This hasn't been all that unusual for Bailey and normally after a day or two of not feeling well, Bailey usually starts to improve. But no matter what I did or tried, this time she just wasn't. She was miserable and uncomfortable, not to mention tired. I really felt like there was nothing else that could be done. So, I contacted the medical coordinator for the rescue and had the discussion about letting Bailey go. I know it goes without saying that these decisions are not made easily. But I really felt like it was the only and right one because she was a bit unresponsive and her spark seemed so dim. If you could have seen Bailey, I think you would have agreed.
That evening Bailey drank and ate without getting sick. I checked on her several times overnight, and she was fast asleep without as much as a cough. By Thursday mid-morning, well after a full breakfast I knew that it was not Bailey's day to leave us. Another conversation with Medical Coordinator, a visit to Mobile Vet to have her looked at, and we all agreed.
Of course I've no way of knowing how long the good days with Bailey will last. But I am so happy that she's feeling better and she's still with us. However, I have to admit, that the emotions of it all, leaving work early, my lengthy conversations with Medical Coordinator, and Mobile Vet making room in his very busy schedule, I really do feel like I was crying wolf. But everyone knows that this was (certainly) no joke, and I'm grateful to Medical Coordinator and Mobile Vet for being there when I don't need or do need them.
You'll just have to take it a day at a time...
ReplyDeleteNo, you were not crying wolf! You were trying to be responsible for poor Bailey. That's an enormous load.
ReplyDeleteIt's always tough when these things happen. Our experience is that when a doggie is ready to cross the Bridge, he or she will give you the "look" that says OK, I've had enough. Hopefully Bailey will be OK for a while longer.
ReplyDeleteWe're glad to hear Bailey bounced back and is doing better. We will keep our paws crossed that she continues to feel good.
ReplyDeleteMy daughter's dog, Sweet Dee, took a week to say goodbye then finally she made it clear she was done, done, done. So hard to know when to give in, but it seems the only thing you can do is take the cues from her. My heart breaks for you.
ReplyDeleteIt wasn’t her time. You are an amazing person, Kim. My heart could not take what you go through. What a blessing you are to all these senior dogs.
ReplyDeletePraise God that Bailey is feeling better now.
ReplyDelete*hugs* Kim. ♥
We know how those scares can be. Thank goodness she pulled through. God bless you, Bailey and all the dogs.
ReplyDeleteBailey will tell you when her day has arrived to cross the bridge. I have noticed that with 2 of our cats, they looked at me, and if they could talk, would say " My time with you has come to an end" So hard to know, and I am with you as the days with Bailey continue. Not a wolf at all , I am so sure the vets and all others understand so well.Hugs from NZ.
ReplyDeleteYou made me chuckle. Another of those universal laws that dog owners have to live with. The second you arrange an appointment with the vet the symptoms disappear. It's equally true that if you'd not made the call a crisis would have developed. All part of those 'special ' days. Stay strong.
ReplyDeleteoh darling girl. Angus and Monk said it for me. and really all your other loving followers. it happens to us humans too. as soon as we call for a doctor appointment we start feeling better. and it's possible she had a little 24 hour bug? how could one really know? you're a blessing and an amazement. XO
ReplyDeleteI am so pleased for you both. My neighbors have a very elderly terrier mix. Several years ago I met one of them who was in tears because after a very bad spell they had made an appointment for the following Monday to have Brownie put down. On Sunday she was much better and the appointment was cancelled. Brownie just had the 18th birthday! I hope Bailey will have a similar recovery.
ReplyDeleteHello, I am so happy for you and Bailey. She is a sweetie and not ready to give up yet. I am so glad she is feeling better, eating and moving around. Sending hugs! Have a happy day and weekend.
ReplyDeleteSo glad she rallied and will get some more quality time on this earth.
ReplyDeleteOh, the tension of it all. My prayers and love go out to you, Kim. I remember so many "false starts" (to euthanasia) with Mistletoe... it nearly drains the life out of us in the process, doesn't it. ~Andrea XOXO
ReplyDeleteHey, you were only doing what you thought was best for Bailey, and she had her own plan. We are glad you listened to her, even if it may not last a long time. Please give her some snooter smoochies from us.
ReplyDeleteWoos - Lightning, Misty, and Timber
Stop beating yourself up! I'm sure this waning and then waxing is seen all the time. Knowing you only through the blog, I am confident you were definitely not crying wolf.
ReplyDeleteIt's always tough to decipher. The day before Easter, our almost fourteen-year-old golden was coughing, refusing food, turning his head away when he offered water, not able to stand and uninterested in interacting with us. He could not get to his feet to go outside and could not stand on his own when my husband and I carried him outside for a moment. We were lucky enough to get an appointment with his vet. We live in a small community and had no mobile vet available. Our golden had been declining for some time but still enjoying himself. We were prepared that morning before Easter. The vet, however, assured us he only had an upper respiratory infection. She gave us medication and we returned home, relieved but drained and knowing this was just the first false alarm. As the rest of that day progressed, it was clearer than ever that something horrible was happening. I won't go into details. We brought him to the emergency hospital to a larger town an hour away on Easter morning. Our plan was for them to either tell us that they could give him IVs for re-hydration and medication via injection and he would soon be a different dog or we were going to heed the message he was giving us. After examination, the emergency vet had a different diagnosis as new symptoms had begun. Our path was clear. Would we have been wrong to have insisted the day before, and been a bit too early? No, I don't believe so. Our dog was not looking forward to our grandchild's graduation, as we were, or hoping he made it to our 50th anniversary in a few months. He was suffering. Were we wrong to bring him home that first day when we were told he had only an upper respiratory infection. No, although I wish desperately that he hadn't suffered that last 24 hours of his life. Even those of us who have been through this with more than one dog, and who love and understand each of those dogs' behaviors, cannot be sure. We do the best we can and try to forgive ourselves for not being godlike. My heart goes out to you for willingly putting yourself through this time after time. We have rescued far fewer dogs than you have and watched this process far fewer times than you have, but practice at this makes it no easier.
ReplyDeleteSounds like you made all the right decisions and everyone understood this. And happy that Bailey is feeling better.
ReplyDeleteIt was rally time, not leaving time.
ReplyDeleteWe had several of those situations with Morgan. We even took her to the vet to say goodbye and she changed her mind and went back home again. Bailey will let you know.
ReplyDeleteSo emotional for you Kim! I am so glad that Bailey got better..
ReplyDeleteYou did the right thing by calling
love
tweedles
If only they could talk . It is a trying time for all there I send prayers for what ever transitions that all will be peaceful , we all know that each and every fur baby that crosses your path has had the best TLC .
ReplyDeleteJust when we're ready to give up, and think it's time, they bounce back again. Dogs - and cats - have their own ideas of when it's time. ♥♥♥
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