My sweet shih tzu at 17 years and almost 5 months got sick Friday night. Just some loose stool a bit runny. Saturday morning was very weak. Would not eat or drink. I forced him to drink later in day by holding nose a bit in water and after a few tries and me holding him up drank some. Refused to eat even a home cook meat ball or his favorite dog food.
Called vet but could not get an appointment as short staffed. They promised to call back did not. We were going to go Monday and wait in lobby as soon as opens.
This morning 7 am was yelping he pooped on him self a bit and unhappy. Could not stand up. We cleaned him up took home to emergency animal hospital
Result he appeared septic, glucose almost zero, appeared bad aggressive bacterial infection. They were nice but we were forced to put him down. He could not even stand and I know they did saline when arrived.
I know people will say he was old. But he was perfectly fine Thursday. Friday just had poops a few times. I am still shocked he went downhill so quick. We had his full physical and blood work just four weeks ago and no problems. In April he had all his shots. Other than eyesight he was very good shape.
We got him as a puppy and it was tough today. My 16 year old daughter never knew life without him. And my wife who is a SAHM he has been there almost 17 1/2 years every day. My two older kids their whole childhood with dog. He had a good life as was never alone and we always had a house with a yard. Always kept up everything.
We took him home in a coffin and gave him a full burial. Last spring I dug a hole that took a heck of a lot of work than I could imagine just in case as was 17. Today another two hours to get it big enough. Clay soil is horrible to dig in. But happy he is here. When my two older come home from school they can say good bye rather than just in FaceTime. My 16 year old was clear no cremation at vet she wanted him home in the backyard he loved so much. I agreed. My wife a bit on fence towards cremation but later in day she is happy he is here.
What a sad and long day. I had dogs growing up. But they were not as sweet and never had a dog this long. Hopefully, he is in dog heaven tonight.
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