The Battle

~Eva last Saturday~

Those of us who have lived with dogs who have kidney failure will know exactly what I'm talking about.  It's that daily challenge I am facing in trying to get our beautiful Eva to eat.  She is now in the final stages of kidney failure and because of nausea, she refuses to eat. The heavy doses of medication that are supposed to alleviate her nausea, aren't really working.

Last week she had been eating pretty well, but by Monday morning I could see that her appetite was starting to wane a bit. Then she didn't eat, and the battle to get her to eat began again.  I try everything and anything to interest Eva in food.  Nothing is off limits since she has now decided she doesn't like the stinky-green-tripe.  I just hope, hope, hope, that maybe I'll find the one thing she'll eat for that one meal. That's all that matters.  Because the next meal, I can fix the exact same thing and Eva will decide that she doesn't want it. And so the next battle begins.....  With apprehension and trepidation I put Eva's bowl down in front of her.  I always keep it light and fun on the outside, giving her lots of of praise - But it's all an act. Inside I am praying and pleading and my heart is breaking as I hold my breath hoping that Eva will find what I have prepared for her a little bit appetizing and she'll eat a bite or two, or even better, the whole meal. When she does, we of course celebrate.  When she doesn't, I'll admit, I end up in tears. It's hard to not take it personal, because it really is.

This morning Eva's meal consisted of some canned cat food and a cooked cut-up hot dog mixed in with her kibble.  As you can see in the photo below, she ate.  We all celebrated.

~I even try different bowls for Eva's meals~

Eva's kidney disease is a war that we sadly won't win in the end.  Eva's being given fluids here at home twice a week now. But this morning WE won this battle and for that, I'm thankful and grateful and it gives me hope.

~IV Fluids at home for Eva now~