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Tonight, we had to leave our six month old puppy, AJ, at the vet to receive IV fluids and antibiotics.
After a day of watching him suffer with constant vomiting, I am grateful that he is getting help, but sick with worry. It is horrible to not know how he is doing or what is wrong with him!
The vet has no idea what is wrong and we are waiting for blood tests and stool sample results tomorrow.
I had to put Jackson to bed crying for AJ and, to tell you the truth, I don’t feel much better than Jackson!
It feels strange and lonely to not have AJ at my feet while I work or curled up in his kennel in my room while I sleep.
But most of all, I am just terrifed that something serious is wrong with him. I can’t imagine losing him — my kids would be devastated and so would I!
It seems strange for me to be so attached to an animal. I haven’t had an animal in my life since I became a mom. I didn’t think I would get so attached! Sure, he increases my workload and I am tired of cleaning up his accidents — but the thought of losing him is horrifying, especially because of how much my children love him!
He is just a dog I know. Right now there are moms and dads praying for their sick babies!
But even still, tonight my heart is sad and longing for our puppy to come home, healthy and ready to play.
UPDATE – March 12:
AJ came home tonight — complete with a cone to keep him from tearing out his cathedar. He has to go for a check and possibly more fluids in the am. He is on antibiotics, probiotics and special food. His tests for parasites came back negative. AJ had had a terrible time with two parasites when we first got him. His liver enzyme test came back high so he have to do further tests on that. But really, we have no idea why he got so sick. As a puppy, he likes to put everything in his mouth, but as far as I know, he hadn’t been into anything unusual. But, with AJ you never know! Hopefully, this will just remain a puppy mystery illness and no more will come of it.
THANK YOU so much for your prayers and concerns. I sure learned this week how easy it is to become attached to a four legged family member!
Written by Janice, co-founder of 5 Minutes for Mom.
Janice says
THANKS again everyone for your comments, thoughts and prayers! AJ seems to be back to his normal self now!!!! I am so grateful that I was able to get him to a vet and get him on fluids so he could recover. I wish we could always get humans treatment that fast! No lineups at vets!
Jenny says
I’m so happy to see the update that he is home now. I didn’t have pets growing up and had no idea how attached you could get to one. When I met my husband, he had 2 cats. We recently lost one and I had known him for 10 years!(he was 17) It was very hard and I still think about him every day. The other kitty is 15 years old and has several health issues.
Janice says
Oh Jenny – so sorry for your loss! It is amazing how fourlegged family members are sooo important to us!
Funkidivagirl says
I am glad that he is home and I hope that he continues to get better. I have a puppy too and I know what you mean…they really do steal your heart.
Aggie says
Has AJ been chewing on anybody’s old socks? We had a puppy that we had given an old sock to chew on and he swallowed some of it. He was ok and then all of a sudden he couldn’t keep anything down. What ever he ate came right back up. We took him to the vet and after some X-rays found out that the peices of sock he had swalloed was blocking his intestine. The tried to help him but he was too weak for the surgery and he didn’t make it. I’m not saying this is your pup’s problem but it is something to think about. Who knew an old sock tied in a knot would be so deadly.
Lorie Shewbridge says
I truly know how animals can become a member of the family… I’m glad that AJ is home where he belongs and hope the rest of the tests show that it is nothing serious.
Hugs all around!
Serendipity is Sweet says
Aw, I hope he continues to get better and stay well. They become so much a part of the family. Prayers for you all!
Angie says
aww I’m sorry to hear that but glad that there’s no parasites! Praying they figure it out and you have your baby back to normal soon!
Jennifer B says
*big hug*
I will be thinking of you and your dear puppy. I pray he makes a full recovery. MY SIL dogs almost died from parvo, she nursed him back to health with the help of pedialite. Crazy. Seems like your puppy is in great care.
Janice says
Oh – so glad your SIL’s dog recovered! Parvo is so dangerous!
Janne says
I’m glad to see a good update. Hope his recovery continues!
Heather says
Praying for AJ! Dogs are strange creatures, just like our kids, they wiggle their way into our hearts with those big eyes and wet noses! Hope he is able to come home tonight!
Julie says
Janice,
I’m praying for your little pup! I’m also glad to hear that AJ probably will be coming home tonight ~ what was it making him so sick?
Janice says
Thank you ALL so much for the prayers!!! AJ is on the mend we think… and hopefully he will be home tonight!
Leanne J says
Oohh! My heart is with you and the family and little AJ! He is so darn cute! I know how hard it is when our four-legged babies get sick and they can’t tell us what is wrong. I’ll be keeping all of you in my thoughts and prayers.
Mikki says
Aww. Janice!! Being a dog lover myself I’m right there with you!
Hope all goes well and he is up and healthy soon!!
Teresa from NanaHood says
Forgot to say I am praying for your puppy!
Teresa from NanaHood says
Most folks are either dog lovers, or they aren’t. We live in the country and have seven dogs. I spend as much time (and money) at the vet as I once did with the pediatrician. Dogs are not only man’s best friend, they are woman’s too! They listen without back talking. They love without expecting anything in return. The only thing I wish my dogs would do that they don’t is clean up after themselves….but neither did my kids!
Janice says
LOL – sooo true!
Jeannie says
I am so sorry for AJ. Hopefully nothing serious will come of it. Maybe he just ate something that you didn’t notice and he’ll be all better in a little while. I am such a sap when it comes to animals so I know how you feel. I would totally be the old cat lady if we lived on a farm or on a lot of land. I’d be picking up strays right and left! I think that is part of the reason my husband refuses to move to the country. Well, that and the lack of high speed internet.
Janice says
Oh – I hope you get at least a little farm – but one with high speed access for sure!
Katia says
Oh what an adorable sweet dog. I know how you feel for our sweet pets become part of our family. Two years ago, we had a scary situation with our dog…….surgery or put her to sleep……it was a nightmare……I am so sorry 🙁 May the Lord give your precious dog a touch of His love and healing. Keep us informed.
Blessings,
Katia
Janice says
Thank you! So sorry you all had to go through such a rough time!
Susie's Homemade says
I am so sorry that your treasured pet is so ill. I hope that he feels better soon and he can return to bring joy to your family:-)
Anjie says
I’m very sorry to hear about your puppy AJ. We just got our new puppy on Wednesday and already I couldn’t imagine losing him. I hope he feels better soon.
Janice says
Congrats on your new puppy!!! Enjoy! 🙂
Mom24 says
Keeping everyone in my prayers. I hope you have a happy ending and that it comes quickly. I can imagine how worried you are about Jackson right now too.
(((Hugs)))
Christine Holroyd says
Poor little pup. I’m praying for him and your family. I remember years ago I phoned my Dad in the middle of the night because my cat was at deaths door. She was just lying there, not responding to me. I didn’t take her to the vets because just as quickly, She recovered and is still a big part of my life. Maybe she ate something poisonous and her body was processing it.
She’s 13 yrs old and still as lively as a kitten and between her and my daughter I have to fight for pillow space each night. So, I’m hoping that AJ makes the same sort of miraculous recovery.
I can only imagine how anxious you are.
Janice says
I am SO glad you cat was ok!!! Yes – AJ is recovering nicely too. Who knows what happened! He must have eaten something!
Rebecca says
That’s so hard. Our dog used to get into all sorts of stomach issues when she was a puppy. We constantly had her at the vet getting fluids and tests…turns out she just had a very sensitive stomach. It got better after the first year. I hope your puppy is back home really soon! It’s amazing how quickly they recover!
Janice says
I hope that will be the same with AJ and he will just grow out of this! THANKS for sharing!
Allison says
I hope he gets better soon. I had a sick puppy a few years ago and I remember who difficult it was not knowing what was wrong and what will happen. Hang in there, I hope he has a quick recovery.
Linda says
A dog is not just a dog… they’re a member of the family… we are dog people too… I will pray for your puppy… I’m glad you to him to the vet… he should be in good hands
Last week we heard devastating news that our 12 year old lab, Duke, has oral cancer… the vet gave him 6 months to a year… I just can’t fathom this… luckily he is still his normal self… for now… the adult in me makes my mind scream…this won’t last… the child in me makes my mind say… he’s okay… he’s Duke…. unfortunately according to the vet there isn’t much we can do… the few options are very expensive and don’t offer much added time… I don’t want him to suffer… so I pray that we have more playful times together…
Janice says
Oh I am SO sorry to hear about Duke!!! That is so terrible! HUGS!!!
Heather H. says
Oh…yuck yuck yuck. I am so saddened! It sounds like parvo, an intestinal disease my litle miniature schnauzer got when she was about 6 weeks old (NEVER buy from a pet expo at the fairgrounds…I’m pretty sure we got her from a puppy mill!). Our puppy pulled through and I hope yours does too! Keep us posted!
Janice says
Oh Parvo – such a terrifying illness! Last time when AJ was sick I was scared about that too! I sure hope he doesn’t have it this time either!
Ali says
I am such a dog person and I’ve had my doggies sick several times. Nothing makes you feel worse than your puppy being sick and you not knowing what is wrong or what to do to make them feel better! I’m glad you took him in to the vet though, at least you’ll feel better that they are watching him tonight. I hope everything goes well and they find out what is wrong with the poor thing. My heart goes out to you! 🙂
Beth says
There is no such thing as just a dog. Two years ago, Peyton suddenly and mysteriously started throwing up blood. No previous symptoms. Hell, no symptoms other than obvious partially digested blood. She spent a day at our vet on fluids and then threw up the anti-acid he gave her, so he insisted we take her to the emergency vet who does critical care. She spent two days in critical care, where we got one scary possibility after another (various cancers, liver failure, etc., etc., etc). After two days, she was keeping down food, taking care of business, and coming home.
To this day, we do not know what made her so sick. We try to be really, really careful with her, but we’re on guard from something we can’t identify.
My son wailed for two days. I have pictures of him sleeping on Peyton’s bed because he missed her so much.
Your AJ is in my thoughts tonight.
Janice says
Awww – that must have been sooo hard! Thank you for your thoughts about AJ!!!
Jackie says
Aww…such a cute baby. I’ll keep him in my prayers tonight. Please keep us posted on how he’s doing! I’ll be anxious for an update in the morning!
Condo Blues says
I am sending good thoughts AJ’s way. I don’t think that there is such a thing as ‘just a dog’. It would be like saying that’s just my child, or just my left arm, or just a life. Pets are just as special as the human members of a family.
Naomi says
Hoping you have good news soon. It is amazing to me how fast puppies integrate into your life… we’ve had Stella for just about a month and I can’t imagine not having her here next to me, snoring contentedly. Wishing AJ a speedy recovery.
Angie (Losing It and Loving It) says
I’m sorry to hear AJ is at the vet and sick. I’ll pray for him tonight! Dogs are just as much a part of the family so don’t even feel bad about the way you feel. We had to put our Basset Hound down last Aug. and it was so hard to do. He was a HUGE part of our family and just like a child to us.
Your sweet AJ is in good hands! Looking forward to an update.
Janice says
Thank you for your prayers! I am so sorry to hear about your beloved Basset Hound!!! SOOO hard!