave out on him half way around and he collapsed. When I checked him closely, I saw that the tops of both feet had been ground down to raw flesh from dragging on the asphalt and gravel. My once tireless and invincible friend is now so far down the myleopathy trail that even this short walk is too much for him now. Thankfully a kind neighbor was willing to drive him (and me) back to the Lair. But there won't be any more evening walks together now. Those are over now, as of tonight.

It's progressing so fast and he's still so young. And there's nothing I can do for him.
It's not supposed to be like this.

19 comments:

  1. I can only echo...Damn. I am so sorry.

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  2. You have hard and bitter days ahead of you, for which you have my sincere sympathy. My best wishes to you both.

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  3. I'm so sorry. "Been there, done that" and it stinks.

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  4. Anonymous5:30 AM

    I'm so sorry to hear that.

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  5. So sorry to hear this.Hard times ahead. God gave us a best friend but a short time together. Ty is only 7 and healthy, but I know the time is comming. Don't know how I'll get through. Prayers for you both.

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  6. I've been through it twice, and damn, it hurts. But you're still glad they were in your life.

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  7. So hard. We'll be thinking of you both.

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  8. I am so sorry, man. I know exactly how hard this is. I've been through it and I know what you are feeling. Cherish the good memories and be there for your friends as he has always been there for you. I'll be having good thoughts for you both.

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  9. Tash and I are both sad to hear Lagniappe's not doing well and getting worse since we last talked.

    You've given him the best home he could ever have hoped for and loved and cared more for him than anyone else ever has, and you'll keep him in the comfort that he deserves as this sadly goes on.

    Both of you hang in there.

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  10. I'm so sorry... Thoughts and prayers for both of you.

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  11. This sucks green gookies.

    I'm sorry.

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  12. I was so sad to read this. You definitely have our sincere sympathies. If there is any assistance or support we can give, please let us know

    Katherine and Bruce

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  13. Oh, jeez. I'm so sorry. Damn.

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  14. Friends are family we choose. Dogs are family who choose us. You and Lagniappe will be in our thoughts and prayers. I understand all too well what you're going through. You're a good man and Lagniappe is in the best of hands. In the end, it's all any of us can ask for.

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  15. I'm so sorry for you.

    I lost my cat Quazo and all I can say is you do what you can to make them comfortable and loved. After that it's in God's hands.

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  16. Ugh..this breaks my heart to hear. Few things are so humbling as having a dog love us so fiercely and without reservation. I'm sorry for the sad days you have ahead of you. Thoughts and prayers go out to you and your faithful friend.

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