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

Feeling very melancholy today. Too much to think about.

Maxwell will be 14 years old this August and has never been in a kennel, so that is not an option. A good friend who has watched them in the past, will be away on vacation. Another good friend was a possibility, but when I took Max over there last weekend, her recently rescued dog attacked him (no injuries) and was very territorial. I have a neighbor who will come in and out (she has 2 cats and a dog), but that would be very lonely for Maxwell...especially now that he is without Alivia. Seems like there are no good options. I wish he could come with me. I may have to look into pet sitters, but I really hate the idea of a stranger in my house all that time and with Maxwell.

Wished I lived closer to you, I believe letting Maxwell stay at home is probably the best option, it might get a bit lonesome for him but I do believe when our dogs are up in age that being in a familiar place and surrounded by things that they are accustomed to is what can make them the most calm when we are away.

MaryBeth:
How many days will you be gone? I have some friends back home and maybe I could get one to stay with Max. Where is you location, most of my friends are in the South Hills and South Side. They are trustworthy too. Let me know the date you are going. Blessings
Patti

Mary Beth, what if your vet could suggest someone to stay at your house, would that make you more comfortable?
Otherwise, right before Zoe was diagnosed back on 2010, I found a kennel that had rooms, not cages and you could even get a TV in their room:rolleyes: The owner suggested for Zoe- to try one night in the middle of the week a few times to see how she did, then maybe bump it up to a weekend over the span of a few months.

I agree with Lori, Maxwell would probably do better at home but I mention the other as an emergency back up plan.

I am so sorry you are down and sad. I wished I lived closer so I could help you.

Thanks for the suggestions and concern. I really appreciate it. Patti, I am in the South Hills - Dormont to be exact. Small world. I think I might have a solution for Max! My niece who lives in Ohio, will be on summer break from college and MIGHT be able to come stay at my house!! She is a HUGE animal lover - especially dogs. That would be an almost ideal solution. Fingers crossed it works out!! I think it will be a huge relief when I get that worked out. I have already decided that there is no way I will put Maxwell in a kennel and will postpone the surgery if I have to. He is almost 14 and has never been in a kennel. He has never done well with change - even gets nervous if I rearrange furniture. :eek: Plus, with the loss of Ali, he has been through too much recently.

Besides all that, Max seems to be channeling some of Alivia's problems/behaviors all of a sudden. He seems to be completely deaf, which just recently occurred. He has been scratching himself a lot, too. Alivia had some allergy issues but Max never did. Max used to love all treats and now he is very selective - like Ali was! It is really strange! On the plus side, he has become much calmer with strangers (like Ali). I picked him up from the groomer's today - he had a different girl and she said he was a "perfect gentleman". Then we went to the pet store and the woman there who does the training classes commented on how well-behaved he is! He is still sleeping a lot and I really think he may be depressed. I actually have to make him get up in the morning, so that he will go outside before I leave for work. Sometimes I have to pick him up and carry him! He has an appointment to get checked out on Monday. It will be a tough day, because it will be the first time going back to the vet's office since Ali passed away. I still cry at unexpected times - I really miss Ali. Max has been such a huge comfort. Really don't know what I'd have done without him.

Mary Beth. I know you neighborhood like the back of my hand. I sold many a home there, and like the neighborhood. Glad you have a plan in place, as that is a worry getting someone to watch your pets, I know first hand. I sure hope Max perks up, it would seem he is really grieving for Alivia. Blessings
Patti

Oh MB I do hope your niece can come, it would solve everything. I dont blame you for thinking of postponing the surgery. You sure dont want any problems for Maxwell.

I have been noticing things too about Koko that remind me of Zoe and am freaking out a bit. Do you think we are just super worried and alert now? Like I noticed his hair seems to be turning whiter, he used to be a champagne kind of beigy color and then I noticed his hair around his privates looked pretty bald. I asked his groomer and she said I was right but maybe she was over zealous on his last sanitary trim. Then his coat near his butt seemed thinner to me.

Anyway, I can so relate to how you are feeling about Maxwell and I am so happy he is being a good boy when he is out and about. He IS a good boy:):):):)

Last I pictured Zoe in my mind, she and Ali were running aroung a pasture chasing Sonja's Apollo.:):):)

Very small world Patti. How long ago was it that you were in this area? I live right on Dormont Avenue in a big 100+ year old home on a double lot, with a driveway and garage - unusual for this area, as I am sure you know. Love it here, since I am close to everything, but four floors with stairs is pretty rough right now! Not to mention yard work...

Addy, I understand Sonja's Apollo was quite the ladies' man, so he is probably the one chasing after our girls! I am sure they are both being very proper! ;) Thanks for the smile! I sure hope we are being overly observant about some stuff. Except, I am positive Max is suddenly totally deaf. The mailman just came and opened the screen door to put the mail in. That used to cause Max to bark until he was absolutely sure he was at least 2 doors away and was not going to murder us. Max is not 10 feet away from the front door and didn't even notice. I don't have Cushing's worries with Max. He is having eye and ear issues and my fear for him is that he will end up blind, as well as deaf. I won't put Max through any added stress, so either someone I trust comes here or I don't go!! These senior dogs sure know how to make us worry! But, on the other hand, they are so worth it.

That would be great if your niece can stay with Maxwell. That would solve all the problems. If not a reshchedule until either your neice or your friends are back and take care of Max would work too.

Yowser 4 levels of stairs!

hugs
Sharlene and molly muffin

Mary Beth:
Oh yes I am very familiar with Dormont Avenue. I lived in Upper St Clair for almost 30 years and in the South Hills my whole life. I may have passed you in Kuhn's or Eating Park sometime!!! It is a small world. I hope everything goes as planned for your operation, and hugs to dear Max. You are doing the right thing keeping him in his home. Gheez 4 flights of stairs, glad I never did an open house there I would be exhausted!! Blessings
Patti