My beloved dog, Bitz the Wondermutt, (seen here: muttduck | Bitz the Wondermutt and her beloved plush mallard… | cianmurphy | Flickr ) is almost certainly dying.
She went off her feed on the 3rd of January, got lethargic, then progressed into colitis and diarrhea by the 6th. I took her to the vet on the 7th, and she was diagnosed with liver inflammation and given subcutaneous fluids, an antibiotic injection and prescriptions for new food, milk thistle supplements and amoxicillin.
She rallied for a day, but never got her appetite back for more than a few bites at a time, whether it was boiled chicken, her new prescription food, her old food or anything else.
Her energy levels are low, but her eyes are still clear. She’s trying her best to still be the sweet girl who’s been my partner in daily life for the last seven of her 10 years.
She’s been my play pal, my confidant, my protector, teacher to her little sister Sydney the Bulldog, and, at the darkest point of my life six years ago, the sole thing that kept me alive and going.
Fortunately, she’s not in any pain, or I’d put her down immediately. I owe her too much to let her suffer. We have a follow-up appointment this week. If she hasn’t started showing improvement, and I’m almost certain she won’t, I’ll tell her goodbye, thank her for being the best dog I could have ever hoped to be loved by, and help her slip away in my arms.
We can never love our dogs as much as they love us, but I’ve tried to give her the best I was capable of. That seems to be enough for her.
My heart goes out to you & Bitz.