Packed it in ...

[Getupngo]

Sigh. I cancelled my summer & fall trips volunteer gigs in Louisiana and New Mexico. My decision involved a combination of math (5,600 miles ÷ 7 mpg x price of gas) and the fact that I want to stay close to my Big Little Dog's vet. She's the first one who has ever tried to take a comprehensive effort to help him. It's costing (gas!) $, but he's my buddy.

I am still going to San Juan Island (2,000 miles round trip), and re-upped for a volunteer stint at the state park where I camp-hosted last summer. THIS year, however, I'm going to find a sailboat so I can enjoy the water. Time to start checking craigslist.

Next year I want to just travel -- without time commitments -- if veterinary medicine permits.

[oregontocal]

Hi, Janicem

I'm sorry you had to cancel but an glad you decided to go back to the San Juans. Those islands and the ferry rides have always been one of my very favorite places to be. Hope you're able to find a sailboat to use. That would be such a lot of fun!

[bluepinecones]

Glad you are at least still going to make the islands. Hope all goes well for the fur baby.

[Getupngo]

Poor B isn't doing well today. I closed the front gate and let him & the long-haired lhasa into the front yard and the poor Bandito was struggling to move around. I'm wondering whether one of his new meds is having its way with him.

[BirdbyBird]

Hoping you can find the strength for the next days, watching and not having the magic crystal ball that will answer all our questions and doubts is never easy on us humans.......

[AlmostThere]

Janice, know that all our thoughts and hopes are with you and especially Bandit.
Sorry your NM and LA stints didn't work out financially, but it sounds like you know how to be a good steward of your $$ and that's commendable. Keep us updated on any changes with your furbaby.

[Getupngo]

Took him to the vet again tonight ... I think he's gonna turn around (but not leak any less!). The increased incontinence is caused by the round of steroids he's doing right now. We gave him a painkiller and that should help. But I'm not kidding myself ... he's really old and this is a steady slide down. But as long as I can keep him relatively happy and comfortable, I'm not givin' up.

[Nasoosie]

Janice, Molly and I are thinking about you and Bandit, and wishing comfort and some more good times for the both of you. For us humans, the fact that we outlive our 4-footers will never get any easier. But would I ever think of NOT allowing myself to fall in love with one? NEVER! Some of the very best love affairs of my life have been with my 4-footers over the years. Nowhere else on earth will you ever find such total devotion and love as you get from the fur creatures. I know you will know when it's time to throw in the towel with Bandit, and he will know too, and let you realize it. When such a time comes, we have to remember that the only one to suffer will be us, and not the little one who needs rest. Does that make it any easier? NOT! But it does lend some comfort to us who will know we are doing what's best for our buddies.

Love from me and licks from Molly for Bandit.

[Sparkle]

My sympathy on what you are going through. We all know we have to face up to it at some point. I watch Bogie getting greyer round the muzzle and slowing down. At my age will I get another dog? Probably, can't see living without one.
Since Beth and I have been here on this bay in Baja with it's turquoise water and islands we are eyeballing boats. There are so many different kinds. I liked a little inflateable rowboat, looked more stable than a kayak.