Wednesday, July 9, 2025

Olga's Twilight


Our "Stargazer" lilies are blooming once again. I'm putting "Stargazer" in quotes because, although that's what we've been calling them ever since we planted them many years ago, I'm suddenly not convinced that's what they are. Stargazers are supposed to point upward -- hence the name -- but ours do not. They also don't have any speckles on the petals, which I think are a Stargazer thing. When I search this lily with my "Picture This" plant-identifying app, it says it's Lilium brownii var. viridulum, which seems possible.


This little ant doesn't really care what kind of lily it is, as long as there's sweet sticky stuff on the flower.

Despite my good news yesterday about Olga's checkup, she is still struggling. We took our walk yesterday morning, but then in the afternoon she got kind of agitated and seemed unable to get comfortable, and she kept making strange coughing/panting sounds. A couple of times she got suddenly weak or dizzy and collapsed at my feet. She did the same this morning -- I got her out of bed, she ate some breakfast and came out to the garden and wandered around, did her business, and then suddenly seemed unable to walk further. She lay down abruptly next to where I was sitting and didn't move for ten or fifteen minutes.

I think we're going to take her back to the vet tomorrow. I'd like some more precise diagnostics than I've gotten so far. The vet says her heart and lungs sound fine, but we've had nothing more than a superficial (it seems to me) physical exam. No blood tests, no x-rays. Maybe I'm thinking like an American, but if we're going to make decisions about Olga's care, it would be nice to have more specific information.

The bottom line, though, is that Olga is coming to the end of her life. I understand that much. Of course this isn't a surprise -- she's about 15 years old. It's entirely possible this is all merely old age, in which case we just have to deal with it. We'll take care of her until she seems like she's no longer enjoying herself. On the other hand, if it's something treatable, we need to know so we can address it. Right?


"If I lie with my face in the sun, then I am sunbathing."

I started a book yesterday that I think I might hate -- "The Man with the Golden Arm," by Nelson Algren. It's a famous book from 1949 about drug addiction. I'm about 60 pages in and so far I'm a bit overwhelmed by all the references to card sharps and wise guys and dive bar culture. Everything seems rough and bleak and smoky and gray. I don't know what I expected but I think it may all be too macho for me. I find nothing more boring than cards and gambling, except possibly fishing and auto racing.

75 comments:

  1. Even if there would be no treatment, it is wise to know what is going on for Olga.

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    1. I think it's good for us. It would help us make decisions.

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  2. The film the book was made into in the 50s is excellent, with surprising excellent acting.

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    1. I've heard that! With Frank Sinatra! I don't think I've ever seen it.

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    2. It’s worth the time, it stayed with me. It’s not a ‘nice’ film though, so perhaps choose a good day to watch it. Cuddles for Olga.

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  3. Yes, pleas, find out if there is something treatable going on. Then at least you know. Give Olga some gentle hugs from me.

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    1. We're going to try one treatment the vet recommended on our recent visit. If that doesn't help we'll go back.

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  4. That doesn't sound like my kind of book either. I don't do bleak.
    I hope you can find some answers from the vet about Olga. Or try a different vet?

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    1. Yeah, I've thought about that, but this has been her vet for ten years so they know her inside and out. Plus they are VERY convenient for us, right around the corner.

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  5. My bedside manner is atrocious. So please forgive me for pointing out that Olga, at 15, would be 105 human age (7 x 15, one dog year being seven for a human; I have no idea what science is behind that calculation).

    As you indicate, best way forward (?) to make her as comfortable as possible till the motor (heart) gives out. Main thing to remember: You gave her a good life. And she brought joy to yours.

    U

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    1. According to the Pedigree dog age calculator, she's 90. (I think the standard seven-to-one ratio changes a bit as the dog ages.) But regardless, you are absolutely right that she is a senior senior citizen!

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  6. So sorry about Olga. She sure has pulled through many scares in recent years. I hope this is something that can be easily helped.

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    1. And actually, overall, she's had very good health. So perhaps she'll keep plugging along for a while longer!

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  7. I am surprised that you didn't include rugby league at the end. Sorry to hear about Olga's current condition after her nice holiday in Pevensey. It is looking like the end is at hand but you and Dave have given her a great life and she has in turn brought you a lot of joy. I am not a dog lover myself but vicariously I have loved Olga via your blog.

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    1. I don't mind rugby because the guys are hot, but I would never watch a whole game! It's hard to imagine our lives without Olga because she has been such a great companion.

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  8. Isn't it fascinating how plants can surprise us even years later? Whatever their true name, your lilies sound absolutely lovely and clearly well loved

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    1. And they always bloom dependably, year after year.

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  9. I think you're right, that Olga may be fading. And keeping her happy is the best plan. If visiting the vet causes stress, proceed with caution.

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    1. Yes, you're right. I don't want to drag her to the vet repeatedly. She is at an age where we need to loosen our grip.

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  10. About boring subjects, to me the most is stories about acting and show business.

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    1. Ha! Off the top of my head, I can't remember a novel about the theater that I've enjoyed!

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  11. Olga must have had a very good life with you both. Decisions made will take time. kiss on the top of Olga's head from me.

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  12. I'm just sending love to Olga, and to you and Dave too.

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    1. Thanks, Jennifer. I know you know what this is like.

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  13. Sweet Olga. It is not easy when health issues arise. Getting more info sounds right to me. You and Dave are the best and will know what is right for Olga.
    Your lilies are beautiful. Lillies are eaten by the deer on my property, so I enjoy your lilies all the more.

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    1. We've backed off the immediate need for more info. We're in wait-and-see mode at the moment.

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  14. I would want to know all that I can about my pet's health so I know what to expect and what decisions need to be made.
    Sending all good thoughts.

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    1. Well, exactly. We will eventually need to know more so we can make decisions.

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  15. I hope between you and the vet, Olga is able to live our any remaining time comfortably and happy. Having had a dog once years ago, I know how hard it is getting to this stage of a dog's life.

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    1. I just want to be sure she's still enjoying herself, or at least comfortable.

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  16. It does sound as though Olga is slowly "winding" down. If she's around 15, then she's done extemely well, especially dealing with recent travels on public transport. You have given her a wonderful, caring life. If it doesn't cause her or you, too much stress, then a check up with the vet would be a good idea.
    Having had to say goodbye to seven very much loved dogs over the years, I know how heart breaking the final decisions are.

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    1. We knew getting her to Pevensey this last time might be a challenge, but she did well. She's home for good now!

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  17. Those of us who have had animals we love know exactly what you are feeling right now -- a desire to do your best for her, no matter how hard it is for you; to treat her if she can get quality time. I think returning to the vet for more in-depth analysis is wise. Sending love to all of you and Olga especially, and hoping there is a path ahead for more good time.

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    1. We're going to hold off on another vet visit for the moment, I think, and try the medication she has first. I am skeptical that it will do anything.

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  18. I'm sorry about Olga - expected or not, it's still painful for her humans. It feels trite to say it, but she has certainly lived the high life with you two, and she's brought you a lot of joy.

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    1. We could not have asked for a better dog, honestly.

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  19. Stay Wise When It Comes To The Queen - She Deserves It For Sure - You'll Know What To Do And When - Sending Positive Vibes Your Way

    Sunny Side ,
    Cheers

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    1. Thanks, T! I know you've been through this before so you know what it's like.

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  20. It's one of life's tragedies that dogs have such short life spans but I'd much rather outlive Minnie than she me. Olga has had a very good life with two loving pack mates.

    I did an image search of your lily and it's an oriental trumpet lily, also called lilium 'silk road'.

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    1. Re. the lily, yeah, that looks about right. I think they're all crossbred and hybridized so much that it's hard to tell one lily from another! I agree about pets -- it would be worse to die and leave a dog behind that needs care.

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  21. I think Olga's time is coming to an end as well. As long as she's not in any pain though, I don't know that I would do anything. But that's just me.
    The lily is beautiful. I think I have one lily blooming right now, most of them were destroyed by scarlet lily beetles.
    I saw a dog that looked like Olga on Sunday at the dog park. I asked they guy about her, she was a cross between an American bully and a Staffy.

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    1. I think it's too early to do anything now, but the time is coming. We were hit by scarlet lily beetles, too. You know I hate killing anything, but I removed tons of larvae from our lily plants.

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  22. It is so heartbreaking when a beloved pet starts to show signs of old age. And fifteen is quite old for a dog and she has attained that age because of how she has been taken care of her entire life. I know you and Dave will take care of her at this part of her life just as you always have- with love and gentleness, care and concern.
    I wanted to tell you that I just finished listening to "A Visit From the Goon Squad" and did indeed enjoy it. It's the sort of book I might think about rereading because the large number of characters and each of their stories sometimes got tangled in my mind. Egan certainly did a fantastic job of interweaving all of them.

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    1. I'm glad you liked "Goon Squad"! I loved the way the stories followed one from another. Very skillful writing!

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  23. Sorry to hear about Olga's troubles. I think you are probably right about most of it being age related.
    Beautiful lilies in your garden.

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  24. Sorry to hear about Olga. Old dogs can fade very suddenly and it's never easy for the ones who love them.

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    1. It's surprising how quickly she's changed. Not even a month ago she was going out with her dog-walker every day!

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  25. That lily doesn't look much like my Stargazers except in its pink color. Pets are such worry; I'm hoping that Olga has something treatable--do dogs get inner ear stuff like humans? Getting answers from the vet would be helpful in moving forward. That book doesn't sound good to me either; I share your lack of interest in all those pursuits!

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    1. Yeah, I don't think it's a Stargazer. Vestibular disease IS an inner-ear condition, but unfortunately it's not curable. It just has to subside on its own.

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  26. This was hard to read after yesterday's upbeat report from your vet. Your upcoming visit will be a worry. Thinking of you both.
    Wendy (Wales)

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    1. I have a feeling this is going to be a period of ups and downs!

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  27. I won't offer any opinions on Olga, sweet girlie. And yes, that IS sunbathing for her.
    Whatever the flowers are, they're lovely.

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    1. Dogs seem to think whatever is happening to their face is happening to their entire body!

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  28. Sorry to hear about Olga, as you said, if she's about 15, that's a pretty good run for a big dog, and you guys have given her a good life, always hard to see beloved pets struggle in their final time. You will do the right thing.

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    1. I certainly can't argue that Olga hasn't lived her life!

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  29. Dogs just don't live long enough. This brings to mind Rudyard Kipling's poem about giving your heart to a dog.

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    1. I'm sure any, many people going back hundreds if not thousands of years have felt these feelings when their pets die.

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  30. So sad, hope you get some answers from the vet.

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  31. Olga sure has had the best life a dog can have, and I hope it continues for at least a little while longer.

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    1. Thanks, Celie. As long as she stays comfortable, that's the main thing.

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  32. We worry about our critters because we care about the and they care about us.

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    1. I often wonder if they mostly see us as a meal ticket! LOL

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  33. These are the heartbreaking days of loving a dog .. thinking of you. Hug.

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  34. I am sorry that Olga is winding down. It is a hard realization. You have given her a good life though.

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    1. She's been a great dog. She's given ME a good life, honestly.

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  35. I am so sorry about Olga, 15 in Dog Years is quite Elderly and so what the diagnostics of that would reveal, probably aren't as important as just the knowledge she's Beloved and knows it.

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    1. I think it would help ME to know what to do, more than anything.

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  36. Oh Olga. So sad but so nice to see her napping in the sunshine. I agree with you about getting more tests, if necessary. On another subject, I guess you won't be spending your weekend reading "The Old Man and the Sea" or going to a theatre to see the movie "F1".

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    1. Yeah, I'm skipping "F1" for sure! I liked "The Old Man and the Sea," because it was mostly about the old man.

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  37. This is the hard part of having a pet. Whatever decisions you make together will be driven by love and therefore will be the best ones you can make. I just wish these times were not so heartbreaking. My best to the three of you.

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    1. Well, we've seen it coming so we're somewhat prepared, but those last moments are always hard. You never know whether you're doing the right thing at the right time.

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