Christmas

I got the best Christmas present ever!....Harley survived.

She has had her ups and downs leading up to Christmas, and I had my doubts as to whether she would make it.

She seems better when she gets her medicine only once per day.

Presents
Harley was so happy to wrap presents with me. I carried her downstairs and she stayed by me while I wrapped. She doesn't sing anymore though. She hasn't done that in a loooong time.

Food
Harley is still eating and she barks to get my attention whenever I am! That's a good sign, I know, but it's annoying. She still fights us to take her medicine. She is so spoiled. My dad gives it to her in bacon. Sometimes, if she knows it's there, she will eat the food and spit out the medicine. Brat!

Sleep
I moved back downstairs because Harley is doing okay sleeping with my dad. The only problem is that he has to let her out in the middle of the night, but his temporary job ended.

Infection

We noticed that Harley had a giant raw spot on her leg, so I took her to the Vet and it's infected from her licking it so much. That visit, plus some medication cost $150.00. It couldn't be simple either, Harley pooped in my car on the way there because she was so nervous. Talk about disgusting! The Vet game me stuff to clean it, and I dumped her blanket in their dumpster.

Poor Harley!

Everyone tells me that their dogs stopped eating and that's how they knew it was time. Well, Harley is still eating, so I have been hanging on.

The poor thing can barely walk, and she really only stays in the entryway. I know she's sad and lonely. She barks whenever I leave her.

I start out sleeping on the floor next to her, but then I sneak onto the couch in the middle of the night, but when she notices, I'm back on the floor again or she will bark nonstop.

She keeps having accidents. She doesn't even realize that she's going. I have to change her sheets on her pillow at least twice a day!

She can hardly make it up the front step. When she can't do it, she stands there, and waits for me to pick her up.

Change of Plans
Dad was going to watch her while we're in Europe, but now he got a job in Skokie. Of course, it's while we're gone. Hopefully, Sydney can let the dogs out after school.

Dad doesn't really want to deal with Harley while we are away. I think he would prefer that I put her to sleep, but I just can't. There are moments when I think that I should, but then again, she is still eating!

Besides, she is the only one who loves me, and I really struggle with it. Some people would say that if I truly loved her, that I would let her go, but easier said than done.

I will miss her and worry about her and I pray that she waits for me to return.

Barker

Harley does not stop barking if I go downstairs. It doesn't give me much time to do anything. I know she just wants to be by me.

Ecotrin
I went to Walgreens and the Pharmacist recommended Ecotrin to relieve Harley's joint pain. She said the dosage I have been giving her isn't strong enough. I sure hope it helps her!

Europe River Cruise
Mom and I will be leaving for Europe on 11/15 for almost 2 weeks. Dad is worried that something is going to happen to Harley because she hasn't been doing too well. I hope that she fools us all!

Update on Harley

My poor, old girl has not been feeling too well.

No More Stairs
Harley is banned from going downstairs because she kept falling down them. Now, I put the gate up. She did sneak down one day when I left it partially open and she came tumbling down! I had to carry her back up!

Sleeplessness
I think that describes both of us! Harley can't sleep because I think she's in some pain. I can't sleep because I have to sleep on the floor in the entryway with her. Since she can't sleep downstairs with me, she got so upset and howled the first night for an hour and 45 minutes. She does not like me to leave her side.

Failing

I do not like to use that word, but Harley didn't want to go out in the middle of the night. She looked at the stairs, and ran back down the hallway to bed!

Morning
In the morning, I had to help Harley walk up the stairs, so no more staying downstairs.

Evening
When I came home tonight, Harley was having an even more difficult time walking. When she went outside, she just kind of stood there looking around. Then, she didn't want to try to get up the step, so I carried her in.

As she was lying on her pillow, she pooped and didn't even realize it.

She's breaking my heart! I'm not sure if she didn't want to go because her legs are bothering her or because she's having another type of issue.

I'm not ready for this yet! It's been a long day already, and I don't want to think about that. I'm definitely the Queen of Denial when it comes to Harley.

So Sad

My dad thinks that I should put Harley out of her misery. Her leg is giving her a hard time, and she doesn't like to take her medicine.

I asked her if she wanted to see Dr. Bob, and she looked at me like I was crazy!

She is still having accidents, so I bought her some doggie diapers.

Facebook
Many Facebook friends have been supportive and think I'm doing the right thing, and even suggested accupuncture, which I was already considering.

I am not ready to lose my best friend!

Harley Survived Another Vacation

Mom and I went to Cancun from October 3-7, and I was so happy that Harley made it. Dad said her leg was bothering her and she had a few accidents while we were gone.

It was nice to be home to snuggle with her!

Skunk!

Harley has an issue today. I think it's another bladder infection. She has been licking away, and she smells. At first I thought she just had some pee on her hair, so I tried using some wipes, but they didn't work.

It's truly gross, and I feel bad.

A Great Day, But a Bad Night

Harley had such a great day yesterday.  It made me feel good to see her so perky.

Yet, as soon as we got to bed, all she did was lick, lick, lick! She did that repeatedly throughout the night until I let her out at about 3:00 p.m. Then, when it was time to get up, she was sleeping comfortably. I can't win!

Then, tonight, her and Daisy were running around the basement like she forgot that she can't. It made me so nervous because she could break something. I had to slow them down. I know that Daisy missed running around with Harley, but it's too risky for her.

Happy 15th Birthday, Harley!

My lady made it to 15. I just hope that she doesn't go to sleep now like Grandma did after her 90th birthday.

I think she had a good day. She got Pupperoni treats, Frosty Paws ice cream (for dogs) and a basketball toy from Sydney.

I was home most of the day, and it was nice out (not too hot though...about 70°).

I had Chai Tea later on, which she loves, and I always save her a couple of sips.

She just got her medicine, and it's almost time for bed!

Busy day tomorrow because Aunt Phyllis and Uncle Gene are coming over. She actually likes them.

Just Plain 'Ol Poopy!

Harley pooped all over herself today. She was outside, but it was stuck and it was all over her leg. So much fun to clean up. I had to cut a lot of her hair off.

My poor girl just isn't doing too well. It's sad to see her like this.. Not sure what caused it. I don't think she ate anything unusual.

S-T-R-E-S-S!!!

Grandma passed away last Thursday, August 19th. It was as if she just went to sleep after her birthday party. At least she didn't suffer.

Harley hasn't been doing too well either. The crazy thing is that she has accidents too.

Now, I just found out that Peyton, Jenny Wallace's daughter, passed away today (exactly 1 week after Grandma). How sad. She was only 4 years old. I know that Grandma will be watching over her. I'm sure she's feeding her! LOL

The sad thing is that deaths usually come in three's. I'm  hoping that it won't be Harley next. I know that sounds selfish because how can you stand losing your mother or your daughter! Yet, Harley is all that I have. She's my crazy girl!

Did I mention that Grandma's funeral was extremely expensive? It was only one morning, and the price didn't include the casket. I told my family that they should be thankful if I just die while I'm in Mexico!

Harley vs. Grandma

I fear that I'm going to lose Harley and Grandma in the same year. It's so stressful. I feel like I might have a breakdown soon.

Grandma turns 90 tomorrow and Harley will be 15 in September, which is around 105 in dog years! They both have dementia and a lot of similar ailments.

It's sad, but they are definitely not the same as they used to be. It's almost like I don't really know them anymore. You still love them, but they are not really there.

Update on Harley

Harley does not have great nights, which means that I don't either. She was sleeping so well this morning though. I had to sneak out of bed so I wouldn't disturb her.

I'm trying to keep her from going up and down the stairs as much as possible, but she wants to follow me everywhere. Even in her condition, she won't just relax.

I washed her bed again and put the cover back on, but ti's sort of lumpy now. I think I will have to go to Costco and get her a new one.

She was struggling a lot today and I contacted one of the wheel chair companies, who never contacted me back. My parents are against the wheel chair idea, but what other option do I have? I would try anything!

Harley took out one of her toys from her basket. She still has some spunk left.

Funny thing is my mom was watching  the movie Pure Country tonight with George Strait. That's the reason why I named Harley Harley (after the girl in that movie).

The dogs followed me downstairs to go to bed, and Daisy started to get Harley going and was chasing her. I had to quickly put an end to that. Poor Harley sometimes forgets her limitations. I'm not sure if it's because she has Dementia.

Hip Replacement for Dogs

If there was such a thing, Harley would definitely need it. However, who could afford it? I can't even afford health insurance for myself!

Harley's one rear leg is hardly being used. She sort of drags it around. It's sooooo sad. I am going to call around tomorrow regarding some wheelchair options. I can't see putting her to sleep just because she can't get around so well using her rear legs. If she has something to help her, she'll be fine. Her front legs are strong.

Sometimes I think that I'm the worst mom because I can't let her go, but at the same time, she's still too spunky to let go. That's more like murder to me. I definitely see myself becoming one of those weird people who would keep the dead person around even after they've passed. I'll probably be walking a dead dog on a leash or something! Just don't see how I'm going to do it.

I'm stressed to the max because my Grandma is 90 and her health is failing, my sister's family is messed up, my mom is always sick, work is very stressful, and I can't lose my best friend!

Hip, Hip, Hooray!

Guess I'm being a little too optimistic. I wish there was a miracle for Harley's hips. Her 15th birthday is creeping up and she's really having difficulty walking due to the Arthritis in her rear hips.

I took Harley to the Vet to see if anything could be done to help Harley. She absolutely freaked out! While I was checking in, she started pooping all over. While we were waiting in the waiting room, she tried to turn around and run out the glass window (takes after her mother....I've walked into a couple of glass doors myself!). Then, in the examining room, she pee'd all over! Her teeth were chattering too. It was as if she thought I was going to put her to sleep. With all of those signs, I knew she wasn't quite ready.

Dr. Bob gave her a Steroid shot on Saturday and he prescribed two new medications. Harley seemed to be feeling much better Saturday during the day, but Saturday evening was not so good.

Saturday night was a struggle. Poor Harley had issues breathing and getting comfortable.

I spent most of Sunday at home, and Harley followed me everywhere. Dr. Bob was amazed that she still does the stairs. I told him that she does multiple times per day!

Sunday night was really awful. I thought that she was going to give up on me! I cried myself to sleep watching her struggle. She couldn't breathe and she pee'd in my bed twice. Once was all over me. She kept wanting to lean against me too....poor thing! I'm not sure why she seems to get worse at nighttime. She sleeps during the day in the entry on her pillow and is fine. Not sure if it's because she gets some medication before bed. I did decide not to give her the one hip medication because it seems to have had a negative impact on her. I will continue to give her the glucosomine.

Bad Heart and Hip

I thought that Harley's heart condition was the biggest problem. However, yesterday, she was out in the yard with me and she fell while trying to take a poop and couldn't get up. It was so sad.

I want to get her a wheelchair, but I'm still researching. Not sure how she will get up the front step or go to the bathroom though. And, if I have to take it off of her to go, that defeats the purpose. Not sure what to do!

Old age really stinks!

Going Downhill

Harley seems to be going downhill more and more every day. She really has a hard time walking and she either falls or slides all over. The rubber boots I bought her rubbed her paw, so I had to remove them after a week. We can't seem to find a good solution for her.

I bought her a bed at TJ Maxx that is supposed to help Arthritis, but she doesn't even want to lay on it. It's an inflatable bed with a nice sheepskin cover. I think she just has to get used to it.

This is the 4th of July weekend and I will actually be off for 3 days, so we are going to do some yardwork. I think Harley will enjoy having me home.

Gone Again!

I went to Jamaica on business the week after I returned from Mexico. I didn't sleep a week and started to worry that something was wrong with Harley.

When I came home, she could hardly walk. Her rear hips are so bad, and she keeps falling.

Sydney and I bought her boots, but they were too awkward and kept turning around. Then, we found some balloon like paw covers that are working really well. The lady at Petco showed them to us, and they do not fall off and she could still feel the ground. They make it much easier for her to get around and they prevent her from slipping.

She really needs a haircut too, but I know that she won't be able to stand up that long. I'm not sure what I'm going to do about that.

Vacation

Well, mom and I are taking Sydney and Sam to Mexico from 5/27-6/1. I think Harley is starting to get suspicious since we've had all of the suitcases out. She gets so sad.

I hope she survives without me. She's so old. I have to get all of her medicine set up for dad.

I will miss her!!! XOOXOX

Harley Has Grown Horns!...

Devil horns that is! I don't know what possessed her, but tonight she kept running up the stairs and down the stairs (about 5 times) but only to the landing. I finally realized that she was chasing my mom's dog, Daisy up the stairs.

Harley could be a little devil when she wants to. You would think that at her age she would be more relaxed and laid back, but she's not! She's so possessive and territorial.

When Daisy started heading down the hallway, Harley ran after her! Who does she think she is?

The funny thing is that I will catch them snuggling together, but Harley definitely has to be the one to initiate it.

Failing Legs

Harley's legs have been failing her a lot the past couple of days. Her back legs spread out and she can't get up on her own. Tonight I found her in that position in the driveway. Usually, she has the most trouble on the hardwood floors.

She doesn't seem to be feeling well tonight. We're going to go to bed soon and snuggle.

For the Love of Bulls Eyes

When I waitress, there's an older man who comes in, and we call him the "Candy Man." He passes out Bulls Eye candies to the waitresses. I so want to tell him that chocolate would be better. LOL I put the Bulls Eyes in my apron, and when I come home, I give them to Harley.

So, last night, Harley would not stop barking and howling at me for more. It was so annoying, but comical at the same time.

I think she likes them because Bulls Eyes are for old people, and she's quite old herself!

Medical Relief

Harley's prescriptions are very expensive, but I recently read an article indicating that they could possibly be filled at Wal-Mart for a lot less if they are human drugs. Two of her prescriptions qualified, so the Vet called in the prescriptions, and they cost $5.00 each. That was a huge help. Unfortunately, her other medicine is still around $56.00/month. It's better than $250.00/month though.

Don't get me wrong. She's worth every penny!