The Roller Coasters Of Life

Over the last five days or so we've been on a roller coaster of emotions with our dog Lily.

While camping she began having difficulty breathing and not being able to keep food or water down. Chris took her to the nearest emergency vet hospital where they put her on IV, sedated her and found a variety of maladies - the combination of which put her in critical condition. We made the decision to transfer her to a different emergency vet hospital in Tacoma (the next closest) to be able to see a specialist and get more information (underlying causes, etc) before deciding how to proceed.

Since we've been here in Tacoma it's been close to the end and then it's been a bit better. It's been up and down, each day waiting for a different test, a new hope, a bit of recovery.

Riding the coaster is hard. Being here with family while riding the coaster makes things easier and keeps the kids entertained.

Today she seems on the upswing, able to keep some food down last night, but there's still other conditions that need to be addressed. We're waiting for another update from the main doctor today to determine the next course of action.

Lily's 11. She's had an awesome full life and has been a great companion for our family.

I appreciate your patience and your kindness towards our family and Lily as we move forward in the coming days.

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307 thoughts

  1. kristina says…
    07/13/2011

    Praying for Lily and keeping you and your family in my thoughts, Ali. BIG hugs.

    Reply 0 Replies
  2. Deirdre says…
    07/13/2011

    Lots of love and grace to you and your family on this journey.

    Reply 0 Replies
  3. Mandyb says…
    07/13/2011

    fur babies are so special and a HUGE part of our families....you take ALL the time you need to look after your lovely lily!! xx to you all xxxxx

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  4. Cyn says…
    07/13/2011

    I have a sweet 10-year-old pup, so I can understand a little of what you're experiencing. Sending healing thoughts for Lily and hoping things smooth out for your whole family.

    Reply 0 Replies
  5. Sherry G says…
    07/13/2011

    Maddie (poodle) & I send puppy hugs and prayers to you & Lily.

    Reply 0 Replies
  6. Julie L. says…
    07/13/2011

    Hope and wishing for a peaceful outcome for you, your family, and Lily.

    Reply 0 Replies
  7. Betty Weaver says…
    07/13/2011

    Ali I am so sorry you are all dealing with this... Making the choice to share our lives with those that have a shorter life span than us...well SUCKS! And no matter what decision you make please know that no one has the right to second guess it (even tho you will as has every pet owner through time) or to make you feel guilty about that decision.

    YOU know her best... YOU love her most.... And YOU will make the right decision for her when the time comes to make it. I hope for you all that it is a long way off but even if it's as I type this I know it will be the what is best for you, your family and more importantly LILY!

    {{{HUGS}}} from our dog loving family to yours

    Reply 0 Replies
  8. Monica McNeill says…
    07/13/2011

    Ali, We recently walked our own difficult path with our dog Dexter and the love that surrounded us during that time was healing. My prayers are with Lily and for her recovery and comfort. My heart goes out to you & your family during this difficult time.

    Reply 0 Replies
  9. Kirsten H says…
    07/13/2011

    So sorry to hear. We went through the same roller coaster in Feb with our 10 year old husky cross. Hope Lily has the same outcome as Takaya, who is still in the middle of all possible walkways. Furry family members are so important to us, glad to hear she is getting better.

    Reply 0 Replies
  10. Laura says…
    07/13/2011

    My thoughts and prayers are with you as you face this difficult time with your beloved pet.

    Reply 0 Replies
  11. jenn shurkus says…
    07/13/2011

    thinking of you guys.... and lily... sending strong thoughts {{{hugs}}}

    Reply 0 Replies
  12. Jean says…
    07/13/2011

    Thinking of you and your family. Thank you for keeping us up-to-date.

    Reply 0 Replies
  13. Sandi Keene says…
    07/13/2011

    Thank you for the update. Have been thinking of Lily constantly. Hugs to you all.

    Reply 0 Replies
  14. Beth Ann says…
    07/13/2011

    Keeping Lily and your family in my prayers, Ali.

    Reply 0 Replies
  15. mandee mattioli says…
    07/13/2011

    {{{{hugs}}}}

    hope it is all resolved soon.

    Reply 0 Replies
  16. cat jones says…
    07/13/2011

    awwww...hang in there. Bear and I send our love!

    Reply 0 Replies
  17. Renee says…
    07/13/2011

    Your priorities, as always, are straight. Lily is such a part of your family she deserves the attention you are giving her at this point. Having been through similar scenarios with three dogs in my life, I can only imagine how difficult this is for you all. Prayers for the best outcome for Lily and your entire family.

    Reply 0 Replies
  18. Joanne Caruth says…
    07/13/2011

    It is so difficult when a pet is ill. You are doing all the right things and will make the decision that is best for her.

    Reply 0 Replies
  19. Kym says…
    07/13/2011

    Thinking of you. It's so hard to face these things with the animals we love so much.

    Reply 0 Replies
  20. Leea says…
    07/13/2011

    Prayers for Lily, and for your kids (Chris and you too) ...its never easy on anyone.....(((HUGS))))

    Reply 0 Replies
  21. madeline St onge says…
    07/13/2011

    Ali praying for Lily and keeping your fmily in my heart.
    Thank you for the update

    We were on that Roller Coaster for 5 weeks not to long ago

    {{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{HUGS}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}

    Reply 0 Replies
  22. Tracy L says…
    07/13/2011

    I feel for you. Pets give us so much joy but when the time comes and they are suffering, we suffer too. We had to make the difficult decision a few years ago to put our dog down and I agonized over it for days. One of my son's friends put it into perspective for me though. His wise words (at 23yr. no less) were "when you are responsible for a pet, that means making sure that pet doesn't suffer, so you have to know you did the right thing for her." I felt somewhat better but the entire experience was still heart-breaking. Hang in there Edwards family!

    Reply 0 Replies
  23. Kelli says…
    07/13/2011

    hugs to you and your family during this time. thinking of Lily and what a sweet part she adds. I will pray for comfort for you and yours.

    Reply 0 Replies
  24. Kimberly says…
    07/13/2011

    Praying for Lily and thinking of your family during this time. Pets are really family members disguised under a ball of fur. :) Take all the time you need to be with her.

    Reply 0 Replies
  25. Ky Scrapacat says…
    07/13/2011

    Praying for all of you. Pets are such a dynamic part of our lives, and I'm so proud of you for doing everything you can for Lily. Keep us posted, please.

    Reply 0 Replies

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