My life has been touched by Canine Cognitive Dysfunction, and my heart has been broken as a result from this disease. So what is Canine Cognitive Dysfunction? Well according to PetMD:
Canine Cognitive Dysfunction is a newly recognized disease, somewhat similar to Alzheimer’s disease in people. In dogs with cognitive dysfunction syndrome, the brain undergoes a series of changes that result in a decline in the mental faculties associated with thinking, recognition, memory, and learned behavior. Fifty percent of dogs over age 10 will exhibit one or more symptoms of cognitive dysfunction syndrome. Cognitive dysfunction is a progressive disease with increasing signs of senile behavior.
Currently we have 3 dogs over the age of 10, and everyone at this point is free of any signs or symptoms of the disease. JoeJo our male Shih Tzu we rescued at the age of 14 was a different story. Though he was fine the first year, the second year he was with us was different story,
To learn more read It’s not just old age… Signs Of Canine Cognitive Dysfunction <— Click Here.
Now I am ready to share the changes I saw over the 2 years. I created two videos for you, my readers. The first is a tribute, short and sweet, and heartbreaking. The second is a little over 3 minutes, but it really shows you how he was and the changes that we faced. Please know that at times you may think that is was cruel of me to keep him going, but I had the assurance of my vet every time he became ill, he was back on his feet within a few days. It wasn’t until the end I knew. I had always asked my vet, “how will I know?” and he would answer, “Don’t worry, you will know.” He was never the one to tell me it’s time, he was always in JoeJo’s corner.
So you may wonder, how did you know? Well, that weekend when he became so ill, and was in pain, and there was nothing I could no longer do. He had dropped to 8 pounds, the only way he would sleep at night was with me on the couch… and the excruciating pain I felt. I could no longer bear his pain anymore. He had hung on so long for me, I couldn’t let this sweet little man bear this pain. But I understand him, for once in his life he was truly loved and cared for, who wouldn’t want to leave that behind.
JoeJo’s Tribute
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JoeJo’s Journey
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We are happy to be participating in this weeks Thursday Barks and Bytes Blog Hop hosted by 2 Brown Dawgs and Heart Like A Dog.
This is just heart breaking. Your love and compassion to Joejo is very commendable. Two thumbs up for sharing this. This is so inspiring. Thanks a lot.
The post alone broke my heart and brought tears to my eyes – I just couldn’t bear to watch the videos, so I apologize for that. However, I commend you for being an amazing mom to JoeJo, even when it was difficult. Only a dog parent can truly know when the time is “right” to say goodbye to your pet – you are right in saying that you just “know.” Thank you so much for sharing JoeJo’s story with us!
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Thanks so much for sharing your story on the hop. I am sure it was not easy. I can see JoeJo was loved.
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I think you showed us all just how much you loved your little man. You did everything you knew to do – to include making that tough decision. JoeJo had the best years of his life when he was with you. That was clear in the videos. Bravo for showing us this, bravo for sharing…
Thank you so much Cathy… this was one of the hardest things to do….Now is the guilt about knowing so much more about nutrition… but I know it wont go to waste on the rest of the tzus… He really did teach me sooo much.