Pawprints of Experience: Navigating the Challenges of Elderly Pet Ownership
When you bring a furry friend into your life, it’s a bond that transcends the boundaries of mere pet ownership. These companions become integral parts of our families, showering us with unconditional love and loyalty that can never be replicated. But as our beloved pets grow older, navigating the complexities of their changing needs can be a daunting – yet deeply rewarding – journey.
The Twilight Years: Embracing the Challenges of Elderly Pet Care
As our canine and feline companions enter their senior years, they face a unique set of physical and cognitive challenges that require our unwavering care and attention. Degenerative Myelopathy (DM), a debilitating spinal cord disease, is one such condition that can slowly rob our pets of their mobility, leading to paralysis in the hind legs. While the emotional toll of witnessing this progression can be heartbreaking, there are ways to not only extend the quality of life for our elderly pets, but to also cherish every moment of their twilight years.
Tika’s Pawprints: A Heartwarming Tale of Devotion and Perseverance
Take the story of Tika, a beloved German Shepherd who was diagnosed with DM at the tender age of 9. As her owner, Tawna, recounts, “Tika has had Degenerative Myelopathy for the past 25 years. The disease progressed to the paralysis of Tika’s hind legs and resulting incontinence. This means she cannot walk, sit or even adjust her own body to move from one side to the other.”
Despite the daunting challenges, Tawna and her partner, Doug, were determined to provide Tika with the utmost care and comfort for as long as possible. The Pet Rescue community rallied around them, offering support and resources to help navigate this uncharted territory.
Mobility Aids: Restoring Independence and Dignity
One of the game-changers in Tika’s journey was the introduction of a Walkin’ Wheels wheelchair. “The Walkin’ Wheels wheelchair was a game changer. Tika’s spirit improved immediately once she was able to get out and about again. Instead of just short walks down the sidewalk with the hind harness, the wheelchair was like an all-terrain vehicle. It enabled Tika to traverse over trails, rocks, and the sandpits in the water, snow, and on the ice. She was able to go almost anywhere outdoors.”
The wheelchair not only gave Tika a newfound sense of independence, but it also allowed Tawna and Doug to continue exploring the great outdoors with their beloved companion. “She walked with ease and smiled proudly as she said, ‘Look, Mom, I can move around on my own!'”
Adapting to Incontinence: Tackling the Challenges with Compassion
As Tika’s condition progressed, the issue of incontinence also had to be addressed. Tawna shares, “There are no more accidents. You cannot get mad at the pet – incontinence is often part of the disease. They can’t help it, but we humans can.”
The solution was a combination of diligence, creativity, and an unwavering commitment to Tika’s comfort. “Throughout the day, we take Tika outside every couple of hours for a stretch and a bathroom break. Throughout the night, the alarm goes off every three hours. We get out of bed, turn on all the lights, dress warmly in boots and coat, and put Tika’s boots on. Then we carefully support her hind legs, held up in the air, as she walks with her front legs down the ramps outside. Since she can no longer stand or squat, we hold her in position and help express her bladder.”
The Gift of Time: Cherishing Every Moment
Tika’s story is a testament to the power of love, dedication, and the remarkable resilience of our beloved pets. By embracing the challenges and finding creative solutions, Tawna and Doug were able to extend Tika’s life by an additional two years, filling their days with joyful memories and a deeper appreciation for the fleeting nature of life.
“As long as Tika is not in any pain and is still able to enjoy life, we committed ourselves to doing all that we could to make Tika’s remaining time with us as comfortable and happy as possible. This has not been easy and requires significant dedication and compassion.”
Emotional Toll and Self-Care: The Importance of Balance
Caring for an elderly pet with a debilitating condition is no easy feat. Tawna openly acknowledges the emotional and physical toll it has taken on her and Doug, but their unwavering love and determination have been the driving forces behind Tika’s extended life.
“The emotional toll is indescribable. Now and then it creeps up on you, and the tears just come streaming down. Your heart aches with rawness, and you feel helpless. It is heart-wrenching to see your fur baby unable to freely move around as they did when they were younger and able-bodied.”
To cope with the demands of caregiving, Tawna emphasizes the importance of self-care, saying, “I can’t imagine what it will feel like when that time has come. It is important that you take care of your mental well-being during this very emotional time, be present and mindful of your feelings. Give yourself quiet time to unwind, contemplate, and decompress.”
Preparing for the Inevitable: Honoring the Legacy of Beloved Pets
As Tika’s story draws to a close, Tawna and Doug are faced with the heart-wrenching decision to let their beloved companion cross the Rainbow Bridge. Yet, they are determined to make this final chapter as meaningful and beautiful as the countless memories they have shared.
“We have made the heart-breaking decision to set a date to bring our girl to the Rainbow Bridge. This is the first time I’m sharing this. The only positive thing about this is that we get a chance to plan out our final days together.”
Tawna has also been proactive in preserving Tika’s legacy, creating mementos and keepsakes that will forever honor their unbreakable bond. “I’ve recorded sound clips of Tika’s bark, snoring, and lapping water, which I may use for future ringtones. I’ve collected some fur to be used in ornaments, and I’ve created beautiful digital oil paintings of Tika that hang on my walls.”
The Power of Community: Finding Support and Inspiration
Throughout Tika’s journey, Tawna and Doug have found immense solace and strength in the support of the The Pet Rescue community. “I found such supportive connections through specialty Facebook groups and Instagram pages. This is where I’ve met a handful of new friends whom I’ve never verbally spoken with, and they make up the bulk of my support system.”
These online communities not only provide a safe space for sharing experiences and seeking advice, but they also serve as a powerful reminder that no one is truly alone in their challenges with elderly pet care.
Honoring the Bond: A Legacy of Unconditional Love
As Tika’s story comes to a close, the profound impact she has had on Tawna’s life is undeniable. “Tika has been the primary motivation behind my physical fitness transformation, and I know she will continue to be my driving force even after she crosses the Rainbow Bridge. This will be part of her legacy – keeping her Mommy healthy and strong.”
The lessons learned, the memories cherished, and the love that transcends the physical realm – these are the indelible pawprints that Tika has left on the heart of her devoted owner. And in doing so, she has not only enriched Tawna’s life, but has also paved the way for others to navigate the challenges of elderly pet ownership with resilience, compassion, and an unbreakable bond.
As we bid farewell to Tika, her spirit lives on, inspiring us to cherish every moment with our beloved companions and to never take for granted the gift of their presence in our lives. For in the end, it is not the duration of their time with us that matters most, but the depth of the connection we share and the legacy of unconditional love they leave behind.
