We threw together a quick 90-second video, showing how Lilly is doing 2 weeks since her most recent setback and 5 days since the ER run to find out why she was feeling so lethargic. Not bad for a puppy-girl who could barely walk 2 weeks ago and who refused to get out of bed last weekend.
In the video, when Lilly howls, you can see the swelling inside her lower lip. It cropped up last Sunday and has not improved. The antibiotic we use for her chemo-related mouth sores has not helped, so we’re going in Monday for a quick needle biopsy to see what (if anything) is in there.
Lilly also got her FIRST weekly Vitamin B-12 sub-Q injection Thursday night. We’re hoping it gives Lilly a much-needed boost.
The Vitamin B-12 along with weaning her back to her normal daily steroid dose seem to be making her feel a lot better. She is no longer clinging to her bed all day, like a barnacle on the hull of a boat.
Also, as part of our ongoing discussion of Lilly’s quality of life, I wanted to share this reply from our veterinary neurologist earlier this week when I told him we were taking some crap online about staying in the fight for Lilly’s life.
“Everyone seems to have an opinion regarding Lilly and the Hawn household. Lilly is not suffering. She has great quality of life. I would be the first to tell you if and when I feel it is time to let go.”
We thought a little video might help put your mind and heart at ease. Things look a LOT better than they did during either of the last 2 weekends.
Use this video link, if you cannot see the embed below.
Have a great weekend!
Wow, she is getting around so much better than I thought possible and look at those eyes, definite improvements! Good for you, don’t ever listen to the naysayers… you are giving her a good life.
I’m glad to see her doing so well, and very sorry to hear people have been giving you crap.
Whether she was doing well or not, really it is a personal decision about when to let a dog go, and it is nobody’s business but the owner and their vet. Anyway, that’s just my opinion, for what it’s worth.
Oh, look at her! Her gait looks so much better than I remember seeing it last, And, very importantly, her expression is good. She looks alert, intent, and connected.
Lily is looking really good compared to what I expected. Yay! I love the howl, and I am astounded by the weave poles.
I normally don’t do this but I feel so compelled to write and say that I know how you feel with other people commenting. I have a dog who a LOT of orthopedic problems and no, it’s not as life-threatening as Lilly’s terrible ordeal, but It’s a lot of work and a lot of worry and last year I nearly lost him (at age 9) because of yet another ortho issue, which was such a roller coaster ride. You know how those can be.
Like Lilly, mine was an adoption. He was tossed around from home to home for the first two years of his life, and he’s shy and socially awkward because of it.
Many people mention that I need to put him down – and because sometimes I am tired from the schedule, the stress, and the mental time spent figuring out the next necessary tweak – at times I can let those comments get to me. And then they stay with me awhile, which is unfortunate. My close friends and wonderful holistic vet build me up; I wish I didn’t always dwell on the negative but it’s such a fist to the gut, you know? When I am stronger, I remind myself that many people don’t fully develop cognitively; they remain at the snap judgment, black-and-white stage, and really, that’s the best they can do, regardless of age.
I agree we have to manage signs – and managing signs isn’t so black and white.
Not long ago some young woman wrote to me and asked me for some ortho-dog advice and I spent some time writing back. This went on a few times and then she said that she could never let her dog suffer the pain I have let mine suffer. You know, like she “knows” my dog is in extreme pain, more than I would know (me with my observation logs).
It bothered me for a long time, until my best friend at work deleted all the emails, including one I hadn’t yet read (her response to me when I told her off). After a couple of weeks, the sting wore off.
FWIW, people are cheering you on, people like me, people who love Lilly and see how she has somehow learned to deal with this life blow with grace that so many of us wish we had. If only we had an ounce of her strength to walk when we we feel strong and able – and to enjoy it, too – and to rest when we can’t walk. If only we all knew to sing as often as we can, because the truth is, life is short and life is precious and every good day, every good moment, is such a gift.
Here’s to learning as much as we can from our special-needs dogs.
it is good to see her,,I still want to cry for what the shot has done to her,,,you and Lilly are brave soldiers hugs to sweet Lilly
You love her so much, there is no doubt you will always put her needs first. I felt that same love for my Samoyed. I gave her full time hospice care for months, and don’t regret a minute of it. She was my love and best friend. When the time comes, we then take on the pain of the loss of our dear pup… to prevent the pain to them. When you love and care for your dog as you do….she is a piece of your heart and mind, you always have her needs utmost in your life. I am so delighted to see litte Missy Lilly up and about, even being a little sassy on the shake request. Big hugs and muzzle smooches to her!
She looks wonderful and so attentive ♥
Never listen to other people’s comments about your dog. [preaching to the choir, here] You know her, love her immensely, and give her the very best. Lily is still in the game! She will most definitely tell you when she is done and you will see it….recognize it. Allow her the dignity to make that choice. At that time, you two can continue to be a fantastic team — you will be by her side and help her in saying goodbye…..until then, until she clearly tells you she is done, keep up the great work with Lily!!
My hubby has a saying …. dead is for a very, very long time. People have ups and downs and moments, days of discomfort and low energy….disease is hard work….but the alternative is forever (as far as we know for the physical body) and people and animals will chose to fight for life (that is their right), until, finally, the body and brain say enough. And it will be clear.
Lilly says, “Fun stuff to do, humans who adore me, lots of tasty treats–life is good!” Thanks for sharing this, Roxanne. You two are doing great! 🙂