Well... I know that we don't all agree w/my decision, and I completely understand that. Nothing was posted that I didn't think about, or took into consideration, myself already.
I haven't seen anything to indicate that Luka is uncomfortable or in pain at this time, but I have no illusions about his condition. I KNOW he is not getting better.
I do add some supplements to his food (glucosamine, salmon oil, etc.), also some holistic stuff for the heart worms - but when he starts showing symptoms of pain and discomfort I'm not going to drag him along on pain meds.
My vet is going to assess him every two weeks, and I'm watching him very closely in the meantime.
We do some stretching exercises with the back legs and he seems to really enjoy s-t-r-e-t-c-h-i-n-g out, especially at night in his crate. He usually sleeps on his back and he looks very relaxed.
His energy level is lower, of course, but he can go at his own pace and rest as often and as much as he wants to - or not.
I'm getting used to that funny little hop-running he does, and I don't cringe every time he barrels up and down the steps anymore... I figure he knows his own limits better than I do.
He tries like hell to keep up w/Sepp and Faust, and they are surprisingly careful w/him - he hasn't been bulldozed down yet, and they wrestle around him but not
with him. They bring the Wubba and throw it at his feet, which he enjoys immensely... especially the squeaker part.
So, despite his funny appearance he's first and foremost finally being a DOG - and he manages day-to-day life much, much better than I thought possible. Dogs don't "fake" joy or happiness, and when I watch Luka I get a sense of him being completely at peace w/his situation for now.
When that changes - I'll be his advocate all the way to the end.
I don't know what else to say except that I know that everyone here has his best interest at heart as much as I do, even if we don't exactly agree on what that is.
I hope you guys can try and understand my intentions of just letting this little "flip-flopper" (thanks, Bob
) be all the dog he wants to be, for as long as he chooses to.