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Thursday, October 18, 2018

Sad but still so Thankful

I am thankful for R's absolute joy in living. He is leading the way for us humans, as we navigate this strange and scary new world of severe glaucoma.

We noticed over the past week that R's bad eye appeared to be red throughout the entire eye, not just the white of the eye. His formerly deep brown left eye now looked deep red. Thank goodness that we had an ophthalmologist appointment already scheduled for this week because we definitely needed one.

We were prepared this time, at least as prepared as you can be for bad news. As we'd guessed, tests showed that his eye was filled with blood, and the ocular pressure had gone up despite the eye drops that we were giving to prevent that from happening. None of that was good news.

R has showed very little sign that the eye was bothering him over the month since we last saw the ophthalmologist. He and his sister were a pair of clowns every time that I tried to photograph them. They even seemed like they planned their silliness with whispers behind my back. I don't know what they were doing in this one but it made me giggle uncontrollably.


Yet, given what is going on inside his eye, there is little doubt that it hurts him. So, we've made one of those very hard decisions that animal guardians must make for the love of their pet. We've chosen to have his left eye removed.
His left eye is now completely blind, and it must hurt him due to the high pressure and inflammation inside it. Moreover, the pathology inside that eye will give us information about how to best treat his good eye to slow down the progression to blindness.

It never ceases to astound me how life can turn on a dime from happy days to harder days. When you bring a puppy home, like R below with his departed brother and sister, you dream that the puppy's life will be nothing but easy.
That hasn't been even close to true for R. Less than a year after the photo above, he was diagnosed with elbow dysplasia and had his first of many orthopedic surgeries, something that I've written a lot about here. Since his CUE surgery 2.5 years ago, he has been nearly pain-free for the first time in his life. Then, his genes turned against him again as his defective eyes' degeneration became apparent. Yet, he has the most effervescent spirit imaginable.

Just like for his elbow, we will do everything that we can to make this new phase of life as joyous as possible for R. His spirit cannot be kept down - he is the living definition of "exuberance". He will guide us through this, and we will do all that we can for him.

28 comments:

  1. He will be always a super part of the labraduo and a part of your furmily... we cross all paws and fingers and we wish him the best of the best...

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  2. We know that had to be a difficult decision and tough things to hear, but that surely has to be painful for dear R. We're thankful you're taking such loving care of him. Thanks for joining the Thankful Thursday Blog Hop.

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  3. R is definitely a role model for us all when it comes to dealing with physical adversity. He will be an adorable one-eyed boy! If only he could wear a rakish eye-patch :) Hang in there...

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  4. We are so sorry to hear this. The Black Dog is such an inspiration to all of us for his joy in living despite the many struggles he has faced. We hope that once again, he will rise like a phoenix from sadness and pain.

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  5. As always, KB, you and the Runner are making a hard decision based on what's best for R. Just think - if he's as exuberant as your recent photos have shown, how much more he'll be with that non-functional painful eyeball gone. We'll treasure all the past photos of R's soulful eyes, and look forward to more photos of his soulful eye (and rakish eye-patch?).

    Hugs - we know the heart and brain often don't align.
    Chris from Boise

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  6. That first picture of the duo is so cute. Millie & Walter have their paws crossed for R and his surgery. We hope the pathology tests will help him keep his good eye for a long time.

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  7. We are so sad to hear this news but we know that your mom and dad will do everything in their power to keep you pain free and keep you just as happy as you are now, R. Love all of the pictures and hugs to you all♥

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  8. So very sorry to hear this news. Poor guy can't catch a break, but dogs are resilient, and he will be alright, it is the humans that have the difficult time adjusting. We hope they can get some good information to help with his right eye.

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  9. So sorry to read about R - but he will adjust. Please check out Sunny Blue Blind and Blessed on FB - his people had his eyes removed; and of course Smiley (and now Sunny). Perhaps Joanne and Karen can give you some advice

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  10. Oh me I'm sorry to hear this about R's eye but I 100% agree with your decision. Removing will give that handsome boy a better quality of life. I know it must be painful.
    The first photo of R and Shyla is precious as is the one of the trio!
    Hugs and prayers R does well.
    Cecilia

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  11. R couldn't have better pawrents to guide him through this! We will keep our paws crossed tight for him.

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  12. Dogs never cease to amaze me with how they approach adversity. They are always excellent examples of how to live life. Especially that hunky R! Juicy sends a flirtatious tail swish and a husky kiss yo him. Loki say, “stay cracker, dude.” Big kisses to R from me too.

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  13. We love so much, and a hard decision made with the utmost love you can have. I am sure R will adapt to this new phase, and with one eye and less pain, will manage to have those fun days with you and Shyla. Runner, hugs to you right now as well.

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  14. I believe you have made the right decision, as hard as it is to make it... I agree he will come through with flyinig colors because he is what he is, that photo made me giggle and then I cried a little for your beautiful black dog and for your aching hearts. prayers for a safe surgery and that they will be able to save his other eye...

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  15. Such a hard decision - but I'm sure it's the best thing for R. He will be dazzling you with how well he adapts.
    That photo of him and Shyla is so touching - they are both such incredible pups!
    KZK

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  16. We are so sorry that R has to lose his eye, but you are right, he probably has a lot more pain and discomfort than he lets on. He is such a resilient dog that we know he will do fine with the one eye. Being black also helps for the appearance. Most people who did not know our black dog had lost both of his eyes didn't even notice until it was pointed out. And R will still be that lovable R whether he has one eye or two:) Hugs.

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  17. Sad for R, but glad you're able to do something to relieve his pain. We can learn a lot from dogs, can't we?

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  18. Paws up...an ode to the Jimmy Buffet crowd's 'fins up' no doubt. Sorry your boy is going through this. I hope with removal, he has better days with less pressure on the remaining eye.

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  19. We know you'll make the right choices. Remember, R will adjust to one eye, or indeed, blindness. And you'll have great times to come.

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  20. They will still and always be an adorable pair who make you smile all the time! Sometimes the smiles just might have to come through tears. We feel for you, but know you are doing the best thing for R. One thing is for sure, he's a tough guy, and he will get through this...and probably continue to help you through it as well. ♥
    Jan & the crew at Wag 'n Woof Pets

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  21. I am sorry you and R must go thru this but I also know he is lucky to be with you. You will do what is best and keep him happy!

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  22. Poor R, he's been going through hard times. He must be a trooper! He has a good family to help him through this latest trial. We know you want the best for him and he knows you care.

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  23. You are making the right choice. R will adjust to what life throws at him, he already had, and you will help him cope. Sending you lots of POTP.

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  24. How hard that decision must have been but we do know you are doing what is best for R.
    lots of pug hugs
    Hazel & Mabel

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  25. R is brave, and is strong,, and is happy. All of the love from all of you keeps him going strong.
    You will all get through this together,, because of love.

    we love all of you
    tweedles

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  26. R's going to get through this fine; he'll still be his crazy happy self. Still, such a difficult if necessary decision to make. He's lucky to have you.

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