Wow... such a roller coaster ride. Last night I posted how sad I was. Dutchess didn't eat all her meal and I was depressed. We have a two story house... Dutchess and Faith our other dog sleep downstairs in my 16 year old daughters bedroom. My hubby is first to get up during the week. Before Dutchess got sick the normal routine was that both dogs ran upstairs to see me(still in bed) as soon as hubby let them out of daughters room in the morning, let them out and fed them.
Dutchess stopped being able to do stairs about 3 weeks ago... Christmas day hubby and I carried her upstairs so she could be by me while I was up there.
This last week when Dutchess got sicker I have been sleeping downstairs in the family room.. so I can watch her all night long. Last night I was exhausted from not sleeping, feeling depressed as I posted. I forced myself to go sleep back upstairs in my bed because I could feel myself starting to obsess over Dutchess. I knew that realistically she would be fine thru the night with my daughter in her normal routine.
Anyway... this morning my hubby let the dogs out to go to the bathroom... Faith of course ran up the stairs and jumped on me.... my hubby followed about 15 minutes later and said, "Guess who is half way up the stairs?" Dutchess had decided to do the stairs..she was halfway up resting on the landing. I said that from now on we will have to close the baby gates so that she doesn't try..she has a hernia. But I thought she would enjoy just resting on the landing. About 15 minutes later she did the rest of the stairs and came trotting up to me in bed. She nuzzled and hugged. I cherished that moment and layed in bed longer than I would have... she really shouldn't do stairs. I was so touched though.. I feel like she was definately coming to find me. What a sweet sweet dog!
She ate a full meal and kept it down... so I've gone from last night wondering if she'd last a week to hoping she can make the couple months the vet said....
I know things can change in a hurry but wanted to share our good day. Whatever happens.. I'll have the memory of her doing the stairs to get me after 4 nights of having me by her side.
Thankyou for listening. Terri

Oh Terri, that is just wonderful news!!!!!!!
What a determined little girl she is. Thank you for letting us know

Please give her a big ole hug from me

Cheri

That is such a remarkable thing!!!!! What a special furbaby!!!! I am sooooo happy for you!!!!!
ChrissyW

Wohoo for Dutchess!

Terri, cherish each of these moments. Also, take lots of pictures of the two of you together. One of my biggest regrets is that I have very few pictures of Shiloh and I together.
Take care of you and Dutchess!
Love,
Kathleen

What a beautiful story thank you so much for sharing it with us.

I slept with Jude for months, lucky we have a bungalow so if she decided to sleep in the bedroom i slept in my bed if she decided the livingroom was more comfortable then i slept on the settee, i was afraid i wouldnt be able to hear her trying to get up if i wasnt next to her.

Just sos you know id do it all again and again and again and a...........


Love Sue

Yay for Dutchess!

Yipee for Dutchess!!!!!!

Lynn XXOO

Oh Terri, I am so happy she found the strength to do that, even is she is not able to do alot of things I would not restrict her from doing it. Dutchess may feel left out otherwise and may worry you just don't want her coming to her. Let her do what she is able to do so she will know she is still part of the family and I bet she was thrilled when she reached the top and came to you. You will treasure everything no matter how great or small she does when she is gone. They told me Snookie would not live past August if she even lived that long. Love kept her going until Dec. 26th so Dutchess may press on for a while longer than they think she will too.
Love, Ann

Nice to hear some good news.
My best to you and your Duchess

Hi Terri & Family:



I smiled from ear to ear as I read your post!!!!!!!! How absolutely wonderful!!!!!

Your sweet girl is going to do what she wants to do........and, she's surprising her family, as well......BIG TIME!!!!!

It just goes to show all of us.................

"Our sweet furbabies...........THEY KNOW!!!!

God Bless You & Yours, My friend...........

Love, Denise, Ben, Ms. Lucy and Mr. Yoster xoxo