I know I talk about my dog a lot, but let’s face it–he’s adorable. He’s also smart, independent and wild, all things I aspire to be. He’s also driving me crazy.
Rigby and I made a deal a few years ago that he wouldn’t get older. He has not kept the deal. In fact, he is almost 10.5 years old. And it shows. He has arthritis in his back end, so he can’t run up mountains like he used to. It also means he poops in the house. A lot.
I won’t go into the details since it requires the word “sphincter” and I hate that word and refuse to use it on my blog. But, basically the inflammation from his arthritis puts pressure on something and he doesn’t get the urge to poop. It kind of hits him by surprise and he has to let loose wherever he is. That could be in the house, crossing the street while cars are waiting, or on the sidewalk in front of a homeowner with a pissed look on his face. Yes, all these things have happened.
My sweet Henry took Rigby to the vet. He’s on steroids now (the dog, Henry is naturally buff) and it’s not helping. The vet also said we can expect Rigby to be paralyzed in his hind end within a year. Then I get to decide when he dies. I don’t like this future scenario and really think Rigby should have kept his promise to not get old.
On our hike to find our Christmas tree, our friend Meggan came along. She is a photographer–and a darn good one– and took some family photos for us. I made sure she took a few of Rigby and I. It’s probably his last tree hunt.
Luckily he found a gut pile left out by some hunters and ate until he couldn’t eat anymore. That dog knows how to live life to the fullest. I just wish he’d stop pooping in the house.
Don’t mind my gigantic purple sunglasses. Finn picked them out.
If it makes you feel any better, our 1.5ish year old Mastiff is not too thrilled with our 20 degree nights and refuses to poop outside due to the cold. He will go out and just sit staring at me in complete revolt. We’ve informed him January gets colder, but he still refuses.
Some mornings I wake up to him having pooped in the house.
I realize that most likely doesn’t make you feel any better. Rigby is quite a cute and snuggly doggie.
Ohh, you’re killing me. Poor, sweet Rigby. Guessing that boy has been through many life changes with you. Beautiful photo of you and him, by the way. Good luck with this last chapter — he’s lucky you picked him years ago.
We’ve got a crazy 18-year-old cat who can’t stop meowing at us at all hours of the day & night. But he was our first “kid” & we’ll love him through to the end – crankiness & all. Here’s hoping for many more special moments with your favorite pup. Something tells me he has a few more lessons left to teach.
What a sweet note. It makes me want to poop on the sidewalk, just out of solidarity.
We love you, Mr. Rigglesworth.
Both you and Rigby are beautiful! I have had my heart broken a few times over losing pets…especially a bunny who I loved dearly. She had a tumor on her spine and couldn’t use her back legs, dragged herself with her front 2 legs… She died peacefully in her sleep. “Tis better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all” ~ Tennyson
Ahhh man. This made me sad! I’ve just realized these past few months that my dog is getting old. Not looking forward to spontaneous poop problems, but I fear it’s inevitable… Good luck Rigby!
Thanks everyone! I knew a few people out there could relate to having to say goodbye to much-loved pets. I’m taking full advantage of this next year (or however long we get).