My dog is dying, and I feel responsible
65Read the labels.
My dog of five years started getting sick sunday. throwing up and refusing to eat. We thought since we had a party here on saturday that maybe one of the kids gave him something that made him sick. But, I think it's really something else and worse. Our dog came to be one of the family. And like all family members he could be a pain in the ass at times, But always loving and a wonderful companion. We got him as a lost puppy, Nobody wanted him and the rescue service said we could keep him. i have never regretted that decision. Anyhow as i said in one of my past hubs, i destroyed my lawn by spraying weed killer down for getting rid of the dandelions. I didn't read the label, and if i did, i would have seen that it was not only harmful to grass, but pets too. I had no idea that my dog was eating the grass and dandelions. and i think that is what has made him sick. The vet says probably not, that he seems to have a heart problem, but this has come on so fast i doubt if that's the reason. the dog has been laying down for four days now, refuses to eat and yesterday stopped drinking water. He is losing his ability to even stand up, and i think it won't be long before he's gone. there is a hospital i can take him to for the heart issue, but knowing that hospital, it's $5,ooo dollars i don't have right now to spend. We are at a standstill as to what to do. But just like any loved one who is not doing well, we are making him comfortable and watching closely. I fear the worse though. I've seen this before, when a dog got into the grass after the city sprayed for mosquitoes. In about a week the dog died. seemingly painlessly, it's systems just shut down. I'm dreading this. This is my companion, he follows me everywhere around the house and sits at my feet when i'm outside getting some sun. He's got those expressive eyes that let you know he understands everything you're saying. And that smirk that he shows when he's done something wrong and doesn't care. I'm praying for a miracle, but common sense tells me there will be none coming. I've lost pets before, but either due to age or circumstances, i'm going to feel this one a lot more. Sometimes you just have to sit back and ask yourself Why?
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Thank you, you're the best.
Well, that is what I keep trying to tell everyone, that I'm the best. Fortunately, I have people to keep me humble.
But keep us posted on your dog's progress.
My dog died at 1 AM today, peacefully in his sleep. His heart just gave out. A sad day here all around. Thanks for your concern.
I'm so sorry to hear that.
Thank you Queen.
Dear Thinkingoutloud, Your hub title caught my eye (and heart) in Hubtivity and I had to read your story -- even though I knew it would be sad.
Our pets have a profound effect on us, don't they? I can feel the tremendous love you feel for your animals -- and they for you. Sometimes we get to keep our babies for a long time, and sometimes they are taken from us prematurely.
You sound like you have wonderful memories of this dog's life with you. I hope that the positive memories will at some point overshadow the pain. But as we both know, that takes time. You are in my prayers as you heal from this loss.
If it makes you feel any better -- which no doubt it can't -- we lost our dear Penny (a cat my Hubby had rescued with her siblings when they were only hours old) a year ago. We tried every possible medical intervention, not paying attention to the cost. The result? We probably prolongued her life by a couple of months. But the debt will take years for us to pay off.
Hugs to you, TOL, MM
Thank you Mighty Mom, and sorry about your cat. They do have a way of geting into the deepest parts of our hearts. I can't undrstand why pet care is so expensive. i do know now, that even if i had taken him to the pet hospital, it wouldn't have made any difference, the heart was just giving out. thanks again.
I am so sorry. My eyes are welled up with tears. I love my dog and I want him to stay here with me forever. But I know that won't be. Please accept my heartfelt condolences, brother.
Thank you james, all the best for you and your dog. I appreciate it.
Queen of the Lint says:
6 months ago
I just tried submitting a comment but I don't know if it went through or not since my internet did something weird so if this is a repeat I'm sorry. I just wanted to reassure you that your vet is right, it isn't your fault. It's not the weed killer. Sure, it recommends pets not be around, but we have three dogs and my husband puts weed killer, etc, on the lawn WHILE THEY're out there and it drives me crazy. And the dachshund is low to the ground and likes the taste of weed killer (and grass killer, she ate the grass I sprayed until I noticed and put her inside!). He applies it with no protection either! But the dogs are okay, so it might just be his time. Or not. Hang in there. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
As far as the mosquito spray - we lived in a military base in the tropics and they sprayed almost every evenign for mosquitos (well, it was the tropics) and I often had to walk home from my night classes in that cloud, a lteral cloud, and I was pregnant and all the pets were out too. Good news, my daughter is an adult and fine, and the pets didn't die,
This is NOT YOUR FAULT. But your dog needs you through this time, and you can do it. He knows what's going on, if he will get better or not and either way he is worried about you. His job is to make you feel better and he does not want to cause you pain. Or guilt. He's your dog.
Besides. He could get better. When we thought our oldest dog was dying, the vet said, no, not yet, but it could be soon. A year later, I want to get him that Monty Python T-shirt "I'm not dead yet". So hang in there and remember, I am praying for you. Sometimes things happen and that sucks. But it's not your fault. And your dog knows that.