In a previous blog, I've written about my dog, Griffin and the fact that he's getting older. He'll be 12 years old this October, and has been with me through thick and thin.  This has been a tough week for Griffin.  I could tell there was something wrong with him, but couldn't quite put my finger on what it was.  He just wasn't himself.  I took him to the vet after he started "hacking". It wasn't so much a cough, just a dry hack that he started to do more and more.  Driving him to the vet was an emotional time for me.  Since Griffin is as old as he is, I guess I've been steeling myself for the health issue that would eventually take him from me. I was prepared for the worst.

After the vet looked at him, she determined he had what is called a "collapsing trachea". She said it happens in smaller dogs as they get older, and though there are ways to cope with it, there is no cure.  I got some medicine for him to try, and after one day, it seems to be working. However, Griffin is still not himself. He's having even more trouble getting up and just doesn't follow me around the house like he usually does. I called the vet back today and she recommended getting him on Glucosomine.  I plan to do that, but am still concerned this could be the beginning of the end.  Griffy's coming with me to my parent's house this weekend, and they're well aware of what's been going on this week. I hope he's able to have an enjoyable time in the country, and get back to his old self. As for me, I guess I'll just take one day at a time, and try to enjoy him as much as possible.