The last few days have been pretty stressful here at Casa de Perro. Rio’s cough has gotten more prolific over the past few weeks, and her Dr say that she’s hearing a lot more “noise” in the lungs. To make matters worse, Rio’s been vomiting almost daily for the last week. I’ve struggled to maintain a positive outlook, but have mentally bounced back and forth between “she must have gotten into something in the yard (since Zeffy barfed on one of those days too)” to “we are winding down to the end………….”
Today things are a little better. Rio hasn’t thrown up for more than 24 hours, and you have no idea how much relief this brings. I spoke with her vet this evening. Her chem panel actually was pretty good. Her red counts are a teensy elevated, and the Dr thinks its because Rio’s a little dehydrated. Makes sense cuz of the throwing up….. So, we’re gonna “spike” her water with broth (she LOVES this) and we’re going to put her on a really bland diet for a few days until her tummy feels better. Her Dr also recommeded upping her Pepcid to twice a day.
Right now, she’s asleep on the couch, and aside from the kicking and twitching, she’s sleeping peacfully. Me, on the other hand, I f*$%ing hate this roller coaster… I’m taking deep breaths, and trying to live in the moment. I’m trying so hard to focus on her quality of life. But all this worrying is gonna give me an ulcer (and let’s not even talk about how many new grey hairs)…. I wish I knew for certain if this was just a bump in the road or something worse. I wish I could forget all this nonsense and just look at my Rio as if she were invincible and immortal — the way I look at the Monkeygirls. I wish I wasn’t thinking in this vein, but this has been a really long journey for us…. And we’re both tired.
In the meantime, anybody got a good recipe for carpet cleaner????
This part of the journey does suck, not knowing, but knowing. *If that makes sense. When I was dealing with Shy, she had so many good days, then several bad days, then good days. More bad hours, then a bad day or two. I knew she was going to have good days again, I was conflicted!
In the meantime, watching her deal with the bad days wore me down.
All I can say is I understand. I now have gastritis and two baby ulcers, not gotten from the H. Paloris virus. Got them from good old fashioned stress.
I am going to try and learn yoga… I recommend finding something like that for yourself, because this battle can tear you up too! Hugs from Sammy and me,
Elizabeth
I’m so sorry for both you and Rio…this just totally SUCKS. I can only imagine what you are going thru with the roller coaster effects. These pups are so darn special to us! Hugs to you and to Rio…
Tracy, Maggie’s Mom
I am so sorry to hear Rio is having such a stretch of bad days. Does she have any heart issues? Hopefully you will be able to rehydrate her with the broth. We have to use Pedialyte for Sam when he is pukey or poopy, he just doesnt like broth in his water. Typical monkeybutt. Hope everything levels out for the Woo.
I wish I knew what to say. Sometimes the only way I can straighten myself out is knowing that Roxy may sometimes feel like crap, but she doesn’t know why. And if I continue showing my own worries/sadness/grief for what is to come it will only make her feel worse. It doesn’t work 100% of the time. But usually that’s enough of a kick in the butt for me to think more about my girl’s emotional needs than my own. I’ll keep you all in my prayers. Give Rio a hug from us.
this is so hard, but then life is hard, and the things worth having can be hard. you are right to try and capture each moment and squeeze every drop of joy and love out of it, then let it go. woo has shown time and again how brave she is and how resilient her spirit is. sending our best et juju to you guys!!!
charon & gayle
oh, and we’ve had good luck with the resolve trigger spray carpet cleaner….
I am so sorry Rio’s feeling so poorly.
The roller coaster does indeed, despite all our best efforts to live in the moment, take its toll. It’s a hideous ride sometimes, plummeting scary dips and catch-your-breath highs. I know exactly what you’re feeling. Because the journey is an intimate and shared one, it often demands a painful price on our human emotions.
I don’t have any words of wisdom for you but I empathize completely.
Hugs to you and Rio from me and Riley.
Carmen
Ugh. This roller coaster ride is so awful. But it’s good news that her chem panel was good. Wish I had some words of wisdom… We are all here for you and pulling for the Woo.
(Wish you lived closer – I’d loan you our Bissell SpotBot which was WONDERFUL when Abby was a pup. She had some major tummy issues when we first brought her home!)
Hang in there. Sending hugs to you and Rio both and Abby sends sweet kisses,
Jackie & Abby
So sorry to hear about Rio’s cough. We’re somehow matched with our dogs, and bonded to them deeply. You’re doing great giving Rio all your love and support – and nobody could ask for more. Keep giving Rio your smile, a pat and know that no matter what happens, you are there for each other. Good days and bad.
I hope you have some good days soon.
Mira
One more “I wish…” I wish I was as strong as my girl.
You are completely as strong as Rio…remember, you’ve been on the coaster together! I’m so sorry that Rio is have a rough stretch, it’s just so hard (and exhausting). The unknown just bites! Please hang in. We’ve just had to start Sam on a cough suppressant….it was our first ok night of sleep instead of being up all night wondering if he’s ok so we completely feel for you! Hang in there – we’re sending all our love! xoxo Sue and Sammy
Micki,
I’m so sorry Rio isn’t feeling well. I pray this is just another bump in what has truly been an amazing journey. In my opinion, you and the Woo are both super hero’s. I know the worrying does take its toll. You hang in there and give the Woo a big hug from us.
Brett & Spirit Fortis
We understand completely Micki, these ups and downs can leave anyone heaving. All I can say is that when you feel like crying, remember that the moment is too precious to waste it on fear. Don’t let that creepy scary monster rob you of your time together. Later, you can cry all you want, but for now, keep the love flowing and make every minute count.
And remember that you’ve got Tripawd love on your side. May the three-legged healing power bring comfort and healing to you both. {{{{hugs}}}}
I am sorry to hear about the latest rollercoaster and all the vomiting. =(
Jerry’s got good advice above. Love her up and lots of belly rubs. Hugs to you!
Nancy & Butchey
Sometimes the ride sucks. I wanted to write something nice and sweet like Carmen did, but I’m not that good with words. I totally know how you are feeling though. The cancer battle takes its toll on you especially when you are going through a rough patch, and you guys have been on this ride for a long time, because Rio is a Cancer Warrior, hard core! You guys are in my prayers.
Jenna & Spirit Chili Dawg
I know the roller coaster ride very well… I was lucky to be on this ride for 17 months and maybe I didn’t love the ride…but I sure did love having my Indy by my side. Through sickness and in health the ride begins…Our sweet tripawds smile and wag their tails as we hold on so tight & shed many tears. Let Rio wag that tail of hers & give you kisses and …please enjoy every breath she takes. Enjoy every ounce of love and embrace it… and make it last…Let her comfort you…Live in the moment and try to breathe. Sending big hugs and prayers… So many of us know what you are going through – you are not alone…
Love from Carol and Spirit Indiana xoxo