John and I picked up Percy yesterday, and when I saw him I knew he wasn't feeling good. He barked and all....but his "smile" was gone. Percy has this smile thing he does when he sees us....and it just wasn't there. The doctor showed us his x-rays and his hip and knee are awful. Arthritis has ravaged him terribly. His disks are bad as well. She told us that he is able to stand, but not take many steps. I was determined to be positive, and once we got him in the van, you could tell he was relieved to be going home. However....
Once we got home, I was shocked. He had absolutely NO strength in his hind legs, and his front legs are, I would say, 30% weaker. She gave us a wheelchair to try, and he can't even stand with it. It's too much on his back. So John put the support on him that we already had, and I rolled up the old one and put it under his hind legs, and between the both of us we could barely get him to the yard. He also has a side effect from the steroids, the "d" word, so it makes it that much harder to keep him "clean" after doing his duty. She did give me medicine for that as well, so I'm hoping it will help.
This morning hasn't gone too well. He refuses to eat, and is breathing very heavily. He did it all evening and all night too. It's like he has run a race and can't settle down. When I looked that particular symptom up online, it said that when an animal breathes like that it's either a respitory problem or pain. I tend to think it's the latter. And when I moved him this morning, the blankets I had him on were wet. I don't think he is able to control his bladder very well.
I know what all these signs are pointing to, and it breaks my heart. But he looks at me with those eyes that seem to say "help me". I have not seen that look before. It was always determination and strength. I will watch him closely for a few days....and pray. It's all I can do for my faithful friend.
30 comments:
This entry has brought tears to my eyes. It is so wonderful when our lives have been blessed with our furry creatures full of love. I wish you the best in this difficult time. We all love Percy too, and send him and your family many hugs! Kris
(((((((Sherry))))))) I'm so sorry to hear this. I hope he starts feeling a bit better soon, and many prayers are with him.
Hugs,
Heather
http://journals.aol.com/heathyrxmarie/ImNotBroken
How heartbreaking! I have 2 dogs and a cat. I love animals. My yorkie suffers from epilepsy. Eventually he will need to be put to sleep. I hope we have a few more years with him. People have told me you know the look when your animal friend is ready. Maybe that look you've noticed is him telling you it's alright. He's ready. I pray Percy gets better!!
Im sorry to hear about Percys health. Pets are like part of the family.
I am so sorry to hear about Percy not being well. I will keep him and you in my prayers. Lelly
I have noticed when Bonz stayed at the vet too long he gave up. same with sooner. they think we have abandonded them. sometimes once they get thier strength back and see security with us they come back and start fighting. Also the panting comes with steroids. Bonez does it on his medicines. Dr Lee said its perfectly normal. He just gave up and lost his strength is all. He was sad and he missed you. I know that help m e look all too well. {{{{{{{HUGS}}}}}}} Im so sad to hear this. Have you contactacte that dr kahourlie site I sent you. he has helped the disk problems and the spine things. WE will pray for you and yoru family and most of all for PErcy. Father heal him give him strenght bring back his willpower for them to see a miracle. AMEN.
I sorry to hear about your dog. I have lots of dogs and they are very dear to me. We had to put 2 of our dogs down this past year and it broke my heart. I feel for you. I just want to cry. I will pray for him. Maybe there wll be a miracle i hope for you guys and perceypoo... :-)
{{{{{}}}}}}} I'm so sorry that Percy isn't doing well.
Sherry, I am so sorry...I am crying right now, I feel so bad. I've come to love Percy thru your wonderful stories of him...and it breaks my heart...as I can only imagine what you are going thru right now. I am here for you....
I'm so very sorry for Percy and you all.
BIG HUGS,
Holly
I'm so sorry.
So sad for Percy and for you....I was hoping the vet could help you!!
Hang in there,
Carol
I've been trying to keep up with your news on Percy.
This is very sad news indeed.
A sick pet that is dear to you is very difficult to deal with.
It's really hard. I know.
They are so completely helpless.
Try and stay strong for Percy.
I really hope he gets some relief.
I really don't know what to say other than I am praying for Percy and you & your family.
This just breaks MY heart.
Huggs2u-
Niki
I am so sorry sweetie. Losing a pet is right up there with losing your parents or other close family. Do what you have to do for Percy. Just know that he knows that he is loved. He's had a great life with your family! Hugs to you sweetie.
Oh hon I am so sorry to hear that Percy is not doing well still. Percy and your family are in my prayers for him to get better. Just love on him now and try to bring that smile back atleast if nothing else. Take Care.
I'm so sorry. It is always hard to lose a faithful friend. That's one reason I stopped having a show dog kennel. I'll keep Percy and your family in my prayers.
Shari,
Sending you hugs and prayers...poor, poor Percy...I am sorry the news isnt better. Sadly all pets reach this day, and the hardest thing but most loving we can do is to let them go peacefully. Can your vet come to the house ? Sitting here in tears for you and your family. Keep us posted..
Hugz,
Brenda
Oh man, I was so afraid that it would come to this and was hoping and hoping that once Percy got back home he would have a turn around. I don't know what to say except that you will do what you feel you should do and whatever decision that is, I will be here for you.
Love,
Lisa
So sad. I hope he shows some improvement, but I hope you get the strength you need should he not. Take care of the old Percy!
Jimmy
(((Sherry))) I am so sorry to hear Percy is still not doing so well.
Percy and your family will be in my prayers...I know how hard it is...
*hugs*
My thoughts are with you...we too have pets that are part of the family.
Tracie
I am so sorry hon.
I think he knows friend. Dogs know. I will keep him in my prayers.
Awww, this is so sad about Percy. I'll be praying for him and for all of you. Our pets are like a part of us and it hurts when we see them hurting. Hugs,
Lisa
My heart truly breaks for you, your hubby and the girls and most of all for Percy. I think about him every day. So sorry.
Lisa
This was really sad to read. I'm sorry I'm so late getting here. And I know you are thinking about the decision.....and I told you before...As hard as it is...You are a better person than me because I would have done it weeks ago. God bless you for treating him like a human and giving him every possible chance. I'm sorry.
My heart is breaking for you and your family. I will pray for Percy.
I feel so bad for you guys. I am not a pet owner yet, but I know it must be a very hard decision to make. I will keep you guys in my thoughts and prayers.
Is that graphic supposed to be a sad sack? I couldn't help but laugh when I saw it. You are funny even when you are troubled. ;0)
***Monica
http://journals.aol.com/chseroo/LivingLifeandLovinit
((Sherry and Percy))
Gretchen
A while ago I got a very sick dog. He was shipped to Chgo. from Oklahoma.
I spent over $7,000.00 trying to get him well but to no avail.
Recently I purchased a Yorkie puppy and he's the picture of good health but not very bright. It's been almost 5 months and he is peeing on the carpet, chewing my furniture and I waiver on a daily basis about giving him back to the breeder. Then I look in that little face and decide to keep trying. He's great for a day or two and then he has his next accident.
Post a Comment