Saverio, and the Aging Process - Part II
Since my last post about my darling, 11- pound, four-legged family member, my husband and I have found out he has a more pronounced sign of aging - doggie dementia! The official name of this condition is Canine Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome. We were also informed that he has cataracts in both eyes.
Sigh . . .
I did a Google search on the condition and came up with a website listing all the possible signs to make a proper diagnosis after functional, physical conditions are ruled out.
Unfortunately, Saverio has quite a few symptoms of Dementia. And it would be an educated guess that it won't get better but, as it is with humans, the aging process for Saverio will get harder as each year passes.
This list of numerous symptoms is copied from the website of DrsFosterSmith:
1. Becomes lost in familiar places around the home or backyard
2. Becomes trapped behind familiar furniture or in room corners
3. Has trouble finding and using doors and negotiating stairways
4. Does not respond to her name or familiar commands
5. Is withdrawn and unwilling to play, go for walks, or even go outside
6. Does not recognize or is startled by family members, toys, etc.
7. Frequently trembles or shakes, either while standing or lying down
8. Paces or wanders aimlessly throughout the house
9. Has difficulty learning new tasks, commands, or routes
10. Frequently soils in the house, regardless of the frequency she is brought outside
11. Sleeps more during the day, less during the night
12. Stares at walls or into space and is startled by interior lighting, the television, etc.
13. Seeks less and less of your attention, praise, and play
14. Is hesitant to take treats, drink fresh water, or eat fresh food
A few days after my last post about Saverio, I noticed him meandering across our winter-covered, but frozen-over-with-water, in-ground swimming pool. He NEVER does that! Well, at least he never did before. But, aging comes with a lot of firsts, sort of like babies, but in reverse. I, of course, freaked out and tried to coax him off the pool cover with a treat. Duh! Hello? He can't see! So I just waited, hoping with baited breath, until he walked out onto the snow-covered patio, safe from harm. Yes, my backyard is a frozen tundra this winter, but still . . .
He is exhibiting symptoms #3, #4, #7, #8, #10, #11 and #12, unfortunately. But he will always be loved and cared for until his very last breath. And when that happens, I will be there to comfort him.
On a lighter note, my husband says that if I start to exhibit signs of Dementia or Alzheimer's, he'll simply deposit me at the Ocean County Mall Food Court area with a sign around my neck for someone to feed me. Real nice, huh.
He's joking, of course, but Dementia or Alzheimer's Disease is no joke.
Please support your local charities for these conditions. Educate yourself and your family members if you have loved ones (pets or people) afflicted with these diseases of aging.
But, most of all, you must exhibit empathy for those affected: care for them with patience, look out for them, treat them with respect, and above all, love them with all your heart!
