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.

Related Posts

Sign in or sign up to comment.

307 thoughts

  1. La'son says…
    07/13/2011

    Awwww. Poor Lily. I wish you strength while going through this tough time as a family.

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

    hugs & prayers sent your way!

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

    I'm so sorry Ali. As a vet I've always especially enjoyed your photos of Lily and how you incorporate her into your albums. She's a beautiful girl. As others have said, I think that the decisions we make on behalf of our pets are sometimes indescribably hard, but your love for Lily will help to guide you. Best wishes for her and for the people in your family.

    Reply 0 Replies
  4. donna tullis says…
    07/13/2011

    God bless sweet Lilly and the Edwards family.

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

    so sorry to hear this, Ali

    Reply 0 Replies
  6. Jennifer says…
    07/13/2011

    as a fellow pet lover, I know how hard this is to go through...

    but as Janet wrote above, you will know when it's time to make the decision (whatever "the decision" is) that is best for all of you, and for Lily. You have had a very rich and full 11 years together, and you have time to work through the emotions related to this process.
    (We lost our 5-year old dog very suddenly while we were gone on vacation last year, so as someone who did NOT have time to process all the emotions, I really wish I had been given time to "make my peace" so to speak with the whole process of pet aging, illness, and loss.)

    Reply 0 Replies
  7. Julie C says…
    07/13/2011

    Time will show you the right thing for Lily. Had those rough times with animals and it's so hard when you can't talk with them to know what they need. Wish you and your family the best.

    Reply 0 Replies
  8. Kelly says…
    07/13/2011

    Fingers crossed for a recovery for Lily. It's never easy to make hard decisions about much loved pets. Thinking of you all.

    Reply 0 Replies
  9. Donna says…
    07/13/2011

    Aww poor Lily and you and your family, sending hugs and love from our home to yours. It's so sad when our furry pals get sick. x

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

    thinking of you all.....praying and hoping for the best.

    Reply 0 Replies
  11. susan says…
    07/13/2011

    I am so sorry to hear about Lily being sick. I will keep you all in my thoughts and prayers.

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

    oh, dogs. they are just so much love wrapped into a little furry body and my heart aches for you as i know how we feel about our own motley crew.

    Reply 0 Replies
  13. christen says…
    07/13/2011

    animals are part of the family. thoughts and prayers your way.

    Reply 0 Replies
  14. Megan Renfree says…
    07/13/2011

    Oh thats so sad. I'm so sorry, I really hope she pulls through and gives you a few more years of joy!!! Thinking good thoughts!!!

    Reply 0 Replies
  15. Dawn M says…
    07/13/2011

    Praying for Lily and hoping that no matter what happens, you all find peace. Thinking of you and the family to. Pets are family members and it's so hard when they are sick.

    Reply 0 Replies
  16. Allyson says…
    07/13/2011

    We know that roller coaster. Reading your post put me right back there. Praying for Lily and you, her family.

    Reply 0 Replies
  17. Allison M. says…
    07/13/2011

    Sending prayers your way Ali. Thinking of your family and Lily.

    Reply 0 Replies
  18. Maureen says…
    07/13/2011

    We just went through this recently with our cat. It's so hard. Sending you all peace and calm. Stay in the light.

    Reply 0 Replies
  19. Susan Ringler says…
    07/13/2011

    Oh Ali, I am tearing up and I am not even a pet person... I mean I just feel so sad for you and Lilly. Will be praying for peace for all of you in these coming days.

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

    We went through something similar with our dog of 12 years last year. It's awful. So many emotions. Best wishes for a recovery:(

    Reply 0 Replies
  21. Jakki says…
    07/13/2011

    I cant even begin to imagine...well I can....on a 'me' level...I've lost a couple of family members of the doggie breed and its broken my heart but never lost one along with my children.

    Reply 0 Replies
  22. Julie says…
    07/13/2011

    I am so sorry to hear this, as I know first hand just how hard this can be!!! Know you all are in my thoughts and prayers. Enjoy the time you have <3

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

    Our time is coming when we'll face the same decisions with Steffi. My husband and I tear up every time we think about it. Good thoughts coming your way.

    Reply 0 Replies
  24. Cyndi Speelman says…
    07/13/2011

    My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family (including Lily). So sorry you are going through this...

    Reply 0 Replies
  25. Susan Paquin says…
    07/13/2011

    This must be so hard. My heart goes out to you and your family. I'll keep you in my thoughts.

    Reply 1 Reply
    1. Angela Hancock says…
      07/13/2011

      Ali, I am praying for Lily and your family. I truly know how very hard this is. We lost our dog of 16 years in May. Dogs have but one fault and that is that they simply do not live long enough...

Sign in or sign up to comment.