Pickles’s Prognosis
Things don’t look good for Pickles. They Xrayed him and the vet could not believe that Pickles is still able to walk. He has severe arthritis in his lower spine; it’s basically fused all of the vertebra together. His top two neck vertebra are badly dislocated and the rest of them aren’t in such hot shape. Since up until this afternoon Pickles has been a pretty perky dog we are choosing to treat him with heavy duty anti-inflammatory and in 2 weeks, I will drive him 2 hours away to get adjusted by some of our relatives who have a chiropractor office. He received a shot for the immediate pain and tonight I am purchasing a body harness for him as his collar will further harm his neck. He is no longer allowed to jump if we can help it. I asked DH to build a ramp for him to get onto the bed…. I know that Pickles will have to go home before next winter.. this past winter was painful for him and with his current diagnosis I could not allow him to go through another.
I’m going to love the hell out of him while I can but have been told to be on alert of signs of him getting worse. The Vet is afraid that this is the beginning of the end. It breaks my heart to see him hobbling around because despite what those Xrays read he has always been incredibly athletic and spunky. The Vet attributes it to a loving home, saying that love is the most powerful drug there is. Combine that with the deep desire to placate their masters and dogs are able to withstand pain that many people could not. If Pickles was a person, the severity of his arthritis would have him wheelchair bound with no hope of walking.
This dog waltzed into my life at a very complicated and lonely time. His companionship gave me strength to make it through the day. Having him by my side helped stabilize me when the rest of my world was spinning off of it’s axis. People and animals come into your life for a reason, his presence is proof of that. I am happy we were able to rescue him from the pound and bring joy to his life too. I have never had a dog before who has affected me in such a positive and powerful way.
Since the news was delivered, I have been a blubbering mess. We suspected he had injured himself, but were not prepared for having the vet rattle off the signs of a declining dog so that we can make a humane decision when the time comes (which apparently may be soon). Tonight I will call my father-in-law, asking permission to bury him out in the pasture when that inevitable day arrives. I know that it is morbid and maybe premature but I will feel more settled knowing that he will be welcomed by our other passed and much beloved animals. I hope it is not selfish of me to ask for your prayers for my dog.
June 21st, 2006 at 1:58 am
I’m so sorry to hear it. The sickness of a beloved pet can be very hard to take, especially one who has been with you through tough times. I’m sending you a big hug & thinking good thoughts.
June 21st, 2006 at 2:43 am
Oh I am so very sorry to hear about Pickles. I know how hard it is to lose a beloved dog to old age — how hard it is to make that final decision to send them home to peace. I hope that he makes a strong recovery and that you all are able to have a loving, fun final summer together.
June 21st, 2006 at 2:55 am
Oh, no. I’m so sorry. I was really hoping for a simple, easy fix to his troubles. He’s such a cute little guy, and I’m sorry your time with him won’t be as long as you both deserve. I hope you’ll update us with stories of lots of happy, peaceful, painless days ahead.
June 21st, 2006 at 2:55 am
Man. That sucks. I’ll be thinking of you.
June 21st, 2006 at 5:57 am
I am so sorry to hear about Pickles. He is such a cutie! My df and I have 6 cats and 2 ferrets and the thought of having to deal with sickness/injuries/putting them down makes me a blubbery mess, and I haven’t had to deal with any of that yet.
Pickles is in my prayers, and so are you and your family for getting through this rough time with him.
I truly believe that animals are little furry angels here on earth to help us out in good times and bad.
*hugs*
June 21st, 2006 at 6:37 am
I have no problem keeping your Pickles in my prayers i jsut got over a bout of really praying hard for my Star (she ate a toad and got RAEL sick) so you got it and just keep loving him like you do…
June 21st, 2006 at 11:52 am
I’m sorry. I’ll be thinking about you guys.
June 21st, 2006 at 12:43 pm
Oh, Fidget, I’m so sorry…poor pup! He couldn’t be in more loving hands!
June 21st, 2006 at 12:48 pm
Poor Pickles!
I am hoping for good things.
June 21st, 2006 at 12:56 pm
Oh, poor little sweetpea. It’s absolutely not selfish to ask for prayers for your dog! Like Suzi, I was hoping it was something small and simple, and I’m so sorry that it’s not. *hug*
June 21st, 2006 at 1:10 pm
It is not selfish to ask for prayers for your puppy! I’ll keep you in mind and hope that Pickles will be as pain-free as possible.
Anna Banana
June 21st, 2006 at 1:10 pm
I’m so sorry Pickle’s isn’t doing weel and you have my prayers.
Those little puppies just crawl into our hearts forever and change us forever, don’t they?
June 21st, 2006 at 2:00 pm
It is not selfish. I will send
tons of prayers and positive thoughts
your way.
Pets have a way of becoming more than
just our animals. They can become
an exetension of our family and it
hurts when they are sick. You
are entitled to your sadness and
pain. Making plans isn’t morbid, it
is realistic and it can save you
the heartache later when it is
needed.
I think you are doing the right thing.
Love that little guy as long and
as hard as you can!
PP&T are with you!!
(((HUGS)))
June 21st, 2006 at 2:14 pm
Hugs Its not Morbid ! Its your family preparing for a departure of a member and that can be comforting.
June 21st, 2006 at 4:36 pm
Poor Pickles.
June 21st, 2006 at 4:46 pm
Hey, this is …jus me from “in my jammies” (alias…Plaid Toaster’s Mom) and I just wanted to invite you to a surprise Birthday Party (Blog Style) It is Mel’s 34th birthday today so stop by and give her some love and have a piece of the yummy birthday cake! See Ya there!
June 21st, 2006 at 4:57 pm
I’m very very sorry to read about Pickles. It must be very painful for both of you! I promise to think of you, and I really hope you’ll get a good summer with loads of fun together! hugs!
June 21st, 2006 at 5:00 pm
So sorry, fidget. My thoughts are with you and Pickles.
June 21st, 2006 at 6:54 pm
ahh hugs hon..I know how you feel..Just love Pickles..He knows it and I promise..he will let you know when it’s time to let go..dogs are good about that..
June 21st, 2006 at 9:35 pm
I’m very sorry about Pickles. It’s bittersweet to have such a beloved pet in such a state since we love them so much, but have to let them go. I only wish pet lifespans could last as long as human ones. But we are so much better off having had the chance to love them, despite having to let them go. My heart breaks for you, while it swells that you have had so many good times with Pickles.
June 21st, 2006 at 10:46 pm
I’m sorry about Pickles. It sounds like he was loved like not many dogs get the chance to be loved. I’m going to hug my doggy for Pickles and you.
June 23rd, 2006 at 4:23 am
So sorry about your Pickles. I have lost a few animals in my life, I always try to do some sort of ritual or make something arty about them to ease the grieving….
Feeling for you…you will make the right choice for him.
Anne
July 5th, 2006 at 1:54 am
I’m so sorry about your dog - I know what you’re going through. My dog died on February 13th, and I’m still not over it. He had a growth that they suspected was cancer, and he died within 24 hours, so we didn’t have to make a choice. My thoughts and prayers are with you - my dog was like my child, as I’m sure yours is to you.