Abi’s In Kidney Failure
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The vet just called, and the blood work shows that Abi’s in kidney failure. They want to give her more fluids, and I’m to pick her up about the same time, late this afternoon.
Acute renal failure can occur in a very short time frame. And that’s how it has been this past week. One minute, she seemed fine, and the next, she appeared lethargic and refused to eat.
I recall sitting on the steps at the vet’s office early Saturday morning and waiting for him to get out of his truck when he arrived. Even though we had no appointment, I knew he had to look at Abi. I knew there was something wrong that was beyond my ability to care for her.
It seemed to take so long for him to get close enough for him to hear me as I stood there by the door. I told him how worried I was about Abi.
He told me to bring her inside, and he’d take a look at her. And things went downhill from there.
Thinking Back On Abi’s Escapades:
I think of Abi’s escapades—memories stored in my head. Abi, furiously scratching at a blanket because she’d get so excited. Her little paws were moving so fast that you could barely see them.
Abi, making that weird noise when she lies on her side and is trying to convey her frenzied feelings to me.
The way her eyes always widen when she sees me walking toward the door with my purse. How she tries to keep me from going out the door to my car. Then, when she sees she can’t stop me, she tries furiously to sneak past my legs to go with me, barking furiously.
Both Abi and Charlie have separation anxiety, and I hate to leave them for any period of time. But there are places I have to go where I can’t take them, so they get left behind until I can get home.
Abi, a spunky little dog, is so full of life. She’s undoubtedly a drama queen and has weird, quirky ways. There has never been anything ordinary about Abigail Rose.
And now she’s listless. Sick, weary, and scared because she has to go to the vet every morning. And I have to leave here there till late afternoon.
She knows something is wrong. I can see it in her eyes. But I can also see how tired she is from trying to keep her body going when it wants to quit.
There’s Nothing More To Do:
There’s nothing else to be done. She won’t drink or eat. There has been no improvement after several days of fluids and treatment. No matter how strongly I’ve wished it, made bargains, and pleaded with the vet, this process remains unchanged.
How can I lose this feisty, sweet girl?
It seems impossible because she’s always been so full of life. But in the past few days, I’ve watched her fade away. Her eyes have an empty look.
I’m heartbroken. However long she has left, I want her home with me. I want to spend every minute with her. To soak up her presence.
I’m selfish to want to keep her when I know her body can’t fight anymore. I’ve never seen Abi not fight. Fight to go with me, fight to get out the door, fight me every step of the way.
Abi has always seemed larger than life. She’s always been such a spirited little dog.
I brought Abi and Charlie with me from Texas, and I remember stopping for gas once during the long drive.
As I pumped gas, both dogs stood at the window watching, fear in their eyes. They had no idea where we were going, or if we’d ever return to the only home they’d ever known. We were moving to a new home in a different state. Many changes were about to take place.
Settling In Tulsa:
Then we settled in Tulsa, and life went on. We no longer had to worry about “him” anymore. Those days were over. And now the three of us had our own little family.
Now one of us will no longer be here. And Charlie and I will be left to grieve this spunky, sweet little dog.
I’m bringing her home to die. I’d go pick her up right now, but he said she needs the fluids. I have been waiting and hoping. Hoping and waiting. Thinking maybe things would turn around and she would get better.
In these crucial next hours, I will talk to her, pet her, and give her all of myself. I’ll try to prepare her for something I have no idea how to prepare her for.
My own feelings of anxiety and fear will have to be put aside. And I’ll just be with her. Lie next to her; talk to her.
Tomorrow, she will leave this earth, and hopefully, there is a Rainbow Bridge for her to cross over to.
I will love her to the end and beyond, and be right beside her when she takes her final breath.
I am so sorry to hear the news. Abi is such a sweet girl and I have enjoyed getting to know her through your blog. Prayers for all of you.
Dearest Brenda,
I wish with all my heart I could take this outcome and pain from you and Abi. You have been so loving and kind to both your pups. They know your love and devotion. My Boxer/Labrador is 15 and I know our time grows shorter. To lose them is akin to losing part of our heart. You and Abi will be in my prayers. Take time and enjoy the time left as best you can. Dogs are one of the best gifts God has given us. Abi knows she is treasured and loved. You have done your very best by her and she knows that. Try and sleep and keep your strength up as you take care of so many. We love you Brenda .
Hugs to you and your sweet girl. Prayers for peace and comfort for both of you.
I am so sorry. It’s good you get to say goodbye to her and to have this time with her. Hugs
I am so sorry, Brenda. I know how much she means to you.
Brenda, Like all those who commented before me, I wish there were words of comfort I could offer, but only time will be the healer. My prayers and loving thought will be with all those who send them and their love. Bless you and Charlie as you support Abi. Lovingly, Sandra
I was hoping Abi would have a treatable illness. Iam sorry you’ve had such heartbreaking news. I’m five months out from losing our dear border collie girl and I go through real bad patches of missing her terribly. I have 14 years worth of wonderful memories of the dearest and funniest dog I’ve ever known in my lifetime. I wish they could stay longer. ♥️ I hope Abi finds Lucy on the other side of The Rainbow Bridge. Big hugs, Brenda, Abi and Charlie.
Brenda, I am so sorry to hear about Abi! We all know how much you love your pupsters! May she feel the love from you as she peacefully slips away. Prayers for you and charlie. My heart is breaking for you. I went through this just three weeks ago with one of my precious fur babies. The pain is real. Be good to yourself. Hugs!
My heart breaks for you. This is a loss only pet owners understand; it tears us apart when it happens to us and it breaks our hearts when it happens to a friend.
I’m so very sorry, I will keep you and your pup in my prayers?
What sad news. I’m so sorry for your sweet Abi. Peace to you all.
So sorry to hear! You are in my prayers.
Brenda,
There are no words to ease the pain. I am sorry. My thoughts and prayers are with you and with Abi. I know that it is not comfort but at least you will be with her as she leaves this life and she will know how much she is loved.
I am so very sorry.
The time you have left will be bitter sweet. Praying for peace.
Brenda you and Abi have been in my thoughts and prayers. I could not sleep last night with you on my mind. God Bless and Keep you in his arms.
She’ll love being with you and Charlie for as long as she can be. I wish you all much strength.
Oh Brenda, I’m so sorry to hear this news about Abi. My heart goes out to you and Charlie. He will grieve for her in his own way. Prayers and comfort to you.
We lost a cat similarly. Kidney failure. He visited me afterwards for weeks until his best buddy who had died a few years earlier showed to to collect him. Believe me, animals have a life after death and I bet it is a great place. One cat we lost, I swear he is up in heaven on the right hand of Jesus. A place he belongs, for what he did while alive.
I am sorry Brenda. My prayers are with you!!
May peace and love surround you, Abi, and Charlie.
I’m so sorry to hear this news. I feel sick to my stomach hearing this. You are doing the right thing to bring her home with you. Charlie will feel better having her near. My Bear, after seeming a bit better, has slipped backwards today. The test results need to come in now.
Take as much time as you need Brenda. We will all be waiting here for you.
Jan
Brenda, my heart is so heavy for you and Abi. It is so hard to lose our babies.
Grace & Peace,
Pam
I’m so sorry. Loosing a beloved pet is heartbreaking. My thoughts and prayers are with you x
I think we’ve all gone through losing a beloved pet, and know the pain you are going through. I pray you will have time with Abi so you can comfort & love her the way she is known to have. Love & hugs sent to you
I am so sorry for your little Abi, you, and Charlie, too. This is so sad it makes my heart ache for you.
Take care.
Susie D.
OH, that’s so sad, I lost my cat the same way and I was devastated, my thoughts are with you.
Oh Brenda I am so sorry. My heart is breaking for you. I hope you can have some time with her and she will be comfortable before the end. So sorry.
xoxo
Kris
I am truly so sorry. I will keep you both in prayer.
Thinking of you, what a good life you’ve given her. And a peaceful passing –