The Crazy Dog Lady

Crash is sick.
A few weeks ago, I noticed that he had been very lethargic. Crash likes to blitz around the apartment and play with his toys. He loves to pull the leash on our walks and dominate the other dogs, but lately, he wasn't playing, running or even leading me when we walked.
He would even hesitate before jumping on the couch or bed and Crash NEVER hesitated jumping on anything!
I also noticed that he had suddenly gained weight.
I took him to the vet and they drew blood for a complete blood panel and then weighed him. He had gained 5lbs. He went from 11lbs for the past 8 years to 16lbs.
That's HUGE and it shocked me. I hadn't changed our routines or their food. I couldn't understand why he would suddenly have a 50% weight gain.
The blood work came back normal except that his cholesterol was high and for dogs that's indicative of several things; one of them being hypothyroidism.
The vet did a T4 blood test to test the thyroid and it came back low.
So, Crash went on thyroid medication.
It's been two weeks and I've noticed no improvement. In fact, he was worse. He walks as if he's uncomfortable, he stands hunched over with his head and tail down, he almost flat out refuses to jump on the bed and he stands at the top of the stairs as if thinking, "Are you fucking kidding me?".
I took him back today for another T4 and wanted the vet to see him again. After explaining these symptoms, they kept Crash to do x-rays.
The vet noticed something wrong with his back, a disk I believe, and a small mass on his abdomen which he thinks is nothing to be worried about.
Now he's on medication for his back. We'll go back in a week for a check-up.
This last week has been upsetting for me to see Crash in pain.

I am well aware that I'm about two chihuahuas away from being the Crazy Dog Lady but I won't apologize for it.
I love my dogs.
I don't sit around whining about my problems...much...but if I had to list all the losses I've had in the past year - my father died, my boyfriend left, a miscarriage, one of my best friends (male) got married and my beloved nephew drowned - it would be overwhelming.

However, everyday, I come home to my three dogs who love the hell out of me.
They are so freaking happy to see me whether I'm gone 5 minutes or 5 hours.
They fight for a position in my lap and if they aren't lucky enough to get my lap, they are perfectly happy with lying against my leg or my hip...just TOUCHING me is enough sometimes.
Owning 3 dogs is a lot of work but I love it. They make everything ok.
To imagine losing them (as I know I will one day), is heartbreaking but the thought of losing one NOW is unimaginable.

So, if I have to start selling my few antiques or working it on the street corner, I will spend whatever it takes to make sure my dogs are ok.

So, how much are back alley handjobs going for these days?

Posted by De at June 30, 2005 05:58 PM