Doggy Paddle

Days spent at the beach with friends and dogs are always the best of days, even if it’s a less than desirable beach. Although, I will never judge Garbage Beach, it has always been a spot I have enjoyed spending my time…there is nothing to dislike about a secluded beach in Toronto that we can have bonfires at (not legally, but, whatever). So since Meaghan lives just down the road from our fav beachy spot, we headed there on a Sunday to let the dogs have a nice run around and swim, which was definitely not voluntary. All three of them hate swimming, but they needed to be cooled off, so don’t think we are that mean. It was really a nice relaxing afternoon, but now my little Gussy is sick again. If you don’t follow me on instagram (get on that!) then you won’t know yet that Gus is having a rough time. This time he has ataxia. Incase you aren’t familiar with ataxia (I definitely wasn’t), in the simplest terms he has a lack of muscle control in his hind legs during voluntary movements, which means he is unable to walk, or hold himself up. It’s a neurological issue that we are hoping will rectify itself over the next few days or so, but if not, he will likely need surgery. We have to help Gus with everything now. We have to hold his back end up while he eats and drinks, carry him everywhere around the house because he likes being near me at all times and we don’t want him trying to get to me on his own. He needs help outside when doing his business, and it obviously goes without saying he can’t jump on or off anything, so I have to keep a close watch on him so he doesn’t fall off the bed or couch when we are sitting/sleeping. It’s really a nightmare. I don’t mind looking after him in this way (I’d do anything for this dog) but it’s the fact that he has no idea what’s going on that makes me so upset. Imagine spontaneously not being able to move your legs? How absolutely awful would that be?! I’m thankful he is not paralyzed – he still has feeling in his hind legs – but some narrowing in his spine is causing the ataxia. Gah! Poor guy is having such a rough time these days.