Copper, our aging Springer Spaniel.
For the past two weeks we've had very little sleep at nights. No, it's not post middle-age insomnia. It's a strange change in our almost 13-year old Springer Spaniel. We know that larger dogs do not live as long as smaller ones: our previous Springer lived 14 years and 2 months. We've also noticed that Copper does not see, hear or smell as well as he once did but we were unprepared for his seemingly sudden departure from his normal behavior. He has begun to bark intermittently throughout the night, wanting to go outside as often as 6 to 10 times before dawn. He is also now going into places he has never been allowed to go and almost never has gone--such as our basement.
I spoke with our Mobile Vet who is coming Wednesday to check out our new cat so he will also try to determine if Copper is in pain or if he might be showing signs of dementia. I am becoming familiar with the symptoms of dementia as my 87-year-mother has recently been diagnosed with it, and now that I think about it Copper has much in common with her. Both are almost obsessed with adhering to routine even if the situation doesn't match the timing. Both occasionally succumb to moments of confusion about where they find themselves and why.
It is so heartbreaking to see vitality and mental acuity waning whether in cherished human or animal family members.
Posted by: chenoah | January 09, 2005 at 03:55 PM