In Loving Memory of
Tippy Talaska II
End of Life
What I Could Have Done Better
Many close to me thought I put too much into Tippy, but there was much I could have done better.
With hindsight, I would have done all those things better for him that I failed to do.
Kept closer on leash in public to prevent other dogs from attacking (happened three times, one with neck injury from Pit Bull)\
Doing a DNA test that could have helped better diagnose ailments.
I patted him on the head too hard and frequently which may have contributed to a tumor or cancer, but probably not; will never know.
Going through with a CT / MRI to find suspected brain tumor or cancer (age 13) and then removing it if practical; however this choice could have caused even more suffering or possibly death - it will never be known for sure.
I didn't treat him nicely a few times when I had nurse burn-out despite knowing it's not his fault being geriatric. I knew he was frail, but kept forgetting that fact and treated him harshly in an attempt to correct something he couldn't help. I needed someone to assist with the nursing of Tippy and help me control anger. There were many times my anger affected him. I got angry at stupid, bad and evil things people did as well as many businesses, particularly Google and utility companies.
On his last day while in the back of the ER, I heard him bark in discomfort because he knew I wasn't back there, but I told them to sedate and euthanize him before he had another seizure (as my priority), but ideally I should have insisted on going back to say goodbye to Tippy and comfort him before they sedated him too much for that. It was chaotic and I was stressed.
What I did Best
Maximum attention and good protection
Quality food, supplements and filtered water changed frequently
Brushed his teeth daily
Kept his nails properly trimmed
Veterinary care best balance attempt (not too many procedures and drugs, but not too little)
Variety of treats and toys
Took to dog parks for social interaction and play (albeit sometimes a bit dangerous)
After Live Positive
Might be reunited if a good God. Saw Tippy in the clouds on two different days.
Have awesome photo and video media of Tippy; medical care help to others
I learned about and experienced diabetes, service dogs, etc.
Have much media (photos, video, heirlooms)
Exceeded life expectancy at 15; I made it to 50 without major problem
Adopted anemic; wanted to make to at least 9, preferably 13
Great quality of life except one last day
Learned anger management and will power (need to be more aware though!)
Rested in perhaps best possible place of people, dogs, wildlife, eco education
(see list of reasons Tippy important)
First to be called a “WhipEagle”
Threats
Vet misdiagnosis, over-prescribing
Vicious dogs, coyotes, birds of prey
Allergies, other health ailments
Vehicles
Junk food; chicken bones people feed him or throw on the ground
Illness and Injury History
Around 2017 Tippy wandered off a sand dune and it took me a long time to find him. I blew a whistle a lot and had a hard time walking in the thick sand (could not run or walk fast).
From late December, 2017 to early February, 2018, he has several episodes of vestibular syndrome (vertigo) he has recovered from.
2018 was a tough year for both Tippy and Eric, both trying to adapt to Tippy's changing health. In early 2018, doctors recommended I consider euthanizing him because they thought he had either brain cancer or a brain tumor that will get much worse. I was too loyal to euthanize him, but I thought I would have to soon. Instead, with his strong will power and my dedicated (and very difficult) 24/7 nursing, he improved.
In mid 2018 he had severe issues with a bloody stool, restlessness, etc. He was diagnosed as diabetic. I thought that was certainly the end of him, but again, refused to euthanize. We both had a somewhat poor quality of life throughout 2018, but there were enough good times to keep trying. I tried really hard to treat diabetes naturally, but failed. When he was put on insulin later in 2018, he slowly improved more. The more time passed, the more he improved which is extraordinary for a blind and diabetic dog of this age and recent history. In mid February 2019, he was incredibly rehabilitated back to normal health other than blind and needing insulin.
When he was younger, I envisioned him living to be at least 9, probably about 13. I thought I would have to buy him a stroller due to arthritis around age 12 so he can still enjoy seeing places, but to my surprise he lived past 13, went blind and diabetic and was fairly mobile, so no stroller was ever needed. When he became blind and age 14, I thought I would have to watch his eyes turn frightening white, but he didn't live long enough for that. I did not expect his last day to be so abrupt.
I always had fear of nobody to properly take care of Tippy in case something happened to me, but that never happened.
Sometimes you don't know what you have until it's gone. I sure miss Tippy!!!