Thursday, December 03, 2009

Pups Update

Since Bucky's birthday a few weeks ago, the weather has suddenly turned cold, and Bucky started having a lot more trouble walking. One day he simply stopped walking on the hardwood floor in the kitchen. He has severe arthritis in both hips. When he can't get a good foot hold, the hips just give out and he sits down, legs stuck under him, and he can't move at all. This gives him a bad temper and he hollers till someone picks him up and unstuck him. He can still walk around on the carpet in the living room and bedrooms, or outside on the stone walk way. But I spend a lot of time in the kitchen and he always wants to be with me. Lately we got in sort of a routine -- we carry him to his food bowl, to the water bowl, to the big potty outside, to his bed. As long as his humans are within eyesight he's fine, within ear shot is not good enough.

Some days he feels well enough to enjoy the sunshine in the garden.



With all this going on with Bucky, Trinket becomes the much ignored big brother. As they say, sometimes no news is good news. He will be 15 in less than two months and we are all happy that he's gingerly chugging along.

5 comments:

Bill said...

Despite the trials of advancing age, our Bucky still has the most healthy set of vocal chords befitting a much younger pug. Sometimes that sun on his back in the garden can enduce him to get up and explore. The other day I found him about 30 yards away under the persimmon tree....he refused any help and returned on his own schedule to bark for a taxi at the door. He also has a habit of exploring in the backyard around midnight when I take him out for last chance potty. I think he saves up energy during the day for these sojurns.

Dawn said...

Love and hugs Bucky!

Lynn said...

Of course your dogs live so long, they've got great owners!!!

Anonymous said...

Bucky is lucky to have you guys!

I've never had much experience with small dogs until a couple of weeks ago when out on a walk with my German shepherd I found a pug/chihuahua mix along the side of the road. She had been hit by a car and was unable to stand. Turned out her pelvis was fractured on both sides. She moved into our home to rehab and find a permanent family. I have to admit, I fell in love with her. She was such a sweet, engaging little spirit! I would have loved to have kept her, but we don't have enough room for the three dogs we already have.

The little pug/chihuahua was up and walking (incredibly!) in just a little over a week. We found a really loving home for her with a young college student who had another little chug to keep her company. I miss her! I can see how pugs capture hearts!!!

Sue said...

Bentley wouldn't walk on slippery floors either and he wanted to be with me in the kitchen. I put down a runner (cheap at Walmart) so he could walk into the kitchen and back by himself.