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
I'm sorry to read about what has been going on with your little Bentley. It is heart breaking when our sweet little dogs start declining with age.
ReplyDeleteOur little Fuzzy Pomeranian is 15. He is totally deaf now. He still has his vision, and sense of smell, but has severe arthritis, and occasional tracheal coughing problems In his mind he still thinks he can still do his Pomeranian spinning and leaping around, but sometimes now falls down when he does. I have unsuccessfully tried to stop him from spinning, but I think spinning just part of his little Pomeranian self. Sometimes he is so stiff, he can barely get out of his little doggie bed, but still gets up to escort me every time I go to the bathroom. He either stands outside of the door guarding in a bulldog pose, or comes in with me to be petted. Anytime I am cooking,cleaning, or doing anything in the house, he is right there with me, like a little shadow.
Time keeps moving on, so we have to spend as much of it as we can loving on and spoiling our faithful little loving companions.
Hugs to you and Bentley,
Susie D.
Oh dear, Im so sorry Susan and I understand all too well. It sounds like you have done everything possible for your little guy. Sending hugs and prayers to you as you prepare the best you can to see him through until his time comes.
ReplyDeleteSusan,
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry to hear that you are going through this...Bentley has enjoyed such a wonderful life that you have provided for him and I know he loves you with all his heart and is grateful. Sending hugs to all of you....It is almost 10 years since we said good bye to our Savanna and I have still not been able to think about getting another dog. We are thinking about making a decision about that in the Spring now that I am retired....
Hugs,
Deb
Oh it's just so hard. He will let you know when it's time or he'll just go to sleep. I miss my Yorkie. They just are so much a part of our lives. Hugs
ReplyDeleteOh, Susan, I'm so very sorry! I know how your heart hurts and how you love that sweet little Bentley. We went through the very same with our little Boston Terrier who lived to be 15. I just couldn't let her go and it was really cruel to her. I vowed never again to let that happen and when my Chloe Dawn died she just went to sleep. Thank you God. Susan, you're in my prayers.
ReplyDeleteThis is SO hard, Susan...we are in the same place with our Sophie. I am also praying that when it is her time, she goes peacefully in her sleep. They just have your heart. Sending love to you...xoxo
ReplyDeleteHugs and prayers my friend as you walk through this time in your life....
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry you are having heavy hearts. They are our fur babies and we love them so much. I hope when it is time for Bentley to say goodbye he will just go to sleep peacefully. My heart goes out to you. Sending you hugs and hopes for more time with your sweet Bentley.
ReplyDeleteKris
Such a sad time for you all - my heart goes out to you and I also will hope for a peaceful outcome for Bentley.
ReplyDeleteSusan, I'm so sorry that you are having to go through this. It is such a hard time for all. Sweet little Bentley has had such love in his life and he certainly knows that. He will let you know when his time is right and until then you will enjoy him every day. They are such sweet resilient little creatures and always give us the best..Take care and hugs to Bentley, Judy
ReplyDeleteSo sorry about Bentley. Enjoy the time you still have with him.
ReplyDeleteMarion
My heart is breaking with this sad news. My 13 year old yorkie, Dixie, is also blind and is coping at this point. I think so many of us have been through this heartwrenching time and my prayers are with you and little Bentley.
ReplyDeleteHugs and Kisses to you and Bentley. I lost my beloved Phoebe in July of 2018. She had a long battle with cancer-doctors gave her a year to live and she lived 5 years so I thank God for the extra 4 years over what the doctors predicted. I prayed a lot for her. I'm getting too old for this and although I would love another bundle to hug and spend time with, she was my last dog. I too never had children. I have 4 feral cat rescues in the house and I love each one but cats are very different than dogs. I'm just a dog person with no dogs but lots of cats.....there's 3 more rescues in the heated garage & one I can't pet that goes into the shed when it's cold. Just can't stand the thought of them freezing or starving.
ReplyDeleteOh Susan how I cried when I read this. It is almost as if you are writing about our dear Rudi who will be 17 on Dec. 9th. You and I are similar in that our dogs are so much more. They are our dear heart companions. How it grieves me that your precious Bentley is in his twilight. I do hope he will still enjoy his meals and be comfortable. You should indeed create a lovely Christmas.
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry.
ReplyDeleteOh Susan I am so sorry. Your post made me cry. My little dog is also have health issues and I fear that he will not be with us much longer. He is healthy except that is joints are gone and there are days he can't stand. I know how heartbreaking this time is for you. I will keep you, David and Bentley in my prayers.
ReplyDeleteSusan, I am praying that Bentley will have a peaceful passing when the time is right and you don't have to make the difficult decision on your own. Been there, done that with fur babies in the past and it isn't easy. Bentley is such a sweet boy and he has had a loving home with you.
ReplyDeleteSusan, you all are in my prayers, for God's sweet mercies and peace in such a hard time. He is a precious boy and I know you love him so very much. I've been through this several times and it's so hard to navigate. Sending a hug.
ReplyDeleteSad.
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Bentley is SO absolutely precious and if he's that sweet to all of us out here, I can just imagine how he is with you and your hubby! Being a Christmas boy, he's extra special. My cat Toby is also a Christmas boy since I found him just days prior in the snow as a kitten approx. 6 wks. trying to reach into the heated cat food bowl on our front stoop where the stray cats would eat. But when I saw how tiny he was and all alone in the snow, I knew he was one who had to be rescued or likely perish. He's been my Angel Boy as I call him, and now 16 an ailing. So I know how hard this is for you both. Let's hope and pray that our fur babies or Christmas boys remain with us a little longer to cherish every moment together for Christmas once again! XO
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