Prognosis


The vet agreed with me.
Winnie probably experienced some sort of stroke during the night.
The bewildered and stressed look thankfully left her around 8am, the time she eventually woke up but the head tilt and unsteady gait remained with her as she pissed like a horse on the living room carpet.
Scans and steroids were discussed briefly but as she was able to drink from the bowl I offerered her, I decided to take the old girl home to deteriorate or recover as the will of the stroke dictates.
Her eyes were focused and as the vet took a blood test she tried to offer her face up for a kiss ( Winnie and not the professional) and when we got home she took herself off rather unsteadily for a piss on the lane verge .
She smiled a lopsided smile when I praised her, and I could have cried at her valiant good nature
This year has been too much a rollercoaster ride

Tonight she's had cocktail sausages for tea and slept on the couch when I shampooed the carpets.
As long as she doesn't extend last night's infarct, she has a fair chance, but she's old and fat and heroics will do her no favours

I'm writing this listening to The Archers .
As Lillian discussed Auntie Chris' fall with a pious Jennifer, Winnie belched loudly from her place on the couch and filled the living room with the faint whiff of sausage

152 comments:

  1. Oh my gosh, I just read the last 2 posts and my heart aches.
    Poor Winnie!! I know the sound of that neurological distressed bark, I will never forget it. It hits you in the heart. I hope she is alright, but as you said, the will of the stroke will dictate how she goes.
    Lots of love and hugs to you and the other animals.
    Bless you for giving her sausages. XO

    Love from NJ,
    MissFifi

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    1. She's had a grand time here ....much longer than I ever expected

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  2. Love and healing thoughts. She's such a love and deserves longer with you and her 'pack'.

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  3. Yes thank you so much. I’m one of several thousand who have been thinking of you and Winnie all day. With much love from South Africa.

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  4. Thank you for updating us. xx

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  5. You've had a hell of a year, John. I'm glad you feel able to share it with us all. Will be thinking of lovely Winnie - and you - tonight x

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  6. Debi.6:22 pm

    While she is still aware that you and her fur family are still near,she will be happy.Give her some extra fusses from us all.We all love her and her cheeky face!.Hope all goes well John,xxxx

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  7. No thank you old friend for caring

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  8. The downside of owning a dog (or in your case dogs) John as I am sure you are aware. Give her even more than your usual love and care and content yourself that you have made the last few years perfect for her. Do hope she recovers - but if not I am sure you will be strong and do what is kindest for her.

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    1. Yes pat, if her symptoms were a little worse, I think I may have come home alone today...I'm not under any illusions ....

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  9. MaggieB6:35 pm

    You have given her an extended run. Hopefully she is healthy enough to enjoy it for a lot longer. Kisses to Winnie......MaggieB

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    1. Yes, I have....my sister rang this afternoon and was a bit surprised just how sanguine I was about it all.... the old girl is on borrowed time so anything is a bonus

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  10. Thoughts with you my good man.

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  11. I've kept checking back all day for an update. I hope tonight is less stressful for you and your pack. Life with you is what most dogs can only dream of. X

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  12. Anonymous6:42 pm

    Holding you and your pack in my tboughts. What a grand lady Winnie is and Mary is a sweet lass indeed. Hugs.
    Xoxo
    Barbara

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  13. Good that there is something like a normal Winnie with you there tonight xx

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    1. If she was distressed I would have put her down

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  14. Anonymous7:04 pm

    Pets John. You've got to tell yourself that. Winne has been a dominant part of your blog since I began reading ever so many years ago. She has never worked out at gym and is pretty self indulgent about food. Maybe she won't have a long life, but I reckon she will have enjoyed the one she had.

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    1. Bulldogs generally live to 8 years ...she must be 11

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  15. Thinking of you and Winnie xx

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  16. She has had a wonderful life, thanks to you.

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  17. I have been checking all morning. Happy to know she is comfortable and at home.
    You are all in my thoughts.

    xo parsnip and badger

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    1. Gayle , she's eating and drinking and peeing so fingers crossed

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  18. Oh dear John, you have been/are going through the wringer aren't you. Hugs to both you and Winnie!

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  19. Please stay strong! You and your lovies are in my heart and prayers
    X Alexa

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  20. Sending best wishes for a good recovery for dear Winnie. Two of my dogs had strokes, the Collie/Rettriever a mildish one and my Springer Spaniel worse, but I was amazed and thankful that they both made a great recovery and lived with me for a good while afterwards. Sounds like she is doing well so far, fingers crossed. Alison in Shropshire.

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    1. Yes the vet told me if they brighten in the first 24 hours they stand a good chance

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  21. Anonymous7:11 pm

    I have been checking on Winnie all day long and was a bit absent minded with an estate agent here today whilst l kept checking my phone, explaining er, well l am concerned for an elderly bulldog l have never met, owned by a guy in Wales, who wouldn't know me from Adam!
    Such is the esteme in which we ALL hold you and your furries.
    Much love to you both
    Tess x

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  22. It is very difficult when a pet (read:member of one's family) has a health problem. As Dan Rather used to sign off his telecasts "Courage".

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  23. I do hope Winnie recovers well. At least she has an appetite and is drinking. Thank you for updating us John. I have been worried all day about the outcome.x

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  24. Joan (Devon)7:17 pm

    I'm glad she's at home with you and the rest of her family. We've been through this many times and every time I say 'no more', but we still do. I hope you all have a comfortable and peaceful night. Many hugs for you and Winnie.

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    1. I've been here too many times too xx

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  25. Glad she is more comfy and a bit more with it. There is something extra special about each and every animal. Bulldogs were my Grandfather's dog of choice he had three and a Golden Labrador. Bless Mary for keeping an eye on her. Hugs for you all.

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  26. Thank you for telling us how she is doing. I've been thinking of Winnie all day. I lost a cat to a stroke and will never forget. Sending my love.

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  27. Barbara Anne7:28 pm

    I'm glad you took Winnie to see the vet so she could have tests and such to clarify what's happened. It's so hard to watch our beloved pets deal with old age as they cannot understand what is going on. It's also hard to be a nurse when you cannot fix everything back to normal.

    I, too, appreciate the update as I've been wondering about sweet Winnie and you.

    Big hugs to you, Winnie, and the household family.

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    1. The vet was happy that I asked for no over zealous treatment

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  28. Laura7:29 pm

    Hugs for you, darling Winnie and the rest of your lovely fur family.

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  29. I will keep checking each night and every morning .. ( my time ) ... Sloppy kisses to the sweet girl.

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  30. Oh John, I feel for you. Give her a big hug from me and one for yourself too xxxx

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  31. Big hugs to you and your enormous fur baby . This year has s proving to be beyond awful for you. Can only hope you can glean a little comfort from the huge amount of love that is coming from your blog family.xxx

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    1. As long as winnie is not distressed what ever comes if that's achieved I'll be content

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  32. You know where I am if you need anything. Love to you and Winnie ♥️xx

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  33. If only we all could be as devoted to each other as Mary is to Winnie - but then, look who raised them! Your photo of the two of them cuddled together makes the tears flow. I'm thinking of you and how hard it will be to leave them to go to work today. I hope you and your furever pals can feel the love coming through all these comments!

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  34. Thank you for the update, I had a bad nights sleep and woke just after you posted. I lay back in bed worrying about you and Winnie.

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  35. So relieved she's rallied and able to enjoy her sausages. Lots of cuddles all round; hoping for the very best outcome.

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  36. My old bull terrier had quite a bad stroke some time ago. Took a lot of steroids and lots of love and she pulled through. Lived quite a few years after this until kidney failure took her from us. The head tilt never went and made her look almost questioning but sweet. I feel for you and yes these dogs impact so greatly on our hearts. Sending love xx

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  37. Anonymous7:54 pm

    I'm encouraged to hear she is eating, drinking and peeing. It sounds hopeful. Big hugs to both of you. Pat

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  38. Anonymous7:55 pm

    My heart goes out to you John. You are having a rough old time yet manage to make us smile and shed a tear too for you and darling Winnie.Keep on keeping on ,love from M in blogland.

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  39. Our neighbour's very eldery border collie suffered a stroke some 18 months ago, he's had another little one since but is still wagging his tale & enjoying his food. Hope Winnie pulls through xx

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  40. Poor Winnie. xx

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  41. I'm glad to know that Winnie has rallied a bit. I have checked several times for an update. The sausage belch fumes made me smile. Take care, John. I hope you have an uneventful night.

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  42. Poor old thing. Hope she has a peaceful night (and you).xxx

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    1. She's settled now, it's just past nine and she had another one in the garden

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  43. I flew pretty much directly over Trelawnyd today, heading to Bristol from Edinburgh, admiring an awesome view of Snowdonia to the West, yet thinking of an old bulldog and her man down below me whom I have never met. Such is the reach of your blog, to a stranger thousands of feet above. My wishes will achieve nothing, but Winnie and yourself had them from on high.

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    1. I waved at you Andrew

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    2. Well I will be looking for another wave in the light by your open door with Winnie by your side at about 2105 this evening (if Easyjet sticks to schedule). Shame I cannot arrange an airdrop of cocktail sausages :)

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  44. It's such a relief to know Winnie has rallied that much. Each hour and day is more precious as loved ones age. John, you must be exhausted, from this, and all that's happened since Easter I hope you rest well when you can.
    -Mary

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  45. just wishing you and Winnie a quiet night.

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  46. Oh the rollercoaster of life.
    Hugs.

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  47. Heidi8:21 pm

    Gone through this so many times over the years, it doesn't get any easier, they are such a huge part of our lives. Thinking about you and your furry person. Big hugs John.

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  48. Pull through, Winnie girl, pull through! Sending lots of love and healing thoughts from the USA. Pets, they do break our hearts into a million pieces. <3 Don't go yet, Winnie.

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  49. Ruth Ellershaw8:31 pm

    Aw poor Winnie, bless her. Thinking of you both. She's in good hands. Big hugs xx

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  50. Best of wishes to both of you tonight. You've had more than your share of sadness lately :(

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  51. Anonymous8:38 pm

    John, I had a cocker spaniel, Peavine, that lived several years after a mild stroke. Another thing I might mention, CDB(or is it CBD?) oil is given to dogs as an anti-inflammatory and for arthritic conditions too. It might be worth a try. Lots of info on google about dosages for dogs. Donna@Gather

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    1. She had a steroid which looks as though it's helping

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  52. Oh dear, beautiful Winnie. I am glad to hear she is rallying a bit. You are fortunate to have had a warning so that you can enjoy all the time you have left together with her. Wishing the best for entire household.

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  53. Sending so much love to you and Winnie xx

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  54. I hope Winnie returns to full normality or if she has to go that its in her own bed in her sleep. Every one of my dogs has had to be 'put down' and its awful. Wishing you both a peaceful night. (are you enjoying the Walking Dead this series? My family not so much so far)

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  55. Keep up the loving care, the best anyone can do.

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  56. Best wishes for Winnie from North East Ohio where she has fans, too....And best wishes for you. Be well, all of you.

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  57. Hold her close....give her a kiss from me

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    1. I slept with her last night on the. Couch

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  58. Best wishes to Winnie from Canada. Bless Mary for staying close and taking care in her way. I cannot believe all that life is throwing at you and I do wish you strength and peace John from all of this heartache.

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  59. My heart hurts for you and lovely Winnie. Sending love and healing thoughts your way xx

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  60. Been wondering how she was. You'll do the right thing for Winnie, but I think we're all hoping that day is still a little further off, and that she'll recover. Life really is testing you this year, isn't it; the roller coaster will go up again, soon.

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  61. Sarah Jones9:41 pm

    John this is so sad, big hugs to you and a hug and kiss for Winnie, what a crap year. Stay strong xxx

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  62. Morag9:50 pm

    Hugs to you and the furries xox

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  63. She is a joy to all of us who read your blog. I'm sorry she's having a rough time.

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    1. She doesn't know she's having a hard time ... how sweet is she?

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  64. This is the hard part of having a pet. Brave old girl. And brave you. Hugs.

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  65. Anonymous10:14 pm

    keeping you and Winnie in my thoughts and hoping for the best. It is a tenuous time, isn't it? My heart goes out to you
    Susan M

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    1. I'm off to sleep soon....sleeping on the couch tonight

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  66. oh my, sorry to hear this about winnie. c'mon girl, you have plenty of spunk left!

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  67. Winnie has the cutest cheeks and beautiful, expressive eyes. Just love the whole clan.. You and Winnie are in my thoughts and prayers! Yes, prayers!😊 Gabs

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  68. I think you might have delayed the inevitable this time, I hope you have!

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    1. My dog had a stroke a few years ago, the day before my daughters' birthday. It was quite bad but i just couldn't put him down on their birthday.
      He improved enough to keep going and stayed another six months but I was in a better place to farewell him by then

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  69. Very sorry to hear this. Trying to take comfort -- frankly, rather cold comfort at the moment, so hope it's unnecessary this time -- that she's had such a wonderful life with you. I would never selfishly keep a beloved animal around "too long," but I'll sure as hell hope that this isn't the time. Holding good thoughts for Winnie, and for you and Mary and Albert.--Mary

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  70. Winnie has the best dog daddy in Wales. I am sure that you will do what's right by her. You bring kindness and intelligence as well as love to your canine friends.

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    1. Thank you YP and goodnight ...I'm sleeping next to her on the sofa tonight xxx

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  71. Winnie is such a dear, I hope for all of you she rallies. She evidently knows she's loved by you and Mary & Albert.

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  72. I'm sorry this is happening to Winnie. I went through this with my old schnauzer and he rallied and lived a couple of more years. Time is the best medicine. The other animals will help keep her motivated. Hugs to you, John.

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  73. Oh hell. Life never stops does it? Sending love across the pond to all of you. I'm so sorry this is happening now.

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  74. Poor darling Winnie, I really hope she pulls through..I just love her lopsided grin bless her. You are having such a rough time of it John.. sending all love and light right the way from NZ.

    Jo in Auckland.

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  75. What a courageous example! Winnie, I mean. You, too. I am glad people of such love and valour are in the world.

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  76. Maybe a rousing farting match between the two of you will be quite fun? She has more say yet I believe.

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  77. Thinking of you and your girl pup!

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  78. Sending all kinds of positive vibes and healing energy to both Miss Winnie and you.

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  79. Oh no... I missed the earlier post. Glad to hear she's home and giving things a good go of it. With human strokes, as you know, there rarely seems to be much of a way to know about how much recovery can happen this early. But I'm thinking about you, because I hate to hear that Winnie's not doing well!

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  80. I'm sorry, just sorry. We (husband and I) have never had a dog because we knew we would not be able to give it the devotion required with work schedules, so we've had cats over the years. I live vicariously through people like you, John. Our family had a dog when I was a child and when she had to be put to sleep, everyone grieved, even the older siblings who had long grown up and left the house. I hope she remains comfortable and able to do the things she needs to do. Hugs. -Jenn

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  81. So sorry to hear about Winnie. Wish she’d just been having a dream and not a stroke that night. Sounds like you’re doing the best you can for her and more than many pets receive. Be good to yourself.

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  82. Love and support to you all. Winnie is in the best place for her, and I'm sure she is content and happy. Bless xxx

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  83. Poor sweet Winnie what a trooper she has put all her trust in you and feels safe at home, the sad thing is much as we love our pets we can't tell them what is wrong they so depend on us, glad that Mary is keeping close and no doubt Albert is as well, lets hope that Winnie perks up a bit John, thanks for keeping us informed, love to you all.

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  84. She is such a magnificent tank of a girl,am glad she's not suffering and has you by her side (which must feel so very good to her)!

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  85. Dear, dearest Winnie. Let yourself be wrapped up in the kind, loving thoughts of your many admirers. Our hearts go out to you.

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  86. Much love and strength to you and Winnie. May your household be serene and full of love, to help Winnie recover.

    How's Albert handling the news?

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  87. Oh my . . .
    Thinking . . . and caring . . .
    Snuggle in there Winnie girl . . .

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  88. Oh No...darling old Winnie...sending love x

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  89. Adding myself to the chorus of those thinking of you and Winnie and hoping for the best and sending love. It's really been a rough time for you.

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  90. She is our Queen Mother and we love her. Bless you for your compassionate and pragmatic approach to pets <3

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  91. Poor darling Winnie, such a love but I am sure you will make the right decisions for her. Dogs break our hearts because they give so much. xxx

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  92. Poor Winnie. Poor John, you are really going through the mill at the moment. x

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  93. What a shocking year for you! I had to put my dear pekingese Coco to sleep this August ...Heart Failure . Its not easy but sometimes it is the best thing to do. Its just so hard but lets hope little Winnie pulls through... it can happen! Fingers crossed.

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  94. Anonymous7:21 am

    Thinking of you from a cruise ship in Vietnam.

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  95. Sending love and a hug from Suffolk

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  96. As usual it has all been said, and much better than I could ! Sad that it turned out to be a stroke, but it sounds as if she has " rallied" . Hope she continues to be OK. Love to you all. X

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  97. Oh John, I am so sorry.

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  98. Feeling for you... these souls in furry suits put our hearts in our throats when they are ill.

    I know what its like when everything is being thrown at you and you wonder if you can cope with more, but you will - the alternative of falling in a heap wont do you or the furry family any good at all - just do the best you can and enjoy your dear Winnie (including the invariable piss clean ups!!) Hugs Elle xx

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  99. Sending you and Winnie much love. Enjoy every precious moment with her xxx

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  100. Your blog is great. I read a lot of interesting things from it. Thank you very much for sharing. Hope you will update more news in the future.
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  101. Wish I could do more than only send you and Winnie cyber hugs.

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  102. Anonymous10:45 am

    Oh I’m so sorry, so so hard, aging sucks for all involved, so many dogs don’t have someone to love them as you do, she’s a lucky old girl, may her days be easy, take care,

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  103. Poor Winnie, poor you, and best wishes to you both.

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  104. Hi love,
    How are you, and how is Winnie getting on today.
    I have read your posts but not wanted to write trite words.
    Our Alfie is still with us tho I thought we had lost him several times over this difficult summer.
    And my boy is home from mental health unit. After 11 weeks and 12 ECT sessions. Not sure if it has worked tho.
    Give winnie a slobber for me.
    Susan xx

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  105. Sending you and Winnie much love, and healing prayers

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  106. Good morning John, I hope it was a good night and you and Winnie will have an excellent day ... much love to you both. C

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  107. Oh God John! beaming you all love.

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  108. Sorry to hear Winnie had an issue John. Could it have been a vestibular episode. Two of my dogs had that and recovered well.

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