Tuesday, September 11, 2012

My Precious Kelsie...

The past two days have been among the most difficult I have ever experienced. Our beautiful teacup Yorkie, Kelsie, had to be put down this afternoon after a very short illness that came on very suddenly just two days ago. He was fine until Monday at noon and then began acting out of character for him - very cuddly and needy. I took him to an all-night vet at 4am early Tuesday morning and was told to get him to a dog neurologist ASAP as he was walking very unsteadily. His condition worsened significantly in the following four hours, to the point where he was unable to stand at all. His back legs were extended beyond his front legs. 

I was able to get an emergency appointment in Toronto and was told that Kelsie had likely dealt with one of two things - either a cervical spine issue (but there should have been previous symptoms with that) or he had suffered a stroke. Either way, if things were to improve, he required surgery to happen ASAP. However, the prognosis from surgery was not good - a 10-15% chance that he would regain feeling in his feet and a less than 10% chance that he would walk again and it would likely be unsteady at best. He would also likely not gain control over his urinary or bowel system either. 

We are talking about a dog who loves to run and play. He went on my morning power walks with me. He would not be content to be a lap dog. Neither Dave nor I could see this being a realistic possibility. So, with extremely heavy hearts, we decided to forgo the surgery option and bring Kelsie home. We chose to put him out of his misery and send him to doggie heaven instead. For people who do not own pets or people like us who do not have children and our pets are our children, this is the most heart-wrenching decision you can possibly imagine. We went together to our own vet and had him put to sleep. I know that he is in a better place, running around, chasing birds and balls like he loved to do and that helps me to cope a little better with the pain of losing him, especially at such a young age as he was only 2 and a half years old - barely past the puppy stage of life. 

"I love you, Kelsie. You were my precious little puppy and you always will be. I loved your kisses, your excitement when I walked through the door and your intense love for your goose, your most favourite toy. Know that you will be missed by both Daddy and me and we will be thinking about you always in your new home where you are running free, without pain or discomfort. And I will be there in due time to gather you in my arms in a big hug and receive your kisses on my nose once again.
                                                                                                            Love, Mommy"
  

9 comments:

  1. Alyson, I'm so sorry to hear about your loss. Your fellow consultant, Maureen

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  2. Alyson, so sorry to hear this - I'm thinking about you & your husband.

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  3. So sorry for your loss. I have had to make the decision too many times myself and it is one of the hardest things you will ever have to do! Hugs!

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  4. Oh Alyson, I'm so sorry to hear this. From past discussions, I know Kelsie was your baby. So sorry for your loss.

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  5. Alyson - my heart goes out to you. The unconditional love of a pet is beyond the best thing ever. I am so saddened by the loss of Kelsie for you and Dave.

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  6. I am so sorry for your loss. I am a fellow CTMH consultant but do not know you personally, but know your grief. Please find the poem Rainbow Bridge and may it help you find peace

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  7. Alyson, my heart-felt sympathies to you and your husband. Your beloved Kelsie was blessed to have you both for family.

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  8. Our thoughts are coming your way, Alyson, and I hope you find strength in others prayers!

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  9. Alyson, I totally agree it is one of the hardest things you have to do. It about breaks your heart in two. The only consulation is that you are taking them out of their pain. I have had to do it twice and I cannot imagine losing a child.
    Connie Wine

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