If you've read my blog, even on a frequent basis, you know that Spike, is now and has been, a very important part of my life for almost 12 years now. Right now, he's downstairs whining. No, he's not in pain. He's just being himself. The whining drives me insane. I love him dearly, but, as with life, sometimes, we just have to accept things about those we love.
Last week, I took Spike to the vet. The vet told me that he's in renal failure. I googled renal failure in dogs, and the most common cause of renal failure in dogs, is old age. If Spike survives to his next birthday, (May 25th) he will be 12. That is VERY old for a dobbie. I am blessed to have had him with me for as long as this. Each day is a gift.
I'm crying as I type this. He's not gone, yet, and he's still very spunky. My consolation is that there is no pain with renal failure. There is confusion, and renal failure explains why Spike has been confused this winter at times. He's still very happy. His heart and liver are strong. I do know, though, because of this, that, most likely, he won't die in his sleep, as I had hoped. I know that to take him to the vet will be one of the worst days of my life, but I hope, that he and I will both know when it's time.
