Max's Senility

David C. · July 13, 2006, 08:56:15 PM

Max senility is worsening. It's now to the point where he no longer knows when he is hungry. He used to eat on a perfect schedule and bark when things weren't there. Now, he is free feeding and there seems to be no rhyme or reason to when he eats. He does have some lucid moments, but you can tell he's not there a lot of the time. His quality of life is becoming an issue. I don't think we're at the point where he's going to need to be assisted to the Bridge just yet, but I could see that becoming a possibility in the not-too-distant future.

Max is just shy of 17 1/2 years old. That's a pretty long life, and a life that has been really well lived. My gut is that we're probably getting near the end. We could be talking weeks or months, but the old age roller coaster is definitely heading down. We've made our peace to this eventuality and accept whatever outcome is in store for us. There is always the possibility I could be wrong. Max has fooled us before.

Merion · July 13, 2006, 10:02:20 PM

I sure hope he fools you again!!!! I can really understand how you are feeling because that was how Zeke was getting for about the last year or so before he went. Sending mega HHHHHHHHH's & PPPPP's for Max to hang in there a good while longer. We love our senior weiner

.
Merion & the ZZ's

Mike · July 14, 2006, 07:06:07 AM

I'm sorry to hear this development, David. I know you and Margie will cherish those poignent lucid moments all the more with the end in site. Sending rays for Max to plateau a while longer.

Barb · July 14, 2006, 08:08:13 AM

Sending rays that Max will fool us all. 17 1/2 years - wow ! We love you Max and know that your hu-parents will do the best thing for you. Hang in there buddy - we want you to be our senior weiner for a lot longer.... Smoochies sweet boy

Beth · July 14, 2006, 08:09:13 AM

I'm sorry to hear that about Max. I admire your being able to make peace and put Max's best interests first. It's a difficult decision to make regardless of whether you are ready or not. Rays and prayers for you and Max, and I hope that Max stays around for a while longer.

Suzie · July 14, 2006, 08:21:43 AM

The Cohens are in my thoughts. Such a poignant time. Give Max loves from us.

DeeanDave · July 14, 2006, 08:57:15 AM

We love you Max and we're sending you rays and prayers. You are all in our thoughts and prayers and rays are coming to all of you.

Rich · July 14, 2006, 09:08:08 AM

I know just what you are going through. My last dachs, Thor, lived to one month past his 17th birthday. His last 6 months was a period of everything slowing down and going away. Toward the end he spent most of his time sleeping but when he was wakeful, he still had moments when his personality would shine through. He suffered no pain and finally went to the bridge in his sleep. Most of my mourning took place during that last 6 months when I knew that he was gradually preparing to leave. When the end came, I was able to accept it and bid him Godspeed to the bridge.

I hope you still have many good moments left to savor with Max. It seems our love for them reaches new places, new depths when they reach such an age and yet show that they still have the dachsie heart.

Dachsmack · July 14, 2006, 12:17:55 PM

We're thinking of you guys and can empathize. Ivan has recently had very similar episodes as you have described. But he has bounced back each time and is on one of his upswings. I'm pulling for the same for Max.

Krista · July 14, 2006, 12:49:14 PM

Awww that is sad to hear. I sure hope that Max's time is later, rather than sooner. I do hope that however long he has left, that he enjoys life and lets you know he loves being with you all.

PattyInAK · July 14, 2006, 02:05:38 PM

I went thru the old age thing with Christopher and Harry. I know what you are going through, David, and all you can do is what you are presently doing.........make Max as comfy as possible. He will let you know when its time. Its wonderful that you have had him for so long. Please keep us posted.

David C. · July 14, 2006, 06:38:32 PM

Max had a better day today. His eating schedule is still random, although he seems to not mind when we offer him hooman food. At this point, we've started mixing his kibble with Cheerios just so he'll eat. We're just taking it day-to-day with him.

Barb · July 15, 2006, 07:08:40 AM

Quote from: David C. on July 14, 2006, 06:38:32 PM
Max had a better day today. His eating schedule is still random, although he seems to not mind when we offer him hooman food. At this point, we've started mixing his kibble with Cheerios just so he'll eat. We're just taking it day-to-day with him.

All we can all ask for each day is.... one more day........ As long as he keeps eating - thats a good thing ! Hu-mom and dad will make sure he does.......Rudy and Brandy think Cheerios mixed in is a GREAT idea !!! Sending our Max a big smooch and soft rubs

Roberta · July 15, 2006, 10:13:15 PM

DAvid thoughts are with you, Emma never had problems with eating but tended to forget where she was going. But maybe Max is doing the what do I have to worry about the waist line for, just eat as much whenever possible.
Roberta

Kevin · July 17, 2006, 07:40:02 PM

David, we are keeping you guys in our thoughts. Ol' Maxwell House is a very special boy and a good buddy to everyone who knows him. Give him lots of ear skritches for us. We're pullin' for him!
Kevin, Jeri, Skeeter & Boone (who doesn't know Max but would really like him!)