Squirt - my Queen has crossed The Bridge

Hi ya'll,

Squirt had a better nite last nite! :) She was able to get comfortable laying down and only sat up twice that I saw. She did cough a little but no gagging and the coughing wasn't as bad as it had been. When I would check on her during the nite, she was sleeping most of the time and her breathing was more regular and not as raspy. A couple of times she was panting when I looked at her but it wasn't that ragged, rapid, bed-shaking panting; it was more like her usual pant. When she went out this morning, she showed a bit more interest in things around her and seemed happier. Yesterday, she would want out often but she would just take a few steps then sit in one spot, panting, for as long as I would let her. This morning she put her nose to the ground and did a bit of exploring after her business.

I didn't give her the cough syrup this morning as the coughing is better and the hydrocodone is a narcotic so I had rather use it as needed....with Dr. B's blessings, of course. I will call him this morning and give him the report he asked for. She isn't well as he wanted her to be today but she is better. So I will let you know what he has to say.

Even tho Squirt seems better with the coughing, ect., I am going to pursue some more testing for her once the Abs are finished. My Sweet Bebe just isn't herself. :( I will talk to Dr. B about some Xrays, blood work for sure and maybe another U/S. Once again, I want to rule out everything we can then we will turn our attention to the Cushing's. I wish Dr. B had the ability to do the SNAP test but if Squirt has an U/S she will have to go to Little Rock and maybe the IMS will be able to do that for us. I have made some changes in Squirt's meds for the Cushing's, again with Dr. B's support, so I may decide to go ahead and have another UTK panel done in a month or so to see how the hormones are running VS a SNAP test.

I am soooo relieved to see some improvement in Squirt even if she isn't "well" yet. It will be a bit easier to breath today and maybe there won't be as many tears. :o Squirt will be 13 in Feb. and I know her time is limited, but I want a few more years with her. I will never be prepared to lose her, cannot fathom life without her. But more than anything else, I want her remaining life to be one of comfort and contentment. I will do everything in my power to make sure that is what she has no matter how long she has left. My Sweet Bebe has given her all to me - how can I do any less for her?

Thanks again for all your support, suggestions, hugs, prayers, and love. I don't know what we would do without ya'll.

Hugs,
Leslie and Squirt

Hi Leslie,

I'm so glad to hear that there has been some improvement in Squirt. That's a step in the right direction.

I think you're very wise for having further testing done. I know we have a fear of the unknown, and it does help to give us some comfort if we can find out what is actually going on and if there is something we can do about it.

I totally understand how you feel about Squirt. Corky's my baby and I also know that his life span is 10-14 years old. We do everything we possibly can to make sure our babies have a long, good quality of life. You are such a wonderful mom.

Take care my friend. I'm keeping all of you in my thoughts and prayers.


(((HUGS)))

Hi Leslie,
It's a relief to hear that Squirt is feeling a bit better....those coughing fits always made me nervous too. Mandy had wheezy coughing the week before she passed...it went away w/some cough syrup, but who knows what was up? :confused: I was thinking I should have brought her to the vet then...even tho' the vet said she checked out fine 2 weeks earlier!

I think it is very tricky when they get older and it is only complicated by the Cushings. We had the occasional "bile puke" episodes as well, but with the meds and supplements, I always wondered if her tummy was just upset? Not to mention the habit of eating grass! LOL! I know they do that instinctively for their tummies, I've been told. But, it was clear to me that freshly cut grass was not very digestible!:p

Anyways, I'd keep a close eye on Squirtie and follow up w/the doc, as you plan.

Jeff & Angel Mandy

Hi Leslie,
Always good news to hear there is improvement :) Hope she continues to improve quickly so you can get some sleep.

Belly rubs to Leslie's girls.

I am glad, too, that sweet Squirt is feeling a little bit better. We will continue to send healing thoughts and prayers your way for both of our precious girls.

With much love and (((hugs)))
Lori

Oh Leslie if only I could say something great like you would for me. I didn't know you were having problems too. Your doggie will be just fine she has to be!!!

Big hugs!
Janis

Tomorrow is Thanksgiving and I am thankful that Squirt is a bit better. Hope tonight goes well and she is able to rest, you too Leslie.

Hugs and kisses for Leslie and the girls.:)

Addy, Zoe and Koko

Leslie, it's been twelve hours since we heard from you!!!

Leslie,

I'm so relieved to hear that Squirt is feeling a little better, and not coughing as much. I know you were going out of your mind with worry.
Hope she continues to get better, and sending thoughts and prayers for you both my friend.

Love,
Jane, Franklin and Bailey xxx

Leslie -

As I check in this Thanksgiving morning I'm thankful to hear our buddy Squirt is feeling a bit better. She's not her perky self yet, but any signs of improvement are good. I know what you're saying about about our babies ages and all the questions that start running through your head when they become ill. Crash, now 13, had that intestinal bug setback a few months ago that threw his whole system off - - and well mine too with worry. He's just now really getting back to his old self. Squirt's a sweet little girl and when she looks up at you with that cute face of hers - your heart just melts and you want her to be all better - like immediately. She's working with you on that - she's tough - it's just going to take a little longer. We continue sending healing thoughts and our prayers your way.

Thanksgiving Day wishes to you and yours!

Tammy, Crash, & Darby