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. Sue R says…
    07/14/2011

    Prayers are being said for all of you.

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

    Oh my word, I really feel for you. Thinking of you all.

    Reply 0 Replies
  3. Mary Sara P. says…
    07/14/2011

    So sad to hear that you are going through this with a beloved member of your family. Hugs, prayers and strength are being sent to you all.

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  4. Lisa A. A. says…
    07/14/2011

    So sad for you and your family. Hugs & prayers to all of you.

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

    Know the feeling of a loved pet being sick. Sending hugs your way.

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  6. Sharon in California says…
    07/14/2011

    Good Girl Lily. You and your family are in our prayers. We lost our beloved boy Jake - and while in my head I know we will out live our most wonderful companions, my heart has no comprehension of the pain it feels. There is a wonderful book about the lives of dogs - A Dogs Purpose - excellent on audiobook. It gives perspective on "lifetimes" of and from the dogs view...quite a wonderful, heartwarming story that helps put their purpose in our lives into focus. Made me look at the beginnings and endings of these journeys in a whole new light.

    I wish you well in your journey and that your purpose is fulfilled now and always....to Ali, Chris, Simon and Anna - how wonderful that Lily is in your life - a memory you will always have.

    the best to you all....Sharon and Boomer

    Reply 0 Replies
  7. Jenny A says…
    07/14/2011

    Praying for Lily and your family as you face difficult times. Big hugs to you.

    Reply 0 Replies
  8. Kristyn G says…
    07/14/2011

    we just found out that our 8 year old boxer has cancer with only a few months left. He seemed perfectly healthy--then this. My heart breaks for you and your family. I have never had to deal with a situation like this before-having to make the decision to let a pet go-and it just plain sucks.

    Reply 0 Replies
  9. Susan says…
    07/14/2011

    I can relate to your rollercoaster ride! We too have pups as a family and we love them dearly. Wishing all will go well for you and your family! Sending prayers your way!
    Thanks for sharing this with us all!

    Reply 0 Replies
  10. Suzie Perrie says…
    07/14/2011

    Thoughts and prayers for all of you.

    Reply 0 Replies
  11. Jennifer A says…
    07/14/2011

    So sorry to hear Lily is sick. Sending good thoughts to you all at this time.

    Reply 0 Replies
  12. Michele B says…
    07/14/2011

    Thinking about you, your family and Lily, and sending healing thoughts. Pets are such a huge part of our families, we have two chocolate labs that are 9 and 11 and I see them both growing old so quickly now that it breaks my heart.

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

    I understand what you are dealing with, and we may be dealing with the same any day now. Our dog Fancy is now 14, a lab mix, and has had breathing issues somewhat this summer. She has always gone with us on vacation in our camper, and has been a great traveler. She is such a great dog and truly has been part of our family. I know my husband, who is very attached, will have a hard time dealing with it, as well as our kids! I know we are lucky to have her as long as we have, but it doesn't make it any easier!

    Reply 0 Replies
  14. Chloe Neill says…
    07/14/2011

    Thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. And special hugs for Ms. Lily.

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

    Good luck with Lily. Whether they are human or of the "covered in fur" variety, they are still "family," and it's so hard to watch them when they are ill. My positive thoughts and prayers are with all of you.

    Reply 0 Replies
  16. Karin Podolski says…
    07/14/2011

    Praying for Lily and the rest of your family!

    Reply 0 Replies
  17. Denise A. says…
    07/14/2011

    Such a hard time! These kinds of days are not too far for my family either - we have one dog and two cats...none of whom are particularly young.

    Thinking peaceful thoughts for your family and Lily.

    Reply 0 Replies
  18. J Allen says…
    07/14/2011

    Hey Ali,
    So sorry to hear about your Lily. As I write this, tears roll down my face. I am remembering an early Sunday morning almost four years ago. We had our Barkley for fourteen years, I awoke that morning to a very sick dog. Called his Vet @ about 6:30am, he met us at his office. Barkley had had a stroke, all but his right front paw, neck, and head were paralysed. There was no hope for him to recover. I held him and told him how much I loved him and what a good boy he was, then it was over.
    The animals we share our homes with are trully a part of our families. When they are ill the entire family is affected! I hope the best for Lily, but if you lose her I know you will handle it with grace and compassion. Much love for you and yours, J

    Reply 0 Replies
  19. Kay Gregory-Clark says…
    07/14/2011

    Ali, I so feel for you! It's been about a year since I had to say good-bye to my lab, Quest, who was 14. With us it was also a roller coaster for a while, but a stroke made the decision for us and it was incredibly hard! I've tried to work on a scrapbook about him, but I think it's still too soon. It took me 2 years after my 20-year-old kitty left me to be able to work on it. I did find it comforting, though, to see all the happy pictures and memories they brought back. But seeing Quest's trusting eyes, with head cocked in anticipation, is still bitter-sweet. Praying for Lily and your family....

    Reply 0 Replies
  20. Noell says…
    07/14/2011

    Oh, Ali, I'm so sorry to hear this. I know she's a family member and I'm feeling for you.

    --Wishing for the very best for Lilly and you and your family. :(

    Hugs,
    Noell

    Reply 0 Replies
  21. Michelle D. says…
    07/14/2011

    Thank you for sharing your heart and about Lily. Hoping for a quick recovery for Lily, and for peace in your hearts no matter what the outcome. She is clearly a special part of your family.

    Reply 0 Replies
  22. Susan G. says…
    07/14/2011

    Prayers for Lily and your family! I have a 9 year old black lab and cannot imagine going thru such a rollercoaster of emotions and not knowing. I am just across the bridge in Gig Harbor, bring your family over to walk the harbor if you are looking for a distraction. (once the rain stops)

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

    I am so sorry to hear this. I wish dogs were not so stoic sometimes so they would tell us when something is wrong before it becomes a huge issue. Our sweet boy has been on a rollercoaster this last year too with cancer issues. Then Tuesday afternoon he ate foxtails(!!) and had to have them removed from his throat. I will keep Lily and all of you in my prayers.

    Reply 0 Replies
  24. Nicky from Canada says…
    07/14/2011

    Praying for Lily and all of you as you go forward. These amazing companions of ours make life that much sweeter.
    God Bless

    Reply 0 Replies
  25. Jill says…
    07/14/2011

    Oh, Ali, prayers for you all and especially for sweet Lily! Our dogs are so much a part of our families, aren't they? Love and blessings and prayers for peace and healing from our family to yours.

    Reply 0 Replies

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