About Bonnie

[IceyBlueSibes]

Aw, I came back to see how Bonnie was doing. I she any better since you last updated?

Maybe Bonnie is waiting until Chulita knows her role. I remember when my GR/Chow mix had to be put down, she started going down hill about 1 week after we got Sarge. That was when Bubby JUST started to settle in and get used to things. She just had notorious health problems that suddenly began to appear. Infection in her eye, bladder and uterine infection, lesion (sp?) in her chest, which was allowing fluid into her lung cavity making it more dificult for her to breathe, severe arthritis in her lower back and hips, which the vet said she must have had for quite a few years by the looks of the Xray. But it finally got to her and she wouldn't walk on her hind end. We had to take her outside with a sling... The vet told us, that the only way to find out what cause the lesion (which was our main concern) was to run many tests and surgery that would cost thousands of dollars and she would have to be sent to a specialist. He told us to think about the quality of life... he told us to think about, will she live much longer any how? Will she even make it through the surgery? Will the surgery and tests even find out what the cause is, and will it cure it? I decided and told my mom I did not want to put her through that. She lived a long life, and was given a good home. Her previous owners would have ended her life sooner if we had not been dog lovers. Her previous owners tried to train her to hunt.. would run her behind the truck until her tounge bled, kept her locked in a cage in the garage. They were going to take her to the pound to have her put down because she wasn't a good hunting dog. She was THE most sweetest dog I've owned, and loved my bunnies. So even though my heart wrenched to say "No, I want her to stay, we'll find a way for money!" I knew that I just could not be selfish and allow her to be in pain for the rest of her life. I did not want to risk losing her during the testing or finding out there would be nothing else to do, and we would have wasted thousands of dollars. So that day I stayed home from school, and went to the vet with my mom to see my happy girl come out of the back room held up with a sling. Waggin her tail and happy to see us. She sat on that cold metal table and *thump thumped* her tail as they injected that nasty pink fluid. The *thump thump* became more distant and she soon layed still... staring up at my mom and I. That was by far the hardest thing in life to do. But I think she knew, Sarge was here to take her place, he'd keep me safe, and watch over the family. She trusted him, and gave up her place in our hearts to him, but she will never be replaced. She was my childhood friend, and will always be my best most beloved dog.

I am by your side Carrie. Each day I sit and think about my baby girl, and cry if I think about event that went on (explained above). I hate the thought of someone's beloved life time friend (4 legged mind you) having to pass on. Especially when they are the most special thing in the world, and you'd rather give your life than theirs.

Bless you Carrie, I wish you the best and am hear for you when that time comes.

[Carrie]

Thank you Lil Paws and Icey for such lovely posts. Lil paws, Bonnie seems OK, especially today. We went outside in the snow and she was romping. I mean romping. A little running, a little pretend biting at me...more nudging and knocking her rear into me. She thinks she's so funny. That Lab tail doesn't stop just like Icey described her dog's thump, thump. So, for a while I think she'll be OK.

I just get so nervuos everytime I hear her slip on the vinyl floor in the kitchen, her legs kind of flailing and her nails making that sound. It sounds just like it does before she's going to have a seizure and I bolt out of my chair to run and see if she's going into one. There's not much I can do anyhow, but it still makes me on edge all the time. So far, the meds I'm guessing are helping. She hasn't had another one since that last one on Fri or Sat...whatever it was. But it's hard to prove one way or the other about the meds.

Icey, I can tell that memory is still strong in your mind. Your dog sounds like a wonderful friend, just like Bonnie. I'm sorry for everyone who has to do this. But that's life I guess. It was about 14 yrs ago that I had to put our beautiful, wonderful GSD down. That was the hardest thing ever for me. Now, here we go again.

What's worse is my dear brother is losing the battle with a brain tumor and is fast declining. So, I expect I'll be losing two loved ones near the same time. It sucks.

Thank you so much for your kind posts and for being here. That means the world to me, let me tell you.

((((Hugs))))

[IceyBlueSibes]

Sorry to hear about your brother It definetly wouldn't be any good if they both went around the same time, but if you think about it. It would be better than to loose one, then come back around in your spirits and feeling better, and loose the other.

Things will turn around.. they always do. Hope you had a good day today!

x*OHugsO*x

[Carrie]

Thanks Icey. That's nice. It's life I guess, not always rosey. LOL.

[linnie]

Carrie I am sorry about your brother.. something about family that you just cant beat. I do hope he isnt in to much pain.

And as for Bonnie, I know how you feel when they take a siezure, Chloe has them and my heart goes into my throat everytime. medication has got hers under control as it heart related. I hope that you dont have to make that terrible decision for a long long time and that you have Bonnie by your side through the winter and the rest of the seasons.
Hugs for Bonnie{{{{{{{{{{{}}}}}}}}}}}}}

[Carrie]

Thank you Linnie, I'm sorry too, that you have to go through this seizure thing with your dog. It is freaky every time. You never get use to it. Bonnie isn't in pain other than a little arthritis. But you just wonder what goes on in their minds after the seizure. She looks so lost. But that could be the post ictal stage, just the aftermath and the neurological workings.

Thank you for such kind words. That really, truly helps during this sad time. (((hugs to you)))

[sunny98]

Hi Carrie,
I am sitting here reading the posts with tears in my eyes and an ache in my heart! Bonnie is such a special girl and a true friend! I know where you are at, as I believe many of us here do. There is no way to truely prepare in this situation. But know that you are in my thoughts and prayers! Not only for Bonnie but also for your brother! Sorry if this is a little disjointed but reading this brought back a lot of memories for me about loosing my baby. Keep us posted! And I will keep you and your family in my thoughts and prayers!

Erin, Sunny and the gang

[Carrie]

Sunny, how kind of you to write such a thoughtful post. I do appreciate that so much. I think the vibes that people send out DO make a difference. I'm sorry too for your loss and going back through the memories....so many are good and that makes you smile, but when you remember the end, I know, tears start rolling. LOL. It never gets easier, does it?

Thank you again for such a lovely post to me and for your prayers.

[Rip's Girl]

Carrie, I'm so sorry you have to go through such a sad time.. I get tears in my eyes when I think of what you and sweet Bonnie are going through. I can't imagine losing a friend who's been there for so long, through everything.. Yet I know that Buster's time to go is getting close, he's slowing down, and it hurts me just to look at him sometimes.. But most of the time, he's happy as can be.. It's like, he doesn't even seem to notice that anything is different about him now, compared to when he was 3 or 4. He's still so happy.
I know it's depressing to see their bad moments, but sometimes you just need to look at Bonnie and think of what a great life she has with you, (she couldn't have a better home or a better owner) and that it's not over yet. If you keep 'counting down' the days you have left with her, it'll be upsetting. Just enjoy every day you have with your sweet girl. When her time does come, you know that we will be here for you. I don't know how much consolation people over the 'net can provide, but if you do need to talk to fellow dog lovers, we're here.
I hope things get better for you soon, I'm keeping you, Bonnie and your brother in my prayers and sending positive thoughts your way.

How is Bonnie girl feeling today, BTW?

[Carrie]

Thank you so much Rip. People on the Internet, you guys are incredible support. I am spoiling her rotten these days. She is feeling pretty good as far as I can tell. She loves the snow and bounds around a little, loves to scrape the icey snow with her teeth. LOL. It's so dang cold right now and she's outside goofing around with Lyric. They can go out as long as they want and then when they weah weah at the door, they come in. They're only staying out for about 10 mintues. It's about 2 degrees right now....warmed up since last night. (20 below) Aren't you glad you're in Azizona?

So, thank you so much for your kindness. It means so much.

[IceyBlueSibes]

Carrie,

How's Bonnie doing? Is she doing any better?

[Carrie]

Thank you Icey. That's so kind of you to remember and ask about Bonnie. Well, she won't ultimately get better....that is her liver damage will not recover. But, the meds she is on, I think might be helping her liver have an easier time because they are keeping junk from getting into her liver a little bit. She hasn't had a seizure for quite a while and as long as she isn't having those, she seems to feel great....goes for mini walks and bounces around cheerfully in the snow....loves the snow. So, I'm hoping this will prolong her life...just as long as she is enjoying it and not having too much trouble.

Thank you again for thinking of her.

[IceyBlueSibes]

Well, I meant doing better as in the seizures, if she was still having them frequently. It's good to hear that the meds are helping. Sounds as though she's still a happy ol' gal!

You guys are in my thoughts atleast everyday. I just had to see how she was doing. Glad she's still enjoying life

[Carrie]

Thanks Icey. I do believe the meds and low protein diet are helping somewhat. It's hard to say for sure as it could be coincidence that she's not having seizures lately. But I think the meds are helping. When I was in Seattle, I ran out of the stuff because I stayed there so much longer than anticipated. I called all kinds of vets and pharmacies and no one had this stuff. So she was out of it for a few weeks. That seems to be the time frame where she started having more seizures closer together. Plus, the vet gave me some other stuff in addition (costs $70.00 for a month's supply, ugggg) which are pills and that is suppose to also aid in reducing digestive byproducts before reaching the liver. Those make a lot of work for the liver. So, it could be that, the syrup stuff or the food or all three or nothing that's slowed down the seizures. So we'll see.

Thanks again.

[IceyBlueSibes]

Well I'm glad to hear she has a bit of relief. Hope that helps her furthe