My Dog is sick.

[AngelRuse]

I was looking on the net for answers and found this place.

Basically, a few days ago he was okay. It started last week, he started getting what a vet told us was "hot spot"...itchy places on his rump. He chewed himself quite a lot, so we stopped him of course...I'm not sure if anyone used any cream on him.

Anyway, he's stopped chewing himself. 3-4 days ago he started not coming to dinner, not begging like he usually does. We thought, well he's gotta be eating something. Let it go, but then one day he just didn't want to get out of bed. He did I guess when my dad was off to work, but after that he got in bed and wouldn't get up.

Now he won't go to water himself, he won't eat hardly anything. (We've managed to get him to eat ice cream...that's it. Refuses just about anything else, though he did eat a few little pieces of my chicken yesterday.)

He'll walk around outside and go bathroom if we carry him out there and put him on the grass. When we bring him inside he'll walk from the kitchen to either the computer or his bed and lay down.

His breath smells like garbage really bad, he gets a little shaky...and he coughs, but not as strong as usual. (He's been coughing for attention for a few years when people leave the house, he had something in his throat the docs had to remove, I dunno if it came back or the habit of coughing stuck.)

He's about 16 years old. I know, he's old. :( I wanna take him to a vet, but believe me, but when I say we don't have money, I mean I don't have insurance for myself and can't go to a doc unless I'm extremely, extremely ill kind of we don't have money.

Mom's gonna try and give him some broth in an eyedropper. I dunno...is it just his time? :(

[bubbatd]

Poor baby !!!! Try to go to the vet....sounds like it may just be his time, but maybe some meds will help if he's suffering.

[Debi]

OH..poor, poor baby. First, don't be afraid to call a vet and explain that you need a payment schedule if paying all at once is difficult. I bet we've all done that....they really will work with you if you ask. Next...poor baby, 16 years is getting to be the older dog for sure. What breed is he? I had a Cairn that lived to be 16...a task for those little hyper guys. He also started having skin problems, was so very, very frail in his bones...didn't want to eat. I would never tell someone what to do....but I will tell you this, my poor old little Cairn became so ill that I had to make a decision...and I decided to end his pain. It was beyond brutal and painful....but in the end, it really was best for my little friend. See a vet.....get the needed evaluation. It just is something you have to do.........then go from there. ((hugs))...we are here for you...keep us posted. more ((((hugs))))

[AngelRuse]

Thanks...both of you. He's a Yorkshire Terrier. Mom got some broth down him...he refused it, but dad kinda insisted. (Not painfully, of course.) He hasn't thrown up.

I know what you mean, Debi. I know he's old and that it might come to what I didn't want it to. It hurts so bad. :( I've never had an animal I've loved this much, or even a really close human die before. I know it's not something I can hide from...but man. It IS brutal to go through and more. He's been my little guy since I was 9 years old, we kinda grew up together.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v337/angelrusepix/105-0573_IMG.jpg

Here he is, from a couple weeks ago when he was healthy. My friend couldn't believe he had a little dog bed and a blanket like Garfield. Hehehe. God, this is gonna be so hard. :(

I'm sorry you had to go through it, Debi...sorry any of us have to. I wish they could live as long as humans.

[Debi]

Whatever happens..that is the beauty of this forum. We care...BOY do we care. We will listen..we will send hugs...we will just be with you.....but we truly just DO care. Get your little guy a check-up....keep us updated. Come here always. Angel...those are the very biggest hugs I have. Heck, if you saw me in person........I'd give you a full body hug. hehehe Seriously...keep us posted. A little Yorkie..to live to be 16 is a full life...I know he knows he was loved. Do not ever doubt that.......he KNOWS he has been soooo very loved. Heck, that's all any of us can hope for, right? just my hugs again..

((((((((HUGS)))))))))

[gapeach]

I just went through this a couple of months ago with my Smokey. Just keep us posted. We're always here like Deb said. I'll be thinking about you. I'd say it's his time, even though it's hard to accept (it certainly was for me) he's prob suffering. You just have to look at how he feels and ask yourself if he's happy. I know how hard it is I'm very sorry(((((((((More Hugs ))))))))))

[bubbatd]

Ditto ....it's NEVER easy for us, but easier on them. Bless hearts.........

[AngelRuse]

Thanks...you guys seem like a really good bunch. Who better than pet owners that love their animals enough to come here, eh? :) We gave him more broth and he's sleeping now. He is loved, that's for sure. We show it, especially now that it might be time. One can only hope he knows it, I'm sure he does. The best little doggie we could have been blessed to get. He wandered into my aunt's yard about 14 years ago and she gave him to us...and a few weeks later was blessed with her own dog that's also still alive and very loved. Maybe when it's her time they can chase each other in Heaven or something. *sniff* I dunno.

I really appreciate the kind words and thoughts and hugs. It really really means a lot right now. :) I'm really glad I found this place...and I'll return to let you all know what happens. (((hugs all back)))

[EliNHunter]

(((AngelRuse)))

I lost my beloved yellow lab Yogi, then my 15 year old white cat, Catfish, then my BELOVED BELOVED golden Eli all within about a year of each other. I feel your pain. 16 is a very ripe old age for a dog and he may be saying that it's time. We are here for you and feel your pain. Just keep the baby as comfortable as you can. And know he's had a very good, loving life with you. If you feel he's suffering in pain, a compassionate vet might be able to help you. Please keep us posted on your sweet Baby...

[EliNHunter]

btw... what's his name? Prayers for him (and you) tonight...

[AngelRuse]

Thank you. *hugs* I'm sorry for your losses as well. That's rough, really rough. :( His name is Buffy. If it comes to suffering I'm sure my Dad will do something, see if one of the vets will be compassionate with us. Right now he's mostly just sleeping though...maybe if it's time, it'll be easy.

My granny's pastor, his daughter's doggie died this weekend. Another older animal that had a loving family. *sniff* I give my prayers for her as well, and ask those that pray if they could say one quick too. That poor girl...I feel so bad for her. Makes my stomach hurt to think about it. :(

[gapeach]

I wish Smokey could have just gone to sleep and not woken up, He didn't act like he was in pain either. But his kidneys were pretty much gone. I had to carry him everywhere also b/c his eyesight got so bad. He would walk around in a circle until he bumped in to something then walk alongside it. It was easier to just guess at what he wanted (food water potty) and carry him to it.These were the only things he woke up for, then sometimes not waking up for the pottying. His teeth were also rotten. I kept putting off taking him to have him put down, it was just easier not to do it or think about it. Until I finally admited to myself that he wasn't happy or himself anymore. I pray for you that Buffy's passing will be easy, like EliNHunter said just keep him as comfortable as you can.

[Barb04]

Buffy is in my prayers and so are you and your parents. Give Buffy some extra gentle hugs and kisses. Please keep us updated.

[Renee750il]

Angel, I lost my Buffy (2 year old Fila Brasileiro) to poisoning two years ago today.

It sounds like your Buffy is just shutting down gradually. Just make him comfortable, love him as you have always done, and, if he's in no pain, let him drift off gently wrapped in your love and memories of a long, wonderful life.

[AngelRuse]

Thanks, guys. I appreciate it so much. (((everyone))) And I'm sorry for your losses. It's such a rough thing and I HATE that anyone has to go through this. It really makes you think about life.

Update on Buffy: He was pretty weak earlier. I gave him water in a dropper and put him back in his bed. Mom grilled some burgers and hotdogs outside and brought them in, and the smell filled the house...and he lifted his head. I tested to see if he wanted a little of my cheese and he took it, so I gave him about half a hamburger cut up and he ate it quite happily. Then he got out of his bed himself and stretched out in front of it, seemed quite alert when Dad left for work. Drank some water without a dropper and is now laying there looking around. It's a lot compared to what he's been doing.

Now I know not to get my hopes up, we're still watching him, but even if this just makes him feel better for a while I'm happy he could do it. There's a bit of a question on whether or not he licked some cream off his rump and that made him ill, or not...but I'll keep you all updated.

I appreciate you guys so much for your words...you don't know. ((((everyone)))) Thank you SO much...you're all in my prayers and your little ones as well.

[smkie]

Is he vomiting or having the howl and skitters? are his shots up to date? does he have a temp? HAve you had a vet check? are his gums good and pink? the garbage smell could be rotten blood..it is distinctive to parvo. If you haven't been to the vet i would not wait.

[Saje]

I'd give him some electrolytes too. I've never given them to a dog but my rabbits get the kind for human babies when they are sick and my horses get the horse kind when they exercised a lot.

Also, tempt him with whatever you can. Liver might be a good idea. My parents fed that to one of our sick cats and he really liked it.

I don't know if it's his time or not. I hope not but ... Hugs Hugs Hugs for you. I'll be thinking about you and please keep us updated. We really understand.

[AngelRuse]

Hey guys...not much to update on. He's been eating a little bit...some burger, some chicken. Still laying around a lot, but he did get out of bed yesterday to walk to the water bowl in the kitchen. :-) He has an appointment in Tuesday I think it is, to get looked at.

[Renee750il]

Our old Australian Shepherd, O'Riley, went for months, having good days and sleeping days, as his body gradually began to shut down. He was never in any pain, and was always peaceful and enjoying things when he was awake. He had a corral in the back of the new addition of my parents house where they could pull the patio door open, leaving the screen closed, and he loved feeling the sunlight and the fresh air. He'd been born blind, so scents, sensations and sounds were his life. He just drifted off to sleep finally.

[AngelRuse]

Thanks for your reply Renee, for sharing with me.

Buffy...he's gone. We took him to the vet tonight. He had some sort of anemia...it made his blood really dark. And also signs of kidney disease and an enlarged heart.

They were going to use an IV to flush his blood out, so we left him there...and when we got home they called and said he had lost all his color when they put the IV in, and that he couldn't take it, he would not last the night, it would be too traumatic for him and not fair to make him go through it. So Dad told them to go ahead. He's going to pick him up tomorrow and bring him home for burial. :(

I know he's old. I knew this could happen, I cried going into the vet, knowing this could be it. I just feel so...awful. Tired. My head is killing me from crying. I guess a part of me just didn't think I'd ever have to say goodbye. I mean obviously I reasoned it would...but the heart just didn't wanna believe.

Well, I don't want him to suffer anymore, to feel bad. I miss him so bad. But...I know. I know. I loved him so much.

[bubbatd]

My thoughts are with you tonight...it's soooooooo hard.! Each dog is so special in your heart and you'll never forget them . I've been though it too many times but would never give up the pain of losing to the joy of owning. Remember the good days and know that Buffy will be waiting at Rainbow Bridge......hugs.

[smkie]

so sorry just so sorry ...young or old a soul is gone and you feel the loss so deeply..hugs for you and prayers that your pup is where all good pups should go..

[AngelRuse]

Thanks. I appreciate it. It's just so...I dunno. I feel so...numb inside...so tired. I dunno what to do with myself, honestly. It feels so unreal. I'm gonna miss him. :(

[gapeach]

I'm so sorry for your loss. It's gonna be hard for awhile. Just try and remember Buffy's happy times with you and know he's better now and one day ya'll will see eachother again. Any time you want to talk about him we are here and understand. ((((((((HUGS))))))))))))

[Barb04]

I am so sorry. I just know Buffy is with my pets and all the others in Doggie Heaven. Buffy is watching over you now and lives on in your heart and memories. Take each day at a time and slowly your tears will subside and you can begin to remember Buffy and all the funny, loving things he did to make you laugh. When you are up to it in the future, feel free to post some stories, memories of Buffy. Doggie hugs & kisses to you from my furry ones.

[avenlee]

So, so sorry to hear about your (((BUFFY))) It is very hard to see them go, but I'm sure he had a wonderful fullfiling life with your family and will always hold a special spot in all your hearts. (((HUGS)))) for all of you!

[Renee750il]

I'm so sad for you . . . you took loving care of Buffy right to the end and never stopped doing what was best and kindest for him. We all understand how very much you loved him - and still do. Just let yourself grieve for him; you can tell us Buffy stories all you want here - we'll always listen. Just keep your heart open and one day when you're ready, the right companion will appear in your life and you'll know Buffy sent him or her to you.

[Mordy]

AngelRuse, i'm sorry to hear this. :( it's always so hard to let them go. but it really was the kindest thing to do. he'll be waiting for you at the rainbow bridge.

[AngelRuse]

Thanks, guys. Last night when I went to bed...it was like he just wouldn't leave my thoughts. Today's been better. I can't call it good. But it was a day. He was a great dog. He'd look right at me and bark if he was riled about something outside, like he was trying to tell me to let him out. Hehe. When I was 10 and I had him and another dog, a cocker named Brandon, I used to play house with them and they were my kids. (I was an only child....so I guess my "siblings" were quite literally animals. Hehe.) We gave Brandon to my grandma's pastor. Up until last month he would play with me, even though he was old. "Old man playing" I called it, cause he wasn't very fast, but he tried. And if he nipped and I said, "Ow!" he would lick my hand.

I think a part of me doesn't believe he isn't gonna be around, that he's just gone somewhere for a visit with someone else. He doesn't feel gone. Even though I know...you know.

Thank you guys so much. I really, REALLY appreciate the support. You have no idea. Or maybe you do. *hugs*

[CreatureTeacher]

I'm so sorry to hear about Buffy, Angel. We are all here to support you! You gave Buffy so much love in his life, and that's the most wonderful thing you can do for any dog. I know how much it hurts to lose such a good friend, but since love is the only thing our dogs ever ask for, I think Buffy must've been a very happy dog.

You have all our ((((hugs)))) and thoughts. While I read your story, my fluffball Bernard came up and rubbed on my leg. I think he's saying you have his hugs too! Every dog thanks you when you treat one dog with compassion.