Monday, April 3, 2017

The Things We Do For Love


Had someone ever told me I would be administering I.V. fluids to a dog, I'd have had to laugh.  Not me, I don't think so.
Yet, first thing Saturday morning Brett & I were at the vet's office ready and willing to be taught how to do this.
We learned from the vet that an every other day dose of fluids given at home could be helpful in keeping Peanut... well, Peanut.
Her failing kidneys can not be restored, but her quality of life can be pretty good if treated this way.
After an emotional discussion with the vet last week, I came home and laid out the options with Brett.


It took me a bit by surprise when Brett (a man who has been known to pass out while giving blood) said he thought he could be the one to administer the shot. 
So, I was the assistant as he capably performed this task in the vet's office.
We came home and took pleasure in watching her have one of the best days she has had in weeks.
Something else I never imagined myself doing is cooking special meals for a dog.
Apparently that saying about never say never is true.
Peanut lost interest in her dog food months ago.
She is, however, enjoying baked chicken and porcupine meatballs.
We know that her time with us is limited.
She went from just a dog to a family member many years ago.
As such, we plan to care for her as we would any other family member.
We're not kidding ourselves into believing that she will be miraculously healed.
As the vet said, she will let us know when it is time.
So we will follow her lead and, in the meantime, love her and enjoy our time with her.

On a happier note:

My presence was requested on FaceTime yesterday.
An excited little face said "Hey Grandma, what are you doing today?" 
Followed by "Can I talk to Peanut now."
😄
I was able to gain his interest again after asking him what snacks he wanted me to have on hand for his upcoming visit.
Scooby Do Snacks
Strawberries
Scooby Do Snacks
Ummmm...
Scooby Do Snacks.
Ha!
Good thing I looked twice after tossing the fruit snacks in the cart.
Sponge Bob would have been a tad disappointing to his high hopes for Scooby Do.
I can see that I'm seriously out of practice on the pint-sized snack front.




13 comments:

  1. You are very brave to learn how to administer I.V.s to little Peanut. And very sweet and caring to make special food that would appeal to him.

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  2. They become such an important part of our lives. I'm glad you are doing this.

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  3. Those snacks look familiar! Toss in some ice cream sandwiches and it could be the grands' day here.

    I am amazed by your giving I.V. fluids to Peanut. That is really cool actually. And if you can do this for a dog, I wonder if my sister, a nurse, can do it for my father. (He keeps landing in the ER for dehydration.) May it go very well...have you already begun?

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    1. I'll have to remember ice cream sandwiches for next time. I know they would be a hit.
      I am really sorry to hear about your father's dehydration issues. That is so hard for all concerned. If they would allow your sister to do so, I'm sure she would be very comfortable with it. We are rookies. Our first attempt was a bit nerve-wracking, yet successful in the end. Luckily our patient is very... patient.

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  4. I learned to do this for my male cat and he lived nine more months! Our pets are family and we do anything for them and cook for them anything they will eat when they get sick. Good luck with Peanut. Our first dog from a shelter was half rat/fox terrier and we named her Peanuts! Good luck!

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    1. Hi Connie, I don't know if you will be back to read this. However, I wanted to thank you for your understanding and encouragement.

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  5. Ohh...Peanut. I know how much pets are a part of the family. As long as they're not suffering, we'll do anything to help them live a little bit longer. Blessings to you!

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  6. As you well know Kim, I understand what you are going through. We've done so much through the years to make our senior dog have the best quality of life possible.
    I'm hoping to get some face time soon with my girls :-)
    Sending big hugs
    Jeannette

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    1. Thanks, Jen. I am now learning firsthand all that you have gone through.
      I'm waiting until I have a few moments to think before responding to your email. I'm flying solo with little Jax this week. His daddy and my hubby are out of town working on a job that popped up with little notice. Thanks to Thomas the Tank Engine I'm stealing a little computer time. I may need a week long nap next week. Ha! Hope you get to face time those sweet little girls soon.

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  7. Such a sweet post, Kim. I'm glad you'll be able to give Peanut some more time (quality time) with you and your husband. It's so much easier to see them happy and like their old selves. It sounds like you've got a fun visit with your grandson coming up. Enjoy!

    Hugs,

    Denise at Forest Manor

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