If things keep happening like this, people are going to think this is a pet eulogy blog or something. I am completely devastated right now, since this morning I lost a member of my family, my not-quite 2 year-old Boxer, Abby.
On Sunday, the wife and I noticed that Abby was lethargic and then starting vomiting, which is not all that uncommon for this dog. You see, a good part of Abby's diet consisted of non-food items like rocks, tree branches, dog poop (her personal favorite), and anything else she could eat. When the symptoms persisted and she stopped eating, we took her to our vet. Lots of X-rays revealed that she had something stuck in her esophagus, which is the tube that connects your mouth to your stomach. Our vet said we needed to see a special vet to look with a camera to see if whatever was stuck could be retrieved.
This morning, my wife took her to the special vet. I didn't know at the time that this would be the last time I would see her alive. I just figured "She's going to get something removed from her esophagus, and she'll be as good as new." When the vet started the exam of her esophagus, he found a massive infection and a piece of compressed rawhide treat that had lodged in her esophagus, cutting off the blood flow to that area. When you're a certified poop eating Boxer and tissue in your throat dies, the resulting infection is quick and, in this case, fatal.
She died on the operating table as they tried to fix her up.
The vet was a fantastic guy, and given the fact that he didn't know us before this morning, was very upset about the outcome. He cleaned her up so that we could say our goodbyes, which is one of the most difficult things I have ever had to do. I can't imagine having kids at this point, because if there is a feeling worse than how I feel right now, I'm certain it would kill me.
There's a subgroup of you reading this right now who probably think I'm being dramatic and that to have this degree of grief over a dog is silly, but you can kiss my ass on both cheeks. Abby was a member of my family, and the wife and I loved her like she was our child. There are thousands of people who take their dogs for granted and treat them like shit, but we spoiled Abby and gave her a great life.
Thanks for the memories, Abby. You were a fantastic friend, even though you were the naughtiest dog I have ever met in my life. I wish you would greet me when I walk in the door or stick your cold nose in my face to wake me up in the morning, but it's slowly dawning on me that I won't have that anymore. So, while the rest of the world worries about Don Imus and who the father of Anna Nicole's baby is, I have a huge hole in my life, where a very naughty and very wonderful dog used to be. We'll miss you.
5 comments:
I don't think there's a subgroup who thinks that at all. And if there is, they're on the wrong fucking website. Pets ARE part of your family.
I am very sorry for your loss, Ryan. Abby was beautiful & I'm sure she was a fantastic pet, friend, & family member. I have 3 dogs & 3 cats. They are my children. I can't imagine having better kids. You & your wife hang in there.
Thanks for the kind words and support. It means a tremendous amount.
Hey Ryan
Sorry to read about Abby. Next time I am in Omaha sleeping on your couch, I will miss her insistence on spooning with me.
Abby was a great dog. I know I would feel the same if something were to happen to one of my dogs.
Take care
Gee, I'm a bit late to the group. Sorry to hear about the loss of the dog. Obviously, I know where you're coming from. It's a little disturbing both to say and to contemplate, but you'll feel better in a month or so. Elasticity of the human spirit and whatnot. Until then, feel free to revel in your misery. We only get so many opportunities to really experience deep and crushing grief. Loosing our cat was my first real experience with it. I'm hoping it gets easier as you go through life.
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