Dead dog walking … running … eating … and happy
Torky has surgery today to remove an aggressive, malignant mass that has take over the largest pad on her right rear foot. Backstory here, but I’m happy to say we’ve raised all but maybe a few hundred bucks of the cost, and I’m good for that if need be. Ed went over the surgery with Dr. Robert Runyon, a surgeon I’ve recommended many times, and who has worked on my own dogs as well.
Torky is in good hands today, with a good prognosis for the future.
Thanks to everyone who helped out!
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Now, about Drew …
When we shut down PetConnection, it wasn’t long after my 14-(now 15-)year-old Sheltie, Drew, had been diagnosed with canine kidney disease. Shortly thereafter, I had a reservation at Camp Unleashed, and I wavered between not going and wondering how difficult the trip would be on Drew if we went. In the end, I packed up his IV bags and he had an incredible time. Fellow dog-owners at the camp were all amazed to know his age and grim prognosis, and I’m sure when we all said good-bye, they figured they’d never see Drew again.
A few months later, I’m not so sure they won’t see him again when we return to camp this fall.
Things really are going just that well.
For a hospice case, Drew simply could not be doing better. His diagnostics every three-four weeks come back pretty close to normal. His appetite is pretty good. And the only thing that seems to be managing this miracle is half a bag of Lactated Ringers every morning, dripped into the Drewbinator as he relaxes on the dining-room table, the IV kit hanging from the chandelier. I call it the “Daily ReDrewbinating” and those 500 ml keep his kidneys hanging in there. To be sure, he has a bad day now and then, and once or two the tests came back suggesting the good times were heading to an end. But so far Drew has gotten over the bumps quickly and with no apparent long-term difficulties.
For a while Drew was getting medical marijuana — it helped a little with his appetite and a great deal with nausea — and some Chinese herbs from the complementary and alternative care veterinarian. But he’s on nothing now except fluids, and for now that’s all he needs.
When will this warm twilight end? Tomorrow? Next month? Next year? I have no idea, but I’m ready for all of those answers.
In the meantime, my little Drewb-it just keeps living happily along.
Image: Drew at Camp Unleashed. He did everything there except swim!
7 Comments to “Dead dog walking … running … eating … and happy”
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Great news on both Drew and Torky!
Swimming is for retrievers; Drew has more sense than that.
All fingers & paws crossed for Torky ! Great news about Drew , I hope he has lots more time with you.
I know the feeling on Drew – Lindsey (cat) wasn’t supposed to live to be 14 and I’m very hopeful he’s going to make his 15th birthday next month.
Unlike Drew, his blood levels on his liver enzymes are horrible and the vet doesn’t understand what’s keeping him going. But he eats, he purrs in our laps and seems to want to be here, so as long as he wants to be here, we’re hanging in there with him!
Good luck, Torky!
As for Drew, I think he likes to keep you guessing. He sits back and snickers to himself.
From what I’ve read, and certainly from the pictures I’ve seen, that Drewbie seems to be lit from within. Glad to hear he’s doing so well. Maybe some of that good juju of his will rub off on Torky.
So glad to hear this update about Drew! “lit from within” is a perfect description. Hope you share many more happy days together…
Torky came though surgery very well. She’ll go home tomorrow, or maybe Sunday morning.