Brendel, Blooms, Bluebirds & Backyard Update
By CarolDM
@CarolDM (203422)
Nashville, Tennessee
June 22, 2023 11:38am CST
My four B's to catch you all up with. A lot going on this time of year.
First of all, Brendel's vet visit went ok on Monday. She got an antibiotic injection and her labs were somewhat elevated from her last visit in 2021. Her kidney disease is progressing but it is a slow process, thank goodness. She was also dehydrated. And her weight went from 6.8 to 6.2 pounds in 2 years. She can't afford any more weight loss. Her eyes are clear today and sneezing has stopped.
But the early dementia signs are progressing. She is awake almost every hour after midnight, with her loud (due to hearing loss) confusing meows. She paces and seems lost. She has stopped grooming. I brush her daily. She seems to enjoy the brushing. All I can do is try to comfort her. Very difficult.
Four bluebirds fledged from the house on Monday, right on schedule. I can see them in the backyard trees. The parents are feeding them for now. The three robins also fledged and they are in the trees as well. This brings me lots of happiness.
Rose of sharon blooms have made an appearance in the front yard, with all of the rain this week. Nice to see them bloom each year. One butterfly bush did not survive the winter, but the white one is starting to bloom in Dustin's garden.
Will catch up with you all as time allows.
34 people like this
31 responses
@wolfgirl569 (108144)
• Marion, Ohio
22 Jun 23
You are taking good care of her. She knows it.
5 people like this
@wolfgirl569 (108144)
• Marion, Ohio
23 Jun 23
@CarolDM I had a dog get dementia. It is hard to see them confused. But I could tell Trouble was always happy with getting hugs.
4 people like this
@CarolDM (203422)
• Nashville, Tennessee
23 Jun 23
@wolfgirl569 Oh my goodness. It is the saddest thing. She still purrs and still knows who I am, the best I can tell.
3 people like this
@betlynfrnds (4069)
• United States
22 Jun 23
I can relate in many ways. Please give Brendel a hug from me.
2 people like this
@betlynfrnds (4069)
• United States
22 Jun 23
@CarolDM You're so welcome. I'm just sorry that you are having to deal with the pain. It's always so hard when our beloved pets go through problems. We suffer right along with them. 
2 people like this
@CarolDM (203422)
• Nashville, Tennessee
22 Jun 23
@betlynfrnds It happens with our pets sadly. I lost my late son's cat (Momma Kitty) at 24 years right before I got Brendel in 2011. I said no more cats and I have two now. I constantly watch her breathing.
2 people like this
@Juliaacv (51588)
• Canada
22 Jun 23
I woke during the night last night and thought of Brendel, I do not know if I was dreaming of her or not.
I hope that you can help her live out the time that she has left although I can only imagine how difficult this.
While thinking of Brendel I wondered about the bluebirds also, glad that they have fledged on time.
Nice that they are still close to see.
I love the rose of sharon, we had 2 of them at our rural place, they really draw the butterflies and hummingbirds to the yard.
1 person likes this
@CarolDM (203422)
• Nashville, Tennessee
22 Jun 23
I am so worried about her. So many sleepless nights listening to her meow. I have a chair beside the bed with her favorite quilt. Actually, it was Dustin's. She sleeps there but is constantly up and down. The bluebirds help get me through this difficult time. I am so happy they feel safe enough stay in my yard for now, at least until they learn how to fly.
The rose of sharon are always a welcomed site. The bees and butterflies flock to these blooms.
3 people like this
@MarieCoyle (38709)
•
22 Jun 23
@CarolDM
That has to be very difficult, no sleep and a sweet crying kitty. Toward the end of life, dogs and cats often are like us people, their inner thermostats go wacky and they often feel cold. Do you have a hot water bottle, or a heating pad you can put on the lowest setting, on the chair with the quilt? Might be worth a try to help her to be calm. I'm so sorry. I know from experience, as I am sure you do also, that it is very difficult.
1 person likes this
@CarolDM (203422)
• Nashville, Tennessee
22 Jun 23
@MarieCoyle Lack of sleep is taking a toll. I spend a lot of time in the screen room with her during the day. I can also watch the birds from there. Brings me peace. She loves her heating pad during the winter. I have never tried it this time of year, but that is an excellent idea Marie. Thank you.
1 person likes this
@kobesbuddy (78871)
• East Tawas, Michigan
23 Jun 23
Brendel is well cared for, during this experience she is going through. Dementia is common with older animals. Your blooms are beautiful! And those bluebirds and robins are ready to face the world, which is wonderful!
1 person likes this
@kobesbuddy (78871)
• East Tawas, Michigan
23 Jun 23
@CarolDM Yes, those little birds will be adults, within a very short while!
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@CarolDM (203422)
• Nashville, Tennessee
23 Jun 23
@kobesbuddy They grow way too fast.
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@MommyOfEli2013 (84226)
• Rupert, Idaho
22 Jun 23
Very pretty flowers.... I am sorry to hear about how she is doing. I wish I knew more to say...
1 person likes this
Thank you for your support.@MommyOfEli2013 (84226)
• Rupert, Idaho
22 Jun 23
@CarolDM Well I am sorry for that...
1 person likes this
@CarolDM (203422)
• Nashville, Tennessee
23 Jun 23
I am giving her my all. And try to have a little leftover for the Dude. He is so patient. The birds and blooms keep me smiling. Rain and thunderstorms here all week. It cooled things down to 70s, so nice. But today we are back to the 90s.
1 person likes this
@Tampa_girl7 (50528)
• United States
23 Jun 23
I didn’t realize that Brendel had dementia. That has to be so difficult.
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@just4him (317242)
• Green Bay, Wisconsin
23 Jun 23
That's a lovely Rose of Sharon bush. I'm glad the birds have all fledged. I'm sorry one of the butterfly bushes didn't survive the winter. I'm happy the other one is blooming.
Poor Brendel. I'm glad she's doing well under the circumstances. Enjoy her while you can.
1 person likes this
@CarolDM (203422)
• Nashville, Tennessee
23 Jun 23
Thanks, I have three of these and enjoy them each year. The bees and hummers do as well. The babies are flying around the backyard, learning to fly. I knew the purple bush would not survive, oh well. I will replace it eventually.
I stay so worried about Brendel. So hard to see her confused. But I keep her comfortable. Thank you for your support.
1 person likes this
@Dena91 (16688)
• United States
23 Jun 23
I am thankful Brendel has you and the Dude. I know that you bring them great love and peace.
I believe that Ginger may have the onset of dementia. Mike and I noticed that she becomes very vocal and scared around 4-5 AM, she wanders around meowing until one of us gets up and goes to her. We pet her, talk with her and she seems to calm down then and goes back to sleep. This has been happening all of a sudden for the past month or so.
Your Rose of Sharon is beautiful. I haven't noticed any on ours yet. I'll have to check next time I go out.
I am glad the babies and parents are close by.
I believe that Ginger may have the onset of dementia. Mike and I noticed that she becomes very vocal and scared around 4-5 AM, she wanders around meowing until one of us gets up and goes to her. We pet her, talk with her and she seems to calm down then and goes back to sleep. This has been happening all of a sudden for the past month or so.
Your Rose of Sharon is beautiful. I haven't noticed any on ours yet. I'll have to check next time I go out.
I am glad the babies and parents are close by.1 person likes this
@Dena91 (16688)
• United States
23 Jun 23
@CarolDM We believe Ginger is 13.
She wandered into our yard when she was a young kitten, 6-8 months or so. One of Mike's mom's friends wanted her for a barn cat but when she got her her husband said no. Brought her back to Mike's mom and to us.
Another friend thought she wanted a cat and took her. She had her for about a year and a half to almost two years then decided she was tired of her so Mike said to bring her home to us. I wish we hadn't let her go for those first couple of years.
In April we celebrated having her with us for 11 years.
1 person likes this
@CarolDM (203422)
• Nashville, Tennessee
23 Jun 23
Thank you Dena. It breaks my heart to see her going through this dementia. She is sleeping most of the day and then seems to get confused at night and early mornings. Sounds like Ginger is going through some of the same symptoms. How old is she? Thanks, the blooms are always nice to see. And the babies being such joy to watch.
1 person likes this
@dgobucks226 (35733)
•
1 Jul 23
Sorry about Brendel. It's always tough when age starts to catch up with our pets and they decline. Keeping her comfortable is good medicine!
Bluebirds left the nest. Now you can celebrate those Bluebirds of Happiness 
Will they return next year?
Glad to hear the flowers are in full bloom for you to enjoy 
Will they return next year?
Glad to hear the flowers are in full bloom for you to enjoy 1 person likes this
@CarolDM (203422)
• Nashville, Tennessee
1 Jul 23
@dgobucks226 The parents were feeding this morning, so very cool.
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@CarolDM (203422)
• Nashville, Tennessee
1 Jul 23
Thank you for your kind words of support. Every day is a challenge for sure. I will do everything I can for her.
I still see the babies flying in the trees in the backyard. So peaceful to watch as they learn to fly and start their new lives. I hope they will be safe. Yes they will return next year to raise more families. I always have at least one family and depending on the weather, sometimes a second one. Always an exciting time.
1 person likes this
@toniganzon (72535)
• Philippines
22 Jun 23
Brendel is lucky to have you to give her the comfort that she needs.
I have been wondering what's keeping you busy.
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@CarolDM (203422)
• Nashville, Tennessee
23 Jun 23
@toniganzon You are correct and I am here for her. Wouldn't have it any other way.
1 person likes this
@LindaOHio (181644)
• United States
22 Jun 23
Glad to get updated on Brendel. I'm sorry the news isn't better. Please give her a hug and a pet from me. Thanks for the news about the bluebirds and your plants. Keeping an eye on our new butterfly bushes. Hope they bring some hummingbirds. Have a good evening.
1 person likes this
@CarolDM (203422)
• Nashville, Tennessee
22 Jun 23
I have had my hands full, and still do actually. All night for a few nights now. I hope it gets better. Not sure if it will. I will give her a hug, much appreciated. And the blooms were a welcomed site after yesterday's rain. Yes, the hummingbirds have been at the deck a few weeks now. Just no time to get photos. Enjoy your evening.
1 person likes this
@misunderstood_zombie (8142)
• United States
1 Jul 23
Poor Brendel, she is so lucky to have you to take care of her. How cool to see the birds fledging.
1 person likes this
