Sammie Update

[DogBlog]

Thanks Tony for teaching me how to post.  So...the Sammie update.  She is down to 7.8 lbs.....most of her life she was steady at 13.5 lbs.....poor baby is so skinny.  The vet's comment was "she a little bit worse" but not as bad as she was at the beginning of the year.  Her red cell count is slightly up,  Her crea is 3.2,,,,,,in January it was 4.9.....went down to 2.8...now up to 3.2.   Bun is 84.....in January it was 108...went down to 68....now 84.

Vet wants us to try to get her weight up....suggested the cottage cheese.  She does not want to start the fluids yet...feels it's not time.  Sammie eats 5 to 6 times a day and she said feed her more often if she wants it.  Tony...I'm going to read your article and see if I can find other things to give her.  

I was concerned about giving her too much protein but vet said recent studies show that if the body isn't getting enough protein, it takes it from somewhere else in the body and that affects other organs.  It's such a balancing act!!

That's all for now.....any suggestions are MORE than welcome.

Regards,
Charlene and Sammie

[DarbiesMom]

Dearest Charlene,

I was away ...Please know I hold your hand and walk beside you:)

I truly understand the "mind" set/routine of daily living superseding days after a beloved baby died. Very emotionally painful. Please know .... don't question yourself when your beautiful mind has fought for Sammie and continues to do so after the fact. I remember the intense "empty house" syndrome . Your words truly resounded within me as I will never forget the heartache. When Darbie was so sick, I was devastated in grieve...Poor Darbie hadn't died yet, but I could actually feel my soul shattering into 1,000 pieces.

It is amazing how many people avoid the issue of final wishes. I , too, have made provisions for Darbie in the event of some catastrophic event. There are so many images of devoted pets mourning upon the death of there owners.No one on this planet Earth can tell me that animals( great or small) don't have a soul. They have a greater chance to enter Heaven's Gates....:)

Charlene, my love to you during these difficult days...When you hold Bonnie ( who is grieving...), please hold her 2x longer:)

Fondly,

Lynne & Darbie

[tonyb286]

Hi Charlene. All the strange things we do are absolutely natural during the grieving process. I did write a piece about this, but it may be too early for you to read it. Maybe best to print it out then read it in a few weeks time. http://www.infobarrel.com/When_a_Pet_Dog_Dies

I was doing the same when I lost BB. I would start making her breakfast, then realise she's not there; or take two tennis balls to the beach, then realise there's only one dog I'm taking there; or reach down from the sofa to stroke her, then remember. The worst part was waking up in the morning and remembering. That was definitely the hardest start of the early days.

Bearing in mind our dogs form the biggest part of our daily routines, it's perhaps no wonder we find ourselves automatically doing things that were a big part of our day. It's hard, but it does slowly get easier. We don't ever forget - but we do adapt.

Give Bonnie a huge hug from me. Take care of yourself ... and spoil yourself with something nice, because you deserve it.

Tony x

[DogBlog]

Thank you Tony for taking the time to think about me and to check in.  Today is a week ago we lost Sammie.  It's been the longest week!!  I'm not crying as much the last couple days but it's amazing how all of a sudden I break down.  After dinner tonight I automatically went to Sammie's dog bed to see if she wanted to go out.  It took my breath away when I realized what I did.

I think I have fried my brain with grief.  I find myself doing weird things.  Tonight I ran the microwave for 5 minutes and never put anything in there.  I'm scaring myself with some stupid mistakes I've made.  I did finally sleep last night and I'm hoping I sleep tonight.  It may be the fact that I haven't sleep well.

Hope all is well with you.  If you ever need anything, please ask.  There will be many of us here for you!!

Regards,
Charlene

[DogBlog]

Lynne:

Thank you for understanding my feelings.  I'm SOOOO happy to be home.  Bonnie did burst at the seams and is curled up next to me.  I couldn't imagne any place I'd rather be....only wish Sammie was curled on my lap.

You are so right about last will and testament.  I am always preaching to people.  I even have a clause for who my babies are to live with along with money for them to be spoiled.  The will states the money is to be distributed before anyone else gets their share.......dogs first!!

Bonnie sends tail wags and I send hugs.  Lots of smooches for Darbie!!

Regards,
Charlene

[DogBlog]

Thank you Robert.

[tonyb286]

Hi Charlene. Just a very quick word to say ... I know these early days are the hardest ... and you are very much in our thoughts. Stay strong. Tony x