Well, the new year has been trying for me. I cherish my little babies, they are everything to me. I've been nursing a very sick cat, Caesar, since Thanksgiving and it's still critical. We've had several emergencies, a feeding tube and countless trips to the vet and since January, trips to an Acupuncturist and Chiropractor for pets. I'm not sure if we are getting somewhere because it's been a
roller coaster...ups and downs.
As I'm caring for this baby, my little Pekoe (Pomeranian) started walking away from her food last week, then stopped eating altogether. I knew her teeth were bothering her, and I also was aware her kidneys were a possible problem as
blood work showed in 2008 while doing a teeth-cleaning procedure. The vet said the BUN and
creatinine #'s were slightly elevated back then and to monitor her. Well, she continued to be the lively, ball of energy and happy little self that she always was. I did notice she was drinking more water than usual over this past year which is normal when kidneys are trying to flush toxins. Well, we took her to the vet last Saturday (Jan23) and they drew blood and said the teeth do need help, but they were quite certain the kidneys were the main problem. By Monday, we had the results. The BUN and
creatinine #'s were VERY poor and showed complete failure. The vet said we should try to help her. The only way to get the #'s down were to put her in IV fluids all day every day and overnight too. So I rushed her to the vet Monday and for the next 3 days I had her at the vet with fluids and at the Emergency Clinic overnight for the same. Tuesday's
blood work showed a 25% drop and we were optimistic. We were trying to stay positive. Thursday morning as I picked her up, Dr. Steffen got results from Wednesday- the #'s didn't change. Which meant there was nothing else we could do for her. They weaned her off IV fluids that day. I called off Thursday and Friday. I brought her home Thursday and spend the 2 days holding her and spending time with her. The vet said she wasn't in pain, but felt "icky". I cuddled with her and she watched me and wagged her tail
every time I left or came in the room. My Mom came to support me and to spend time with her. The vet said I'd know when it's time and Friday night became hard. I lost it and began to panic- I
couldn't left her suffer anymore. Friday night was miserable. I tossed and turned and she was restless and it was like the two of us knew. She watched me and I watched her. Saturday morning I scooped her up and carried her downstairs in her bed. The sun was shining and she looked out the window as we passed coming down the stairs. I settled her in the
living room, around 8:30 I went upstairs to care for Caesar in the bathroom (his special area since being sick). I came back down and sat on the ottoman and watched her rest. I couldn't stop crying and the wrenching in my stomach was
unbearable. I was coming to the decision I couldn't let her continue. She kept lifting her head, looking for me and I'd smile and wave at her and say "hi
sweetheart". Mitch went upstairs and I went to get my phone to see if Mom was on her way- she didn't answer. As I walked back into the
living room, Pekoe was sitting up in her bed. I came to her and had her lay back down. I kissed her, told her I loved her and I didn't want her to suffer anymore. She
began breathing a little differently. I instantly got nervous sensing something was different. Started to talk to her and realized she was "leaving". I called for Mitch and he instantly came down. He knew too she was saying goodbye. All of my dogs gathered as this unfolded as she finally let go. This whole ordeal lasted maybe a couple of minutes. It was fast. I couldn't believe she was gone, just like that. It was as if she didn't want me to have to make "the decision" and made the decision for me. I'm so glad I had her in my life and can't believe she's gone so fast. She was a small dog, with an enormous impact on my life. Her Birthday is Feb 21st and would have been 11. She was
courageous, happy, wise and a special spirit. Even with the house full that we have, it SO different without her. It will never be the same. I miss you Pekoe, more than word can express. Thank you for all of the years and all of the happiness you brought me. I hope you had a happy life here with us and we will never forget you.
As I'm caring for this baby, my little Pekoe (Pomeranian) started walking away from her food last week, then stopped eating altogether. I knew her teeth were bothering her, and I also was aware her kidneys were a possible problem as blood work showed in 2008 while doing a teeth-cleaning procedure. The vet said the BUN and creatinine #'s were slightly elevated back then and to monitor her. Well, she continued to be the lively, ball of energy and happy little self that she always was. I did notice she was drinking more water than usual over this past year which is normal when kidneys are trying to flush toxins. Well, we took her to the vet last Saturday (Jan23) and they drew blood and said the teeth do need help, but they were quite certain the kidneys were the main problem. By Monday, we had the results. The BUN and creatinine #'s were VERY poor and showed complete failure. The vet said we should try to help her. The only way to get the #'s down were to put her in IV fluids all day every day and overnight too. So I rushed her to the vet Monday and for the next 3 days I had her at the vet with fluids and at the Emergency Clinic overnight for the same. Tuesday's blood work showed a 25% drop and we were optimistic. We were trying to stay positive. Thursday morning as I picked her up, Dr. Steffen got results from Wednesday- the #'s didn't change. Which meant there was nothing else we could do for her. They weaned her off IV fluids that day. I called off Thursday and Friday. I brought her home Thursday and spend the 2 days holding her and spending time with her. The vet said she wasn't in pain, but felt "icky". I cuddled with her and she watched me and wagged her tail every time I left or came in the room. My Mom came to support me and to spend time with her. The vet said I'd know when it's time and Friday night became hard. I lost it and began to panic- I couldn't left her suffer anymore. Friday night was miserable. I tossed and turned and she was restless and it was like the two of us knew. She watched me and I watched her. Saturday morning I scooped her up and carried her downstairs in her bed. The sun was shining and she looked out the window as we passed coming down the stairs. I settled her in the living room, around 8:30 I went upstairs to care for Caesar in the bathroom (his special area since being sick). I came back down and sat on the ottoman and watched her rest. I couldn't stop crying and the wrenching in my stomach was unbearable. I was coming to the decision I couldn't let her continue. She kept lifting her head, looking for me and I'd smile and wave at her and say "hi sweetheart". Mitch went upstairs and I went to get my phone to see if Mom was on her way- she didn't answer. As I walked back into the living room, Pekoe was sitting up in her bed. I came to her and had her lay back down. I kissed her, told her I loved her and I didn't want her to suffer anymore. She began breathing a little differently. I instantly got nervous sensing something was different. Started to talk to her and realized she was "leaving". I called for Mitch and he instantly came down. He knew too she was saying goodbye. All of my dogs gathered as this unfolded as she finally let go. This whole ordeal lasted maybe a couple of minutes. It was fast. I couldn't believe she was gone, just like that. It was as if she didn't want me to have to make "the decision" and made the decision for me. I'm so glad I had her in my life and can't believe she's gone so fast. She was a small dog, with an enormous impact on my life. Her Birthday is Feb 21st and would have been 11. She was courageous, happy, wise and a special spirit. Even with the house full that we have, it SO different without her. It will never be the same. I miss you Pekoe, more than word can express. Thank you for all of the years and all of the happiness you brought me. I hope you had a happy life here with us and we will never forget you.
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