One of our blog readers asked for an update on blind-and-deaf Duchess, better known as Granny, our resident breadaholic. I asked Cindy to take a photo of me with Granny today, except I hadn't allowed for the fact that she (Granny, not Cindy) might be in the middle of an afternoon nap in the sun. As you can see, she continued her nap in my arms.
Granny is doing just fine. Two weeks ago she had her regular dental cleaning, and her pre-anesthetic bloodwork looked great. Despite her 14+ years, her teeth were in fabulous shape and none needed to be pulled.
You can sleep really well when you're deaf, and when you're blind and deaf, you can sleep really, really well, but she did manage to finally come awake ... sort of:
I think Granny sprang to life in this second photo only because she thought she smelled a dog cookie in Cindy's pockets. If she had smelled bread, I wouldn't have been able to hold onto her.
----
Unfortunately, the news on our other little old girl, Lady, is very different and quite sad. We had to euthanize Lady a couple of weeks ago. Our vet, Brenda Culver, came out to the ranch on a Saturday afternoon to let her go. Ironically, we had managed to stay on top of Lady's heart condition and Cushing's, but she developed doggie Alzheimer's in the meantime. She started getting everything backwards, and her wiring was shorting out, in effect. Lady seemed "lost" -- she began wandering in circles constantly -- and we realized she no longer was able to enjoy life. She died peacefully and with dignity, surrounded by people who had loved her in her final months of life.
THanks for posting on Granny. I simply adore older dogs.
I am sorry about Lady and offer condolences. Thank you for providing her a home in her last months.
How about some news on Travis.
Thank you again!
Posted by: Jenniew | October 20, 2008 at 01:53 PM
So glad to hear the positive update on Granny, yet sad to hear about Lady.
I am sure that Lady is smiling down on you from heaven, knowing that she was loved and well cared for by you and Alayne.
Posted by: Kristin | October 16, 2008 at 10:31 PM
Sorry to hear about the loss of Lady but please know that she whad the best remaining time she could have possibly had before she went to join the other RDR Angels at the Rainbow Bridge and that she loved both of you dearly for giving her that second chance at a better life!! Bless you both for everything you do for God's creatures!!
Granny sure looks perfectly content! Thanks for the update on her. How about some more Widget news??
Posted by: Leah | October 16, 2008 at 08:03 PM
Bittersweet indeed! Knowing that she had the best while at RDR must be a comfort, but it's always so sad to see a friend go. That Granny certainly resembles a Duchess! Regal and pampered :o)
Posted by: JDonahue | October 16, 2008 at 03:14 PM
So glad to hear Granny is doing so well.
I was wondering...do you think you could do a new blog entry twice a day, every day, so we all have something good to read about more often? With all of the bad news in the world lately, going to your blog site gives me something to look forward to!
Posted by: Leighsa | October 16, 2008 at 01:06 PM
That Pic of Granny asleep in your arms is just so sweet!!
I am sorry to hear of Lady's passing, but am also glad she got to live out her golden years with such loving and caring people..
You guys deserve a medal!!
Posted by: Maree - New Zealand | October 16, 2008 at 12:58 PM
Duchess, you are the greatest Granny! Thank you for granting us a few moments of your nap time. I'm so happy your check up was a good report. Good to know your nose is in good working order too!
Condolences for the loss of Lady but it's wonderful to know her last days were filled with love, security & dignity. It's always so hard to make the decision to send them to Rainbow Bridge but it is also the kindest thing we can do for them when their beautiful lives on earth have come to an end. She is running free now with all the other RDR angels keeping watch over all of you.
Posted by: Colleen & Sweet Kitty Erin | October 16, 2008 at 12:43 PM
Granny is adorable. I am so glad that you were able to save her and the people at the vet's office fought for her second chance. I am very sorry to hear about Lady. She was also adorable. I have no doubt that her last few months were filled with love. Every animal should be so lucky.
Posted by: Suzanne Painovich | October 16, 2008 at 12:25 PM
I am so sorry to read that Lady has gone over the Rainbow Bridge. She was very fortunate to spend her last bit of time here at the RDR with the best care & lots of love. Thank you for taking such excellent care of her & giving her so much love.
It's great to see "Granny" napping in the sun in your arms, Steve. What a sweet pic.
With heartfelt hugs,
ginger, Tobias & Tlingit
Posted by: ginger | October 16, 2008 at 11:55 AM
So glad to see "Granny" doing well! She's not one to miss out on a good nap, that's for sure! On the other hand, I'm very sorry to hear about Lady. The best thing that could have happened to her was coming to the Ranch. She lived a comfortable, happy life while she was there and that's what really matters.
Posted by: Katie | October 16, 2008 at 09:34 AM
How nice that Granny got a healthy report from the vet!
I'm sorry that Lady passed away.
Such a sweet soul.
I'm thankful she was with you during the last months of life; she was in the best of care, in a home filled with love and compassion.
Peace to Lady.
Posted by: Boundforglory | October 16, 2008 at 09:29 AM
Granny looked like she was doing us all a favor by opening her eyes. What a gal! Sorry to hear about pretty Lady. We all know you did the right thing for her. Another doggie angel to watch over RDR.
Posted by: Debbie Balevre | October 16, 2008 at 07:45 AM
Lady knew she was loved...thank you for that.
Posted by: Debbie | October 16, 2008 at 07:41 AM
The picture of Granny napping in your arms, Steve, just melts my heart, but the news of Lady's death has filled it with sadness... I feel a little better, though, thinking of how good her last months with you and Alayne were, how loved and secure she must have felt.
A big hug to you all from Italy.
Posted by: Carla Polastro-Nigro | October 16, 2008 at 02:55 AM
I'm so sorry to hear about your losing "Lady". But as with all the very lucky dogs at RDR, she had everything that defines "a Great Life" for a dog, under your love and care! Sincere Condolences to everyone who shared her life, and now grieves her passing.
Posted by: Barbara Arenal | October 16, 2008 at 01:30 AM
Duchess rocks!! I love the pictures. Lady had the best life at RDR and I'm glad she left with dignity. God bless you sweet Lady.
Posted by: Shirley * James * Portland, OR | October 16, 2008 at 12:51 AM
I am so sorry for Lady's loss --but grateful that her last months were comfortable and filled with love.
Posted by: Helen Rietz | October 15, 2008 at 11:23 PM
What a bittersweet post! The sad news about Lady was tempered by the knowledge that her last months at RDR were happy. She died in the kindest way possible for her. I send my sympathies to you and Alayne.
Then there was the good news about dear, old Granny. It does one's heart good to see her and to hear how well she is.
Posted by: Moon Rani | October 15, 2008 at 09:14 PM