The friend's and great neighbor's dog we are taking care of is not well in my opinion. He is a 9YO Australian sheepdog.Fantastic temperament. but breathes heavily all the time. I think he has a heart condition. this is based on Sonny's GF keeling over 2 years ago. She had the same thing; always heavy breathing. Do I mention it again to my friends or just let it go? I have mentioned it BTW.
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Sometimes you're the windshield, and sometimes you're the bug.
Personally, I know this is not going to be well received, but I don't think we have ever taken an animal to the vet. We did have a few put down when they became ill and were in obvious pain, but we never tried to prolong their pain/life. When we did have them put down, I think they were taken to what was called the pound. Not sure if they still have those around anymore.
It is possible that your neighbors are of the same mindset?
Personally, I know this is not going to be well received, but I don't think we have ever taken an animal to the vet. We did have a few put down when they became ill and were in obvious pain, but we never tried to prolong their pain/life. When we did have them put down, I think they were taken to what was called the pound. Not sure if they still have those around anymore.
It is possible that your neighbors are of the same mindset?
Maybe they are of that mindset. The dog is wonderful but obviously has issues. If nothing is done, he will drop dead. I noticed tonight he also has leg issues, probably arthritis. Again not my monkey, but do I say something?
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Sometimes you're the windshield, and sometimes you're the bug.
I thought you already said something, no? You could remind them, tell them about the leg issues you are seeing, but that's about all you can do.
He has been with us all week, neighbors come home today. I guess I was surprised by his declining health. I didn't realize what bad shape he is in. As I said in a previous post, Sonny's GF dropped dead from a heart issue two years ago. The GF's owner and I took the dogs for a walk yesterday and she noted the dog I am taking care of breathing sounded just like her dog in the year before she died.
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Sometimes you're the windshield, and sometimes you're the bug.
I would tread lightly, but make your concerns known when they pick him up today. And be grateful he didn't die on your watch.
-- Edited by FNW on Saturday 22nd of July 2017 09:04:17 AM
Oh they are friends so I don't think they would be put off. I certainly am not going to make it an issue. I'll just mention how winded he was on our walk and leave it at that.
It's too bad, he is such a great dog. He is that dog in the neighborhood that all other dogs love to play with.
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Sometimes you're the windshield, and sometimes you're the bug.
Is he just really out of shape? Also - he's 9. That's getting up there for a dog.
My first thought was that he is out of shape. But the friend I was walking with pointed out the breathing difficulty pattern and how he was huffing and puffing even when just lying down.
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Sometimes you're the windshield, and sometimes you're the bug.
Terriers have chronic sinus conditions in their DNA. Sheepdogs do not. The kids just came up to get him. He was sooo happy. I will go down later to chat about their vaca.
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Sometimes you're the windshield, and sometimes you're the bug.
