Bentley's Long Goodbye

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