8.14.2006

Dusty Dog


I don't think I have ever mentioned our dog Dusty on my blog.

Dusty has been around most of our married life. We bought our first home when we had been married a year and Dusty came seven months after that. Dusty is a girl and I know her name is more of a boy name, but my husband WOULD NOT let me name her Daisy, and I figured that at least me let me HAVE a dog, the least I could do was let him name her--I would have more leverage in kids names anyways. She looked like a little dustball when she was a puppy anyways, so I figured why not?

Dusty is the daughter of my parents dog Poppie. It must be in their bloodlines to be the best dogs ever. Dusty has quite a bit of Pomeranian in her, and just a touch of Lhasa-apso.

Dusty has been such a good dog. The worst thing she does is bark when the doorbell rings. We call it the "herd" that runs to the door...Dusty barking, both girls squealing, and me following and saying "Only grown-ups can get the door."

About a week ago, Dusty stopped barking at the door. I didn't notice it at first until my husband and I started seeing the blood on the carpet. Then he mentioned that Dusty hasn't been eating. We watched her go to the bathroom and realized that it is just puss and blood. We started to pay closer attention. She is in heat, but blood isn't just coming from that. Then I noticed that she just lies there when the door bell rings. No more barking.

I am scared. Her mom died when she was seven years old...two years ago. The same age Dusty is now. She walks like she hurts. She is only awake about an hour of the day and now the blood. We felt her this afternoon. Dusty has been about three pounds overweight due to cleaning up after two toddlers. That is a lot of extra weight when your ideal weight is seven pounds. She isn't overweight anymore. We can feel her ribs. We are going to give it until Thursday to see if she perks up and then if she doesn't, we will go to the vet. Hopefully it is nothing that antibiotics won't fix. She seemed a little more lively tonight, but I don't know if it was because she really was or if it was our wishful thinking.

I am so afraid to lose this companion that I have had for most of my marriage. She has been through everything with us. I know that she is "just a dog," but she has become such an everyday part of our lives. She is my little friend.

Tonight I took some pictures of my little girls with her. IF something were to happen, I couldn't imagine not having some sort of memento. I will be devastated if she isn't in our family picture this Christmas. It just won't be the same without her.

******Edited******

Dusty is now at the Doggie Hospital. They are keeping her overnight for feeding and observation. They are going to give her anti-vomiting meds and syringe feeding her to see if she keeps anything down. It is one of two things. First is a gastrointestinal virus. We are hoping for that. Second is an infected uterus. We didn't have her spayed because up until she was five, we had planned on breeding her. It didn't work. And we just never thought about it again. We are crossing our fingers it isn't that because with that there are two options. First is a hysterectomy; second is putting her down because her body will have gone toxic.

******Second Edit******

I just got off the phone with the Vet. She couldn't be optimistic, you know, false hopes and sue happy people, but they did give me her status. They gave her some anti-viral injections and she started to perk up. They thought they would have to syringe feed her but she ate normal dog food just fine. They said that she wanted to eat more but they are waiting to make sure that she doesn't start vomiting(big BAD sign if that happens) and they also want her to have at least one BM while she is there. They said that if all goes well, I can get her tonight.

You are all the best! I will keep you all posted on her.

*****Last Edit********

Our soap opera day is over. I am so grateful for all of your kind remarks and prayers. I know it sounds silly to be so gushy over a dog. Really, she is one of the best dogs out there. If you knew what a great pet she has been, you would be mushy too.

The vet office gave her some anti-viral shots. They said that they have seen a pretty nasty gastrointestinal virus in dogs in the last month or so. Once the drug had been in her system for a half an hour, they said she perked right up. They have her on a strict diet of CANNED dog food. The girl has never had it so good. I have to feed her a pill with each meal. They told me when I picked her up to feed her as soon as we got home. She snarfed the entire thing down. I am still waiting for her to have to go to the bathroom. They said it may take until tomorrow afternoon for that to happen. Her little body is so starved for nutrients that it is probably just absorbing everything she eats right now.

The only residual is that since Dusty had a finicky stomach to begin with, that she may have to be on canned dog food for the rest of her life.

You know what, she is worth it.

32 comments:

Dawnyel said...

How sad! I know that the loss of a dog can be terrible. I hope that she's doing better soon!!

Kelli said...

Absolutely- we will be praying. We lost a beloved pet a year and a half ago and it was heartbreaking. I cried when we put him down nad styed for along time after. Pictures pictures pictures. What a little cutie pie :)

Millie said...

I would call the vet's office and see if they want to have her in sooner. Poor little thing... sorry to hear you and she are going through this yucky stuff. Hope she'll be OK. She is a really cute little dog.

Blackeyedsue said...

Thanks Nat. J and I decided I am calling them first thing in the morning.

Michelle Fluttering Butterflies said...

Oh no, I hope Dusty gets better! We always had a dog when I was little, and we had the worst luck with them.. I might blog about it later if I can stop the tears. Good luck at the vet!

ellen said...

Have you heard of the book "Marley & Me"? My friend wrote it and it's a wonderful book about "life and love and the world's worst dog". I think you would enjoy reading it.

Ellen

Anonymous said...

Your blog made me so sad Stephanie. I will be crossing my fingers for everything to be okay. It hurts so bad to see your dog in pain and not be able to communicate what is going on inside their little bodies. I truly hope that this has a better ending. Love always -stacy

Lynanne said...

I was relieved to read in the comments that you decided to call to get her into the vet sooner. Hopefully it's just a simple bladder infection. Please keep us updated! I'll keep my fingers crossed that everything turns out okay. It sounds like Dusty isn't just your dog -- she is one of your family members. Take care!!

Valarie said...

she looks like just the kind of dog I would have expected you to have. I hope it's nothing too serious.

Chellie said...

awe... I hate to see animals in discomfort or pain. I'm glad you're calling the vet today... and BTW, Dusty is so cute. I hope everything turns out for the best.

Super Happy Girl said...

That's so sad :( sorry. Hope the vet has good news for you.

It's scary seeing your beloved pet in any kind of pain. I love my Joey, so I can imagine how sad it must be for you. Let us know what happens.

Dusty is so cute :)

Mel said...

I'm so sorry about your little dog. Dusty sure is a cute one. I hope that everything is okay.

Julie said...

Oh no! Hopefully it's just a hysterectomy she needs. Poor Dusty.

Mall Worker said...

I'm so sorry about your dog! I hope and pray that she'll be okay!

utmommy said...

HOpe everything is okay with Dusty! Good luck!

Kristen said...

Oh, this is so heart breaking! I have lost several beloved pets....first my dachshund, Fritzy died when I was 21 after 14 years of life, then I lost two cats who I dearly loved. It can be as sad as losing a loved one (a human loved one!)

I will be praying and hoping that Dusty makes it through and you can come get her and take her home tonight. She is such a cute puppy and seems so sweet! I really hope we get to hear good news about her soon!!

Super Happy Girl said...

Ok, good updates. At least now you know it might be one of those two things.

:) hope Dusty gets to go home tonight

Unknown said...

Ohhhh, I so hope all goes well! We don't have any pets right now but I had a dog all growing up who was a member of the family. When we finally had to put her down, it was one of the toughest days ever.

Hugs and prayers your way!

Dawn said...

I hope Dusty is better. We lost two cats in three months, both to some sort of kidney ailment - both different. Both had to be put down at the vet's office. They each belonged to one of the kids, but we'd inherited them when they couldn't have them in their apartments. My husband was VERY attached and it was very hard. I hope you don't have to do this any time soon.

Anonymous said...

Well that was an emotional rollercoaster for me to read, I'm sure its been much much worse for you! Dogs are such sweet companions, they really become a part of the family.

I'm so glad she seems to be doing better -- and btw, she's adorable!

uuu said...

Will be praying for Dusty!!! What a cutie...

We love our dogs too... they are more than "just a dog." They are companions, our kids' best friends and they love you even when you are in a bad mood!!!!

My DH and I have lost one dog in our marriage and it was heartwrenching! I pray that Dusty is well and recovers quickly! Keep us posted!

The Amazing Trips said...

Oh, Dusty Dog. She is adorable - I burst out laughing as soon as her picture popped up on my screen. I can just IMAGINE her zesty personality.

I'm thinking good thoughts for your pup. They really are a member of the family... :)

The Domesticator said...

I am so happy to hear it was nothing too serious. It is frightening when a pet is ill. Our dog passed away last September, and it was very difficult. They are truly part of the family, so I know what you mean. It is not silly to worry so much about her. You love her, and I am sure she brings so much joy to you all. There is nothing as precious as the unconditional love you get from an animal.

Julie said...

YEAH Dusty for pulling through!!! They ARE so worth it, aren't they? We're looking into health insurance for our 3 1/2 month old pup, and while it makes me laugh, I almost can't imagine not doing it.

Mall Worker said...

I'm so happy to hear that she's doing better!

Valarie said...

I'm glad she's home and doing better.

Michelle Fluttering Butterflies said...

Oh, I'm soooooo glad it turned out OK! They're definately worth it!

Nettie said...

I'm so glad to hear she is doing better! 7 years just isn't long enough to have someone who is such a big part of your family!
(And I agree, that is exactly the dog I would have pictured you having, with the name of "Daisy", too.)

Theresa said...

Oh dear Steph, I'm just catching up on little Dusty - who is the cutest thing ever I might add! I'm SO glad she is doing better. Dogs ARE family, I don't care what people say. We are a huge dog family too with two of our own (ironically named Smokey and Daisy) :)

We will say a little prayer for her tonight and that she will continue to recover. :)

Teresa said...

I hope everything continues to go well for Dusty. She is just adorable! We haven't had any children of the 4-legged kind for 2 years now. I definitely miss the company of a pet, but am just not ready to take on the committment right now with little ones. I get SO attached (as does anyone with a nurturing personality).

Good luck to DUSTY!

Super Happy Girl said...

Yay for Dusty Dog!
Yep, they are all worth it.

Sabra at Sew a Straight Line said...

I'm not a pet person, but I had a little dog growing up. She is still in about 80% of the dreams I have. They really do become part of you. Hugs.