When I went to pick Charlie up at the vet’s office, they told me that Dr. Poteet was in surgery. But he’d asked that I wait so he could talk to me.
I knew he had performed x-rays and that’s what he wanted to discuss.
So I sat with Charlie in my lap. I was the only one there aside from the two women who work behind the desk, Misty and Mary.
Time nearly stands still when you know you’re about to get bad news. Every minute drags on like it’s come there to torture you.
Charlie looks at me with these chocolate brown eyes and I want to crumple and cry. I can’t stop him from aging, from being sick, though I do all that I possibly can.
I thought back to Abi, who deteriorated so quickly right before my eyes. And I thought: Did I miss something? Is there something else I could have done?
Charlie’s Lungs:
Recently they took x-rays of his lungs because he coughs so much. Dr. Poteet had showed me the x-ray and said that Charlie’s heart is enlarged and he has a heart murmur.
Plus he has fluid on his lungs. So he takes a diuretic.
Finally Dr. Poteet came to get me and took me to look at the x-rays. He said that Charlie’s collapsed trachea is worse.
No use sugar coating it, I guess.
I asked him which was the most worrisome right now: the collapsed trachea or Charlie’s heart.
The Collapsing Trachea Problem:
And he said the collapsed trachea.
We discussed stents that can be put in for collapsed trachea, but he did not advise it. Dr. Poteet said sometimes it works; sometimes it doesn’t.
Charlie will be 14 next month. I don’t want to put him through that.
I know the air around Charlie must be clean and purified and have moisture. Which is why I have the cool air humidifiers and two air purifiers going at all times in my apartment.
Last night I sat in bed and cried with those thoughts in my head. With the stress of what the vet had told me that I was not at all expecting to hear.
I cried because I miss Abi. Because I can’t fix Charlie’s health problems.
Prescribing Theophylline:
Yesterday Dr. Poteet gave Charlie bronchodilator pills, called Theophylline, that I’m now giving him twice per day.
He said that Charlie seems to be happy and that’s all that matters now. He told me the goal is to keep him from getting excited and overheated.
I will do my very best.
Tomorrow Charlie will go to acupuncture and I will discuss what Dr. Poteet said with Dr. Wallace. And I’ll ask her if there’s anything more she can do to help my Charlie boy.
I will keep you updated.
Such troublesome news. Charlie is a wonderful pet. You have been so good to him to make him happy. Sending concern, love, and peace to you.
Brenda, Charlie brings you so much joy and love and you do the same for him, as long as he is comfortable its all good.
It always makes me sad to hear of aging pets. You are such a good mommy to your fur baby Brenda. He is very lucky to have you taking care of him.
(((((Charlie))))) (((((Brenda))))) Charlie’s happy. Enough said.
Aging bodies of those we love (whether animal or human) are so hard to deal with…and knowing at some point no one can fix them…but it is good to keep trying our best so long as we can. That is where I am now with my hubby. I at least have some hope…in that some recent books, online sites etc offer some ideas…more than any doctor has to this point, by the way!!
Brenda, I will be praying for you and sweet little Charlie; he is so happy and knows how very much he is loved!
Charlie has a lot of tough women pulling for him – and for you as well. Stay strong.
Oh Brenda, I am so sorry to hear this news. Charlie is so very well loved and he knows it and returns it to you in kind. I can sympathize with you as I have my little french bulldog who is 11 1/2 and was diagnosed with an inoperative brain tumor which has brought on seizures. Found out at the end of April, and will continue to work with our vets to make sure she is happy and comfortable with whatever time we are blessed to be with each other. My fur babies have all taken a piece of my heart when they left me. Sending you hugs and strength.
Sending all good thoughts for little Charlie – you are the best pet parent ever.
Mary
Sweet Charlie, our fur animals bring us so much joy. I hope the acupuncture can help.
This reminds me so much of my mom’s little Pomeranian, Lulu. She had the same problem with her trachea and did the exact same things you were doing. Lulu even had to be put in an oxygen chamber one time. Eventually, she did have a complete choking fit and then passed away in my mom’s arms. She was only 12, so Charlie is doing great for his age. He is loved and cared for and you are doing the best you can for him. I hope you can take comfort in that.
I know how you feel about Charlie I am going through with my Briggs. I give him medicine. Also I buy him dog ice cream it seems to help some along with his medicine. I pray to God everyday that he has a good day I love him so much he is my child I don’t have any kids he is my child. I will keep Charlie in my prayers
So sorry the Vet didn’t have better news regarding Charlie’s problems but I suspect that even though you were hoping for a better report you could “see the hand writing on the wall”. Living with and watching your loved one, whether it be human or a fur baby, steadily decline is heartbreaking. Although if we could move heaven and earth to make it go away at some point we have to accept the best we can do is make them as comfortable as possible and let them know how much they are loved. Hopefully the new meds and cooler weather, IF it ever gets here. will bring him and you some relief.
I think an even better status than good physical health is emotional well being. On that, Charlie is “as healthy as a horse!” He knows he has mama wrapped around his little paws, and he is loved unconditionally. The two of you will take this journey together, but Charlie will never know a moment of abandonment because of you.
I’m so sorry to hear about Charlie, and I’m glad he has your love and care through this. Prayers for his comfort and your strength as you continue this journey.
I am keeping you and Charlie in my prayers. I have fur babies, too and know how much they are loved.
Charlie looks youthful and happy in the photos with this post. I think he enjoys his life and thanks you for it.
Sorry to hear of the challenges that Charlie has. 💕
So sorry to hear about Charlie’s health. Hope the new meds help him.
It’s so hard to see our beloved pets age. I had to put down my 14-1/2 year old Maci almost three years ago, and the eighteen months leading up to it were hell. Literally one thing after another. We have one remaining dog who turns ten next week. Even though I’ll miss having a dog, she will be our last. Hugs to you ❤️
My thoughts and prayers are with you and Charlie. Hang in there.
Brenda my thoughts and prayers are with you and Charlie it’s challenging to have a senior fur baby I have a 12 year old German shepherd she gets around good but sometimes her arthritis acts up but she’s happy and eats well I hope everything goes well with Charlie
Our little 5 pound poodle would have been age 35 this year. He passed away at age 15. My sister in law who is a Veterinarian told me little small dogs usually only live to age 15. He is forever in our hearts. We never got another dog
Prayers for Charlie
My little 5 pound puddle would have been age 35 this year. He passed away when he was age 15. My sister in law who is a Veterinarian told me little small dogs usually only live to age 15. He will be forever in our hearts. We never got another dog.
Prayers for Charlie.
Sorry Brenda I made a mistake and posted twice. Oops
Oh, I know words won’t comfort you right now. It is one of the most difficult of times as our pets age. Charlie has been such a fun guy for you. I know you will continue to love on him and give him the best of care.
Thinking of you and Charlie and hoping you spend much cuddletime together. He is a blessed puppy to have such a loving and caring Mom.
You are a kind loving strong mom to Charlie and he knows it Brenda. My thoughts are with you ,Charlie and Ivy .
You are such a good doggy mom! (((CHARLIE)))
Just give Charlie all the love you do for his last years. I worry so about my one dog which we got as a rescue from Tennessee and she coughed so badly for 4 weeks straight with kennel cough. I never thought she would live through it but my vet just kept prescribing stronger meds to help her but it’s in the back of my mind that she could have complications some day.
Oh dear. I have a crying feeling in my throat out of compassion for you and Charlie. The measure of our love for our pets is the pain we feel about their troubles and their passing on.
Lord, I pray for Charlie and his Mom. Bless them both richly.
He still looks so handsome and happy. God is with you both.
Love,
Annie in Portsmouth VA
Brenda, I know how difficult it is when one of our babies are aging & have declining health. You are the best and most loving mom to your Charlie & Ivy and it is evident in how happy they both are. You always do everything possible to make them healthy and happy. I hope the new med helps Charlie to be more comfortable. Thoughts and good feelings go out to you both.
Sorry to hear about Charlie. Hopefully the medicine will help him. I know what good care you give him.
I am so sorry that you and Charlie are having to go through this. He has the best mom he could have possibly have. xo Laura
I feel for you, Brenda. You’re doing the best you can to keep Charlie comfortable. Know that he adores you and he feels your love. Be well.
It is so hard when our beloved furkids health declines as they age. They can’t
Tell us in our language if they have pain and how much they are struggling.
The vets observation that Charlie is a happy little guy speaks to all the love
an wonderful care you give him, and that is all you can do at this time.
My senior cat, Molly, who is going on 19, has issues as well. She is on medication for seizures and has become frail. She is tiny and frail, but still commands her presence as senior cat and continues her daily rituals, is eating and drinking, etc. So, while it is difficult watching her age and become
less spry, I will pamper her and give her everything I can while I have her.
Best wishes to you Brenda, Charlie and Ivy!
that precious tiny face. he loves his life. and he loves you.
and he’s happy! I’m so glad you take such wonderful care of him.
bless your whole family there in your Cozy Little House. xoxo
I am so sorry to hear about Charlie’s diagnosis! Hopefully the medication will help keep him comfortable!