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Cali's
Blog
(starts at the bottom)
Wednesday,
January 30th, 2008
7:49
PM: I woke up today pretty early and it was sunny at least at first.
It's been raining and grey the last few days since I've returned from my
grandfather's funeral. Today was the first day the sun really came out.
In the morning it couldn't decide if it wanted to stay out or not. There
were really thick clouds in the sky so when the sun was hiding it really
was dark and grey but then when it would come out... it was bright and beautiful.
The mornings are really tough for me. Cali and I always started the day
together... just the two of us. I still wait for her in my heart but know
in my mind she's somewhere else. I still open the curtains and the door
to the deck as I always would do so she could go outside and sit. It hasn't
been that warm but I go out for a minute if it's not raining. Around noon
the sun really started to come out and this is when Mr. decided he would
like to sit out there. Every now and then he would sit out in the sun but
not that often. Towards the end when Cali was sick he sat at there with
her... he was really sweet.
I went out
and ran a couple of errands. I really have fallen behind with work and just
a lot of things around the house, so I've been trying to stay busy with
that so I'm not just thinking about how much I miss Cali. When I got home,
I was told that Cali's ashes were ready to pick up, so I dropped what I
was doing took a look outside and just thought to myself of course they
are. It was absolutely beautiful out. I'm not kidding it has been cold and
raining for the last week and here it was the best it's been and we were
getting ready to pick her up again. This time we took Mr. with us. He never
got to go with us when she was sick, so we thought it would be fun for him
to come this time. His sister would have wanted him there. Mr. loved it,
putting a smile on his face and smelling all the smells. Normally, he would
be annoying and try to get in the front seat but he stayed back and even
laid down like a good boy.
When
we arrived we left Mr. in the car. We had called ahead of time to see if
we could bring back some of the medicines for a refund and to our surprise
they let us. At this point, we're taking whatever we can get. The receptionist
was really nice and counted out everything we had and when we had finished
that she went back and got Cali's remains. It looked really nice... the
ashes are in a cedar box with her name engraved on a brass plate. The box
closes with a lock and comes with the key. We also received a cast of her
paw... so cute. I didn't know we would be receiving this, so this was a
nice touch.
We also kept
one of the paintings Cali did... the orange paw print. I used to call her
my 'little orange girl' so it was rather fitting that this is the one that
we didn't sell. All the other paintings sold and I'm still receiving emails
about how much people love them. Everyone has been so wonderful thru all
of this and we will never forget it. It has given us strenght in this time
of need. I truly believe Cali is worth it and we did everything we could
to help her. I know she knows how much we love her and she had a wonderful
life even to the very end... it was so special to have others care about
her who didn't even know her. We can't thank you enough!
Tuesday,
January 22nd, 2008
5:14
AM: We lost her. I knew in my heart when I got home from doing
laundry it wasn't going to be long. I wanted to believe her condition
could be turned around and that when I returned home from my grandfather's
funeral she would be feeling a little better. She never stopped trying
in her mind, her body just couldn't handle it.
Her breathing started to get a little more pressured and she couldn't
walk or even sit up... it was a very rapid pace of decline since this
morning. We carried her outside a couple of times to go potty but she
would just lie in the grass and it was cold and raining. I knew in my
heart something was terribly wrong. We brought her upstairs to our bed
and just lied there with her holding her, kissing her and talking about
all the good times. She was listening with her ears perked and her little
puppy seal eyes were so sweet... in and out of sleeping. Even Mr. came
over to be with her and let her know how much he loved her. We are so
thankful to have laid down with her one last time... I will never forget
it.
Around 1:30
am we called the Vet and they said to bring her in. I knew we didn't need
to call but we were just hoping there was something else we could do.
We each took a shower and really took our time as both of us knew what
we were going to do without saying it. We cherished every minute, I just
laid on the bed, held her little paw and told her how brave she was and
how much I loved her. She has taught me so much about life. I'm going
to miss her so much.
At about 3:00 am, I went out side to set up a bed for Cali in the back
of the car... it was raining and cold. Down right miserable. I pulled
the car up as close as I could and we carried her and placed her in the
back. It rained the whole way there except for the last few minutes of
the trip. We called ahead of time to let them know we were coming and
that we would need help carrying her in. When we got there, a Vet tech
came out and took her pulse while she lied in the back of the car. Then
another tech came out with a gurney and they place her on it. I just kept
my spirits up letting her know what a good job she was doing and just
telling her she was going for a ride... a bye bye trip. My heart was breaking
but I didn't want her to know at this point.
They wheeled
her back to the doctor and we waited in the waiting room for no more than
ten minutes. Dr. Vail came out and kneeled on the floor with a very concerned
look. We weren't surprised with what she had to say. She said that Cali's
kidney values had more than tripled since she was discharged on Saturday
and since she didn't respond to the fluids and antibiotics while she was
there, there wasn't anything else we could do. We knew we had to make
that decision that dog owners most often come to make. We needed to put
her to sleep. The Vet told us that she didn't really think she was in
pain but that she was ready to die and that it wouldn't be long. I had
no choice. I couldn't leave her like this when I was leaving in less than
eight hours.
After we
made the decision to go ahead with this, the Vet took us back to a comfortable
room with some couches and we waited to sign some paper work. We needed
to decide what we would do with her body. We decided to have her cremated
separately and we will get her ashes in about a week. After everything
was signed, they wheeled Cali in on the gurney and we said our good byes.
Her little eyes were just looking up at us and tearing a little... she
was so sweet. Her little ears were always up listening to everything we
said. I just told her that she was going to a place with tons of dogs,
all the bones she wanted, beautiful parks and continuous walks that last
forever. I gave her so many kisses and held her paw. She looked so peaceful...
she never really looked like she was in pain. The Vet came in about ten
minutes later and sat there with us crying as well... she was so nice.
She already told us that Cali would probably go with the first shot and
that was really what happened. We saw her go, we cried and told her that
she was the bestest girl ever... she really was and we're going to miss
her dearly. I'll never forget her. I love you Cali!
I feel so
sad and sick... it's 5:52am and I have to get on a plane to go to my grandfather's
funeral. This life is crazy but I will do what Cali would have done and
that would be to try my best and be happy 'cuz life is good... there's
so much to love. Cali loved life and the simplest things. She loved life
more than anyone I ever knew... I'm not just saying that. It is so true.
I don't know if she knew I was leaving but maybe she did and she wanted
to be sure we could say good bye. That's just how she is... so sweet.
Monday, January 21st, 2008
11:06
PM: I'm trembling. Though Cali seemed a little better earlier today,
I now think things are worse. She can barely walk and when she does it's
only for short distances and then she lies down. Even worse, she won't go
to the bathroom... it's been 24 hours since she has gone at all. I have
to leave town in less than 12 hours and I'm so sick. She hasn't got sick
which I think is good but she's so tired. We'll call the Vet tomorrow if
she doesn't go potty by the time I leave.
One positive thing is when I left to do laundry, I was told that she walked
over to the top of the steps where Mr. was and waited for me... she always
did this. Almost everytime I walked in the door since we've lived here (about
6 years) her little face was at the top of the stairs. Speaking of stairs,
this is a huge problem for us. Cali is unable to walk down the twenty some
stairs without assistance and in fact we've had to carry her the last two
times. It's breaking my heart. I have to say good-bye tomorrow and it might
be the last time I see her. I'm so sad but I'll always be happy even when
she is gone... she has made such a huge difference in my life. I love her
dearly.
10:15
AM: Today, Cali seems a little better. Yesterday, she only got
sick once and today, she seems to have a little more energy. Perhaps the
medications are helping and she has been able to hold her small meals
down. She has only peed, so I'm hoping she will be able to potty later
today.
We have put a sweater on her as she was shivering at the Vet a couple
of times. We have never put clothes on our dogs but I can't think of a
better reason to do it now. She seems to like it or at least she tolerates
it just like she has done with everything in her life.
Cali has lost about 10 lbs. and so she has lost some muscle as well which
makes it hard for her to push herself up. We help her when she needs it
and then she is able to walk slowly. I never hear her moan or breathe
heavy, so we are very thankful for that. One thing I don't like seeing
is her gums turn yellow after movement but they are not white.
I leave tomorrow and I'm very sad as I won't see her again 'til Thursday.
I must go to my grandfather's funeral... my family needs me too. This
is such a sad time but I guess it's a part of life. I just wish things
didn't have to happen all at once.
Sunday, January
20th, 2008
9:09
PM: I'm so scared... Cali is so weak. She can barely walk and when
she does she sways back and forth. It breaks my heart but I see her trying
so hard that I know she wants to be better. She is such a sweet little girl
with such determination it gives you so much inspiration. Saturday was so
trying... Cali got sick three times. She did manage to sit outside with
her brother Mr. He has been so sweet and gentle with her, it's almost as
if we have a new dog.
On Friday, I got a call from my father crying... my grandpa died. He was
89 years old and was one of the greatest people I ever knew. My grandpa
lived a great life and he died in his sleep, so I can't be anymore thankfrul
for that. Of course, I am extremely sad and all of this compounded has caused
me great anxiety. I am scheduled to leave Tuesday for the funeral that is
in Ohio. I'm so nervous to leave Cali but I need to go. I need to hug my
grandma and tell her how much I lover her... same thing with my Dad and
his sister. I am so bewildered right now at my life. I'm trying really hard
to be strong and that inspiration comes from Cali.
Saturday,
January 19th, 2008
10:13
PM: Cali is home! She has her little feeding tube, a bag full of
medicine and a special diet. We are so happy to have her home. She is still
weak but we're going to do whatever it takes to build up her strength. Currently,
we are tube feeding her four times a day and she is receiving the following
medicines... Sam-e, Ursodiol, Clavamox, Prilosec, Cerenia and Reglan. Cali's
prognosis isn't good but we believe if any dog can do it, it would be Cali.
She's a little fighter and loves life. She is drinking on her own, which
is a good sign but she still hasn't been able to hold down her food. We
just got done with the tube feeding and had to stop as she vomitted. We
will try again at 2:00 am with a smaller amount and go slower... we just
need to find the right amount and pace and then build up. That's what we're
shooting for. Something super cute, is Mr. has been really sweet. Just laying
by her and not giving her a hard time. When he went to go on his walk, Cali
got up to go but she is too weak to make it with him but that's what I mean...
not matter how she feels she tries really hard. Since she's been home, she's
been resting and lying around in her favorite spots... she is such a good
girl and I'll never forget how lucky we are to have her.
9:46
AM: We got a call around 8:30 last night from the Vet. Cali did
well and she now has a feeding tube. She told us we could come and visit
her, so that's what we did. When we got there the tech came down stairs
to get us. Cali is way too tired to come down from the anesthesia, so we
went up to see her. This was the first time we saw where Cali had been staying
since Wednesday and to my surprise it was way better than I imagined. The
cages were big and she had lots of bedding and warmth. When we saw her,
she couldn't have been any cuter... she was drunk. I'm not kidding, she
was drunk just like other sweet American girls on a Friday night. Her eyes
were unfocused and big, and every time she would raise her head it would
sway back and forth. The cutest thing was the tip of her tongue was sticking
out and we would put it back in her mouth but moments later it would be
right back out again. We just sat there, petting her, hugging her and kissing
her. We told her what a good girl she was and how she was doing so well.
The thing about Cali is she tries real hard, probably because of her big
brother... she always had to find ways to overcome his badness.
The Vet who did the procedure came in about ten minutes after we had been
there to tell us that she thought things went well and that they planned
on starting the tube feeding at 2:00 am. She told us to expect a call in
the late morning and that we would probably have Cali home sometime in the
late afternoon. We can't wait to have her home... we miss her!
Friday, January 18th, 2008
5:27
PM: We just heard from the Vet... more bad news. Cali's kidney
values from her blood work were not any better. She is having kidney failure.
So at this point they are putting the feeding tube in which is about a 10
minute procedure (not very invasive) and this will let us give her the best
chance. Cali was always a slow learner but once she got things going she
became the best at whatever it was. We're hoping she is just having a slow
response and will bounce back some with a liver/kidney supportive diet,
medicine and of course lots of love from us and Mr. We expect to have her
home tomorrow and we're getting the whole house ready for her. We want it
clean, warm and comfortable. We will be going to visit her again tonight.
The ride to the Vet is about 30 minutes, so we've basically been traveling
about 2 hours a day since Wednesday to see our favorite little girl. It
never seems that long and it's been so beautiful during the day that it's
been a pleasant drive and we're always excited to see our Cali.
3:42 PM: We just got back from visiting Cali again. Once
again, it was a beautiful day today... sun was shining, temperature was
good and there was a nice breeze. We had to wait for Cali in the waiting
room for about fifteen minutes as she was having a new IV put in. The wait
always makes me a little anxious but there are so many cute animals waiting
to be seen that you can get your mind of things for awhile.
I heard Cali coming around the corner and she was smiling and wagging her
tail when she arrived. She was very interested in all the people and dogs
around which was good thing. We took her outside and she went potty and
then we just sat in the sun for a long while.
About ten minutes later, the Vet came out to discuss with us what Cali had
planned for the day. She would be have her blood work done around 3:00 pm
and then they are plainning on putting a feeding tube (E Tube) in later
today. Cali will no longer be having the biopsy on her liver as her body
is too weak. The good thing about the feeding tube is that she will be able
to get all the fluids, nutrients and medicine she needs to feel comfortable.
Another thing is that if she wants to, she can eat and drink normally.
We should be hearing from the Vet sometime after 5:00 pm today to see how
everything is going. We are thinking positively and know she is a tough
little girl that can do anything.
Thursday, January
17th, 2008
11:50
PM: We went and visited Cali again tonight. Again, she looked pretty
good, more energy and excited to see us. There were other folks there waiting
for their pets and she was very interested in everything going on. We took
her outside and she went potty and again it looked as good as it has in
the last week. We didn't stay out long as it was really cold. When we came
back in she saw another dog leaving and she barked and cried like she always
used to do... this is her playful way of saying let's play. Again, I haven't
seen this behavior for at least a week or more. There were some things that
were a little alarming like her belly looked bloated and she was shivering
towards the end of our visit. It was cold outside and her belly has been
shaved for all the ultrasounds she has had and the floor was cold, so I'm
just hoping it was that. Her belly felt taut and this was one of the symptoms
she had when we took her to the ER on January 6th. This is the ascites...
fluid in the belly which is never a good thing. We are always conerned but
really happy that we got to see her again. We let the technician know about
our concerns. She said she would definitely have the doctor take a look
at her tonight and we should expect a call later to let us know if there
was anything wrong.
6:15
PM: We went to visit Cali around lunch time, so we could take her
out and let her sit in the sun... this is one of her daily rituals when
it's a nice day and that's exactly what today was, absolutely beautiful.
When we saw Cali we both knew she was already feeling better. She was curious
about all the people in the waiting room and she was wagging her tail when
she saw us. She's still weak but we know she is feeling better than she
has for at least a week, and no matter how you look at it, this was a good
thing.
After a few minutes in the waiting room, we decided to take her outside
for a walk. She went potty and again it was better than it's been in a long
time. We sat outside with her and she watched all the dogs come and go...
she looked happy and less tired. We sat on the bench outside and just relaxed
as we would normally do at home on our deck. As we were sitting there, the
Vet came out and talked with us. She said that they would be running the
blood work a little later to see how she was responding and that they would
call us with the results. After a little more love we left Cali so she could
have her test done.
Around 5:00 p.m., Dr. DeBerry called with the blood results. Though Cali's
levels were better they didn't improve the way we were hoping. This meant
that the liver biopsy would not be done and that we would now have to reconsider
our plan of action. Some of the options might be a feeding tube and supportive
care. Cali's prognosis is not good and this is not what we want to hear
but we will consider everything as we go. They will run her blood work again
tomorrow and this is when we will start the decision process to determine
Cali's treatment. We are really sad but all the happiness she has brought
us helps us stay postive and supportive for her... we will be unconditional
to her as she has always been to us.
9:34
AM: Last night around 10:00pm, we went to visit Cali to see how
she was doing. She already looked better... she had more energy and was
very happy to see us. We took one of Mr.'s toys to her so she knew that
Mr. was thinking about her. We sat in the lobby with her for a while and
then we took her outside for a walk. She went potty and her stool looked
the best it's looked so far... we're hoping this is a good sign. It was
still dark but had lots of form.
Today the Vet said they would call before noon to update us on Cali's situation.
We are thinking positively and hoping for the best. We just want her to
feel better. It is possible that she will stay overnight again with the
same treatment plan as last night... fluids, nutrients and antibiotics.
Either way we will go to see her again... I can't wait. We miss her little
sweet face around here. It just isn't the same without her. Even Mr. is
wondering where she is. I just got up and normally Cali, would come out
with me but today, Mr. came out to sit with me. He never does this... he
stays in the bedroom 'til he knows for sure we are going out for a walk.
Right now he is laying where Cali would normally lay... this is not his
spot. I know he is doing what he can to make things better too... We always
said he was the baddest boy but very affectionate in times of need. We love
him the same, how could you not.
Wednesday,
January 16th, 2008
3:52
PM: Dr. DeBerry just called with some bad news. It appears now
that Cali is having kidney problems and a urinary tract infection due
to the liver disease. She doesn't know if it's kidney failure or if it's
because of no fluids so they are going to keep her overnight, giving her
lots of fluids and nutrients and they'll monitor her to see how well she
responds. Basically, we're waiting to hear from the Vet tomorrow but we
are allowed to visit which we plan on doing later tonight. I know she
is a tough little girl with the will to live and will let us know when
it's time to go. But, right now we're not seeing that from her and know
she is a true fighter. We will make the tough decisions at each step and
will always do so with Cali's best interest in mind.
2:26
PM: I woke up today knowing we had a lot to face. I called the
Vet in the morning to update them on Cali's situation... I wanted them to
know that I was concerned because of her weakness due to little food and
water. I didn't get in touch with her directly but left a message. Waiting
to hear, I did my best to go about the morning as I would normally do as
I know this is comforting with Cali. In the past, Cali would follow me out
of the bedroom no more than 5 minutes later and she was really ready to
start the day... now it's about 20 minutes and she looks tired but she's
still Cali trying real hard.
Now that Cali is so weak I have to make two trips outside... one with Mr.
and one with Cali. Mr. is a little confused with this and Cali does come
to me when I'm putting his leash on like she wants to go but she is just
too weak to make it. Mr. likes to take as much time as possible... remember
he is 12 years old, an old man takes awhile to find the right spot and get
things going. After I took Mr. out, we found Cali lying outside on the deck
and he affectionately went up to her, wagging his tail and giving her love.
Normally, he would bite her head off in a big brother playing way but today
he was really sweet.
Soon after
the Vet tech called and said to bring Cali in and they would evaluate her
to see if she was too weak for the procedure. She advised to bring her in
as soon as we could, so that's what we did. We took Cali potty and her stool
had a little more form but it was still dark and tarry. We had to help her
into the car and she laid down most of the trip with her head down but as
soon as we got off the highway, she put her head up, actually sat up and
put a smile on her face... smelling the air, enjoyin' the ride, she's amazing
and proves to me every time that life needs to be lived to the fullest no
matter what you feel like.
When we arrived the place was packed but literally two minutes after checking
in, Rebecca met us with a friendly smile and an attitude of what's best
for my little girl. She told us what might or might not happen. She informed
us that they would give Cali fluids intravenously and possibly a feeding
tube to help build up some strength and that we should expect a call from
the Vet to determine what is best for Cali in her current state. We tried
to leave but Cali just wanted to follow us, so I walked half way back with
the Rebecca and helped her weigh Cali... she is now 53 lbs. Two weeks ago
at another vet she weighed 60 lbs. Cali was a little more relaxed at this
point and this is when I left her and we headed home.
Our drive home
was sad but the weather was so great and sunny that it just reminded me
of how Cali would enjoy it so that's what we tried to do. When we got home
it was no surprise to see Mr. at the top of the steps but he did act differently.
He normally barks, gets excited or at least wags his tail but today he just
looked sad. We really had to try hard to get him to play with his toy that
he normally would be throwing around at this point. After a couple of tosses
he went to the bedroom to lay down... maybe he feels are sadness. We are
trying to be uplifting but it's hard sometimes. I think he senses something,
in fact he probably knows better than we do about Cali's situation. So,
that's where we are now and are home waiting to hear about our sweet little
girl.
Tuesday, January
15th, 2008
The last couple
of days Cali has been getting weaker and weaker and I'm really starting
to get concerned. She has no interest in eating at all and she drinks very
little. Right now she is only taking Prilosec for acid and no hunger stimulant...
I really hope that the vet can prescribe something that will make her want
to eat, otherwise we will need to force feed her, which is what we had to
do today. Basically, the only food she would eat is stuff we stuck in her
mouth or she ate small pieces of chicken that we dropped on the floor. I
really just think the food we dropped on the floor was tricking her... it's
like an internal response as when she was well she would immediately run
to whatever fell on the floor before "Mr." would get it.
Since Cali can't walk very far anymore, I took her on a bye bye trip in
the car to the park we normally walk to. She likes riding in the car and
usually she's got a big smile on her face but today, she was too tired to
be that excited. I know she still enjoyed it. I had to lift her into and
out of the car but once we were at the park she walked around some and then
we just sat and watched all the people and their dogs. One good thing is
that she is very alert and interested in all the sights and sounds. When
we got back home she wanted to sit out on the deck with her brother Mr....
this is definitely one thing that hasn't changed. She loves to sit outside
and she loves her big brother.
Tomorrow is the big day and we are worried that Cali might be too weak to
undergo the surgery. This is something we are going to have to discuss with
Vet when we go to drop her off. Either way we need to do something to get
her to eat and drink so she has the strength to live. Cali is a fighter
and is so tolerant of many things. Our other dog "Mr." is such
a brat and has given her a hard time since she was a puppy and she would
just shrug it off or fight back. She doesn't let a lot of things bother
her, so I have a lot of confidence in her strength to live.
Sunday, January
13th, 2008
Today Cali
and I embarked on a little art project to help raise money for all the Vet
expenses. Being a dog lover and an artist, I have recently in the last year
been painting dogs and this is when we came up with the idea of Cali painting
her own pictures... so that's just what we did. We created seven little
paintings. They turned out great and they are super cute. I really think
she enjoyed the process and truly believe that those who purchase them will
enjoy them too... especially since you'll be helping my sweet little Cali
girl. To
view CALI'S PAINTINGS, click here!
Today, Cali is much weaker as she really won't eat much. We have been trying
to give her chicken, rice, cottage cheese and even her dog food. This has
been recommended by the Vet. I don't even think she'd eat a filet mignon.
I'm getting really worried as I see that she has shed some more weight.
I know there are appetite stimulants that we can try after her surgery and
hoping that this will work. We have two more days to try and get her to
eat before then. We're keeping our fingers crossed. Meanwhile, we are giving
her all the love and conformt we can. One positive thing is that she still
has interest in going out on our deck and laying in the sun.
Saturday, January
12th, 2008
Today we were
hoping to get to the bottom of Cali's sickness. Our appointment was at 12:30
with Dr. DeBerry. We took all of our medical records from the past week,
except the ultrasound scan, as Dr. Morris took the machine with her to New
Jersey... just our luck! Dr. DeBerry took a look at all the history and
wanted to do another ultrasound as she felt their equipment was better than
what was used on Cali at Banfield. She said this would be the first step
in determining where we should go. After the ultrasound we found ourselves
in the same situation. Dr. DeBerry explained that it was hard to tell what
is causing the liver damage and without a biopsy a definitive diagnosis
wasn't possible. This is when she explained the different options... she
was extremely thorough and all of what she said made sense. In a nutshell,
she told us that if you don't know what is causing the problem you don't
know what you're up against and effectively treating Cali would be very
difficult. Essentially if we wanted to treat our little girl without the
biopsy we would just be taking a guess on what is causing her sickness.
So, we listened to her explain the laperoscopy procedure that would be most
beneficial for Cali. She told us that it's not like some of the older procedures
that are a little more invasive and with a video camera at one end you can
really see what is going on inside. Though Cali is older (10 years old)
she has been so healthy and all of her other organs in the ultrasound seemed
to be relatively healthy. Weighing all of this, we are most likely going
to have the biopsy done. Cali is the type of dog that will get up every
morning, run to her bone, wagging her tail as if she had never seen it before.
She really lives life to the fullest and has inspired me to do so. Know
matter what's going wrong, her disposition never changes... she's always
so sweet. We love her so much and want to make her well enough to live the
rest of her life with her 12 year old brother Mr.
Friday, January
11th, 2008
The past three
days, Cali was doing a little better. She had a little more energy, she
wanted to eat and she was holding down her food. Her stool even looked a
little better. The only thing that was a little alarming was that Thursday
she had melena (dark tarry stool). But, this morning Cali made a turn for
the worse. She slept with us (I know dogs aren't suppose to sleep with you
but she's our sweet little girl) and real early in the morning we woke up
to her vomiting digested blood all over the bed. It wasn't just a little,
it was a lot. My heart sunk, why, what is going on? Of course, now I'm frantic
and desperately want to help my Cali Girl feel better. I researched and
asked around for recommendations for the best internists. There were two
Vets that everyone seemed to mention... Pet Emergency & Specialty Center
in La Mesa and the Veterinary Specialty Hospital in Sorrento Valley. We
decided to go with the later as I did some research online and it appeared
that the internist there had a little more experience and the Pet Emergency
& Specialty Center doesn't have Oncology. Meaning if Cali was diagnosed
with Cancer we would then have to go to another vet.
Monday, January
7th, 2008
First thing
in the morning, I called around to see where I could have the ultrasound
done. Well, I ended up going to Banfield (PetSmart Vet) even though people
recommend against it. Our experience wasn't so bad, we lucked out in one
way because the Vet in that day, specializes in Internal Medicine and has
been practicing since 1978. We took Cali in and left her there for her ultrasound.
It wasn't but one hour later that Dr. Morris called us with the bad news.
She basically said that Cali had one of two things... cirrhosis of the liver,
maybe some type of hepatic disease or cancer. She said either way the prognosis
wasn't good. We still didn't have the answer and she said the only way to
find out for sure was to have a biopsy and this would be our best chance
at being able to treat Cali's sickness. We were not ready to do this right
then and decided to give Cali supportive care. Cali did receive a few injections
(two anti-inflammatory and a diuretic). We were sent home with some medications
but Dr. Morris recommended that we focus on getting Cali to eat. She was
put on a special liver diet... Royal Canine Hepatic LS 14. We left that
night feeling a little better as Cali seemed to have a little more energy.
Sunday, January
6th, 2008
After
a few days of the same behaviors (vomiting, runny stool, low energy, not
wanting to eat) from Cali, I was really concerned. Both of my dogs have
been sick but they always bounced back. Not this time and Cali wasn't even
behaving in her little busy way... she loves to chew her bones and follow
me around but this was much less and I knew I needed to do something...
I actually wished I had done something earlier. So, I took her to the ER
and after a couple hours of tests (blood work, liver enzyme levels, x-rays,
etc.) the Vet didn't have good news. She didn't have a complete diagnosis
but she said that she thought it could be one of three things... heart disease,
liver disease or cancer. I was crushed, I couldn't believe it. Cali has
no medical history. She has been so healthy and people in our neighborhood
always comment on how healthy my dogs look for their age (Cali is 10 and
my other dog Mr. is 12). To find out exactly what was going on, they recommended
that I have an ultrasound done at my Vet the following day.
Tuesday, January
1st, 2008
Today was the
first day we were aware of Cali's sickness. Everything seemed normal...
we went for our usual walk down to the park. It wasn't 'til we got back
and she vomited that I realized she wasn't feeling well. We still really
didn't think she was that sick... dogs vomit from time to time. Later that
night, Cali only ate a little of her food and turned down the rest... this
was extremely unusual as she is a chow hound but I still really didn't think
anything was too wrong. I just thought she wasn't feeling well. |
Our
Sweet Little Cali Girl!
Cali entered a gentle sleep around 4am, Jan. 22nd. What she has
taught us is: to love life, try hard & be sweet. To everyone
who has offered advice and help for our little girl, thank you so
much! Thank you for helping us during these difficult times... you
will never be forgotten.
Cali & Family
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Video
of Cali & Her Mom Painting
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