Fading

Our Elder Dog JAZ is fading, losing her grasp on life, leaving us slowly. She has always been an enthusiastic eater, now it's becoming more difficult each day just to get her to eat. She who ran like the wind and was able to catch frisbees high above the ground now wobbles and weaves as she walks, like one who has had a drink too many. Lying down takes great concentration and effort, getting to her feet more often then not accomplished with help. 

Tara loves JAZ and the surprising thing about that is JAZ accepts her affection. They still play tug with the rope, Tara being noticebly gentle with her.

Maica is very concerned that the dog who has alway been her Alpha and in total control, no longer fills that niche. She seems to instinctively realize that somedog must step up and take that position. Being the Jackie that she is, she's certain it's her inheritance. Lucky for her that Tara is still too young to challenge that supposition. Maica, sadly, is intent on bullying JAZ every chance she gets, a 'dog thing' I'm told. It's sad because she doesn't need to be that way...JAZ no longer cares!

I watch closely for the 'signal' that it's time to help our Big Dog make her passage over that Rainbow Bridge. But she still has the light of love in her eyes, still watches at the window for my return, meds control any pain, the 'pack' has a new self-appointed leader and we will wait. What's a little more time for a Dog who has given us her whole life? She has rallied before and given us yet a bit more time. I cry as I type this. Not for our Elder Dog JAZ, but for me.