Who else is up with their senior dimensia patient? Another night and here we are by the glow of tree after a few potty trips, water and a snack.

Dio is a 17 year old rat terrier. I've had him since he was 6. First dog to turn me into a dog person. Literally attached to me from a boyfriend and stayed with me after the break up. Used to go everywhere with me. Has hiked all over the country, once making an 800 stair step hike down an old mining trail look like a cake walk. Now he barely, yet stubbornly insists, makes it up the street after a buggy ride or carry in one of his slings or back packs. I feel like when he goes we will finally be able to mourn his former self.  He's such a different dog now. Sundowning, middle of the night restlessness, and accidents in the house that he never had before are the worst of it and not fully a regular thing. He does better when he gets some stimulation during the day so I do my best but it's harder as it gets colder out. I keep convincing myself he isn't "that bad" yet. 

We just lost a dog almost 2 years ago. A little Bichon that we took in from my grandparents. He was nearly 18 with a heart murmur but lots of spark until the end. We hardly saw it coming. My husband grew very attached in a few short years and we were just completely crushed. I know we are just dreading going through all that grief again with a dog we've had our whole relationship. 

I've read so many posts and comments here of similar situations and I'm grateful knowing we're not alone but it's still so hard to make the call. Dio's bloodwork shows a perfectly healthy dog. We got a kitten this summer with intentions that she'd be a playmate for our other dog but she just loves her Dio. She always curls up with him or tries to playfully push his buttons despite little push back from him. It definitely makes the decision tougher. I was so peeved having to move to the couch again tonight and here she comes to melt my heart right back into place. 

So happy that I found this community for late night mental support. Even after Dio crosses the rainbow, I won't be going anywhere. We love our senior rescues!  But these bonds aren't for the faint of heart. ♥️ 

It's 4 am, who's up with me?