Alivia was recently diagnosed with Cushing's - Alivia has passed

Just Checking in to wish everyone a Happy New Year! I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas and that 2014 brings good things.

I also wanted to give you an update on my precious Alivia. Although she is not having any Cushing’s symptoms, I am sad to say that in my heart I sense that she is dying of natural causes. I know her so well and although I don't think it is eminent, she is exhibiting all the signs of a dog dying of old age. She sleeps a lot - most of the time, in fact. Her appetite has decreased. Sometimes she has no interest in food at all. Other times she will eat most, but never all, of her dish. She wants to be near me (the closer the better) at ALL times. She WILL be 16 in February. At times she seems confused. She scared me to death about a week ago. She got off of the couch where she had been sleeping and went under the end table and was trying to get behind the couch – a space of about 2 inches. I didn’t see her get there but I heard her toe nails scraping and slipping on the hardwood floor – like she was walking in place, head butting into the wall. She had never gone under there EVER. I had to pull her out. That was a REALLY bad night. She fell out of my bed twice, one time peeing on the floor where she landed and once she peed in the bed. She was disoriented and a bit agitated all night. It seemed like she had a mild stroke and I really thought that was the end. Thankfully, my little trooper rallied again and by the next day she was greatly improved!

She’s been having a hard time going up and down steps because of arthritis in her back, but she would never let me carry her. We have now reached an agreement. She comes down on her own, but waits for me to carry her up. ;) She no longer attempts to go down the deck steps when it is snowy and does her business on the deck, which is fine by me! Most importantly, she does not seem to be suffering or in any discomfort. She still will bark at every dog or animal she sees on television! Since her episode, I give her a tiny bit of Tramadol before bed each night. It seems to help her rest more soundly. She has her 6 month appointment with her specialist in 2 weeks. I almost hate to take her, but have to in order to get refills on her 2 routine meds (Amlodopine and compounded aspirin). I’m still debating whether I will even allow blood work. I just feel in my heart that it is best to not to stress her in anyway and to just love her and enjoy as much time with her as I can. I had knee surgery on December 2nd and have been off work since then. As hard as that was on me, it almost seems like a blessing in disguise as it has given me lots of snuggle time with my sweet Ali. Best medicine for both of us!! :D

Alivia's mother and sister both passed away at the age of 13, so I feel fortunate to have had her for this amount of time. I hope that when her time comes it will be on her own terms, hopefully while sleeping at my side. But, Ali has defied the odds MANY times, so who knows?! (Aren't you glad I only check in once in awhile since this post is so long???)

Happy 2014, all!

Hi Mary Beth:
Too bad about our Steelers losing out in such a bad way. I was glad to see your post, but sorry to hear Alivia is failing. There has been so much bad news on here lately it has become very hard to deal with. Every time someone elses baby succumbs to this dreadful disease it brings the mortality of your baby to the surface. Tipper has had many troubles lately and I am worried it will get to the point where I can no longer pull the rabbit out of the hat. I wish for this New Year that someone somewhere would find a cure for this dreadful disease that had torn apart so many lives. I hope Alivia rallies and goes on for both your sakes. I know how dear she is to you. I think it has been a blessing that you were able to stay home and spend time with her. God Bless you Both
Patti

Happy New Year Mary Beth and Alivia

It is good to hear from you but I'm sorry to hear that Alivia is having some old age problems. :( It is never easy to see them age so much faster than we do.
I'm glad that she has been with you for this long, 16 years is good and I hope that you will have much more time with her. I know that every moment will be a precious one.

hugs,
Sharlene and Molly Muffin

Patti,
"Failing" is a good way to put it. Alivia is failing. At this point, I really don't think it is Cushing's related. Which is good because I am not going crazy trying to fix her. But, it is bad because there is no fix for old age. Thanks for the kind words. Please give an extra hug to Tipper, our fellow JRT!!

Sharlene,
Thank you, too, for the kind words. So unfair that their lives are so short. I think it is because they come to us with perfectly pure souls and that NEVER changes. They don't need as much time on earth as we do to learn. They love us unconditionally. I love the saying that "I wish I was half the person my dog thinks I am". I will just continue to appreciate and enjoy my time with Ali and hope that the good days far outnumber the bad ones! :)

Dear Mary Beth,

It is always so good to hear from you, although this is a bittersweet report on sweet Alivia. You are so right -- we are the lucky ones to be allowed to share the lives of these precious souls.

Please give Alivia a giant hug on behalf of her family here, and you take good care of yourself, as well!

With my best wishes,
Marianne

MB I was so glad to hear from you but sad to read about Ali. It is bittersweet, I know, when we come to realize their light is dimming, especially when they have fought so hard and have been so brave.

I am also sorry to hear you are hurt. we make a fine pair with our i juries:):) I hope Maxwell is ok.

Please keep in touch and let me know how you and Ali are doing.

Hi, Marianne!
Every time I come back here I am reminded of how much I miss you guys! So, why do I stay away? :confused: I think sometimes it's the sadness here and I don't want to dwell on the illness side of things. But, I also learn things here. Glynda mentioned Metacam in a post for Addy. After reading all the good reviews on it and how much it helps with arthritis pain, I am going to ask Ali's specialist about it at her upcoming appointment. My goal for Alivia right now is COMFORT and I think her arthritis is what bothers her the most.

Hi, Addy!
I read about your shoulder...yes, we are quite the pair! I hurt my knee over a year ago when I totaled my car. After nearly a year of PT, cortisone injections, rooster injections, etc. with no relief they finally did an MRI and found a tear (among other things), so I had surgery on 12/2. I will have PT for at least 4-6 weeks. On the plus side, since I have been off work for a month, I have had a lot of extra snuggle time with Ali and I am grateful for that! Give Zoe a hug from us!!

My sweet, precious Alivia is gone. She passed away this morning. My heart is breaking. She would have been 16 years old in just 10 days. She had rallied and amazed her doctors many times, but this time was just too much. She was my sweetheart, so I guess it was appropriate for her to leave this world on Valentine's Day. I miss her so much. Rest in Peace my sweet baby. I will always love you.

Oh my dearest Mary Beth. My heart breaks for you. You and Alivia were an amazing team, going through so much for so long.

Alivia Will live forever, in your heart.

love,
Sharlene

I'm so sorry to hear of the passing of your sweet girl Alivia.
My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Hugs