ENZO'S UPDATE

On 6 October (in OZ), Sue writes: I know that Enzo holds his place in your hearts, and many of you have asked how he is doing. It's been quite a struggle to know what to write and how to write it, but perhaps the best way is to paraphrase what I recently sent to a friend: . . . It's worried me a lot that I have not managed to keep updates on Enzo to the lists, but it's partly because . . . well, I guess I've been hoping to have better or more positive news to share. It's just been hard to decide what to say, and time & energy have been a problem for me too, perhaps more so because I can't be upbeat about it. In brief, he is slowing down a lot, and I think he is withdrawing. Atia says he does brighten up when friends arrive for visits (he does enjoy new company); he loves his very slow walks when she can manage to take him to the local park, but otherwise she says he sleeps a lot. His eating is a bit up and down, sometimes he will and sometimes he won't. There is pain too, and that needs addressing. I wrote to his vet, Barbara Fougere; this is what she replied: "Enzo is relatively stable, I am concerned about his pain level and have suggested we try him on the tramadol that I prescribed last time. His demeanour was much better, his abdomen did not feel more swollen or uncomfortable on palpation. I have changed his formula to try to address the diarrhea & arthritis, I suspect food sensitivity & allergy may be part of the picture since it has been going on for along time apparently. I am sorry to hear Atia is under so much ongoing stress, it must have an impact on everyone including Enzo. "Thank you for sending me the USA journal with Enzo in it too." ********* So . . . the news is not good, not bad . . . it's just, well, that's where we are at. I don't let myself think too far ahead, I just try to be grateful that he is with Atia, where he belongs. I think the massive amount of stress that he has undergone in the past couple of years especially has finally taken hold, and while I didn't expect miracles, I did so hope he would have a lot more time with Atia. In the past week, he does appear to have stabilised rather more and although he is quiet, he does not seem depressed or distressed, according to Atia. His ongoing treatments with Dr. Fougere are of vital importance, and will be maintained on a weekly basis, or however she prescribes. I find it difficult right now to express how I feel, I guess it's because he is so fragile that I really don't know what or how to say it. Keep him in your hearts, I know you will. I am sure that as before, there will be a world of love directed to him. NEAL SKRENES: It's more a matter of the quality of life than the duration. We do love our four-legged friends, but need to recognize when we are being selfish and keeping them to delay our loss & grief rather than letting them move on across The Bridge. BOB ANDERSON: Much Zen & Love to Enzo! Once a survivor, always a survivor - after all, he made it home! JADIE DAVIS: Thank you for the update on both Goldie & Enzo . . . what amazing inspirations they are for us whiny (me!) humans. MARY BRABENDER: Thanks for sending the update on Enzo. We have all been following the story of courage, strength & endurance of both dog & persons all around . . . I join with all others in sending my good wishes . . .

CONTINUE WITH THE SAGA OF ENZO OF CZECH REPUBLIC & AUSTRALIA HERE