The last few weeks have been pretty devastating because Charlie has not been well. Before I go into details, I want to be clear that he is doing OK, but he is officially a geriatric coyote.
A few weeks ago, his eating habits and demeanor changed drastically, and almost overnight. He got really picky about food and has been eating far less than usual. This time of year, he tends to eat a ton – anything and everything – in preparation for winter. His appetite dropped off and his preferences vary daily. Some days, he only eats raw liver. Some days, only raw eggs, Some days, only raw hamburger. Some days he’ll eat cooked hamburger and I can sneak in a healthy dose of my home-rendered tallow and super-concentrated bone broth. There were a few bad days where he wasn’t eating at all.
When this began, he stopped wanting to be pet and cuddled, and his posture and movements changed. He moved more slowly and stiffly. I interpreted all these signs as signs of pain—I just didn’t know what was causing the pain. I’ve been consulting with two vets and they suggested the three likely causes were cancer, organ failure, or joint issues/arthritis.
I chose not to run blood tests because of how stressful that would be on Charlie. I don’t know how to draw blood, so the vet (a stranger) would have to do it, and Charlie would have to be sedated for the blood draw. And if tests showed cancer or organ failure, there’s not much to be done in response. It just didn’t seem worth it. While organ failure can present with gradual symptoms in domestic dogs, my vet said that cats typically compensate until they go off the proverbial cliff and suspected the same might be true of wild canines, since this scenario matched Charlie’s signs—there was nothing gradual about the onset.
It was so sudden I wondered about poison or if it was a result of him eating a gigantic female carpenter bee. In early September, there was one in the house (these bees are huge – bigger than my thumb) and I was trying to catch it in a glass to move it outside. It kept flying away when I got close and then Charlie got in on the action, caught her in midair, and ate her. The females sting, but he showed no adverse reactions to eating the bee, and this took place almost two weeks before his decline, and he eats scorpions with no ill effect, so…?
And so we decided to treat for arthritis, since that could be done with pills hidden in food and with a low risk of side effects even if his malaise was not arthritis. But he had a horrible reaction to the first dose of prednisone. This is very unusual. He fell asleep immediately and was completely out of it for almost 24 hours (corresponding with the time it takes for the medication to metabolize out of his system). It seemed to make him really dizzy—the few times he did get up, he was very wobbly and off balance. Thankfully, that has resolved itself and I won’t be giving him more prednisone.
After observing and recording his signs and symptoms for the past few weeks, I do think it’s most likely a skeletal/joint issue in his hips or spine. Probably something that was developing over years unbeknownst to me and gradually enough for Charlie to completely compensate and hide it, and which finally “went out” one day.
He doesn’t act sick—his eyes are bright, he sings multiple times a day (other than the prednisone day), and he’s still very social and alert. He’s letting me pet him again. He’s lost weight but he’s eating enough. We’ve made changes to his environment to accommodate his decreased mobility, and I’ll be exploring gentle pain relief options.
I’ve decided to forego diagnostics for arthritis and invasive treatment—having x-rays and surgery would be far more stressful and painful for Charlie than whatever he is dealing with right now. X-rays would require total sedation; recuperating from surgery and wearing a cone would make him unfathomably miserable.
Every decision I make is with Charlie’s quality of life in mind. Quality of life and length of life do not always go hand in hand. This has been so incredibly hard….sometimes I feel really hopeful and sometimes I am a wreck. Your love and prayers are so appreciated—we both feel them, this I know is true! If you’ve cared for an arthritic dog and would like to share your experience/thoughts/tips, I’d love to hear. Shall I do a weekly Charlie update going forward?
one year ago:
Gilded
two years ago:
Kissable
three years ago:
Little Coyote On The Prairie
four years ago:
To The Moon And Back
five years ago:
Crazy Love
six years ago:
In Those Intervals
seven years ago:
Defined
eight years ago:
Soft Smile
nine years ago:
Shock And Maw
ten years ago:
Legs & Angles
eleven years ago:
Uh Oh, Incoming….
twelve years ago:
New Bling
October 14th, 2020 at 3:21 pm
Sorry to hear you and Charlie are going through these difficult times. I was introduced to your blogs in early days, and have enjoyed what you’ve shared of yourself and farmily. Please continue to update as is comfortable for you. Wishing you and Charlie the best, and sending positive thoughts your way.
October 14th, 2020 at 3:45 pm
I’ve been following you and Charlie since he was a puppy and have read your book “The Daily Coyote” multiple times over the years (I love it so much). I’m so sorry to hear you guys are going through this. I would love a weekly Charlie update! My thoughts are with you guys. xoxo
October 14th, 2020 at 3:50 pm
Please try golden paste – home remedy made with turmeric! It has helped many many canines with arthritis pain. Google it!
October 14th, 2020 at 3:59 pm
Oh, Shreve, I have been dreading for some time that you would write one day and tell us that Charlie is not well. I have tears in my eyes even as I write this. I hope, hope, hope, that you can relieve whatever discomfort he has so that he is more comfortable. I send comforting thoughts your way for all of you.
October 14th, 2020 at 4:01 pm
Before you try any homeopathic suggestions, please check with someone like SkepVet (on Facebook, etc.). There’s very, VERY little scientific evidence homeopathic remedies work on pets at all.
We’ve had two old German Shepherds with hip dysplasia, arthritis and more. Gabapentin can work wonders. Tramadol has more side effects, but could also help. Add fish oil to his food. That helps the joints. There’s also Chondroitin pills/powders/chews that help with arthritis, too.
Lots of options. Talk with your vet about what might work best for him.
October 14th, 2020 at 4:10 pm
I’ve been following you since the beginning, and can sort of understand how difficult this is. I also have a geriatric lab with joint issues. Torn ACL, arthritis, ect. He takes Meloxicam daily to help relieve some of the inflammation. I’m in Canada so I don’t know if U.S. veterinary medicines have the same names. My heart is with you.
October 14th, 2020 at 4:34 pm
No advice, just lots of love, and appreciation for all the thoughtfulness and care you’ve always shown to Charlie. (And all animals in your care, of course.) Would love the weekly updates. <3
October 14th, 2020 at 4:44 pm
I’m so sorry Shreve, it’s so difficult when it comes to the animals we love.
I feel I’ve known Charlie since the beginning and I love him from afar. I can’t even remember now how I came across your first book, but I’m a passionate reader of animal stories, so I’m sure it hit my radar when it was published. I shared that book with all my family and friends. I have been getting a picture of Charlie every day for a long time. I really feel for you and Charlie, Shreve, but I know you’ll do whatever you can to comfort him and do nothing to make him uncomfortable.
When my dog Holly (half yellow lab, half golden retriever) got arthritis in her hips and back legs I gave her glucosamine sulfate and chondroitin sulfate supplements I do believe it helped. I wish for you and Charlie nothing but the best. You both will always be in my thoughts. I would very much like for you to update us when you feel the need to do so. 💕
October 14th, 2020 at 4:46 pm
I, as well as lots of your followers, have been following you for years, and this breaks my heart. But I also know that Charlie has been blessed with an incredible life and more love than most. You take the best care of him and your love for him is obvious. I hope you can find peace during this rough time.
October 14th, 2020 at 4:47 pm
All good thoughts and hopes for healing and strength to you and Charlie coming from me and my 3 cats in Maryland. I’ve been a fan of beautiful Charlie since I discovered ya’ll when he was around 1 or 2 years old. So much love to you both.
October 14th, 2020 at 4:53 pm
Dear Shreve, Please just do each day only what is best for you and Charlie and all the farmily. I hope that you will only post to us if it would help you to rest or feel good. We have constant treasures from you, and knowledge from hundreds of the memories, pictures and posts and books that you have already given us. You and yours are a natural and lasting part of our lives. You’ve touched our minds and senses with interest, intelligence, beauty, devotion, bravery, and determination. That’s all taken hold–vibrant, comforting, encouraging, lasting, and personal. We hope that our love and appreciation reaches you any time you see the sun or the moon and the stars and the clouds and the hailstones. You and a big friend and a little tiny coyote have done so much for other lives, and it is all good.
October 14th, 2020 at 5:22 pm
Sending so much love and light Charlie’s way, please do (if you both are up to it) share updates. I don’t have any real world advice to give, my pup went out early from seizures…but hoping that sending healing energy Charlie’s way can help. Will be cognizant of his issues with strangers in case he can sense it. Blessings, K
October 14th, 2020 at 5:23 pm
I am sending much love to you and to Charlie. My dog Kona who died at 14 1/2 two yrs ago this Oct. It devastated me. It crushed my soul. And seeing him gradually get sick was heartbreaking. FOR OSTEO Is Charlie on fish oil? I found that helpful. I also found prednisone too strong and crazy. It’s a rough drug. Neurontin/gabapentin seemed to help Kona IMMENSELY for his arthritis. ALSO LOOK INTO MEDICINAL MUSHROOMS!! I gave my dog the 14 mushroom blend from MUSHROOM HARVEST! I cannot say enough good things about it. It helped my dog and my best friend’s dog at 5 got cancer and was given 1 mo. to live. He lived 9 mos and the vet was in shock. ALSO I HIGHLY recommend Colostrum from Soverign Labs. You could prob get some from your cows. I gave my dog the same supplements I took. All human grade. Also probiotics. I highly recommend The Healer Charlie Goldsmith. check him out on Facebook or his website. He does remote healing sessions and he is really legit. Being studied by NYU etc. He’s helped many ppl and pets. He does live remote healing sessions I highly recommend. PLEASE KEEP US POSTED!!!! MUCH MUCH MUCH love and healing and prayers being sent your way!! I hope you read this. These supplements have been really helpful and some meds I found could be helpful but I’m with you..I’d rather try as many natural supplements to help as possible.
October 14th, 2020 at 5:42 pm
2020 continues to be a PITA, right? Jeezopete.
Much mojo and good wishes to both you and Charlie. I know he’s not young anymore. I know you’ll do what you believe is best for him. Love and good thoughts for you both, because this stuff never gets easier.
October 14th, 2020 at 5:51 pm
Oh, I am so sorry to hear about Charlie – I know you’re giving him the best care possible. As our animal friends age, it’s hard to realize that their time on this earth is a lot less than ours. Prayers your way as you find a way to make Charlie comfortable.
October 14th, 2020 at 6:36 pm
I am so sorry to hear this. Please do update us on Charlie’s condition. I have been following Charlie for nearly a decade.
My dog Kelsey suddenly stopped eating when she was eight. For a while we could coax her to eat her favorite treats, but then she started throwing up bile and what little was in her stomach. It took visits to three different vets before we learned that she had a tumor in her stomach. When she went in for surgery, the tumor was too advanced to be removed. We had to make the decision to put her down during the operation. I think you are making the right decision to keep Charlie comfortable during this time. I hope that he does not have cancer.
October 14th, 2020 at 7:05 pm
thinking of you and charlie you have and will always do what’s best saying prayers 🙏🙏❤️❤️
October 14th, 2020 at 7:45 pm
Thank you for sharing this with us, Shreve. Charlie is a bright light for so many of us. The love and care and consideration you give him always touches me. His obvious love for you and the farmily is equally touching. I hope there is a lot of time in his future. So happy he seems to be feeling better. Please tell him how much we all love him, too.
October 14th, 2020 at 7:52 pm
I have a dysplasic German Shepherd, and have had arthritic dogs and cats before. Luna is on a glucosamine supplement, brand name Movoflex, and an NSAID with the brand name Rimadyl. Gabapentin worked on her, but caused some personality changes that we didn’t like. Between the rimadyl and movoflex, Luna is mostly comfy and still highly mobile, going for walks and playing the occasional round of fetch.
October 14th, 2020 at 7:56 pm
We all knew these days would come and no coyote ever had so many loving hearts holding him close! Have you tried cbd oil? it has worked wonders with our older dogs. Sending you, Charlie and the entire farmily love and light. Please keep us informed.
October 14th, 2020 at 7:56 pm
So sorry you guys are going through this. I don’t have much experience with dog issues like this (just nursing dogs thru CCL tears, which is shorter term) but I fully sympathize with the struggle over how much and how long to treat. My eldest rabbit is a little over 8 and a half now and this summer a long simmering respiratory issue really kicked off. She had a terrible reaction to penicillin injections, and since then cannot tolerate any antibiotics. Right now she’s feeling a little better from the cooler weather (maybe) but it changes from day to day how much she eats and how interested she is in food. I hand feed her Crucial Care (I wonder if Charlie would like the carnivore formula? Not needed if he’s eating enough on his own of course…) For a while she needed to be carried from place to place, just because she didn’t feel like moving. I can’t tell WHY she’s not interested in food, considering how long she’s been off the meds and that she used to have worse breathing with better eating. I’m treating her a little bit for pain, just in case, though too much could cause GI issues… I also have a bunny with bad teeth, and I’m forever trying to decide how much pain to let her go through, though with her knowing that she will eventually heal, even from abscesses. I decided at the start of the year to not let her do another abscess treatment, to only treat long or broken teeth…so of course now for the first time in two years she’s gone over six months without an abscess! She is young and when she’s good she’s pretty good, but it’s been so hard on her. Years of dealing with this stuff has taken a huge toll on me and changed me forever. So many times I have made myself ready to let one of them go, only to hold off and remain in limbo, or have things get so much better and look back on what almost was like I’m walking back from a cliff’s edge (that I know I will one day have to take.) I tell myself now that I’m not allowed to think about it, that focusing on that decision helps nothing. This past month or more with my older bunny I have just told myself “Acceptance, patience, listen to the rabbit”. Acceptance that she will likely not live as long as she would have if she hadn’t gotten sick, patience that it may not be tommorow or this month that I say goodbye, and of course that if I keep a clear mind she will tell me when it’s time. Of course I question all this every day, but then I see her eat or go to her favorite chair on her own and tell myself to breathe and wait, keep doing all I can for her. I will be thinking of you guys.
October 14th, 2020 at 8:40 pm
Sending love to you and Charlie. I have a dog who is the same age as Charlie, that I have also had since she was a pup. It is hard to watch them get older and am simultaneously grateful that I have had the pleasure of knowing such a perfect soul.
As for advice, she is on a joint supplement called movoflex that she eats with her breakfast. She has not shown signs of arthritis, but does have some muscle weakness, so I wanted to be a bit proactive.
October 14th, 2020 at 8:41 pm
First thing, there’s nothing to say but Crappity Crap. I am so sorry Charlie isn’t well… the whole aging canine things sucks absolutely. I’ve hated it every time.
My take: When I asked a vet at one point – how to know when it’s time, she simply said, “When your dog refuses to eat, that’s when you know.” (My dog had fairly advanced Alzheimers… He stood in corners all the time, and lost his ability to consistently hold his back legs steady…
I was so grateful for any benchmark – because I just didn’t know what to do. To me, quality of life is the keystone of being a dog… so you’re doing the right things…
Love to you and the farmily.
October 14th, 2020 at 8:46 pm
oh Shreve, I wrote you an email, so all I want to say here is you can update us ****however YOU like**.
Also, Quality of life is everything!!! It doesn’t matter the age of anyone, only quality of their every day life.
I have complete confidence that you will do what is very best for all of you. xoxo
October 14th, 2020 at 8:53 pm
I’m so sorry to hear about Charlie. Many prayers. I am fortunate in the animals I’ve had live into old age. My lab was 16 and the last year was on Rimadyl with good success. Present dog is 13/15 (all animals are rescue) and is on daily dose of baby aspirin. Still runs in circles but getting slow on stairs. Give Charlie an extra hug n kiss from all of us.
October 14th, 2020 at 9:04 pm
Tikka is our beloved 12.5 years old Black Lab, adopted at our local SPCA when she was 7 months old. They thought she was a Lab mix, but she looks all Lab and has the under skin bumps Labs are known for. About a year back she began to lay down slow, jump up + down off the bed slow. Thankfully that time was close to her annual vet visit. With talking this over with our vet, plus Tikka’s advanced years we settled on Rimadyl, prescribed 1-2 tablets daily for her 80 lbs; we chose the less is best approach with half a tablet with food in the morning, and either another half or a quarter of tablet in the evening with food. Plus, I give her TerraMax oils to lub her joints (purchase through Amazon). Plus, a quarter teaspoon of coconut oil and pumpkin puree (human grade from grocery store). For her white cells we cook up chicken livers to give her a small amount daily, plus save the boiling broth to sparingly sprinkle over her meals.
Tikka just had her annual visit last week, our vet was impressed with how well she is after a year, had nothing to add other then how wonderful she’s doing while taking notes on how we’re doing it. As long as Tikka has her sparkly eyes, wagging tail all is good.
Take care ❤ continued prayers for you and Charlie. 🙂 ❤ 🙏🙏
October 14th, 2020 at 9:07 pm
I understand your struggles. My puppygirl was 14.5 with similar issues when we helped her cross rainbow bridge in February. It is a wuality versus time…and all you can do is weigh the options and (if your connection is deep enough) wait for them to tell you. Support and love them.
Don’t feel obligated to provide a weekly update unless you want to. Social media can present its stresses. But we are all here! 💕
October 14th, 2020 at 9:19 pm
Thank you for sharing Charlie with us over the years, he certainly has brought wonder, enjoyment and happiness to so many.
I will keep thinking good thoughts and sending good vibes.
I know it is not exactly the same situation but my cat who lived to be 18 had some arthritis issues and his vet had me sprinkle glucosamine onto his wet cat food everyday. It helped him immensely.
I did a little research and found they make a supplement for dogs under the name cosequin, it has the glucosamine and a few other ingredients for arthritis. Perhaps your vet might know if it would be ok for Charlie.
Updates would be lovely but only if it works for you.
Much love to you, Charlie and the Farmily.
October 14th, 2020 at 9:22 pm
I feel his pain and I know pain. I ve been taking tumeric and cbd oil that have been extremely helpful. Would be interested what the vet has to say how these two affect on animals. You have my positive thoughts and healing vibes to Charlie and his family.
October 14th, 2020 at 9:34 pm
So sorry to hear Charlie isn’t feeling well. Our 18 year old, Laika (45 pounds) did better with Rimadyl and Gabapentin. Your Vet can advise, not all dogs tolerate Rimadyl. The cold laser at the Vet’s office seemed to offer some relief for her hips. It was the only therapy she would allow because she was terrified at the Vet’s. A dog that won’t eat is the most helpless feeling that there is. Please know that you are doing everything possible. Hang in there.
Reading The Daily Coyote was so helpful and inspirational for us after we adopted Laika as she was a handful. We’ll be thinking of you both during this most difficult time.
October 14th, 2020 at 9:39 pm
Updates on Charlie – as you see fit, sending soothing thoughts his way…
My 13 year old black lab has a really bad back end. Both hip and legs.
She gets bone broth twice a day, I’ll warm it slightly on cold morning.
There are days when she is stiffer, and will tremble a little, I’ll sometimes give her baby aspirin…and have gabapentin (totally spelled that phonetically) available.
October 14th, 2020 at 10:22 pm
Oh, Shreve. Big hug. My heart aches for yours.
My 13-year-old tripawd started having similar issues earlier in the year. I’d been giving her Coseqin and at the Vets recommendation added gabapentin and novox. The meds have helped immensely. I hope you are able to find a combo that works for y’all.
October 14th, 2020 at 10:23 pm
I’m so sorry to hear that Charlie hasn’t been feeling well recently. I’ve been visiting The Daily Coyote for years and your pictures of Charlie have always lifted my spirits. Years ago I gave my dog half of the dose of glucosamine sulfate that I took for my arthritis – it seemed to help him. Maybe a canine version of glucosamine would help Charlie feel better. Sending love to you and Charlie and the Farmily.
October 14th, 2020 at 10:27 pm
Oh, it’s so hard when dogs reach this age, I can’t imagine what it is like for a coyote.
I’ll add my voice to those recommending gabapentin. It doesn’t tear up the stomach like rimadyl can, but can cause some disorientation when one first goes on it. It is given to humans for nerve pain and my Sydney has been on it for arthritis in his knees for quite a few years.
October 14th, 2020 at 10:30 pm
Shreve, I’m sorry you and Charlie are going through a stressful time. My 13 year old pup (Moo) has arthritis in her spine that we have treated with gabapentin, acupuncture and laser treatments. It sounds like you may be hesitant to give Charlie any more meds (?) and acupuncture and laser would have to be administered by strangers, so all those options may be out for you. When Moo is having trouble (usually early in the morning–she does this elbow crawl with her butt in the air to take the pressure off her lower back), I will massage her spine from her head to her tail, just to get the blood flowing, and that seems to do the trick, she’s up and walking very quickly afterward. It’s nice for both of us to have that time together first thing, too :-)
TL; DR: massage :-)
October 14th, 2020 at 10:57 pm
So sorry to hear about Charlie, here’s hoping for comfort for him. CBD may help, I know it’s helped my daughter’s dog when he was in pain from arthritis. Please post updates only when you are comfortable doing so, you don’t to add more pressure to your life. Thank you for sharing
October 14th, 2020 at 11:02 pm
Yes, please keep us informed. We care.
October 14th, 2020 at 11:06 pm
I’m so sorry the family is going through this… We went through something very similar with our Samoyed. All was well until one day, he could barely walk. Multiple vet visits later our doctor wasn’t sure of the diagnosis. We had tried different meds without success.
We were waiting to get x-rays and scans done, but the wait list was long. Our vet at that point suggested something called salmon tinture. It was CBD and salmon oil. I have no idea which strain of CBD it was, but it was specifically for animals.
Our vet asked if we would be open to try, which at that point we were (it had been 3 weeks with limited to no movement and lots of discomfort).
Within a day he was walking again, he was diagnosed with Artritis. He had a few flare ups after, but they went away with the oil. We only have him the oil when he did have a flare up.
He lived for another 5 years after with no discomfort (unfortunately he passed a way a few months ago).
Sending you lots of positive thoughts and healing vibes! You are in our thoughts!
October 14th, 2020 at 11:07 pm
Hugs. I’ve followed you and Charlie from the beginning. Lots of hugs to you.
October 14th, 2020 at 11:28 pm
Sending lots of positive thoughts your way, our family loves to follow along with your farmily 😊 please update us on Charlie he was the reason we started following along – we’ll be sending him extra love! Our geriatric 15 year old mixed pup has been dealing with arthritis for almost a year – similar to others gabapentin has helped a lot!
October 14th, 2020 at 11:44 pm
Oh Shreve. Oh Charlie. I can only think that all the stress you’ve been under getting Star Brand Beef out can not have been good for either of you. May this quiet time after the storm allow you both to find an equilibrium where you can have many more quiet, peaceful, pain-free days together. Holding you both close to my heart.
October 14th, 2020 at 11:58 pm
It is so hard when a loved one gets old.
October 15th, 2020 at 12:10 am
I’m so sorry all of this is happening. If you’re emotionally able, a weekly update would be wonderful. I’m sure so many of us have been following you since Charlie was a puppy—I have. If, however, weekly updates price to be too much, whatever updates you can give are welcome.
I don’t have any advice to offer, unfortunately. We had to let my arthritic dog go when she collapsed one day and never really had a chance to work in making her more comfortable. We had been giving her joint supplements but I don’t know if they really helped.
Much love to you and everyone on the farm with a special hug for Charlie.
October 15th, 2020 at 12:41 am
So sorry you are dealing with an aging pet. I have been there and it is so very hard. I have been wondering how he was faring as he is fairly old for a canid of his size now. Please do keep us updates. Lots of love and strength for both of you.
October 15th, 2020 at 3:30 am
Oh my dear Shreve. I too have been following you for so long- in fact since you did your cross country trip. I used to follow your sweet grandmother as well. Little baby Charlie…where did the time go? We’ve all hoped he’d live forever.
I’ve spent my summer in a similar fashion, with my two elderly hounds. I lost one in July and the other today. This year has been devastating. It’s so hard to watch them age and not know how to help. Things that helped us- as others have recommended, fish oil with glucosamine, turmeric, and esp CBD oil. Canned salmon if he’ll eat it. My vet said turmeric can make a huge difference very quickly and CBD oil extended my dogs lives and comfort level without a doubt. We would all love updates when you get a chance, and so much love is being sent your way 💕
October 15th, 2020 at 5:54 am
I am so sorry to hear this news. It is so hard to see our beloved pets suffer the effects of aging. We’ve been through this with many dogs, and it is heartbreaking each time. Charlie is so special and the bond you share so strong. I will be praying for you and hoping it’s just arthritis and aging and treatable so he has many more happy years with you with minimal pain!
October 15th, 2020 at 6:10 am
So sorry to hear Charlie is not well. I know it is hard to see him in pain and not know where the pain is. This happens with all of our animal companions (not pets – Charlie is not a pet but has been a companion to you in your travels). I can’t really offer any advice because our dogs have died of other causes – kidney failure, heart failure, and one of being 19 years old (it still wasn’t enough time). How I wish I could help you! Updates would be fine whenever you want to write them.
Charlie has left pawprints on a lot of hearts. You have a lot of people who are thinking of you and keeping you in our hearts.
October 15th, 2020 at 6:44 am
I have been following your website from almost the beginning, and had begun to wonder when Charlie would begin to show signs of aging. Asking for suggestions can be a double edged sword…..so many thoughtful ideas are shared to the point of you possibly being overwhelmed. That being said, I will chime in. If Charlie agrees to accept it, massage can be very helpful for animals with arthritic joints, if that is indeed the source of the problem. I am a certified animal massage therapist and have used massage on canines for many reasons, arthritis being one of them, with excellent results, and the techniques are relatively easy to learn. The woman who was the director of the school from which I graduated created a DVD entitled “The Pet Owner’s Massage Guide for Dogs and Cats”, by Theresa Gagnon. I know it is available through Amazon, but you might find it via a different source. Of course there are many books available, as well. Your journey together has taken a turn. As the two of you travel down this new path together, may it be a gentle one.
October 15th, 2020 at 8:02 am
Oh dear, I have been dreading the day when you would write to let us all know Charlie is declining. I have been following Charlie and you since the early days when he was a pup with Eli.
We had to put our 13-year old Doberman to rest 3 days ago, so my heart is tender this week (also 2 years ago this week, our 16 1/2-year old Beagle Coon went to rest)…
No strong advice, except to listen and watch all the signs… Charlie will tell you how he is feeling and what he needs.
Looking back over the last month or 2 of decline in our Doberman and putting the pieces together, I can see that he was battling, and trying to tell me. I knew something was up, but didn’t quite know what. I suspected arthritis and dementia. He had good days and bad days.
Over the last 2-3 years, I gave T-Relief 1-2 times daily, and alternated with a Glucosamine chewable.
There are many great suggestions posted here. Some may be helpful to one and not another, so discernment to figure out what Charlie needs is key.
For myself, I have recently begun using a CBD cream on my joints, any aches, or pulled muscles, and have found amazing results. I don’t know about its use in animals, but would definitely consider it a possibility (perhaps a few drops of liquid CBD on food). It certainly can’t be worse than Rimadyl, Carprofen, or any other conventional pain relief med that carries side effects on kidneys and liver function.
Sending you and Charlie positive, healing energy, light, and love…
*Updates on Charlie would be great, but only as you are able and ready to share them
October 15th, 2020 at 8:48 am
Sending prayers and love to Charlie and to you, Shrive.