The day is getting closer. That dreadful day of goodbye. I'm doing a lot of praying. It's a hard season of life for all of us. Gary. Gracie. Myself.
In spite of my own aches and pains, God has given me the strength to care for my sweet girl and I am ever-so-grateful. We have had a couple of not-so-good days here. Gracie is having trouble holding herself up when she does #2, which wasn't too much of a problem before - since we could hold her up when her legs did not want to hold her up. But now she has become random in her potty needs and it's hard to know when she needs to go. At night we cover the living room in pads just in case.
She sleeps at the foot of my side of the bed and we have arranged pillows, side rails, suitcases, bookcases - and anything else we can put up against the bed to keep her from jumping off. She still does the ramp, but would rather be lifted onto the bed.
She's a love. She enjoys good food, lots of love, and small walks outside. Also, on a good day, we will load her into the car and take her to the railroad tracks (towpath) for a change of pace. She trembles when we put her in her car seat but the drive is only minutes, and then we are there and all her anxiety is replaced with joy. Her sense of smell still stimulates her and makes her happy in life.
We have graduated from Arby's Roast Beef to a more expensive and further away Roy Rogers Roast Beef. "It's so much better," she tells us. But when her bowel movements become a little sloppy we go back to chicken. Even though it is not her favorite, it is so much better for her digestive system. And with her falling back into her poo, it is best to have a solid stool to fall in. A surprise bath on Sunday after church caused great anxiety for her - but the mess we came home to after church throughout the house and covering her was just too much!
I'm talking to God a lot these days. I need to know when. I need to have peace about it when it is time.
This little girl has brought such happiness to our days. I cannot even imagine my life without her in it. Gary and I will have been married 20 years this September. She will have been with us 18 of those years - God willing she makes it that far. With summer nearing, I am doubtful that she will. She does not do heat well. But only God knows what lies ahead.
I just wanted to give all our blogging friends an update on Gracie. I've watched as many of our friends have lost their fur babies, as heartbreaking as it is. Gracie's time is nearing. I felt it only right to share with you all because just as I love your fur babies I know you love Gracie.
We take one day at a time. I'm glad God gave me the provisions to retire in 2020. Caring for Gracie these days is a full-time job and I am grateful for the opportunity and thankful for the beautiful way she enriched our life.
It was too late for her to write in her diary last night. But I did snap a picture of her as she rested peacefully IN THE MIDDLE OF MY SIDE OF THE BED!! LOL. "Where oh where shall I put my legs tonight?" I whispered.
