Yup, in his day I’m sure Jack was formidable. We rescued him when he was a very spry 11. People we’ve had to tell the Great Fight story to assume that because Bax is a young pitbull he was the bully - nope, it’s the ancient collie who stirs the shit.
K guys, I’m sinking into a torpor now. Thanks for all the luvs, got me through the day.
Sweet dreams, friend. Check in in the morning with a report on yourself and the family.
Sleep well, comforted that Collies have a couple millennia of genetic engineering making them the most formidable dogs around. Pits are charming, but pretty dumb. Remind Bax regularly that he’s outclassed. Then ruffle his rockhard head. I also love Pits.
Having watched the long slow decline of my Simone this spring, and losing her at the start of July, my thoughts are with you and Jack.
Good luck with the hand thing. When I got bitten on the hand by a Rottweiler (TOTALLY my own fault!), my doctor said he hardly ever sees dog bites get infected, describing them as “relatively clean.”
Susan is doing better, staying another night for more IV antibiotics.
Jack isn’t doing well. He rallied a bit last nite, but has been in bed since last nite and won’t get up. His abscess smells horrible and I think he’s suffering. I have a 3pm appt to have him euthanized. I’m going alone since wife is in hospital.
I can’t stop sobbing, tho it’s right thing to do.
Oh no, so sorry to hear that Jack is not doing well and your wife is still in the hospital (although I’m glad to hear she is doing better). Sending virtual Doper hugs your way.
Oh no. I’m so very sorry. Didn’t expect to read this… 
Glad your wife is better.
I’m so sorry it has come to this. Poor Jack. And poor you. It is so difficult to have to make these decisions for our beloved pets.
I hope your wife is feeling better.
Oh no. I am so sorry.
My sympathies. May your memories of the wonderful times you had together provide you consolation as you grieve.
{{{hugs}}}
I’ve re-thought this: he now seems peaceful and not in pain. He’s really unsteady (and 72 lbs) and I don’t want to drag him down the stairs, into car, and to a strange vet.
If he gets distressed I’ll have the mobile vet we’ve used come put him down in his home.
Hugs, Jennshark! I’m so sorry all this has happened and is still going on. Glad to hear Jack is peaceful, at least for the moment. Having a mobile vet come out, should it be necessary, is a good idea. I hope it doesn’t come to that. Good to hear Susan is on the mend. Hopefully she’s home soon.
On a separate note, I’m surprised Animal Control came out when it was your own dog biting you. Do they automatically investigate all dog bites? When I was in a very similar situation (bitten by my own dog breaking up a fight between my own two dogs), the ER doctor asked if I knew the dog who bit me. When I said it was my own dog, he just chuckled and said, “It usually is” and said they only report to AC if the person who was bitten wants it reported.
Now he’s strolling around the yard… Well, i’ll get dogs settled then go see my PERSON in the hospital.
Good fuckin grief. I’m so tired I want to topple over in a heap.
Now he’s in the yard strolling around, drinking water, and smiling.
Ok, dog reprieve. On way to see Wife, she’s staying another night.
Jennshark, didn’t see this earlier! I’m sorry you’ve had to go through all this. I wonder if a second opinion might be in order for Jack’s abscess? I adore my vet and trust him implicitly, but not all vets know everything. Maybe the mobile vet since it’s difficult to take Jack anywhere?
Big hugs!
Is Jack on antibiotics? If his “abscess smells horrible” he probably should be. Get the mobile vet to come over and check him out. This might not be the end!
Glad to hear the dog got a reprieve. Hopefully he can rebound and make it a little longer.
Have a better weekend, Dean!
Seconded. Or possibly different antibiotics. He may also need a drainage tube.
I hope things continue to improve.
IANAV but it sounds like the his infection is systemic, maybe why wifes hand is infected. Jack may need IV antibiotics too.
I agree about systemic infection. Older dogs often have severe teeth/gums issues which breed some nasty bugs. Combined with the pressure of a dog bite severe swelling is common…the puncture will drive bacteria deep under skin as well, so bleeding doesnt flush it out quickly.
Hope it works out for you Jennshark, your wife and your dogs.