That Indominatable Dachsie Spirit

David C. · September 21, 2006, 04:43:14 PM

Max appears to have once again decided that a trip to the Bridge isn't in his imminent plans. Just a few weeks ago, it seemed like it was going to be a waiting game. Somehow, he gathered himself together and began eating his full meal portions again and is putting weight back on. With the first cool breezes of the approaching autumn, he seems to have perked up even more. This morning I saw him trudging through the grass, head held high, ears and eyes alert and snout leading towards some unknown scent.

I honestly don't know what keeps him going. Most of his four-legged companions have already made the journey. I've had talks with him letting him know it's okay for him to make that journey. Each morning (it's now a ritual) when I look down on him, there he is...still with us...asleep maybe, but still with us nonetheless.

Throughout much of his life, Max was the sidekick to his much more animated and spirited companion Rudy. In some regards, he was in Rudy's shadow. To me, Rudy was the embodiment of what a dachshund was supposed to be: Brash, loyal and fearless. Max has those qualities, but certainly not to the extreme that Rudy did. However, and what had only become clear to me since Rudy's passing is the amazing "quiet strength" that Max possesses. In that quiet strength, Max truly is the embodiment of the indominatable dachsie spirit.

Dee Dee and Hallie · September 21, 2006, 10:45:27 PM

Max is amazing. He's practically a legend around here. There is something about that regal white face of his...you can't help but love him. We hope he is with us for a long time yet!

Roberta · September 22, 2006, 02:29:59 AM

:thumb: to our darling red head, we were the same with Emma in the end wake up and check if she was asleep or gone to God.

Give him a hug from me
roberta

David C. · September 25, 2006, 08:56:17 PM

The post about Max's rally was probably premature. Shortly after posting this, Max's hind legs became extremely wobbly. Even just a simple shaking of his ears causes his hind legs to come out from under him. When he walks, he's now "sandcrabbing" into the lame leg. It's definitely not a back issue as he still has full pain sensation in his legs and he periodically can get back into a reasonably steady gait.

Unfortunately, the problem with the hind legs is definitely turning into a quality of life issue for him. Sure, he still enjoys the snuggles, but if he's incapable of locomoting himself, his quality of life will deteriorate. Right now we're just watching and waiting and hoping that his legs will come back to him. I can't let him continue like this for too much longer. I was hoping that Max would head to the Bridge on his own, but it's looking like I'm going to have to make that decision for him.

Brekkesmom · September 25, 2006, 09:20:24 PM

Awww, Max! I hope you get some return of walking capabilities. I know how happy we are at each rally! As the dachsie emeritus for the rest to look up to, here are some rays for you... :rayz: :rayz: rayz:

Merion · September 26, 2006, 12:45:40 AM

We sure hope he gets it back too. We need our senior weiner to guide this group!!!!!! He has much more life experience wisdom than most of our other pups on here. Sending HHHHHHH's & PPPPPP's to you all.
Merion & the ZZ's

Dee Dee and Hallie · September 26, 2006, 01:44:55 AM

Oh geez I hate to hear this. Max has rallied so often we will just always expect him to. When I lost my Fred, 6 yr old Great Dane, we thought it would be expected because he was so ill for so long (all his short 6 years). But many times over the vets thought it was time to let him go...and each time he'd bounce back and amaze us all. So when I did lose him it seemed to be such a shock. Max is such a trooper, he could still rally again, please keep us posted on how he is doing.

Barb · September 26, 2006, 09:15:59 AM

Sending rays and prayers for our Max and hoping he makes the turn again. Please keep us updated - we are here for you David -

Kari · September 26, 2006, 09:36:40 AM

We are thinking of you and your family! You are in our thought and prayers! Please keep us updated!

TerriL · September 26, 2006, 02:09:48 PM

Hang in there Max....
You to David. Max is so lucky to be able to share his Golden Years with your family! You are in my prayers.

Dianne · September 27, 2006, 09:32:00 AM

Oh, David! Don't give up on Max yet!

Cocoa was doing the wobbly back legs a couple of weeks ago. She's 16 and Ken was beside himself thinking it was time. He took her to the vet and the vet found a problem in her back (strain? nerve? I can't remember which).

She's been on pred for the inflammation for the past 2 weeks and is doing great. I can't believe the difference from a doggy that was dragging her rear legs to a doggy that we have to pen to keep her off the stairs!

Think about having this checked out and you may find that Max isn't as close as you think. Good luck to both of you!