I’m 75 years old and live alone with my sweet, 17-year-old raggedy best friend, Bette. I adopted toothless Bette 10 years ago and we’ve been tied at the arthritic hip ever since. She doesn’t eat much anymore and sleeps most of the day and all of the night, except to pee on her pad around 6 a.m.
Her back is bowed and her rear legs splayed out. She slides on the shiny hardwood floor. Bette doesn’t like walks and prefers her stroller (and so do I!). Her hair is thinning and her tail is bald. She is blind in one eye. She still loves riding in the car in her car seat, but doesn’t bark anymore. I don’t think she can hear a darned thing.
My question has to do with the negative attitude we get from friends, as well as complete strangers. The cruel remarks range from “Why is that dog in a stroller?” Why isn’t that dog walking?” to “That dog is ready to be put down.”
Sadly, I had to play God in the past, when aging pets had strokes and were no longer able to walk or control their bodily functions, but Bette uses her pads (when I have not taken her out in time), drinks more than enough water and eats one meal a day.
Why are some people so indignant about wanting to put away an elderly, blind dog? And what should I say to them?
Devoted Caninophile in Crestline
Dear Devoted,
Day no. 85 of my sobriety and my dog is still alive! (Only recovering alcoholics will understand my attempt at humor.)
First off, make darned sure none of your friends is listed as your legal health care agent.
If sweet old Bette is still drinking and eating, voiding and riding in cars, I’d say she’s having the time of her life. Just continue doing what you’re doing and let the doomsayers know that you will be loving Bette to death.
Sidney
Send your questions for Sidney to Sidney@thealpinemountaineer.com or by snail mail to Dear Sidney, The Alpine Mountaineer, P.O. Box 4572, Crestline, CA 92325.
This advice is intended for entertainment purposes only. No animals were harmed in the writing of this column.
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