Mans best friend

I've been looking for friends and romance in Fulbourn with only 2 communications wherever you are now but things aren't yet solid. Most of us have 4 legged friends and I'm about to lose mine, a Cavalier King Charles just turned 9 in March. A breed not known to live as long as other breeds. He's not here at home due to my Mum being in hospital and now out with a walking frame. It's not been possible to have him home as a result and me not always home.  He's in kennels so he's there whilst we are here losing very precious time with him each day. He's suffering from mitral valve disease which is a disease of the heart caused by the deterioration of one of its valves. The disease is very common in Cavaliers. Because of the damage to the valve, with each heartbeat some blood is forced backwards from one chamber to another rather than out of the heart. This is called Mitral Regergitation (MR).

                                                                                       One effect of this backflow of blood is that the heart enlarges and that this can then interfere with breathing and cause the dog to cough. At the same time, as less oxygenated blood is being pumped around the body, any exertion can result in the dog panting heavily and struggling for breath. As the disease progresses the lungs become increasingly fluid filled resulting in further breathlessness and coughing. Affected dogs may be reluctant to sit or lie down, because of the extra pressure this puts on the chest, and may also show appetite and related weight loss. They may faint at exercise. Most dogs die or are euthanased when the disease has progressed to this stage.

                                             This was needed to be explained due to what may or will happen to him as he's been on medication even when he was home Months ago, taking them a few times a day due to coughing. a phone call from the kennels came saying he'll need to go to the vet as he was coughing alot more and having a swollen tummy. Despite all this, I was told he was still his usual self wagging his tail then found out he wasn't very well. He went to the vet whilst at the kennels and is currently on a higher dosage of tablets. I honestly thought the medication he takes for life was to prevent the problem rising but it's to prolong his life as possible, now things aren't looking good.

                                                                                As I seek new Fulbourn friends and possible love, I'm losing a loving, intelligent good clever dog. I was even grieving inside already. I hope you're somewhere reading this and will reply. My first communication in one reply had 3 dogs. I note on the list is dog walkers. Thinking about it they could've walked him whilst Mum recovered and me being out a lot for work etc. Had we had them, his condition would've worsened anyway so things would be more difficult to get him to the vet and I don't drive.

UPDATE ON HOW MATTIE WAS

It was expected to happen but it was a question as to when. Mattie passed away a few weeks ago in the kennels after being there for more than 9 weeks. He died where he was born in Foxton. He was cremated and had his ashes put in an urn we now have. I've been grieving to think we hadn't had him losing precious time. Even at the kennels they were upset after the grew very attached to him. It provoked me to want to do something to help raise money for research after realising the many diseases Cavaliers suffer from. I want to do things as a challenge wanting sponsorship. It upset me dramatically that I'm also having T shirts printed in memory of him with photos of him back and front with a few words and maybe poetry. I'll have one for myself and a friend where there'll be Mattie with him etc. I tried to find something for support for this beautiful cute dog and found 2 websites, one being Companion Cavaliers Club and the one who replied was Cavalier Matters who emailed me with a petition to sign to ask the Kennel Club to make health testing mandatory. I signed of course. It was a start anyway. Another website is for people to tell them about their dog. I was suggested to respond to Cavaliers are special to tell them about Mattie. This I will do but I'll continue to support this breed whether I get another one or have a different breed, it'll help me get through the grief as I'll feel I'm helping also in his memory and will wear the T shirt with love and affection, also having a framed photo of Mattie to put beside his ashes. Listening to a CD did I rediscovered a tune that immediately made me think of him as if you listen it has a rhythm that goes with his energetic running even at his age but listening I see slow motion of that run. I keep playing it over and over, it makes me cry with emotion. The Artist is Phil Thornton, the tune is Soul Enchantment. Something fits between them and is classed under New Age music. I don't know what I'll do yet but I'm determined.