Kind of sad... (tiny bit related to LIW at the end)

[absolut_blonde]

My sweet doggie is in the vet hospital right now undergoing tests and it doesn''t look good. We''ve had him since I was 7 and he''s 17 now (he''s a mini poodle, they tend to live for a fairly long time). At first they thought it was heart failure, which is potentially treatable, but now all signs point to a brain issue/tumor that is likely not treatable. I''m hoping he will pull through and be able to return home, but I also don''t want him to suffer. There''s a chance they may have to put him down tonight. I know it''s no surprise given his age, but it''s still hard. Also for my parents because he''s their little buddy, my mom works from home so they''re together all day. He''s more like a little person than a dog. I''m sad.

And, my one year anniversary with SO is tomorrow. I mentioned to him that I''d be a little sad on our anniversaries from now on if they do put my dog down today/tomorrow. He said that when we get married, we''ll have another anniversary. Which was nice. But obviously, I''m still really bummed.

And I''ve only been at this job 2 weeks so I''m trying to hide it well. If it were my old job, I probably just would''ve gone home sick but it''s not really an option here given that it''s so early.

 

[fieryred33143]

I am sincerely sorry. The possibility of losing a pet is heartbreaking. We went through the same thing last year. I wish you nothing but the best

 

[Lorelei]

I am sending out my strongest thoughts and prayers for you and your little dog, please keep us posted. I well know how helpless and worried you must feel.

 

[blondebunny]

awww im so sorry all of my animals are like my babies.. id be devastated if one of them died goodluck and i hope ya''ll dont have to put him down. its nice to know that your SO is very understanding though

 

[Lauren8211]

:::HUGS:::

I am so, so sorry sweetie.

Losing a pet or dealing with severe illness is so hard. When I was 14 and my hamster died, I was out of school for 2 days, so I can only imagine what you''re going through with your doggie. I almost cried when I read your post. You''re being really strong right now by even being at work.

I''ll keep your furbaby in my thoughts. Stay positive.

 

[jcarlylew]

AB - I am so sorry. I wish you and your family the best during hard time. My parents just went through the same thing. we had a recused greyhound and he (the dog, harold) LOVED my dad. I''m sure your work will understand if you need to take a day, or half day off to grieve. No matter the outcome just try to remind yourself of the happy memories. 17 years is a long time and wonderful time that has been.

 

[Keepingthefaith21]

I am so so so sorry. I understand how difficult this is for you and your parents.

I am sure the vet is doing everything they can for your little guy. Keep your thoughts positive and be strong.

 

[PearlDahhhling]

Oh no! I really hope your doggie pulls through! I also have a miniature poodle and they really are like little people rather than dogs. I''ll send all my healthy doggie vibes over there!!!

 

[absolut_blonde]

Date: 7/18/2008 4:37:34 PM
Author: PearlDahhhling
Oh no! I really hope your doggie pulls through! I also have a miniature poodle and they really are like little people rather than dogs. I'll send all my healthy doggie vibes over there!!!

Isn't it funny how much personality they have? I almost felt a bit silly as I wrote that in my original post, because I felt like other people might not understand.

fieryred33143 - I'm sorry for your loss last year. It's so hard.

Lorelei - Thanks for the kind thoughts. I appreciate it.

blondebunny - Yeah, at least I have SO. He's been good, even though he's been overworked and overtired lately.

elledizzy5 - Thanks. I thought about driving home today, but it's 3 hours away and I'd be a mess so I didn't think it was a good idea. I've just been distracting myself on the net at work.

jcarlylew - I'm sorry to hear about your dog. Though I have to say, Harold is a nice name. I like 'people names' for dogs.

Keepingthefaith21 - Yeah, the one upside is that I've heard very positive things about the pet hospital he's at. They're supposed to be very kind and good with the dogs, there.


Mini-update: my parents were going to the hospital to see him, last I heard. I'm kind of expecting the worst, but holding on to a bit of hope too.

 

[Blair138]

Oh absolut-I know exactly how you feel

Losing a pet is the worst. I hope that he pulls through...

I know you may not want to think about this but after our dog was put to sleep we got a new puppy 2 months later. It was so weird to not have a dog in the house and having the new pup made us happy again. He got tons of love and he didn''t replace our old buddy. My brother''s GF just went through the same thing and she said they wouldn''t get a new one for a long time-low and behold a few weeks later they have a new puppy. It''s something to think about but I hope things work out for the better! **HUGS!**

 

[Snickerdoodle]

I''m so sorry to hear about your beloved family member. My eyes were blurred with tears as I read your post. I know how difficult it is to make a decision like that.

My family''s Dalmatian had kidney issues that caused her to involuntarily dribble urine, and separation anxiety that made it unbearable for her when we left the house (she''d pace, tear up things, and lick the top of her paws until they were raw because she was just beside herself when she was alone--poor thing

). She was on medication for each of these issues, but eventually the meds couldn''t control her light incontinence. The separation anxiety never was completely controlled with meds or behavioral training. We made the heartbreaking decision to end her misery because she just wasn''t enjoying her life anymore. Before we took her to the vet, I took her for one last walk around my parents'' neighborhood. She took one last poop in the neighbor''s yard, and I thought about leaving it there so everyone could remember and appreciate our beloved Chelsea,

but then I thought better of it and cleaned it up (where''s my "Good Neighbor" award?

). My parents still have a small framed picture of Chelsea in their family room and it always makes me smile when I see it.

Please keep us posted on things, and know that I''m thinking about you and your family through all of this. ((hugs))

 

[kittybean]

Tears started running down my face in the coffee shop when I read this! I''m so sorry about your dog''s illness. I can only imagine what a sweetheart he is and how much he must mean to your family. My own family''s poodle/spaniel mix is such a vital part of our family and such a companion to my mom. I hope your little guy pulls through. Hugs to you!!

 

[Elegant]

I am so sorry to hear about your little doggie! I can totally relate. My 18 year old beagle had a stroke which set off a seizure and I was so sad. She pulled through and everything, but given her age, it won''t be soon before long... People ask me why I haven''t put her down, and I say apparently she wants to live! She lives for treats and food, so that''s what I keep giving her. About a month ago she even found a hole in our fence and took off! Unbelievable.

I feel for you and having doggies are just like having a child. We adopted Daisy when she was 6 or 7 years old so we have had her for a good long time. 11 year relationship of unconditional love from that dog. I love her to bits as I am sure you love yours.

Big hug!

 

[purrfectpear]

I am so sincerely sorry to hear about your little poodle''s illness

I hope you get the chance to spend more time with him, but I understand about not wanting him to suffer.

My 11 year old silky boy is my best friend. I really dread the day he is gone. Pets leave their pawprints on our heart

 

[absolut_blonde]

Thank you all SO much for the kind thoughts, Blair138, Kittybean, Snickerdoodle, Elegant & Purrfectpear. I really appreciate it.

I''m relieved to report that they let him come home from the pet hospital. I''m actually quite shocked- I had prepared myself for the worst- but the doctors said he was doing ok and actually recommended that my parents take him home.

However, they''ve basically ruled out all possibilities other than a brain tumor or some other kind of brain related problem, which is not-so-good. There''s a chance he may have some sort of infection stemming from an abcessed tooth (his teeth need to be cleaned but we haven''t done it in awhile as general anesthetic is a bit risky in such an old dog). So they are treating him with antibiotics and anti-inflammatories to see if that helps.

Still kind of tough & go at this point though. My parents will have to keep a close eye on him. It''s no real secret that he won''t be around forever, given his age. If his quality of life starts to decline, then we''ll have to think about putting him down. But if he can live happily and comfortably for awhile longer then that is great. It would be nice if he could go peacefully in his sleep at home (I think that''s what he''d want, if that makes any sense) but if we certainly don''t want him to be uncomfortable either.

Sorry if this is a bit jumbled, I''m exhausted from a combination of being sad about this and lack of sleep in general. I''ll keep everyone posted but for now things actually seem like they might be ok & I''m really thankful for that. I''ll be home visiting next weekend (next Thursday actually) so I''m really looking forward to seeing the little guy.

 

[Amanda.Rx]

Awww... well, at least you know he won''t suffer if they do put him down.

Maybe for your anniversary, you can celebrate his life instead of remembering his passing. Try and look at it as a joyous occasion. You''ve got the man you love and good memories to share on the same day!

Hang in there, gal.

 

[diamondfan]

I am sorry too. I know if anything happened to my pup I would be devastated. Your guy had a long life and you do not want him suffering, but that does not mean you will not miss him. I hope he is going to be okay but if he is too sick, know I am thinking of you.

 

[LaraOnline]

Hey absolut!

Your worry over your darling little dog reminds me of how much I love my little dog...don''t sweat, there are LOTS of us out there who love our animals and understand what you and your parents are going through. I work in an animal clinic, and you wouldn''t believe how many people love their animals! You are not crazy, you are normal, Hang in there girl, and stay strong! Your darling undoubtedly appreciates your care.
PS your SO sounded nice to say such things

 

[Deelight]

AB I am so sorry your doggie is feeling sick, but I am glad he has gotten better enough to come home.

It is sad the thought of losing our animals especially the older they get but at the moment he is well enough to be out of hospital so thats a good thing, one day at a time .

I really hope he makes a full recovery.

 

[Iowa Lizzy]

Absolut_Blonde, my thoughts are definitely with you right now. My family dog (at my folk''s place) was put down over a year ago and I still get pretty choked up when I think about him. I hope your dog gets better now that he''s home. We''re thinking about you!


For anyone else who, like me, has lost a special pet, I read a fantastic poem on the net once that still gets me all emotional. It''s comforting though. I''ll share.

Rainbow Bridge:

Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge. When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together.

All the animals who have been ill and old are restored to health and vigor; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special, someone who was left behind.

They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent; his eager body begins to quiver. Suddenly, he breaks from the group, flying over the green grass, faster and faster. You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into those trusting eyes, so long gone from life, but never absent from your heart.

-Author Unknown

 

[blondebunny]

omg so sorry to hear that, hopefully he wont be in pain and will live a while longer..

I was down at my FF parents house a while ago, and his dad was taking their old dog into get his teeth cleaned, and then the dad called my FF phone and said they had to put him down..

He was old and they said his blood was yellow for I dont remember now why, but I hope your doggy does okay... its so sad... me and FF heart goes out to you... we love animals

 

[Bia]

So sorry to hear this. I understand how incredibly difficult this is as I went through it a few years back with my childhood doggie.

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your pup...

 

[Blair138]

AB-keep us updated, glad to hear that he can come home-enjoy all the time you have with him now.

 

[PrincessDijon]

Sorry to hear about your doggie!

I just lost one of my pets that had Been in my family 10+ years and it''s heartbreaking...Especially since I "picked him out" when he was just a fuzzball!

Sending good thoughts your way!

As for me, I''m in a new job too and I had the same call-in debate as well....what a small world...