May 10, 2010
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Oh dear!
It really HAS been quite a while since I wrote anything here! I have no major excuse for not doing so - some distractors but really it's just been life and how I've been copin with it that has slowed me down. I have been able to read other people's blogs through the magic of my mobile but not always to comment.
The big news has been that Fintan has been diagnosed with TWO serious heart conditions and a few weeks back we got the news that he had probably only months to live. Both Patrick and I were distraught and a lot of tears were shed. Fintan has been my companion for many years now and he has helped me get through some difficult times - most noteably the death of Desmond; if it weren't for the fact that I was responsible for feeding and exercising Fintan I might have just taken to my bed and stayed there.
So many friends, through Facebook especially, expressed their concern for Fintan - to meet him is to love him, let me assure you of that! After two weeks on the medication the vet gave him I took Fintan back and he did some tests. The good news is that it seems the tachycardia (sp?) is responding well to medication and his heart is beating normally. This was a relief as there was a chance that 'sudden death' might occur if it stayed as crazy as it was. During the two weeks from diagnosis to check-up we had to only take Fintan very short walks to do his 'business' and then back home to rest. Good advice but how do you persuade a headstrong English Bull Terrier that a 5 minute walk is as good as a one hour romp in the park?!
So, we are taking it a day at a time with Fintan and looking after him, giving him lots of love and allowing him to live his life without too many restrictions - better for him to have six months of chasing cats and digging up daffodils than a year wrapped up in cotton wool.
Here's to Fintan - my Gladiator/Clown!
Comments (6)
My love and prayers of health and happiness are with you and your family. I know that Fintan has been a corner stone in your own healing after your loss. Love and hugs.
I'm sorry that Fintan is so ill as I know he means a lot to you. I agree that it is more important for him to enjoy the last months of his life so let him chase cats if he wants ! I know you will make sure that he is happy and loved. Marie
@MSB - Thanks for your comment Marie. The good thing is that he is more or less doing okay and hopefully will continue to do so.
Well, you made me cry again this morning. I've always had huge attachments to my pets, but now we have Charley in our lives it's very much more intense, probably because she returns our love so thoroughly. She was spayed last week and seeing her come home so vulnerable (and terrified of moving in her cone collar which, against all advice, we removed) was heart rending. She's almost 100% back to normal now, but we were both (especially Drew who after the year he's had is incredibly sensitive to mortality) scared and upset.
Fintan, the handsome chap, is in our thoughts, too. Cherley sends kibble-flavoured kisses and licks.
@holeinyoursoul -
thanks for your kind comments. Our pets are with us such short time and the very best thing we can do is cherish them and reflect the love they give to us.
And I thought that I was the only man who was so deeply attached to my 'babies' that the mere thought of losing them makes me well-up with tears. I'm sending all my best thoughts to Fintan, you & Patrick. Here's to plenty of fun for Fintan while he can!
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