Joe's Snow Day

When I received the email regarding this little senior cocker, I knew he was in bad shape. The shelter supplied photos of Joe and photos of the pools of blood he was urinating. I had Dr. Bradshaw look at the photos immediately. The opinion he gave me regarding the probability of this little fellow's likely health issues wasn't good. Of course, Dr. B realized I was not disheartened and that "Joe" would soon be his client. So, he said we won't know what his medical needs are until we see him and we will see him right away. We ran a late night transport from Houston to Mineola. Joe boarded at 8pm on Thursday night and arrived at Dr Bradshaw's at 8am Friday morning, March 19, 2010. He was urinating not only blood but blood clots. He was constantly scratching and in complete misery. Remarkable, his bloodwork wasn't too bad. All of his main organs were functioning properly. Joe suffered from a lot of small infections that had gone untreated for a very long time. He had two different yeast infections in his ears. Joe was put on several medications which brought quick relief. Within 24 hours, the blood in his urine was gone! I was amazed and my heart lightened. Joe had heart worms and due to his age, he was not a canidate for under going conventional heart worm treatment. His itching had lightened and he was able to get some much needed and very peaceful sleep. Joe spent what would be his last snow day peacefully napping. We went back to the vet for Joe's follow up visit a week later. I told Dr B that I thought he might be coming down with a cold. He told me that what I was seeing were the effects of the heart worms. Apparently, they were much more severe that I originally thought they were. His heart had become weak and fluid was building around his heart. He was placed on two different medications and we went home. Joe had spent that week being my constant companion. When I went on the six hour dog food run, Joe went with me. Saturday night, he was not interested in his kibble so he had roast beef and weiners. Sunday he seemed to worsen as the day went along and I called Dr. B. Joe was having trouble breathing. I laid him down just for a minute so I could get a fresh blanket to wrap him in and he started wigging out - he became distressed and seemed extremely scared. I immediately picked him back up and kissed his head and said it's okay I have got you. He nestled against me and his breathing slowed back down. I held him and talked to him and he just drifted off in my arms. When Dr. B called to let me know he was at the clinic I told him that Joe was already gone. I became very attached to Joe in the days I shared with him. He was a sweetheart and he had been neglected for a long time. I don't how someone could neglect a sweet little dog like Joe. Although I know it happens all too frequently. I began wondering why Joe had come to us for such a short period. Then I reflected to that moment that I had laid Joe down and remembered how he had reacted. It was clear, Joe made his way here so he could pass peacefully over the bridge. Joe passed away on Sunday, March 28, 2010. He had been spared shelter euthanasia - he was not muzzled, restrained or injected. He died where he felt safe and cared for. I was given the opportunity to redeem a little dignity for the human race with Joe. Although, he harbored no ill will toward people even though they had failed him miserably. He got to feel the comforts of peaceful slumber, a soft bed, relief from constant itching and was able to urinate without pain in his final days. Joe felt loved. He got to see one more snow day and he got to spend it as all old dogs should in peaceful slumber.