Kate & Jake for the Porch Project - A Porch Portrait

Kate (38), Jake (13)

Kate and Jake were my last stops on Friday. Kate is a Physical Therapist who is learning new technology in order to help her patients remotely. Previously, she was a Physical Therapist at Fieldstone Farm Therapeutic Riding Center and Akron General Medical Center. All of her co-workers - past and present - along with her patients are deep in her thoughts but right now she's caring for her beloved lab Jake.

"Jake is getting very weak and has pneumonia for the third time. He was  diagnosed awhile ago with laryngeal paralysis and subsequent progressive neuropathy. But he’s also been losing a lot of weight despite eating, and now drooling nonstop for the past day and a half.  Vet said he is entering “end of life stage” and most likely cancer with  his symptoms and age. I didn’t want to put him through a huge work up past the xrays and bloodwork. 

So we are keeping him comfortable with anti nausea medication and antibiotics for the pneumonia. He’s a sweet, tough old man. His 14th birthday is July 1st. He’s my animal spirit and best friend. Please just say a little prayer for him that he doesn’t suffer and when his time does come he’s at  peace. I’m not really sure if we are talking days or a month??? Glad I  can be home with him at least to keep a close eye."

If you're a pet owner, maybe you're noticing how your animals are behaving. We have two dogs, Inu and Koda, and they seem to be acting a little differently lately. Picking up on our anxiety maybe? This is a gentle reminder to take some time out today for your beloved pets.

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