We are in a worrisome time for Sophie– every expression and action is analyzed, looking for clues about pain and mood.
Overall, she is slowing down. She no longer greets me when I come home or wags her tail as often as she used to. But she still runs to the kitchen when I open the refrigerator door, and is super-cuddly every evening.
It’s clear that her bladder is bothering her. On a walk, Sophie walks a few feet, and then squats like she needs to pee. She holds that position for 30 seconds, continues the walk and then squats again. Needless to say, we don’t get very far.
A recent vet visit indicates that she has bladder stones; they can’t be treated except for surgery, but maybe they can be slowed through diet. She continues to take piroxicam every-other day.
One of those hard letting go things: Sophie’s dog license was up for renewal. I got a rabies exemption from the vet (they will write a letter upon request, no problem) that said “due to Sophie’s advanced cancer…” Somehow, I hadn’t thought of her cancer as advanced. And I only paid for a year’s license. While I desperately hope that I’ll get to renew it next year, I’m trying to face facts.
