This afternoon, in the pasture, Red fell suddenly to the ground, I saw that he could not move his hind legs at all, they were splayed out behind him.
He struggled to get to his feet, but could not, Maria and I carried him into the farmhouse, where he has been lying still by my side in my study.
My heart was broken for Red, a dog of great dignity, even while lying immobile on the ground, he still wouldn’t take his eyes off of the sheep.
He whimpers from time to time this afternoon and tonight, but is otherwise still. I don’t know what is wrong with Red, I am wary of amateur diagnoses, but when this happened for a minute or two a few weeks ago, we considered it to be an outbreak of his arthritis.
Another possibility was degenerative myelopathy, a disease that primarily affects purebred older dogs. The symptoms are precisely the same, paralysis in the hind legs.
There is an emergency clinic an hour away, but I am not comfortable bringing Red there and leaving him.
We will take him to our regular vet, Dr. Suzanne Fariello, in the morning. She knows Red, has saved his life and studied his bone structure.
Red is the most stoic of dogs, he just wants to lie by my side. If this is a myelopathy, it might recover for certain periods of time. The disease is not curable.
Red is whimpering intermittently, that is the first I’ve ever heard him do that. Bud is frantic, and is sitting alongside of Red. Fate has sniffed him a few times she is staying away.
If there is any news tomorrow, I’ll share it openly, as always. I do not need advice – I am in touch with professionals – and do not follow the advice of amateur diagnosticians online, although I do appreciate the concern of others.
I understand that Red is not just my dog, he belongs in part to a lot of people. But I am his steward and he is my responsibility and I will do what is best for him, after hearing the best advice and studying the best choices and information available to me, and Maria.
Red and I are very much connected to one another.
When he nearly died from four tick-borne diseases last year, I thought he was dying, but I felt he was clearly signaling me that his work wasn’t done here in this life, he was not ready to die.
And he recovered.
I am no animal communicator, but I do talk to Red and hear him and listen to him. And he certainly listens to me.
Hopefully, he will rebound and recover the use of his legs, at least for a while.
I take full responsibility for whatever medical and other decisions need to made on behalf of Red. I expect him to be moving around in the morning. If not, we will decide what to do. Red may belong to a lot of people, but these decisions are mine.
Red has done an extraordinary amount of good in his life, for me, and for others, and my wish is that he have more time to live here with us.
If that can’t be, I will accept that also and give thanks for the blessing of knowing this wonderful creature.
Red is a remarkable animal, and I accept that I will never know another dog or companion quite like him, no matter what happens. How lucky to have been given a dog like that.
If he has to go, it will be quickly and in comfort and surrounded by love. I am nothing but grateful for him.
I called Dr. Karen Thompson, the wonderful friend and breeder who gave Red to me and told her this news. She is going to pray for him. I won’t be writing about this again until the issue is resolved. Thanks for your interest and support.
It does mean a lot to me.
Praying. Know exactly what this feels like. You will do the right thing.
One of the most beautiful photographs I’ve ever seen…
Thinking of all of you.
I will pray and hope for the best for all of you, whatever the outcome. Red is one of the most magnificent dogs I have ever “known “. He is a blessing and light to so many. My heart breaks after reading this.
Not only do i have interest and support,…… but deep love and admiration for you two intertwined beings …that is what I send your way, deep love and admiration… … winging its way to you two.
Jon I am so sorry!!! I will be prayoing for Red and both mom and dad???
My heart and hopes are with you. My leg border collie Zoe was paralyze the last five weeks of her life – it is always very difficult and scary when something like this comes up and you’re not sure what the cause is. You always do the best you can for your animals while also being realistic. Hoping this is temporary.
❤?❤
???
As always, you make sound, sane decisions for your animals. I’ve been a tech for a number of years, I will say it sounds more like a disc issue than DM as that rarely is sudden onset and starts with leg dragging etc. But the experts are on the case, and the best care will be taken. In the meantime, I wish a restful night for all.
How wrenching. A truly great soul. Love on him. I know you will and do.
Both you and Red will be in my prayers tonight.
Thoughts, prayers, and gentle hugs for all of you. You will do what is best. Red trusts you and so do I.
Bless you for caring for Red. Loving a creature who responds unconditionally is a huge responsibility. May kindness and love guide your course.
I am sorry to learn about Red I am glad that he has you and Maria and of course your Vet. Red is a very special dog to me. I will send you my love and prayers for the best possible out come for all❤ Many blessings❤
Prayers and hugs coming your way. Blessings on Red.
I’m so sorry to read about what is going on with Red. You will make the right decision, however difficult it might be, for Red. Just know that my thoughts are with you and Maria right now. Sending you love from California.
Praying for all of you.
I’m so sorry to hear this. Best wishes for Red’s recovery.
My stomach (and heart) took a lurch when I read this news, Jon. This is not an easy night for you all. I am keeping all of you close to my heart and in my thoughts.
Susan M
I will be praying for him as well, and sending Reiki ..
Praying for the best possible outcome.
Ohhh, I’m so sad – he is such a wonderful dog and I’ve loved “knowing” him. How old is he? Hugs to you all.
Oh Jon, I am sorry, but I know you and Maria will make the best decisions for Red. I will add Red to my prayers tonight and await word.
I love when you say you are Red’s steward. I truly believe that, too……with all my dogs and other pets.
You, Maria and Red are in my thoughts and prayers—-praying that Red will be back to heath and that his pain will be eased.
I will pray for Red endlessly, and for you and Maria. I hope with all my heart he will recover and will not be in pain. I trust in everything you do for Red . ?
Sending you love Red. You bring much to the world so get well.
I’m so sorry. I hope you get positive news from the vet tomorrow. Thinking of you all and of course, beautiful Red.
We are praying for Red also. Just read about this tonight. We are so sorry for Red and for all those who love him, especially you and Maria, Bud and Fate. Keeping you in our thoughts and prayers, Cindy & Bill K
Prayers sent up for this remarkable dog. I hope for the best for you and Maria.
Thinking of you and your stoic boy. Hoping for the best.
I would never offer advice to someone who is so kind, loving and wonderful to all his beloved animals. My heart hurt when I read the first sentence and I will pray for Red and you. I understand the anguish you feel. Thank you for being so full of love for your animals.
My best to you all. The lives of dogs on farms is harsher but richer than those of urban dogs. I think most would choose it if they could.
Jon, prayers for Red. You and Maria are doing the best you can and I know you always think of your dogs first. Best of luck with the vet.
Sending my thoughts for strength and healing. I hope Dr Susan is able to give some answers and relief – no matter what form that relief takes. Thank you for generously sharing all of Red’s ups and downs, and his amazing character. His bond with you, his work with the folks at the Mansion, his incredible spirit have captivated so many of us. He is truly a dog in a million. Virtual hugs.
So awfully sorry to read this, Jon. I am holding you all in my heart and hoping for the best.
Oh Jon and Maria, I’m so sorry for the news about Red
I will be praying for him
Love,
Diane Evans
How wise you and Maria are to not rush him to a vet ER. He doesn’t seem to be in pain and mostly needs to be with you. You’ll have his regular vat evaluate him tomorrow. Good dog, good you and Maria.
Jon.. praying for Red…. I’m so sorry… Rebecca xxxooo❤️
Hoping it’s a quick recovery for dear Red. Guessing it may be a restless night, if that’s the case I hope you can all rest.
I’m holding some space for you, Maria, & your faithful boy.
Prayers for Red and Your Family
Dear, dear Red. And dear frightened Bud. It is comforting to know they have you And Maria.
Tough times for all at Bedlam Farm… my heart goes out to you as you wait with your noble Red, hoping for the best.
So sorry to hear. Red is a special dog and if it is his time he will go right to heaven where he will join the angels
Sending only love & comfort & blessings …and the best possible outcome for Red, whatever that outcome may be, Jon & Maria.
I am so sorry about Red. What a loyal friend. I hope get good news at the vet’s tomorrow.
I pray Red gets better. I know he’s getting lots of love and good care. Praying for good news.
Watching Red herd the sheep, and his stance in anticipation is an awe inspiring experience. It has been such a pleasure to be able to share his incredible work ethic through these videos.
So sorry to hear about Red. Sending healing energy and prayers to al of you & I know you always do what is best for him.
Will be waiting to hear what the vet says,
Best of luck to you and Red.
I, too, will pray. Perhaps
the vet will have a different idea & a different solution.