The problem we are having with Fella is he cannot support himself on either end. His rear legs are weak and his front legs are weak. We have a support harness that we use with him but he has to be able to support himself on one end or the other.
When I lift his rear, his right front leg folds. When I lift his front, his right rear leg folds. With the pain pills he is able to support himself but still has a difficult time walking and climbing steps. The pain pills are helping, but he is still having a difficult time getting about. I guess as long as the pain pills work, even with limited mobility he can get along.
Our neighbor from across the street said we could use their swimming pool to give Fella some exercise but suggested that we wait for the water to warm up as it is very cold right now.
Arthritis is a terrible thing and it only gets worse. The only thing I know to do is keep him comfortable and happy. Yesterday he wanted to go for a walk so bad, he followed me through out the house waiting for me to say lest's go. Finally I took him for a very short walk, only two house down and back. That satisfied him and he was happy the rest of the day. Sue and I spent time in the back yard with he and Suzie enjoying the sunshine and warm weather with our fur kids realizing that time is getting short for Fella and we may not have the opportunity to do this this time next year.
I do hope the rally in Branson has a good turn out for Fella as it could be his last one. At 13 years old {13 is is everybody's guess}he has lived a long time. I believe these last three years have been good years for him. He has had a great life with all the love and support any dog could ever dream of.
Okay I have to go for now. Talk with you later.
2016 Ford F250 King Ranch Crew Cab 6.7 Power Stroke
2015 Montana Model 3611 with 4400 Pullrite Hitch.
Wife Sue
Pets: Rainbow Bridge: Bart, Old Fella, Levi, Charlie, Mama, Hobo, Izzie, Peaches. Others Suzie, Dixie.
Old Fella Burke County Animal Rescue