Flash Stroke I

I was still downstairs when a shout came from Angie upstairs. Flash had seemingly had a stroke and was unable to coordinate anything. We managed to carry him downstairs and lay him on the grass outside so that he could get fresh air and if he did try to get on his feet, he would have a non slippery surface.

He lay them somewhat bewildered and as we stroked him, he slowly seemed to get better and eventually with help we could get him on his feet and hold him enough so that he could (not) lift a leg.

Back indoors we lay him in the sitting room where he and I spent the night. At some time in the early hours he was able, with me holding up his rear with two hands, to go outside and again relieve himself, after which he began to get more relaxed and finally rested his head and slept.

In the morning Angie phoned the vet who asked if possible to wait until midday as he had some emergency work. In the meantime, Flash was now just able to stand on his own four feet and so I took him out in the car to one of his favourite "pooh" spots. He always refuses to do it at home and regardless of how poorly he is, always looks happier once the event has been done. And so it was and he even managed a 100m walk up the path and back.

At midday I said goodbye to him, fearing the worst. Eventually Angie came home with Flash. Indeed heart problems, with very weak heart and hind quarter muscles.  But with otherwise good signs. Exercise is the order of the day but we have rejected a physiotherapy course. Coming up to his 14th birthday this year, we don't need to subject him to putting on leggings and prancing about.

Very relieved but still concerned and knowing every day is a blessing. One is faced with the decision as to whether one is keeping him alive for his or our benefit. Knowing Flash as we do, we believe it is right to keep him alive.