Darbie's 7/10 Blood DX

[DarbiesMom]

Darbie's CREA=7.6; BUN=103; ALT=111.

Poor Darbie is presenting significantly high numbers. My vet offered a change in food (PURINA NF ) and suggested daily subQ fluids. These numbers are fatal, but my vet keeps me optimistic without offering too much information which would deem the situation hopeless. I know she understands I am aware of the inevitable outcome without driving a stake thru my heart. Although all who know Darbie notice immediately she is not the zealous lab she used to be, Darbie has such great love. She eats well, remains playful to the point she gets "bossy" ( Darbie knows when I tease her, I'm saying" YOU ARE NOT THE BOSS OF ME!" At which point she goes into gales of laughter knowing she will always get her way....) I just administered 3 "units" of IV fluid to Darbie all by myself. She layed sweetly while the needle was in her, and when it was done, she grabbed her toys to play. She is truly a remarkable dog...An angel gifted to me from a rescue shelter almost 8 years ago. As I read posts of friends who have recently lost their beloved pets, my heart is breaking. I know Darbie and I are soon to enter this last chapter.  I cannot thank everyone on this website enough for being here as we go thru the process. I will always call you friends.

Fondly,
Lynne & Darbie

[DarbiesMom]

Doris,

I send you my very best wishes. Thank you for staying in touch. Teagan sounds like she knew how to get your attention:) I know it's difficult to share memories of recent loss ...the heartache seems unbearable. But, I thank you so much for sharing your memory. I can envision "Teagan" all happy with herself, no doubt oblivious to the fact she's destroying your glassware...Oh my, that made me smile and tear!

I do believe dogs laugh and smile. Teagan is smiling now:)

Thank You for checking on Darbie. I am holding on to my faith that she wants to stay with me awhile. She seems content, so we go day by day...laughing and smiling:)

Fondly,

Lynne & Darbie

[Dkomoro]

So sorry Lynne.  Haven't been at sites for a few weeks.  Sad Darbie's numbers are worse.  All have said it so we'll.  Enjoy the time you have.  With any luck, he'll continue to feel relatively ok considering.  As my vet always said...good if they're still eating and keeping in the calories.
Wish I could hear Teagan's tail wiping out my wine glasses on the bottom shelf one more time...
Hoping for the best. Doris

[DarbiesMom]

Our thoughts are with Sammie always...

You speak of your "babies"....It "sounds" like Bonnie is a large breed gifted with tail of "Thor's Hammer" :)...

I wake in the morning ( 5-6am ) to greet Darbie in hopes I see a smile and
wag of tail or "THOR".  Darbie differs from day to day.  Oftentimes at night ( 2am-3am), I hear "Thump Thump". She must know I'm laying awake and wanting TLC. ( Me, too )...

My best wishes to you,

Lynne & Darbie

[DogBlog]

Lynne:

We do the same thing when our dogs are dreaming!!  It makes us smile so much!!  Bonnie's tail thumps so hard I'm afraid she's going to break it!!

Charlene

[tonyb286]

Ha, ha. And those that don't own dogs and really don't understand what on Earth we are talking about, think they know the meaning of life. So ironic really. Tony x

[DarbiesMom]

Isn't it lovely?...The thump of tail that rattles fine china in the cupboard. The loud exhale of (grunt) contentment, the snoring, "chasing rabbits" dreams which seem endless with "running legs and yelping"...
We oftentimes turn down all sound in the house just to enjoy these great moments:)

[tonyb286]

Hi Lynne. I got the tail thumps from Darbie. Ha. I get them from my own dog too, as he's like a half-size Rottweiler but with a full sized tail. When it wags, the house shakes ... and it rarely stops wagging, so it's like living in a continuous earthquake. Our other dog, Sally the rescue greyhound, only has half a tail, as it was badly injured in her racing days, so when she wags it's more like someone wagging their finger.

Have a lovely week.

Tony

[DarbiesMom]

Charlene, the numbers are startling, but I was prepared for the bad news after the Cape Cod trip. I'm praying that with some intense therapy, we can lower Darbie's numbers enough where she can function and be comfortable.

My thoughts and prayers for You & Sammie! We'll stay in touch and cheer you on:)

Fondly,
Lynne & Darbie

[DarbiesMom]

Tony, your advice and heartfelt words are so welcome and comforting. My partner and I are taking turns having our private meltdowns. We truly live in the moment with Darbie. She stays motivated with our constant cheer leading and TLC. The emotional roadblocks are tough...All we want to do is protect Darbie, hunker down at home and move in slow motion.

Darbie's eating the Purina NF ( smells like bacon which is nice for a change ) and tolerating the daily sub Q fluids. She gets a new dog toy
( squeaky ) every few days which is like Christmas to her!

Thank you for the hugs! Darbie sends smiles & big thumps from her tail:)

Fondly,
Lynne & Darbie

[tonyb286]

Charlene, you are so right, much easier said than done. I know you are worried about Sammie's appointment and I have been thinking about you and Sammie this last few days, because of it. Fingers crossed for some good results. Tony x

[DogBlog]

Lynne...so incredibly sorry to see Darbie's numbers going up. Sammie has her appt. this week and I'm already worrying.  But I love Tony's advice....we need to be happy and thankful each day they are with us!!  Much easier said than done!  

We are here for you always!   Kisses to Darbie and hugs to you.  Special prayers for both of you tonight.  
Regards,
Charlene

[tonyb286]

You know, Lynne, there are many people with similar "events" like this on this forum ... and all I can ever say (other than giving information when necessary) is that every day is a bonus. We never know when the final day or days will arrive, for any of us, to be honest - so we just have to live as if today is our last. It IS heartbreaking I know, but try to steel yourself away from thinking about the last day, whenever that might be, and just concentrate on today. The point is, we can sometimes worry so much about what may happen, we lose the time we have left, spending it in grief, sadness and concern - when actually, we could just enjoy what we have right now. I'm rambling, but I'm sure you know what I mean.

You are doing such a wonderful job of caring for and treating Darbie, that she clearly wants to thank you in every way she can, every day she is here with you. Enjoy it. These days are precious. Give Darbie a huge hug from me - and take a cyber hug yourself from me too.

Tony x