It's with a very sad heart that I tell you about Bentley's current condition. As many of you know,
two years ago he lost his sight. I took took him up to the Veterinary School up at
A&M University to speak with an ophthalmologist. Between the two of us we decided that
given Bentley's advanced age, it was safer not to perform any corrective eye surgery. She also
assured me that he would adapt quite well and that we should just carry on as usual.
She was right about his vision. He has coped quite well. Recently, however, he
has been losing his hearing which makes is tougher for him, but we are doing
what we can to manage that as well. The latest development is his sense of
confusion. Out in the backyard, he walks in circles as if he doesn't know where
he is. He doesn't always know me or his Daddy either. My own Daddy
developed Alzheimer's in his later years, and Bentley is now much the same.
He's not in any pain. He still eats his dinner with delight. He knows when
he needs to go outside, which is more frequently now. Some days he will
want to cuddle as much as always, other days not so much.
Bentley will be 14 on his next birthday which is this December 21st.
I just can't believe that it's been 14 years of such joy having him
with us. As you know, David and I never had children, so Bentley is
our baby. He's always been so much fun, so loving and sweet with
everyone. He's such a huge part of our lives.
I don't know how the end will come, but I know it is coming much
sooner that I want. I am hoping that he will just go to sleep at home.
Of course, if he is too miserable that may not be an option. David and
I are committed to keep him as comfortable and as happy as we
possibly can for as long as we can. We both know how this goes. We have
lost two others and know that we will be totally miserable. I suppose that
is a big part of the reason I want to make such a big production out of
Christmas this year. Bentley is my Christmas puppy. My dearest little
love. I want everything around him to be continued in love and joy
and great happiness because he deserves it.
Big Texas Hugs,
Susan and Bentley
