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.
Ali, I have written this post several times and each time it just doesn't convey what I want to say. My heart was broken when I lost my darling Rachael (my 15 yr old australian shepard) and after nine years there is still something missing without her. There are but a few things in life that make it so special as to have an unconditional love for something. I know the decision will be made out of love and respect for your Lilly. It will be the right one.
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The unknown can be very taxing emotionally. Especially since they can't tell us how they are feeling. Take care of yourself & your family and your furry baby. We will be waiting here for you no matter how long you need.
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Oh, my heart aches for you right now. Digs become such important members of the family, especially with kids. To watch them hurt is so hard, just as it would be to watch another member of your family hurt. I hope your vet will come to you with hopeful news. And if he doesn't, I hope you can find joyful moments remembering how full she has made your lives over her long 11 years. Thinking of you all.
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As an owner of many animals I have been where you are at this moment.They become not just an animal but a part of the family.I hope you are able to find out what is wrong with Lily and that there is medication for her.Thinking of you and please let us all know how she is.
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Aw, I feel for you....this is so rough, it's just something that SUCKS to go through.I hope everything will be ok and you'll get some more time with her!
I lost my yellow lab, Ruby at the end of April...she was only a few months away from 11. It was really sudden...like she woke up fine that morning and was gone by the early afternoon (http://pecklife.typepad.com/blog/2011/05/ruby.html). So sad. :(
PS - we live in the Seattle area too. :)
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Prayers for your family and Lilly. We lost my senior dog a few years ago and it was just like having an elderly family member sick. He went into heart failure and we treated his arthritis. He was on a ton of meds, but still had a will to live and even played the day he passed. I was blessed that God took the hard decision out of my hands, because He knew I couldn't say to put him down. I miss my doggy each day, but God has blessed me with 2 new rescues to keep me busy :)
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Sending love and thoughts for peace for your precious family and furry girl. :(
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Hoping for a peaceful resolution for Lily and your family...my dog is just 7 but even his minor illnesses are heartwrenching to deal with. Dogs are really part of the family and people without dogs just don't understand how emotional it is...best wishes to you all.
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Take care. You will all be in my thoughts in the coming days.
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God Bless Lily...prayers to you all.
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I've spent time at (likely) that same hospital in Tacoma. You are ALL in my thoughts, and I hope for the best for all of you...
xoxo
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So sorry to hear about Lily. Please give her a big hug from me and hope that she has a speedy recovery.
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More hugs and prayers, Ali...
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There are few things harder in life than watching your doggie get old...I am thinking about you and Lily and hoping you will have much love and support throughout the coming days. Dogs are truly a blessing, but God only loans them to us for so long...
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My Leary is 15 and looks exactly like Lilly. He too is at the end, and it is one of the most difficult times of my life. Sending much love.
Melissa & Leary-dog
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My thoughts are with you and your family.
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Dear Ali, Chris, Simon and Anna ~ My heart is heavy reading this as I know the emotional attachment and love we have with our pets. After all, they are members of our family. I'm sure she has had the most wonderful life and love a dog could possibly get with such a sweet family. Bless all of you in the coming days. Praying sweet Lily recovers fully. As a pet owner myself, I completely empathise with you. Sending lots of love and kisses to Lily. Take gentle care. XXX
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Sending healing vibes for Lily's speedy recovery. It is never easy when our furry friends are not well, they cannot tell us and we feel so helpless. WE all hope that you have better news soon.
Janet, Jasper (springer spaniel), Otto and Sammy (Colourpoint persians)
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Hope everything works out for the best!
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Poor Lily, but she's only 11 which isn't too old for her breed, so keep positive and hopefully she'll pull through. Fingers (and everything else!) crossed for a speedy and positive outcome.
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This is so hard Ali, my heart is breaking for you. We had a 5 year break in between our last dog and our current puppy. The pain of losing him (our last dog) was so hard I just wasn't sure I would be able to go through it again. I will be praying for all of you and Lily of course.
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Please know that I am thinking of you and Lily and your family. I am sending love to all of you.
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Ali, My heart breaks for you and your family. I just went through this in September with my black Lab, Zachary (he was 10 years, 9 months). Reading your post brought back all of those raw emotions of pain and heartache. I hope Lily rallies and gives your family some more great memories. For Zachary, when I took him to the vet, it was time to let him go to Heaven. It was sudden and stunning since in July he had a senior check-up and all of his bloodwork was normal, and he wass still healthy and active. If it's any comfort, my vet said these big guys and girls just go along so happy and carefree until it's time, they just "don't do" long illnesses, which I really think is a blessing in disguise. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. Take care.
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Oh Ali! My heart aches for you and your family....I have so been where you are, so my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Come on Lily....rally!!!
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prayers for Lily and you.
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