My mother is 87 with CHF and dementia. She has an 11 year old dog and still lives alone in her condo. Her dog has been getting sick because she cannot stop herself from feeding him small portions of what she eats daily. I have tried, begged, her to stop and have explained how it is making him sick. The vet put her dog back on bland diet and antibiotic. I am afraid I will have to remove him from her home. She loves this dog more than life and she doesn't understand what she is doing, she would never harm him in any way on purpose. Please help, need advise. Thank you.
and was not able to care for it. She would place the hatbox in a way that the cat could not get into it!
Finally, I had to kidnap the cat and give it to someone who would
give it a good home. I dealt with it when she was out of her apt.
I left the door ajar and when she said the cat was gone I said it probably got out through the open door. We have a responsibility as humans to see that our animal friends are not neglected or abused irrespective of the health condition of the owner.
I know I did the right thing. Please consider removing the dog
once she is in another room, and placing it with the Humane Society or somebody you know who will care for it.
Hope this helps.
Audreyrose
It's true that arguing with a dementia patient is useless, but the dementia patient also shouldn't be running the show. The dog gets taken to the groomer on a regular basis. No argument, it just happens.
Don't wait for her to make the decision. You have to be the one to convince her now is the time and can use the reason for the dog's health sake and care to make it easier on her. I am sure I don't have to tell you that you are taking on a monumental task. Please do yourself a favor, and have a family gathering to let everyone else know that your Mom needs you all right now and everyone is going to have to contribute - convenient or not. I could go on and on, but will close with your Mom really does need you now and you will feel better knowing you did everything you could to help her and return the love she showed you growing up. We owe them that. Good luck ...