Hi everyone,
The second ultrasound of Skippy's kidneys revealed nothing; kidneys are normal, no blood clots, no renal lymphoma, no nothing except acute kidney failure of unknown etiology. Since I am stubborn and refuse to be a quitter, I ask Purdue about bringing Skippy home on an IV; I thought the IMS was going to choke but did say that he would have to seek approval from the hospital director. Okay, I see. Thinking more clearly about this idea, I can think of a dozen obstacles and a multitude of things that could go very wrong indeed as he would need to be on the fluids for weeks or months - if it were to work. He did say that Skippy is not a candidate for dialysis and based on what I've read, I truly would not put him through such an ordeal. Marianne, I did ask about bringing the boy hone to die; IMS believes it would be a very painful death accompanied by severe headache and other painful conditions. I ask about pain meds; he said nope, not from him. So, I'm picking him up at noon and will take him to local vet, who he hates as well, a few hours after. Purdue will perform a Necropsy and I've ask local vet about transporting his body, if not I will take his body back, but at least Skippy won't have to go back there alive. I saw him twice yesterday. The first for 10 minutes before the ultrasound, then last night they said I could only take him out for 10 minutes. He was ravenous and I fed him the fattest, crustiest KFC; then I took him back in but no one came for him - for one hour! We went back to the car where Skippy nearly ate the KFC box. When they finally came for him, they literally had to drag him from the front of the building all the way down the hallway until he was out of sight. It is heartbreaking.

I am trying very hard to regain perspective; there are millions and millions of tragedies daily involving violence, war, medical mistakes, accidents and such that lead to horrifying pain, suffering and inevitably, death. And, I know that Skippy is but one little mutt who has enjoyed the best of lives and the finest care a dog could hope for. In return, he has given back to me ten fold, asking for simply nothing in return. He taught me so much and made me wiser, more loving and more compassionate toward others who are experiencing their own anguish and pain. He has made me a kinder, gentler woman and it's been my privilege to spend a decade of my life with him. I am an old social worker who ran a domestic violence agency for thirty years so I've seen and experienced a lot of loss, pain and anguish personally and professionally. I've lost three dogs previously but nothing in the past prepared me for what Skippy and I have experienced this past year. I'm not a believer in afterlife, bridges and such but I know that the imprint that Skippy has had on one life, my life, is indelible and will be forever enduring. I will try to give back to this forum when I am again sane as all of you have been so wise, caring and giving of your time and knowledge. In the meantime, thank you and Godspeed Skippy.