Bad news today. Prayers needed.

[doublesharp]

Sad news today. My youngest dog, Squirt, 10 yoa, is nearing the Rainbow Bridge unless God grants us miracle. Acute kidney failure. He's lost about 40% of his body weight and will not eat. Long story but I need to tell it.

In April noticed he was really straining and flexing when he peed. Stream was weak too so we took him to the vet. It was a bad urinary tract infection. Took 6 weeks of antibiotics and blood levels were near normal at the end. He was leaking a little but his appetite was good and his energy level was good. We walked hard daily and he loved life. About 2 weeks ago his appetite slowed, then about 4 days ago he just lost his appetite completely and just laid around. Losing wt fast. Today vet says Squirt is about played out but she has seen massive hydration buy some good time so we're trying that.

Injected an IV into his back between his shoulder blades and a bag of fluid. Do it again Monday. If he doesn't rally it's his time. Way too good a dog to let suffer and waste away. My gut tells me it's the end of the line but I know God does unexplainable miracles and I would sure appreciate prayers on Squirt's behalf.

He's at home and in good spirits but not eating but a bite or two. I made him walk a little and we stayed in the yard a while. Doesn't seem to be in any pain, just out of steam. Breaks my heart.

My wife said we got Squirt the first w-end of August 10 years ago. I'm sure I've posted these pictures when they were fresh, ol Squirt has been a forum dog since day 1. Sure went by fast. I'm about as sad as I can ever recall being right now.

Squirt in his prime

Squirt in the back. Barney, age 13 in front. Picture is about a year ago. Barney is in good health.

Squirt at about 4 moths

 

[Targets Guy]

Our hearts go out to you. Praying for the best.

 

[straightshooter1]

Prayers for Squirt and for you from TampaBay.

Bob

 

[Rustyt1953]

Handsome little fella.

Prayers outbound.

 

[Jimmyjones]

Been there, you and Squirt are in my prayers.

 

[stonehorses]

Prayers for you, your family and Squirt.

 

[JayFramer]

Another dog in trouble thread...

So sorry to hear this, prayers sent.

 

[tattooo]

So sorry to hear that.....prayers sent

 

[Ngtdog]

I'm sorry to hear about Squirt. Prayers on the way. Ron

 

[rwsmith]

We pray for you and Squirt.....

...but I believe from reading your letter that you will do the best and right thing for him at the right time. Poor little Doggie. They are precious little pup-pups.

 

[NMPinNYC]

I cry for you and Squirt, and I did for my senior citizen shelter kitty last fall. I wish you all the strength to help him across when he is ready, which it sounds like you already understand.

This is the last best gift we can give to our faithful and furry friends. You will meet again and be whole and healthy and happy, I do believe it. I've gotta believe it.

Godspeed puppy, and God bless you.

 

[amazingflapjack]

We just prayed.

 

[susieqz]

sure wish i could give squirt a hug.

let him know, susie says HUGZZ TO YOU !

 

[FifthWheel]

Prayers for Squirt and you.

 

[Engineer1911]

Many of us have wanted "just one more day" with our beloved pets, but the end always comes. Squirt has earned the dignity of a peaceful passing. It will tear your heart out just like it did me when I took Snuggles to the Vet's office on that final morning.

Just know that many of us have been in your place, I hurt for you now, and even 5 years later Snuggles is still missed. The hurt proves how much we cared for our furry companions.

 

[ACORN]

Prayers gladly offered up for you and Squirt.

 

[ralph7]

Prayers up for Squirt and you.
They just don't live long enough.

 

[misswired]

I've been accused of doing the right thing too soon, too often. It hurts, but is proper.
Fresh 'puppy breath' always speeds the grieving process!

If we will meet our dogs again? I'll have quite the impressive pack!

 

[wingriderz]

Prayers sent

 

[vonn]

On the way.

 

[Jessie]

Healing and comfort prayers for you all.
Hang in there because Barney may need a little more attention through all this, too.

 

[soFlaNative]

Do what you feel is best for Squirt, whatever the outcome the little fella will love you through the end.
I have no wish to minimize your plight but I think I can relate.
Our BabyGirl was not supposed to live through last spring but meds
and a monthly procedure has kept her not only alive but loving life.
She will never be the same but her zeal and loving heart has not diminished.
No harm in asking for prayer or hoping for relief so I hope Squirt will rally and keep you with him for a time.

 

[S42N8]

Prayers sent.

 

[GUNMIKE]

Prayer

I've been in your shoes several times in the past, and probably will be in the future. Prayers going up for all.

 

[Doug M.]

Like Gunmike, been there, done that. Hated it, always will, but it is part of our contract with our companions; a debt owed for what we get from their presence.

 

[ParadiseRoad]

...our Basset Hound Doc Holiday had problems with UTIs when he was a pup...very unusual for a male puppy...doctors would solve it short term...then it would come right back...we thought we were going to loose him...researched on line...a woman posted about similar problems with her dog...she solved it by soaking his dry food in water and heating it so it would soak up as much water as possible...we tried it and it solved Doc Holiday's problem...kept him hydrated and that solved the UTI problem...

 

[H Richard]

It's always rough when a little loved one gets to the end of the road. I've been there 3 times, and it doesn't get any easier.

 

[the ringo kid]

My heart goes out to you and your family member. I HOPE, you get plenty more time and get another lick and rub--to remember. I got robbed out of that with mine.

GOD bless you both.

 

[Doug627]

God Bless Squirt and his loved ones.

 

[HOUSTON RICK]

Dogs are fine tuned machines. Once they break, they seldom fix. I am sure you gave Squirt a good life. Only one more kindness to perform. Peace be with you.