24 May 2009

The Oldest Puppy in the World


Max came home Tuesday night with a four page list of instructions regarding his care, seven medications and a protective collar that he has to wear for two weeks. I told his doctor that the meds were not a concern but the collar? Well, let's just say that nobody got much sleep the first night because Max was determined to figure out how he could remove it. Starting about 2:00 am, Max prowled the small area we cordoned off for him--he was on a mission, latching on to every kitchen cabinet knob and doorway, he was determined to get that collar off. Thank goodness for the effects of anesthesia because I believe he would have won, however around 5:00 am he dropped to the foot of the bed with a harrumph that signalled, "I give."
Our follow-up appointment was scheduled for 9:00 am. I woke up around 7:00 and brewed some coffee. Max and Mr. Jackson were sleeping as I read through the list of meds and proceeded to truly understand what we had been told prior to the operation. Max receives four different eye drops, each with varying frequency throughout the day in addition to his insulin, thyroid and 3 different pills. Hearing the sound of food being poured into his dish, Max woke up and we began what will be our ritual for the next two weeks.
The vet tech that met us prior to meeting with Max's doctor suggested a spreadsheet to organize his meds. Bless her. I came home pulled out my laptop and constructed a table that organized his meds. Wednesday we got through, Thursday we did better and by Saturday, let's just say it gets done without a thought. We can't say enough about the care Max has and continues to receive. Stellar. A lesson or two could be learned by people doctors as to how to treat your patient and your patient's family.
The amazing thing is that each day Max sees something that he hasn't in a year, he connects with it with so much joy and zest that is all lab. The clincher for me was when he followed a bird flying down from a tree and watched it land in our yard--the nose twitching and the body poised.
It's all good.
From Max's perspective--It's all good, except for the collar.
P.S.--The photo was taken of Max in September walking a beach in Long Island after navigating stairs to experience the ocean for the first time. He was blind and while a bit tentative going down the stairs, he proceeded to pull me towards the roar of the water. I can't wait to take him to the beach again and have him connect sight and sound.

9 comments:

Anonymous said...

Oy! And I thought Mom had meds. We went through a thing with her dog Hunter. Seems he'd gotten a bit of a stick caught up in his throat. Simple fix for the vet to do but care and meds for a week or so. He was mopey but soon back to his ol' self! And no collar! wishing the best for Max, tho' looks like he already has it( meaning y'all )...

Ruth said...

It will be over soon, and you'll have Max seeing more and more. What fun!

Nancy said...

Ohhh I hope Max feels better very soon. He should be very happy to see once again. We are the owners of a black lab, four-year-old Lucy. She is our baby.

Kathleen said...

Oh, happy day! I can just feel Max's joy with every new sight (and even when he didn't have that sense.) he just seems like one one primo pup!

C.M. Jackson said...

subtorp77--

thanks for the kind words. Max is really doing well. I am also glad to hear that Hunter is doing well.

best-c

C.M. Jackson said...

Ruth--

Max is a champ. I am thrilled to see how well he is doing. His quality of life will be so improved. Thank you-c

C.M. Jackson said...

Lover of Life--

Labs are amazing dogs---smart and very intuitive. Diabetes and resulting cataracts is very common in labs as they age. I didn't know this and never really faced any health issues with my other dogs. Insure your baby, Lucy, now. Pet insurance today is very good and will cover her. It will give you peace of mind and allow her to get the best care should she need it.

hugs-c

C.M. Jackson said...

Kathleen--

Max is a cool dawg. He's feeling better every day and actually ran yesterday. I'm thrilled to know that his quality of life will be improved and we will have a few more adventures.

best-c

Anonymous said...

Saw the cutest Black Lab puppy, last week at the repair shop. 5 month old Murphy. He just wanted to play with every-one there. Brightened up my morning :)

And sorry but my tale didn't come out the way I wanted. It was past tense but I never tell Mom that. He's still with her, just not on the same plane. For some reason she still thinks in present tense and has me doing it. Is that so wrong?

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