We’ve had a bit of a stressful week with our sweet little doggie, Summer.
She started losing weight a couple of months ago which the vet said often happens in elderly dogs. (Summer turned fourteen on July 11.)
But then last Tuesday, she threw up all night so we took her to the vet for blood work. It turns out she has a serious disease called Protein Losing Enteropathy. She’s basically been starving because her body can’t make use of protein.
There were several expensive testing/biopsy options the vet suggested which we are not able to do. Her last suggestion was to give Summer 8-10 meds every day for 2 weeks and then reevaluate. She said it would be difficult to get the meds in her and there wasn’t a large chance they would make a difference. She is going to get back to us today to help us make a possibly difficult decision.
In the meantime, Summer seems to be feeling ok, although she’s had many bouts of diarrhea and vomiting, which are two of the main symptoms of this disease. By yesterday afternoon, Steve and I had basically made the decision to put her to sleep today, but today she’s feeling rather zippy and has eaten well with no vomiting so far. So we’ll watch and wait.
I’ve already cried a bucket of tears at just the thought of losing her. And it certainly doesn’t look good; her disease is notoriously hard to treat. But in the meantime, she is tucked in beside me in her usual Blog Writing Assistant Space and all is well with the world.
Well. Except for these tears in my eyes.
Sarah will be going to Duke for her CT scan Thursday morning. We are all hoping and praying for the best-case scenario which is that the tumor has either stayed stable or shrunk. Hopefully, we will not have to wait too long for results.
We have the professional wedding photos back!
Don’t worry. I won’t be sharing all 350 of them. But over the next few weeks, I will be choosing some of my favorites to share. I hope you enjoy. Be sure to leave a comment if you have a favorite. (Or two.)
(Click on one photo to see all full-sized. Some of the photos have captions beneath.)
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I love all the pictures, can’t pick a favorite, unless it’s one with Gage and his merry men, or any of Sarah, or the one of you with Gage… but where are the pictures of Steve?
So sorry at the sad news about Summer. I seem to remember that Snowy did the same thing to you… dreaded diagnosis, but then a few really good days. In human hospitals they have patients have the same thing happen. I hope for many good days for her, and I know that you’ll do what’s best for her when it’s time.
Jan,
There were a few Steve sightings in the July 19 post! 🙂
Yes, I remember well what we went through with Snowy. Ups and downs galore. Thinking he would pass and then he would rebound. Our fur babies certainly do have our hearts, especially toward the end of life.
Love all the pictures! My favorites are the photos of Sarah and Nathan, and also the last candid of Nathan with Meagan and baby.
Oh my gosh regarding Summer. I remember all that happened with Snowy and can’t believe we are here again so soon. It seems like such a short time ago that Summer made that long trip to your house. I’m sure Snowy will assist Summer on her way, whenever that is destined to be. Hugs to you.
Lesley,
Sister/brother hugs. The best. As I’m sure you have seen over and over with your sons and Sarah.
Yes, it does seem like it was just yesterday when Summer first arrived at our house. It’s actually been 7 years!
I’m so sorry to hear about Summer. Fur babies are ever so special! I will pray for her.
I love all of the pictures! Just a joyous day!
Have a blessed week!
Krista,
Thanks for your prayers and concern for our little gal!
And yes, joyous is a great word for that wedding day.
So sorry to hear about Summer. Both of my cats are also 14 years old and starting to slow down and have problems. That’s the bad part of getting a pet; you know they are probably going to break your heart some day. But the pain is worth it for the companionship they bring. Good luck with that, and with Sarah’s appointment too.
Racquel,
That is so true. Getting pets means getting your heart filled with love and then getting that same heart broken when they die.
But as you said, it is SO worth it!
I can certainly empathize with your cats slowing down and having problems. You’re never quite ready for those days to come. Hugs.
Becky, I am so sorry about Summer, one of the pitfalls of pet ownership. It is so wonderful to love a furry friend! I hope Gage’s dental surgery went well and is feeling better. Praying for good news at Sarah’s appointment.
Cindy
Cindy,
Gage’s surgery went very well; he said it was the best dentist experience he’s ever had.
Thanks for your thoughts and prayers for Sarah.
Gorgeous photos. Have to love the ones of brother and sister embracing. That bond is forever. I really adore the pops of cheerful colors that the bride and groom choose to intersperse throughout their wedding day.
I’m terribly sorry about Summer.
Ellen,
Yes, I loved the ones of the sibs embracing, too. It truly is a forever bond.
Oh Becky, I’m so sad you are facing this painful situation with your sweet Summer. This must be wrenching; what a hard year your family has had (admist great joy). I’m thinking of you.
And the photos are lovely! I don’t have a favorite as each is so spectacular.
Jenna,
It truly has been a wrenching, joyful year. You never know what a year is going to present you with.
Oh no I am so sorry about Summer. It’s so hard to lose a furry family member. I hope she can rally and have some more good days with you all
Praying for a good report on Sarah’s scans .
The wedding pictures are beautiful! I am so happy she had such a wonderful day.
Michele,
Furry family members are the truest treasures! She’s rallied a little the last couple of days but definitely not her old self anymore.
We’ll see where the next few days take us.
Thanks for your sweet words.
Sweet Summer…hugs and love (and Snowy’s favorite watermelon) to her and all of you! Losing our fur babies is so hard!
Praying for most excellent results of the scans for Sarah this week.
And who can pick a favorite picture?! Those are all wonderful!!!
Suzanne,
You have a good memory about Snowy loving watermelon. Summer’s been getting some pieces, too. 🙂
I’m so sorry to hear about Summer. Our sweet Blackie Sue is 13 1/2 and showing signs of ageing. We are so blessed to be loved by such special creatures, aren’t we? It hit me that I met Snowy here in Atlanta and I met Summer at your place; our friendship has been a two dog one so far. Hugs as you have to make the hardest decision that a pet owner faces.
The photos are BEAUTIFUL! I love them all; can’t pick a favorite! Such a creative eye that the photographer has. I know you’ll treasure the albums forever! I’m praying for Sarah’s scans to bring fantastic news, too. Much love, sweet friend!
Pam,
A 2-dog friendship. I love that! 🙂
I had forgotten you met Snowy back in the day. One of my few blog readers who can say that.
We are sorry to hear about Summer. We lost our little dog Missy some time during the first night that we made it back home about 2 and half weeks ago. We knew it was coming she had been in renal failure for over 2 months but you are never ready to let go. Just give her all the love you can.
The wedding pictures are beautiful and unique..
Faye and Dean.
Faye,
I’m so sorry to hear you lost your dog so soon after you and Dean’s hospitalization. What a terribly difficult time for you. You’re right–even though you know it’s coming, it doesn’t make letting go any easier. Many hugs.
Oh sweet Summer…I am so sorry that you are having to make such an agonizing decision. I’m crying with you Becky.
Praying that the scan yields good news!
The pictures are wonderful!! The one of Sarah and Dr. Driscoll is so poignant and touching. I love them all….can’t pick a favorite.
Leeanne,
Yes, I love the one of Sarah with Dr. Driscoll. A lot of history wrapped in that hug.
I’ve loved Summer since the day she drove home with Steve. I’m so sad and so sorry.
Mrs. Pam,
What a sweet thing to say and to remember. I’ll never forget opening the car door a few minutes after midnight and seeing her lying in her little pink bed, champagne hair shining in the moonlight. I loved her from that moment on.
I’m so very, very sorry to hear about Summer. Sending love, hugs and prayers as you deal with this painful transition. On a much happier note, the wedding photos are absolutely stunning! I hope Sarah gets good news with her scans, and gets them quickly.
Sue Ellen,
Lots of emotions in this post, for sure. Wedding happiness, scan anxiety, and dog sadness. All of life is a mixture of so many things.
I am so sad to hear of Summer’s health issues. Having gone through something very similar with a very beloved cat, I can only offer my sympathy and understanding. We spent money we could not really afford to no end in trying to save him. Do not feel guilty about choosing not to do that. Enjoy your time remaining with Summer and you will know when it is time to let go.
Hoping for good news from Duke!
Liz,
That is the hardest thing as far as when to say “enough” when it comes to finances. Medical bills for pets pile up so quickly. But since Summer is 14, I feel like she has had a long good life. Don’t know how much longer it will last but I’m thankful for the days we have.
When you mentioned Sarah’s scan on her next doctor’s visit – I raised my hand and said, “In Jesus name.” Continuing to pray!!!. When I saw the picture of Gage and his men – it reminded me of a Charles Dickens picture. Such beautiful pictures. The one with her oncologist – words fail me.
I am so sorry about Summer – what a precious dog. Know it is hard to know the best thing to do for her, but know things will fall into place.
Sharyn,
I love the idea of a Charles Dickens picture. 🙂 Some of those photos really do have that vibe.
Thank you for your prayers and concern for Sarah and your compassion for Summer and us.
I am so sorry that Summer isn’t feeling well. I wonder if it would be worth it to get a second opinion? Maybe there is a simpler explanation? Pancreatitis maybe? It’s always so hard with our pets because they can’t tell us what’s wrong. Hopefully she will continue to feel better. If not, love on her as much as possible in the following days. It sure seems like you just got her. They just get old so fast, it seems.
The pictures are gorgeous! And I’m praying for great results for Sarah this week and for Summer as well. How is Gage after his root canal procedure? Hopefully he is better as well.
Gayle,
Thanks for asking about Gage. His root canal went VERY well which was a relief. He’s had some bad dental experiences in developing countries so he was a bit anxious going into it. Thankful for excellent dentistry here.
We would get a second opinion on Summer but as it turns out, her breed is one of four that is highly susceptible to this condition. Finding that out pretty much clinched it. We will keep loving her to the very, very end!
Comfort ye, comfort ye my people, says the Lord…
Isaiah 40:1
His care is over all your concerns…dogs too.
Ruth
Ruth,
Yes. All God’s creatures great and small . . . loved.
So sorry to hear about Summer’s diagnosis.
Prayers for Sarah’s scan.
All the pictures are beautiful. Some of my favorites are the one of Gage and his groomsmen,the side view where Nathan is swinging his arm. Another is the picture of Dr. Driscoll hugging Sarah. So many emotions in that one.
Phyllis,
I loved that side view photo, as well. So fun and quirky. And Sarah and Dr. Driscoll? Priceless.
HUGS – difficult to wait & wonder if we will lost our beloved pet or not. Hang in Summer! Prayers abound. My favorite pic is of Sarah and Nathan hugging – so many years & scenarios in that hug. Prayers up for phenomenal CT scan results! More hugs.
Guerrina,
Sibling hugs are the best, especially on such a momentous day. Nathan walked with her through so much; their bond is so special to see.
My heart aches for you with your sweet Summer. It’s so hard to part with them. I’ve cried buckets of tears when I lost my dogs.
The photos are absolutely beautiful. How will you choose which to purchase?
Praying for a great and awesome outcome for Sarah with her scans.
Wendy
Wendy,
It’s amazing to me how many tears a pet can produce in its owners. No words for the love we feel for those furry friends.
Fortunately, all the photos are in a package so we don’t have to pick and choose. That would be VERY hard!
Oh, those little furry babies have our hearts. May you have good days remaining with Summer.
Jennifer,
She’s tucked in beside me right now. Treasuring the moments.
Becky, the photo of Summer tucked in beside you is most precious. I was the very proud owner of Jimmy the cat for fourteen years. I adopted Jimmy from the streets of Asheville around 1999. This buff colored tabby stole my heart from the very beginning. There were many days that I would spend my lunch hour driving home to walk with my buddy Jimmy! I have often wondered if pet owners without children bond deeper with their pets. I had to say goodbye to my sweet boy in 2014. Fortunately the Veterinarian @ Reems Creek Animal Hospital in Weaverville assisted, she even cried real tears with me. She had recently had to say goodbye to her pet horse. Summer is very fortunate to be with such a loving, caring family. Please let Sarah know that I’ll be praying for her Thursday morning appointment @ Duke.
Gloria,
Jimmy sounds like a well-loved kitty! After fourteen years, I can’t even imagine the hole that he left behind. You probably looked for him around every corner.
So thankful you had a compassionate vet with you at the end.
Interesting theory. I had 4 cats in my 20s and early 30s, and deeply, madly fiercely loved them. They were really my best friends. Later in my 30s I adopted a human baby, and eventually got a new cat. I love and care for the kitty, but the intensity of the love isn’t the same as it was before I was a human mom.
Ellen,
That is such an interesting thought that pet owners who don’t have children often get more attached to their pets than owners who do have children. Gloria Smith mentioned the same thing in an earlier comment. That makes a lot of sense.
Sounds like you’ve been blessed through the years with many creatures to love–both feline and human!
So sorry to hear about Summer. My daughter has a little malteise (sp?) that is 16 years old that is getting some issues. I know it is hard. They are such good companions. Hopefully you all will have many more good days with her.
I will pray that Sarah gets good news from her scans.
I can’t choose which picture I like the best. They are all so good!
Love and hugs,
Joy,
We used to have a Maltese; the sweetest dog! Sixteen years is a LONG life for that little sweetie of your daughter’s. I know he will be missed so much.
Becky, would the more expensive treatment options give Summer more quality of life? My hunch is all your followers would be willing to pitch in a little which could maybe add up to a lot to give you more options for Summer? That said, I also know that quality of life is important and we wouldn’t want the little fur baby to suffer. Just an idea. I would be willing to pitch in …
Paige,
Have I ever said before that I have the best blog readers? Well, I’ll say it again!
Thanks for your thoughtfulness in making this suggestion.
Unfortunately, treatment would require several visits to a specialist in Durham for scans, biopsies, and then return visits for treatment–IF there is anything that can be done. So we’re talking about a pretty significant amount of money for a 14-year old dog.
Again, thank you for even offering to help. So very, very sweet! (Summer sends you doggie kisses.) 🙂