Make the most of the time I have left with my very old and very sweet dog

BJ is having trouble stabilizing his hindquarters. He’s been with her since Thursday as I went to FL to see my brother. I was supposed to pick him up tonight but I just got home and he has to go back tomorrow through Thursday due to my SO’s surgery. I’m very worried. She said she had to carry him up the 3 steps from her backyard. But he’s still eating and following her around the house, albeit while his hind legs slide out from under him.

As I am going to FL to see my brother this weekend. Dolly will return to my daughter. I really miss him when I have to leave.

He sleeps most of the day, only getting up to follow me around. His nocturnal outings have resumed, along with the urgency that pulls me out of a warm bed a few times each night. He’s even started coming into my studio with me! He’s never done that. He would lie outside the door for as long as I was inside but now he comes in.

Which is good for me as I get to sleep but I’m afraid it does not bode well for him. He seems exhausted.

You know the ones = they look like lampshades? He is tearing himself up with the chewing and the licking and nothing seems to stop it. He’s bloody and going bald! It’s gotta hurt. I hate doing this but if his skin can just heal a little maybe he’ll stop.

Dolly is my daughter’s dog and also BJ’s pup though she’s white. I might have to keep her when the kids go home. She’s mostly an outside dog there and with their nice new home and all my son-in-law is going to want her to stay out even more. She needs to be inside. To be fair my daughter has a nice little room inside for her dogs that they can go in and out at will. I’ll just miss her. They’re both at my feet now, asleep.

I gave BJ his bath last night. He was light enough to lift without much effort. He seemed to enjoy it and let me lather him up and rinse him off.

I had a talk with BJ tonight. I sat next to him on the floor as he can no longer get up on the furniture. I petted him and told him he’s been a great friend and that I want to keep him with me always but that when he has to go, I will let him. He rested his head in my hands and licked my palm just a little (he’s not a dog who licks people). Say what you will but he understood me and told me in as clear a manner as he has that he loves me and that he understands.

My dear dog is hanging in there with me. Tired all the time, some pain, but a good appetite and he still enjoys an occasional walk. And he love me.

He’s sleeping and snoring. I should wake him up to go out before I hit the sack. He seems okay; not great but okay.