Monday, June 15, 2009

For the love of a dog...

Our dog Wookie is sick today and I am really worried about him. Wookie is 13 years old – just Friday we took him and Opal to the vet for their shots and yearly check up. The dr said he was in good shape. He acted normal all weekend long and even last night. I got up this morning to find that Wookie had gone to the bathroom in the house during the night. This is very unlike him. Usually, if he has to go, he’ll cry and cry until we get up and let him out.

He was very slow getting down the stairs and going outside, but I figured he was okay. I went to the gym like normal. When I got home, Trevor asked if Wookie was okay when I let him out this morning, because he found another place that he had gone to the bathroom last night. He also tried to give Wookie a treat and he didn’t want it. This is not right either.

I went out back and he was behind the bushes, against the house, where he usually lays. I called him and he didn’t come – I got his collar and lease for a walk and jingled it. There is not a dog alive that loves a walk more than Wookie. He didn’t respond to me at all. This is REALLY not right. He finally got up and came inside. We took him for a walk and he just dragged behind us. It was clear that he wasn’t feeling good at all.

Trevor stayed home to keep an eye on him. I gave him big hugs and kisses and let for work, feeling sick with worry. About an hour later, Trevor called to say he was taking Wookie to the vet. Our vet thinks that Wookie has an upset stomach, maybe something he ate disagreed with him. They gave him some medicine and special food.
Trevor brought him home, gave him his pills and fed him. Wookie is now resting out on the deck.

I wish I could be at home, laying down next to him, telling him its okay. They just don’t understand and that is the hardest part. I hate to see him so sad. Trevor will work from home this afternoon and should be able to keep a close eye on him. He might be 13, but he’s still our baby.

We love our animals as if they were our children. They are all getting up there in age and the idea that they won’t always be with us is more than I can even bear to think about. I love them, for all their craziness and nonsense, I love them.

So we are sending good thoughts out to the Universe that Wookie will feel better soon.

3 comments:

FrankiecatPDX said...

I am sending doggie prayers to Wookie.

Tina said...

I can empathize. Having to put my 17 year old cat to sleep was the worst day of my life. Did your vet check for a urinary tract infection? They are pretty common in old age and the symptoms seem to fit.

Tracy said...

Thanks for the good thoughts. Tina - they didn't check that - they felt around his belly and think its just an infection or something he ate. We'll give it another day or so and then they'll ultrasound if necessary. Poor guy - he's so sad.

I had to put my cat to sleep about 10 years ago and it was the hardest thing I have ever done as well. I still cry when I think about it now.