Melanie writes:
I had Scotty on what my vet said was usually her "last resort"
for treating allergy problems. We were monitoring his liver enzymes
closely because he was at the high end of normal;
my vet had concerns about his body being able to process the medication.
We were going in weekly for blood work and he seemed to be
doing okay with the allergy med. It seemed to be helping a little;
his skin was lightening in color and he was growing
a little bit of fuzz where he was so bald on his back side.
After several weeks,
my vet said that she would have expected more improvement in his skin.
She suggested we cross-treat for mites.
Within less than a week of that medicine, he got very sick.
We're not sure if it was related to the mite medicine or just a coincidence.
He was all of a sudden lethargic, back legs were uncoordinated
and criss-crossing when he walked. I took him in immediately.
His white cells were very elevated, and his body temp was very low.
His neck and head were very sensitive. My vet thought meningitis.
We stopped allergy meds and mite medicine and
started him on antibiotics and prednisone.
He came back from that and over the course of 10-14 days,
he was back to his normal self.
We restarted his allergy meds and he seemed to be in very good shape.
Despite appearances, Scotty took a turn for the worse,
and after a visit to the animal ER overnight and another visit to our vet,
along with more bloodwork and x-rays that indicated
a possibility of cancer, and a great deal of pain for Scotty,
the decision was made to help him cross The Rainbow Bridge.
MAUREEN SCOTT
In Canada:
So very sad. My condolences . . . .
ELAINE ALGER:
How very sad . . . . No matter how long they are in our lives, they become a part of our souls. And yet our lives and hearts would be so empty without them. Sending good thoughts to all whose lives were touched by them.
I have sometimes thought of the final cause of dogs having such short lives,
and I am quite satisfied it is in compassion to the human race;
for if we suffer so much in losing a dog after an acquaintance of ten or twelve years,
what would it be if they were to live double that time?
- Sir Walter Scott
(JOY came into Melanie's life on 3 February; read all about her HERE)
RAINBOW BRIDGE
Just this side of Heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.
When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here,
that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all
of our special friends so they can run and play together.
There is plenty of food, water and sunshine
and our friends are warm and comfortable.
All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor;
those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again,
just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by.
The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing:
they each miss someone very special, someone who was left behind.
They all run and play together,
but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance.
His bright eyes are intent; his eager body begins to quiver.
Suddenly, he breaks from the group, flying over the green grass,
faster and faster. You have been spotted,
and when you and your special friend finally meet,
you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again.
The happy kisses rain upon your face;
your hands again caress the beloved head,
and you look once more into those trusting eyes,
so long gone from your life, but never absent from your heart.
Then you cross the Rainbow Bridge together . . .
Author Unknown
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