Speaking from the heart: Dee Ruelas, Cherished Tails Adopter

So many of these dogs in Cherished Tails, their owners have died and they’re just lost. The people they loved and depended on all their lives are gone, and that’s such a sad thing.

Peter and I want to be there for these dogs when it’s their time. You want them to know as they leave this earth that they are loved and cherished, and that the people they depended on were there for them at the last moment.

That will be us.

Munchie, fostered by Susan Herndon

Co-evolution, for better or worse

Humans and dogs have been co-evolving for so long, is it any wonder we share many of the same diseases? Cancer, heart disease and diabetes are some of those conditions, and research has connected another: cognitive decline. In humans we call it Alzheimer’s, and in dogs it’s known as Canine Cognitive Dysfunction (CCD). Disorientation and sleep disturbances are common denominators. Other changes in behavior for both species may include increased anxiety, decreased socialization, and even biting.

“Like with people, you have to accept it for what it is and work your way through it (with dogs),” said Nan Wollman in last week’s post ( “Chariot of the Dogs” ).

Susan Herndon, an experienced CTSS foster, shares some advice for managing CCD in your elderly dog.

“All of my fosters are over 12 and each one has something different going on,” she says. “Melatonin and anxiety medication is usually what's used when they're up all night, or really restless. The supplement SAM-e is supposed to help. Trazadone is another sleep medication that’s prescribed, and Anipryl is a prescription for doggie dementia.”

Herndon, who is a retired ER nurse, is undaunted by both medications and medical issues with dogs. She’s not a fan of using those medications unless absolutely necessary, however.

“I had one dog, Wilson, he was a Pom,” she explains. “Every night, he would cry and was so restless. The vet prescribed Xanax and he got worse. He would have the opposite reaction to the medication that was supposed to help him sleep. If I tried to hold him too much he would get more anxious, so I had to just let him alone.

“I usually don't give anything unless they're really bad, like Wilson was,” she comments. “I just provide comfort. I leave a light on at night.

“It's called Sundowners Syndrome, when dogs and people are up all night and are confused,” Susan continues. “They use melatonin to help them get back on track with time and sleep. It’s heartbreaking that you're trying to comfort them, but they're still so anxious.

“My Munchie definitely has dementia. She sleeps most of the time, but when she's awake, she wanders around looking in the air like Where the hell am I? It's kinda cute. I just let her do her thing. She gets around the house, and goes in and outside fine. I have to watch her outside ‘cause she can get to wandering, and I have an acre. It's fenced, but she still doesn't need to wander off. I put a collar with bells on it so I can hear her.”

Maxx on the left, Poppy on the right. A study in beige.

CCD is actually pretty common. Early signs begin developing in 28% of dogs aged 11-12, and for 15-16 year-olds that number shoots up to 68%, according to Today’s Veterinary Practice. Susan Herndon’s tips-leave a light on at night, supervise them outdoors-are emphasized, as is the importance of a daily routine. I learned that symptoms can escalate from mild to moderate in about six months, but every dog is different and will have its own pace.

Six months? That seems fast, but dogs are on a different schedule than we are. It’s dawning on me that my 16 year-old Chihuahua Maxx, who I adopted through Cherished Tails three years ago, isn’t suddenly falling off a cliff. Now that I’m aware of the early symptoms of CCD I can see it’s been a progression. The staring and incessant licking has been going on for a while, but lately it’s escalated to freezing in place, especially outdoors. He’ll start back up again with a gentle nudge. Our vet made some adjustments to his meds and it’s helped with the cough, but not the cognition.

I can still be close to my dog, though. This is a tender time. Maxx sleeps soundly through the night and always makes it outside on shaky legs to do his business, unless I miss my cue. These things have become unexpectedly precious of late, as has he. Poppy seems unperturbed by the changes in her brother, and keeps snuggling up to him like usual. If she’s bothered, she’s not saying. I watch and learn.

“So many struggle with knowing when it’s time,” comments Pauline, referring to the unwelcome question lurking around the corner for every human who loves an old dog.

Donna Gutman talks about one of her fosters with cancer.

“Obviously, Pauline was not going to adopt him out. He is just the happiest little thing! Until he has pain he will be here, pigging out,” she says.

“In my case, success is about how long they can live without pain. The minute they have pain, I’m going to take them to the vet and do it. When they do get sick and have to be put down, that’s your job, that’s why you’re doing it. But at the time, it’s really hard.”

It seems like it always comes down to quality of life, no matter the ailment.

Maybe this’ll be the worst it gets for Maxx. (And maybe my hip will replace itself.) I’m making compassionate choices for my sweet old dogs every day now, and it’s impossible to keep from seeing comparisons between their aging processes and my own.

I watch and learn.

Next Week, in a Refreshing Change of Pace:

A SUCCESS STORY WRITTEN BY

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR PAULINE HAAS-VAUGHN

(Pauline hits the road with Canela.)

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