![\"jacksonbunny\"](\"http:\/\/www.familyresource.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2006\/07\/jacksonbunny.JPG\")
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Jackson on Easter, 2002<\/p><\/blockquote>\n
Our sweet dog, Jackson\u00a0stopped being able to walk about four days ago.\u00a0 He went from walking (albeit, like an old man, but walking nonetheless) down the street with us to only being able to take two to five steps and then collapsing.\u00a0 Hoping that it was just arthritis kicking in, we took him immediately to the vet to get it checked out.\u00a0 Apparently he has a neurological disorder that is going to keep him paralyzed for good.\u00a0 They are not sure if it is cancer or if a disc is blocking the spinal cord – they could not tell anything after X-rays or blood work.\u00a0 So, we decided yesterday that we would bring him home and care for him as best as we could – as if we have an elderly family member who needs our help (which is, afterall, the case).\u00a0 The vet doesn’t recommend that we take on the task of trying to care for a dying elderly dog, especially since we have two very active kids to focus on.\u00a0 But, how can we not?\u00a0 Jackson has been with us for twelve years – his entire life.\u00a0 Granted I have only been around for five of those twelve years – he was my husband’s bachelor-days dog – but he has been my dog too and our kids’ dog their entire life.\u00a0 Since I have no idea how to care for invalid animals, I am having to do my research.\u00a0 We have decided that we will keep him home until we think that he is in any pain or becoming any sicker (he is having difficulty expressing his urine – not a good sign).\u00a0 While we have him home though I want to make sure we are doing things right for him.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Home care for a pet that can’t walk or eliminate is a task certain pet owners have chosen to tackle with the help of Pampers, pet wheel chairs, egg crate mattresses and ramps. Families will even acquire portable oxygen tanks for pets with compromised respiration. Some people react with fear of medical procedures and needles. Others have great interest in learning how to administer to their pets for convenience and needed financial savings. The most important ingredient to look for in oneself, in the staff and in the pet owner is willingness. Hold a staff meeting and ask the question if being a compassionate veterinary care giving facility is truly O.K. with the nursing staff. Put one special staff member as the appointed support person for a certain pet and its owner. Ask the client to direct phone calls and concerns to their designated staff member or support team. Staff can handle most of the home care problems and the doctor can see the pet on regular rechecks to answer major questions such as changes in prescription medications.\u00a0<\/p><\/blockquote>\n