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. reneecrops says…
    07/14/2011

    Up swing is a good thing. I pray this is just a bump to be rolled over. If not at least take to heart that the suffering will be short which is a blessing.

    Reply 0 Replies
  2. Lenea says…
    07/14/2011

    OH my heart is breaking for you. I just lost my dog less than a month ago to a coyote attack and it happened in front of me. I cant even begin to imagine the pain and up and down emotions that you and your family are going through. I am so sorry and am praying for you.

    Reply 0 Replies
  3. Jewel says…
    07/14/2011

    We have been riding the same roller coaster for the past year with our 14 year old golden. Thinking of your family during this time.

    Reply 0 Replies
  4. Beth J says…
    07/14/2011

    Woof.
    (from my dog to yours)

    Reply 0 Replies
  5. Sara says…
    07/14/2011

    We are going through something similar with our 13 year old black lab. Thinking of you during this difficult time.

    Reply 0 Replies
  6. amberca says…
    07/14/2011

    Oh, Ali, my heart goes out to you and your family. Anyone with pets knows that they are truly a member of our family and it is heart wrenching to watch them suffer in pain and illness. Here's to hoping the best for you all and that Lily will have a continued long life and health.

    Reply 0 Replies
  7. gitz says…
    07/14/2011

    praying for you all and sweet Lily. i can't imagine a reality other than my sweet pup laying next to me, so i can imagine your heart ache during all of this. praying there are good days for her ahead, and that your heart is at peace with whatever decisions you need to make.

    Reply 0 Replies
  8. Jenni Hufford says…
    07/14/2011

    thinking of you all and saying a prayer for Lily-- that you will get the answers you need for her to get better! God is so good to give us pets-- such a special part of the family. xo

    Reply 0 Replies
  9. Damiane Lucas says…
    07/14/2011

    God loves all his creatures and knows the condition and needs of Lily. I will pray to "The Great Physician" to touch, heal, embrace, and comfort Lily and your family.

    Prayerfully,

    Damiane

    Reply 0 Replies
  10. Tona says…
    07/14/2011

    I know that there are a lot of us out there that have dealt with these issues with our pets who are of course our family mambers. Keeping your family & lily in my thoughts.

    Reply 0 Replies
  11. nancy d. says…
    07/14/2011

    None of the decisions you'll have to make will be easy. Good luck!

    Reply 0 Replies
  12. Tobi says…
    07/14/2011

    Ali-
    What a beautiful relationship our furry companions bring to our life. I, believe my fur babies are the best in the world, as you do, I'm sure. I will say prayers for you that things go as smoothly as possible. To Lily...beautiful girl, you are a good dog.

    Reply 0 Replies
  13. Zanne says…
    07/14/2011

    Ali,

    My 13 year old black lab Sierra passed away last month.She had my heart. Just doesn't seem like we have enough time with them. Prayers for Lily.

    Zanne

    Reply 0 Replies
  14. Jennifer Demmon says…
    07/14/2011

    Ali - our prayers are with your family. we've had a lot of dog issues in the last year. Cushings for our 9 year old, HGE, and now hypothyroidism for our two year old. It is very hard to watch your pet suffer. Hang in there and trust your heart.

    Reply 0 Replies
  15. Tinka says…
    07/14/2011

    Prayers for you and your family. Going through something like this is so hard. I swore after the last time I had to make that difficult decision that I was never goiong to have another pet again. And it has been no less heart-breaking when my family members have gone through it.

    Reply 0 Replies
  16. lee says…
    07/14/2011

    Oh goodness. Sending prayers and kind thoughts for comfort and wisdom in this difficult time. =)

    Reply 0 Replies
  17. Christin Dukes says…
    07/14/2011

    Oh ALi, I am so sorry your family is dealing with this. It is so hard because our pets are part of our family. I am keeping Lily and your family in my prayers and sending all our you big hugs!

    Reply 0 Replies
  18. rhonda nickol says…
    07/14/2011

    So sorry to hear about Lily. She will be in my prayers and sending good thoughts to the Edwards family.

    Reply 0 Replies
  19. peggy says…
    07/14/2011

    so sorry, this is difficult, your all in my thoughts and prayers.

    Reply 0 Replies
  20. tara pollard pakosta says…
    07/14/2011

    big hugs Ali, I know how I would feel if this were my dog, I love my dog as a son (not kidding here)....and I am praying and sending lots of love to you and your sweet Lily!!
    tara

    Reply 0 Replies
  21. Carrie says…
    07/14/2011

    Oh goodness, so sorry to read this. Pets are such a wonderful part of our lives and provide such richness. There is never a good time for them to have critical medical conditions. Hoping for the best and for great vets to know how to proceed. HUGS!

    Reply 0 Replies
  22. Jennifer says…
    07/14/2011

    So sorry to hear about your dog, Lily. Thinking of you and your family!

    Reply 0 Replies
  23. Teal says…
    07/14/2011

    Ali - hopefully things won't go this way, but I thought of your family when I saw this.

    http://her0inchic.tumblr.com/post/5310368240/our-14-year-old-dog-abbey-died-last-month-the

    Also - When our beloved family died when I was a kid, my mom had the idea that we should think of 10 good things about Max. The first few were easy, but soon we were reaching for things like "Max always ate all of his food," and "he only bit one person." We still talk about that list and remember him fondly!

    Reply 0 Replies
  24. Lori O. says…
    07/14/2011

    Our hearts and prayers are with your family. You are in a great area for quality veterinarians. Wishing each of you & Lily comfort and peace. {{HUGS}} to all.

    Reply 0 Replies
  25. Julie G says…
    07/14/2011

    I'm thinking and praying for your sweet Lily and all of you. Anyone who has ever loved and been loved by a furry member of their family knows what you are going through. it's one of the most difficult things.

    Reply 0 Replies

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