Wednesday, December 22, 2010

Snowy Visits the Vet

Snowy had an appointment at 10 am but didn't actually see a doctor till 11:15. In that period of time, I don't think he sat still for more than ten seconds at a time.

I sternly commanded myself not to cry but felt myself frequently tearing up during the wait. At one point, to distract myself, I thought I would walk around the room and read all the advertisements, posters and letters to the doctor that were posted.

Not a great idea.

A lot of the letters were for the purpose of thanking the doctors for being so compassionate and caring when their pets were put to sleep. And then there were all these beautiful heart rending, tear jerking, soul shredding poems about dogs passing away and I thought, "This is not good."

Then I got the idea of looking out through the venetian blinds at the waiting room area and trying to distract myself by people and animal watching. Bad move. The first thing I saw was one woman fling herself into the arms of another and start sobbing.

Obviously, she had not gotten good news about her pet.

After the doctor finally arrived, I lasted about three minutes; when when we started talking about symptoms and problems, I lost it. Completely.

Several tissues later, she told me that she needed to keep Snowy for a while; he had lost weight, was running a low grade fever and looked as if he were possibly dehydrated. She said they would do blood work and call me in about an hour with results.

Then she asked me my phone number. A pretty non-emotional piece of info to impart, right?

Not so much.

I gave her the first three digits. And then lost it again.

I think that at that point, Snowy was more worried about his weepy mama than I was worried about him!

So I am home for a few moments. I need to go to church and work the afternoon but I will keep my phone (and tissues) nearby.

7 Had Something To Say (Just click here!):

Anonymous said...

Our prayers are with your family as you deal the decisions and issues of the smallest member. I don't know if this will help you - we have been through this toughest decision three times (over 26 years). Please know that sometimes the greatest gift is the gift of a peaceful, pain free, dignified passing. I was always so torn before the decision and at such peace after - seeing how much our beloved furry family member relaxed and then was in no more agony. We really do wish you the best of luck with Snowy. I truly hope he recovers, but if that is not possible - we are sure you will make the right decision.

Amanda J said...

((Hugs)) I have four furry family members - two dogs, two cats - my heart aches for you right now. I hope when the phone rings, that it's good news. Thinking about Snowy and all of you....

Anonymous said...

Praying for you, dear Becky. Snowy is so much more than "just a dog" (not that anyone here would EVER say that). He is a traveling companion, a witness to heartache and miracles, the uplifter of spirits, and his fur holds the memory of thousands of tears. He will always, always hold a place in your heart, and thankfully you have taken many photos and done many blog posts along the way. I hope that he will have more time here with you, but if not, then I pray for peace and comfort for you all. Love you dearly...

Anonymous said...

Praying for Snowy and Snowy's family. <3
Kim

Anonymous said...

I hope the best for Snowy --hugs--
Trine

Anonymous said...

Lexy is still doing a good job saying Amen. We are going to work on that a lot today. We want Snowy to get home. Lexy says she does not know much about dogs, but if I love them she does too!

Cindy from Sonoma

Nancy(bratt) said...

Becky
I had to send my 15 year old Chihuahua Picky to rainbow bridge on September 9ths of this year. It's been 104 days. I've counted every single day and have cried at least 2 times a day over him. I have a ton of pictures of him, and cards of sympathy after he passed away. The vet has a tradition, when your furbaby is being put down, they take an imprint of thier paw and write thier name. I have that peice of preciousness close to my heart and I look at it every day. Losing a pet is not easy. Those who dont have pets might not understand the heartwrenching pain we undergo when our pet is sick, or has to be put to sleep. I pray this does not happen to Snowy. I pray to God, you dont have to experience, what I have for the past 3 1/2 months.
God bless
Nancy