Alas, our little gal has not been doing well of late.  Increasingly, she’s been having trouble eating – chewing and swallowing – and whenever she drinks, her nose runs.  She’s been having trouble breathing but seem to do better when she is in certain positions, with her chest propped up.

I suspect it’s the neurological condition that initially paralyzed her back legs and, eventually, her front ones as well, slowly working its way up her little body.

Given her advanced age (18 years and 4 months), I had kind of hoped she would drift peacefully off in her sleep one night.   But she’s a feisty one and, every morning, she is up and demanding to be fed.  So her appetite is still there.

We have an appointment with the vet tomorrow to discuss her condition and options but, sadly, it doesn’t look good for our gal.

21 thoughts on “September 14, 2023: Suji

  1. Aw, Suji, nooooo. 🥺

    Still, she’s had an incredible run, & all because of your & Akemi’s excellent care. Thank you for giving her the best life. Please give her a good behind-the-ear scritch for me. 💕

  2. I’m so sorry. Sending good wishes, hugs and prayers during this difficult time.

  3. I’m not sure my previous comment went through. Just in case, I wanted to let you know I’m pulling for you, Akemi, & Suji. You two are the best!

  4. My heart is heavy and I don’t have the right words – know that I’m thinking of you all.

  5. I’m so sorry to be reading this post. It’s the hardest act of love we have to do for our loved companions. I’m heading for a similar situation with my almost 21 year old cat. She’s fortunate to only have arthritis and a heart murmur to contend with. My thoughts are with you and Akemi tomorrow and your small but fierce Suji.. 💕

  6. I am not ready to say goodbye, but it is whatever is best for her. She is and has been a fixation in my life for a few years now and I don’t tend to her daily. I can only imagine the feelings, but you both have given her the best life. A life she would never had enjoyed without good elder dog parents such as yourselves. Suji sweetness will always be in a strawberry hat or antlers and I will love her anyway.

  7. I’m so sorry to be reading this post. It’s the hardest act of love we have to do for our loved companions. I’m heading for a similar situation with my almost 21 year old cat. She’s fortunate to only have arthritis and a heart murmur to contend with. My thoughts are with you and Akemi tomorrow and your small but fierce Suji..

  8. You Akemi have been the best parents any puppers could ever have.
    So sorry to hear of Suji’s declining condition. It is never easy to know for sure when it is time to let go. I’m inclined to think when she stops eating or showing any joy or interest in her surroundings when you take her for walks & outings – then it’s time. In the meantime, hope the vet can at least give her something tomorrow to help ease some of her discomfort.

  9. My heart breaks for you and Akemi. It doesn’t matter how extraordinarily long their lives are, it is never enough time with our beloved fur babies. Knowing how much you love Suji and how well you have cared for her, I have no doubt that you will continue to make the right decisions about what is best for her, especially if she is found to be suffering in ways that cannot be helped.

  10. I’m just catching up. My heart is hurting for you. These days (weeks, months, maybe years?) are going to be touch and go. You and Akemi have given her so much. You have shared her with the world and have changed lives for the better. Keeping you all close in my heart.

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