Bluebelle,  Dixee,  Jinx,  Mrs. Orr,  Photographs,  Reflections

Ailing Dixee

July 4, 2023 /
Dixee

Our little elderly dog, Dixee, has been failing today.

Mrs. Orr noticed it right away this morning. She was just off, and even though she ate and drank at breakfast, she wasn’t quite herself. Through the day, she has declined noticeably. The most dramatic symptom is a weakness in her rear legs. She walks and moves as if someone gave her a novocaine injection in her hips. They’re splaying out, weak and trembly, and she seems perplexed by this development. She also seems to be retaining some fluid, her belly distended from edema, which causes her to wheeze and gasp as she’s laying on her side, trying to sleep.

Understandably, Mrs. Orr is quite upset at Dixee’s condition. That little dog, rescued from a construction site eleven years ago, filthy and abused and battered, has stuck with my wife every waking moment in the years she’s lived here. My wife is the sun to her, rising and setting and under constant surveillance while Dixee sprawls on the floor or in her bed or sits on the kitchen floor, hoping for a dropped piece of chicken or cheese.

We briefly discussed taking her to the emergency vet near the airport down in town, but this being the 4th of July, we know we’d be in for a four to eight hour wait, with no guarantee of the competence or attentiveness of the vet on duty. And so we wait. She’s eating and drinking well, which is the one encouraging thing.

And so we wait, on a hot and sultry 4th of July. Our beloved barn cat, Harlan, came to us eleven years ago today, and loved to torment Dixee. Harlan left us four years ago for parts unknown. I like to think he’s watching her now with his canny, bemused expression. Perhaps Gamr or Loki are watching as well. The twins, Jinx and Bluebelle, are giving Dixee her space, and they seem to be watchful and somber. Who can say?

Oh, Dixee. We are waiting with you, old gal.

~ S.K. Orr

 

8 Comments

  • Lewis

    July 5, 2023 at 6:32 pm

    I hope that Dixee is doing better today. I’m sure that this is a very stressful time for you all.

    • admin

      July 6, 2023 at 10:19 am

      Thanks so much, Lewis. She’s about the same. We’re trying to get her in at the vet, but they’re shorthanded and overbooked, so we’re probably going to have to wait. She still doesn’t seem to be in pain, but she’s a very stoic little girl and may be in more discomfort than we can discern. It’s very difficult for Mrs. Orr. Thank you for checking in on us.

  • Range Front Fault

    July 4, 2023 at 8:02 pm

    I am so sorry to hear that Dixie is in poor declining health. Sad times. Just 3 weeks ago had to make the decision to put down my last cat, Fiona, at 25 years of age. She was a stray, 8 years old, out in the rain when I took her in. Her behavior was half human and mine is half cat so we adored each other. No critters in the house now. So empty. Sure can understand your pain. While trying to circumvent sounding schmaltzy, I wish I could give you both a hug. Now is the time to clear the decks, care for and love up your girl. Together plan for the hard decisions, follow your intuition and your good discernment. I kept out of the way of His road map; however I prayed to calm her, keep pain to a low rumble and give me the discernment to know when and what to do. And that’s just how it worked. A cup of tea and a nice tot of your favorite is helpful. Bless you both. You’ll all be in my thoughts.