We had our second go-round with liver issues the last few weeks, and have – we hope – found a solution that will keep Ron healthy for a while longer, or at least give her a nice Dalmatian old age. And once again, I thnk switching to a natural diet and steering clear of processed kibble has made all the difference. That, and having a truly kick-ass vet who loves animals and wants to do her very best for her patients.
When Ron was sick last time, her weight dropped to 41 pounds. That’s pretty skinny for a Dalmatian, and it showed. This time around, even though she wasn’t eating as much as was obviously jaundiced and unwell, she didn’t lose weight. She’s up at 60 pounds now, which the vet is very happy about. (I am, too, because a skinny dog is so sad.) She has also kept her appetite this time, though she’s a princessy, picky eater some of the time. I had no idea a dog was nimble enough to reject individual grains of rice in favor of microscopic pieces of meat, but there you go.
There was an awful time last week when we were waiting to find out if she had cancer, or cysts, or some kind of untreatable cirrhosis. It’s awful to about your pet dying anyway, but the thought of it being painfully slow or frighteningly fast – either way – was hard to take. It was hard for me, and I cannot imagine how it must have been, or in some ways still is, for Mike, who has spent almost every day of the last eleven years with her. She and her little pal Len are such huge parts of our lives – we come home to their happy barks, we hang out and watch movies together, we snuggle in on cold days, and we tour the neighborhood as a pack.
I never thought I would ever own dogs, or, more correctly, that they would ever own me. But when my two little spotted friends do the dance of joy for their dinner, or sit beside me at the end of a stressful day, I am very glad I do. Now, we’re beginning some treatment for Ron, and I’m happier than ever to have her around for a while longer, even if my floor is covered in grains of rice and all my black clothes are covered in white hair. It’s worth it.
Bless her heart! I am glad to hear they are finding some treatment for your beautiful girl, and that she is holding her own. I hope it’s the start of improved health for many years to come.
I understand the struggle to care for ailing best friends all to well. And as they get older, geriatric pet care is such a challenge. But all the worry and trips to the vet and vet bills are so worth it — these are more than just pets. They are much loved friends. They are members of the family. You cannot put a price on the love of a good and loyal companion, you just can’t.