Thanks to everyone who took the time to offer well wishes and words of support for my gal Jelly. She seems to be back to her old sleepy/hungry/cantankerous self. Sadly, however, this rebound will be short-lived. According to her latest rest results, she’s suffering from an antibiotic resistant infection that has spread through her intestines and kidneys. The doctors suggest we consider end of life before she develops septic shock.
Very disappointing news.
Capping this blog with some of the highlights from this past long weekend…
Dinner with actor Roger Cross.
Rum cake and ice cream from Don’t Call Me Cupcake!
The gang working on their tans.
Lulu, all laughs.
A visit from cousin Clover.
Thai fried chicken.
Jodelle steals my Thai iced tea.
A selection of SOMA Chocolates.
Akemi out and about.
Vancouver swag compliments of my foodie friend Nicole.
Nicole gives Buca Restaurant the thumbs up.
Preserved tomato, truffled burrata cheese, basil, fresh scorzone truffle pizza.
Braised pork, 34 year old red wine vinegar, rosemary pizza.
Gelato trio.
Tiramisu.
Jelly shares Akemi’s ice cream.
Today’s blog entry is dedicated to some of the blog readars who need some positive thoughts sent their way: paloosa, tinamarlin, phil, Tam Dixon, and Das!
Aww so sorry to hear of jellys set back
My thoughts go out to you and Akemi and Jelly. It always sucks when a dog gets to that age where there is nothing more that can be done for them. But going by this blog you make sure every moment of their lives is worthwhile. Even giving them ice cream. Whatever decision you end up making I have no doubt you’ll do it with her best interests at heart
Ugh, that’s horrible news about Jelly. So sorry you guys are going through this awfulness.
Just leaving positive thoughts and prayers for all of the above…….and let you know I’m looking forward to the 12th of June!!!
Joe so sorry for the bad news about Jelly. Please give her a loving hug.
I’d suggested this some time ago, but still, I recommend you have a session with a ‘dog whisperer’ – someone who can communicate with her and tell you what she feels and what she wants.
I did a session today for my kitty girl, Maggie. She is not the least bit ready to go and we came up with some therapies that will make her more comfortable for the time being. At a certain age, their bodies are starting to deteriorate and the ‘shut down’ process can go on for quite a while. IF she isn’t ready to go and IF you can make her comfortable and IF she has a bit more time, then that’s preferrable. The ideal is for her to decide it’s time to go mentally, spiritually and at the same time that their bodies are totally ready to go.
Animal souls are totally screwed up with euthanasia. Often if the pain is great, they’ll ask for it but generally, they want to do it ‘naturally’. The only way to know how they feel is to talk to them, and animal communicators have been invaluable for us. It leaves us comfortable that we’ve done what SHE wants done and not done something because of what a vet says or what we think she wants.
As for us, well, we have set up a number of homeopathic programs for her and tomorrow, the vet will be here to set ups up with sub-q fluids to give her a needed – every other day, daily, or several times a day. The frequency will increase as time goes on, but I can tell you, it does give them a new lease on life while this process plays out. They are more comfortable, more interested in life and happier with what’s going on around them.
Far be it from me to tell someone what to do but I can only say what it’s done for us and our darling girls. Mei Mei, who left us not quite two years ago, also with kidney disease, was ready to go but clearly stated she wanted to do it her way, without euthanasia unless there was a prolonged convulsion of 10 minutes or more. And we did it her way. She also wanted to continue to be with us, which we wanted, and she told us she’d send us to the kitten that we should get, and that her essence would be in her. We found that kitten (picture is my avi) and now she’s almost 2 years old.
So, it’s a cycle that’s natural to the animals, but it’s important that they have a say much as you will want a say in how your life ends.
Mei Li (the picture in my avi) is the third body for this same spirit, spanning 43 years). Maggie is the second incarnation for the same spirit, spanning 35 years. So it continues.
Aww…so sorry to hear the disappointing news about Jelly. That’s a difficult and personal decision to make when the time comes. My heart goes out to you.
The video clip of Jelly eating Akemi’s ice cream is incredibly adorable and sweet. Nothing compares to the love of a beloved furbaby. The love and bond is strong.
I hope Jelly will hang in the a bit longer. I will keep her in my thoughts.
As for the ‘food porn’…I have never seen such delectable food. The presentation is exquisite. Wow. Wonder if they offer vegan versions of the tiramisu. 🙂
Well, enjoy the time with Jelly. I’m reading “Old Man’s War”. I wish we had the life extending tech they use in that book. Keep spoiling her. {{{Hugs}}} to all of you.
Thanks for all the pictures. You ran a gambit of emotions with this post. I think I’m setting on sad….
I hope you have a good night.
So sorry to hear about Jelly’s setback.
Joe, I’m so sorry to hear about the infection. Hope you and Akemi enjoy the time you have left with sweet Jelly. Sending positive thoughts and big hugs to you all.
I am so sorry to hear about Jelly, it breaks my heart to hear. I know how import your dogs are to you. My thoughts and prayers are with you, Akime and Jelly as you make some import and difficult decisions.
Again, so sorry about Jelly. We are praying for you both for strength to get through what you are going to have to do eventually.
Glad that she was able to enjoy her desert.
Try to hang in there! I wish there was something we could do. Please give Jelly a cuddle from me. ~Barb
Sending the best of thoughts to you, Akemi and the gang, and especially Jelly. It was so nice to see her in action again eating that ice cream. She’ll always be such a sweetie. Also, warm thoughts to all the other folks you mentioned.
All that food looks great, except maybe for the braised pork pizza. The colour looks off, but maybe it’s just the photo.
G’day
So very sorry to hear about Jelly and her troubles. Wishing you, Akemi and Jelly all the best. Always hard when a beloved furry kid nears the Rainbow Bridge.
(((Hugs)))
Awww so sorry to hear about Jelly, sorry that I’m just now reading this. I’ve been in and out as of late. Thoughts and prayers with you.
Aw, Jelly… 🙁
Am just seeing the news, because of being laid up for a few days. Read fast as I could, was relieved at the reprieve, and then saw today’s entry. Didn’t make it past the sweet, heart-breaking video of baby girl eating the ice cream.
😥
.
.
We didn’t create life, so our hearts cry out that it is wrong to end it. Yet we are called to make that decision, when allowing suffering would become a betrayal of a lifetime of love.
Take a picture of each other with her. For me, those “together” kind of pictures were much easier to treasure later on, than ones of my own baby girl alone. It’s been 6 years this month, and I still can’t look at the 2nd kind of pix.
Joe & Akemi, am praying that you get a beautiful last “little while” with Jelly girl.
Tam Dixon, thank you for posting the sweet catnip photo of Harry boy. Terrific picture. What a special kitty. You are in my prayers, and Paloosa, Das, Phil, and TinaMarlin. And anyone else out there facing or dealing with loss. Wisdom, peace, and buffering grace to walk this path.
So sorry that Jelly’s condition is worsening. She is, however, freakin’ adorable in that video. Your girl is such a little character. 🙂
Sending good, positive thoughts to you, Akemi, Jelly and everyone else here who needs them.
That breaks my heart, please give Miss Jelly a hug for me, she’s such an elegant gal and looks so like the Dowager Countess Grantham from Downton Abbey but with much cooler outfits thanks to Akemi! Thanks for sharing Jelly’s adventures with us as she crisscrossed Canada and kept the other pups in line.
{{{{hugs}}}} to all of you.
Um. That looked a little odd. Faces with pointy noses? Boobs? Let’s try this:
(((hugs)))
Better. And sending positive thoughts to you and all though bloggites who need them!
I’m so sorry Joe. I hope you can take some comfort in knowing that Jelly had the happiest, most loved life you can give a dog.
My heart is breaking for you and Akemi… Only the three of you can make this decision. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. *hugs*
Chev 😢
“Very disappointing news”….is putting it mildly. I send you and Akemi and the pups all my love and comfort as you take this next step for Jelly. If being septic for a dog is anything like being septic for a human, do it soon, Joe. I can tell you from my own experience that being septic was incredibly painful. I felt like I was on fire from my inside out. Dogs put on brave faces and when they actually show pain, their pain is truly horrific.
And to paloosa, tinamarlin, phil, Tam Dixon, and Das and anyone else who is going through some difficult times, I send my love and care as well.
Jeff is off tomorrow at about 4 a.m. for a trip up to New Jersey. He’ll stay with his mom until Saturday morning then drive the two of them up to Connecticut where he is going to be a surprise for his brother’s milestone birthday. His other brother from Florida will be coming up as well. Doesn’t appear that the brother from California can make it, which is a shame since the last time the whole family was together was for my father-in-law’s funeral in 2012. So it will be me and Patrick (both of us about to come down sick, too) and school (including his annual school meeting in the morning–at least it won’t be like they used to be) and also pet sitting. Patrick always gets sick when Jeff goes away (which isn’t often). There is something very “not fair” about that. 🙂 Jeff will bring his mom back to her place in NJ on Saturday night, will stay with her on Sunday, and then he is on a plane at 5 a.m. on Monday to come home.
I am so sad though about Jelly. My heart is with you all.
So terribly sorry about Jelly’s setback. I’ve been there with my gang. All you can continue to do is make your time with her and comfortable and pleasurable as possible. It is heartbreaking particularly with those very special family members but she has an amazing life with you and not everyone could or would do what you have done for/with her over the years. My heart goes out to you, Akemi and Jelly. Thinking of you!
Just came back from the ER with my husband who had a disagreement with one of the horses. My husband wanted to ride and the horse wanted to play bronc. Luckily, no broken bones or concussion (the helmet certainly did it’s job as it is now dented and full of holes) but both his ribs and pride are seriously bruised….the horse is on the naughty list.
Joe and Akemi words escape me right now as a dog owner as well I .
sorry to hear that.
I am so sorry for poor Jelly and for your difficult time to come. I’ve been through it several times and it is just as hard every time. Hugs for you all oooo
Let me add my sympathies on Jelly’s illness. I know it doesn’t help much, but you (and Akemi) gave Jelly the best life of any dog I’ve ever known. I hope the right choices present themselves to you in the coming days.
*hugs* again
Not sure where to post for mailbag, so doing it here.
If a writer is developing a premise for an episodic TV series, is it better to write a pilot AND a complete first season arc, or just focus on the pilot, leaving where the show might lead up to a potential producers imagination? would it make a difference based on who it’s being pitched to – eg a network vs netflix
Sorry to hear the latest with Jelly. Sad times. She was blessed you chose her 16 years ago. Keeping you and Akemi in my thoughts and prayers along with all you mentioned above.
Just saw the video… what a cutie… *hugs* Jelly *hugs* Joe & Akemi….. feel very helpless but I hope sharing what you’re going through is helping. I’m listening.
Chev
I think I announced the wrong date for Dark Matter in Australia. June 13 7:30pm… So only hours after the U.S.
Chev
Much love and gentle hugs for Jelly. My thoughts are with you all.
On Facebook this morning, and author by the name of Tom Ryan posted the following about his dog Atticus, with whom he has hiked many mountains and many miles, but is getting on in years. I thought it was a heart warming thought.
“Age settles softly on my friend like a worn blanket. We walked for only a mile this morning through woods made so refreshingly cool by a turn in the weather that it feels suddenly like September. And now we are in the car at the trailhead and his snores – those of one who has seen thousands of peaks – rise up to remind me of the grand gift of old age. It all makes me smile: the past, what is now, and whatever awaits this friendship.”
Joe and Akemi, I am so sorry to hear the news about Jelly. The terribleness of sharing your life with a dog is that they don’t last as long as us. But that is overwhelmed by the joy, (ice cream) and love we bring to each others lives.
Sending positive thoughts your way.
That is a lovely thought, gforce.
Hugging Joe and Akemi.
I’m so sorry to hear about Jelly hugs to you all and stay strong.
Oh and Thanks for the dedication Mr. M.. I didn’t see it last night (all teared up). Harry is doing better this week (fingers crossed). He’s getting very spoiled.
Thanks PBmom, but I’m more worried about you. I hope Patrick has a great week! How are you feeling? Did you get the flooring replaced in your house?
I hope Ms. Jelly had a good night.
I am so sorry for your impending loss. {{{HUGS}}} to your whole family. In case you are inclined to drag this out to the last second, kidney failure is painful. When the dog (cat or person) can no longer urinate, the urine backs up into the bloodstream causing uremic poisoning. I know it is terribly painful to put a beloved animal to sleep (done it), but please don’t prolong your precious baby’s suffering. I am so very sorry.
Hi Joe, I don’t post very often but I’m a long time fan of your blog. As a fellow parent of a senior dog I had a really hard time finishing your last post about Jelly. I dread the day I have to make the decisions that you are faced with now. I have been blessed so far. My 17 year old chihuahua is still amazingly healthy other than some trouble keeping weight on. I just wanted to say that I understand how big a part your dogs play in your life, and I think that you have done a wonderful job of giving her a great life. Jelly will always have a special place in your heart and a part of her will always be with you. She has helped create the person that you have become. You know Jelly and you will know when it’s time. I’m sending you both my warmest wishes.
Sorry to hear about Jelly, I wish there was something that could be done, From experience I know how hard it is knowing that next step is around the corner and you’d rather hold on to her a little while longer. My advice is to be humane, As tough as it can become, Don’t let her suffer. Sometimes you have to let go of someone you love if it’s the best thing, Even if it will break your heart doing it.
@gforce, Tom Ryan certainly has a lovely take on it. I saw him and his schnauzer on a documentary and picked up his book (still waiting to be read). Gotta love Atticus–I’ve had mini schnauzers most of my life and my current one looks very much like Atticus. They are very resilient and determined dogs that don’t quite understand that there are not rottweilers or German shepherds. 🙂
sorry…boosting the immune system in some way might help, there might also be hoemopathic ways or holistic medicine stuff that could be tried to that effect such as adrenal extracts, heard also of oxygen infusions…but unfortunately I am no expert so don’t know if these help and in such a severe case…and this is probably not meant to be swallowed: http://www.medicaldaily.com/old-english-remedy-successfully-kills-antibiotic-resistant-staph-bacteria-328152
Thanks Joe…and *hugs* to you and Jelly. 🙁
das
I am so sorry to hear about Jelly. 🙁 All my best, healthiest thoughts your way.
I’m really sorry to hear that Joe. That reminds me of the pain I went through with my Siberian husky in 1997, when she stopped eating and the doctor told us the same thing. They really do become a part of your family and you never want this to ever happen. 🙁