Plz Help, Sick Yorkie about to be put down

[ARCHIE]

I am sitting here, at my desk, crying my eyes out for you and your beloved
Sparty. He is one lucky dog to have such a loving, caring family to be of
comfort to him in his time of need. It's never easy to say good bye to those
we love. I am so happy for you that you found YT at this time. The support
and caring of member's here will certainly help you get thro what lies ahead.
The years you spent together will always be with you. The happy times
shared between master and canine will never go away. May those memories
bring you much joy and comfort when you need them down the road.

Hugs to you and your family and an extra one for Sparty

[Ringo1]

Sparty sounds like he had a wonderful life. No one can tell you the right thing to do; only yourself, Sparty, and your trusted Vet. If your actions come from love - then whatever you decide will be the right decision.

Most of us have been where you are at some point; it just seems to come with dog ownership. It's the hardest part.

Peace be with you in this most difficult time.

[Sparty]

I want to thank everyone for their prayers, concern, and support. I apologize for the delayed response. The past 48 hrs have been draining in a way I never imagined.
I took Sparty to a different vet for a second opinion. I chose this particular vet because someone had written the comment that he had saved their pet when it was very ill. Sparty had been barely responsive all Wed. morning. I was lucky to get him to go outside to go potty. When he came back in, he smelled awful. He had a bit of feces on him and it smelled like death. Even after bathing him, a weird odor seemed to seep through his skin. I was unable to convince Sparty to leave his cage when it was time to see the vet for a second opinion. I let him stay in his cage and carried it out to the car. When we got to the vet, I wanted him to walk in. I put the cage down and leashed him but he refused to move. I ended up carrying him in with the cage. When we went back for the exam, I ended up having to turn the cage sideways to dump him out. I hated to do it but I was afraid to drag his body because he was so frail and in pain. The doctor did his exam and asked about his eating habits and such. He said that making the decision to put a pet down is the most difficult thing a person can do and it is hard for him to tell someone to do it. He asked when I was planning to do it and I told him at 5 pm (it was about 1 at this time). He said that since Sparty was eating and drinking and still losing such an extreme amount of weight and muscle in such a short period of time, it indicated some sort of malignancy. He then said that "It would NOT BE THE WRONG THING TO DO to put him down". I thanked him for his time. I got in my car and called my husband who was awaiting the vet visit results at work. I need to back up here to the previous evening. I had been out late shopping at Target. I was thinking about Sparty and if putting him down was right. When I got in my car, a song came on that I had never heard before. It was called Just Breathe by Pearl Jam. It started with the lyric "Yes, I understand that every life must end" and ends with "Hold me till I die,Meet you on the other side". The tears fell down my cheeks because it seemed like I was meant to hear this song to know that putting him down was the right thing and he was good with it. Why else that song at that time when I had never heard it before? So, as I hung up with my husband after telling him the bad news of Sparty's second opinion, I finally took note that the exact same song was on the radio again! I felt like I was in my own Guardian Angels story in a women's magazine! I went home with my little boy Sparty and proceeded to love on him and let the kids make little memory stones with his paw prints. We will be the only one's able to see them...his paw prints are barely there due to his lack of weight. We pressed on his feet but we didn't want to cause him pain. We took our final pics and video clips w/him. I gave him another pain killer and took my girls to church (Wed. they have Awana scripture class and choir). My oldest cried when I dropped her off so her teacher prayed with her. My youngest seemed sad but she had been holding in her sorrow and continued to do so. I went back home and my husband was there. He had left work early so we could go together. We put Sparty into his little doggie bag and headed out. I put Sparty on my lap and rolled down the window. I thought he would like to have his hair blow in the wind. I even lifted him up but it was clear he only had enough energy to lay there. When we got to the vet's office, there were other clients so we had to wait (they try to let you have privacy to grieve). We gave Sparty one of his white chocolate easter eggs and he put the whole thing in his mouth and quickly (and hilariously) gobbled it up! It was so cute that I decide to record him. As I was filming, I felt something go up my leg and stop at my rear! I heard an owner say "It wasn't me it was my dog". That's when I saw this huge dog. I was cracking up. Despite Sparty going potty outside the vets office, he left his Daddy a little present to remember him by. Yup....he pee'd a little on my husband's leg! Eventually we went back and they explained exactly what they would do. They took him to put in the I.V. When they brought him back, they told us to take our time alone with him to say goodbye. My husband and I told him how much we loved him. We thanked him for all of the special moments he gave us. My husband told him the story of getting him from his breeder and trying to hide him til Christmas. My husband finally asked Sparty, who had been pretty lethargic, if he was ready. Sparty got a last little engergy boost and ran over and licked my husband's face. My husband thanked him for letting him know he was indeed ready to go. We feed him his final white chocolate egg. After we wiped away our tears and could be brave, we knocked on the door (Vet's signal to come back). He flushed the catheter and administered the drug that permanently relieved Sparty of his pain. The doctor had put Sparty on a green towel (perfect since Sparty is named after the mascot for Michigan State). He took Sparty from the room to remove the needle. The vet brought him back in to the room all wrapped up in the towel and handed him to my husband. I had a flashback to my husband being handed our son ( a full term stillborn). I almost said something to him but I felt it would be too much for him to handle. Later that night, he actually told me that when the vet handed Sparty to him all wrapped up, he had the same feeling he did with our son...that they were actually there watching that take place. I was amazed by his words because I had not mentioned that I too thought of that moment!
We put Sparty's body into his little dog bag (shown in my photo). I couldn't handle leaving him to be cremated. I blame the movie Scooged that starred Bill Murray. For those who have seen it, think about the scene w/him and ghost of Christmas to come and you will know what I speak of! I decided I wanted to bury him at home. After consoling our girls, we went outside to dig. We knew we needed to go deep. What we didn't know was how hard the ground was or how many rocks were under it. I actually helped my husband dig since I was the one who made the final call on what to do with Sparty's body. Normally, I don't do such manual labor because I have a disease that causes me lots of pain and attacks my joints and muscle. We were not able to get all the digging done that night because we broke both our shovels! When my husband got home Thurs. night, we went back to digging and managed to get it deep enough. My husband and I took Sparty's coffin (small cardboard box our girls had decorated) and put his favorite lounging pillow in it with a small toy and a Michigan State Shirt. We gently put his body into the box and cut some hair to save for memory trinkets. We then closed the box and taped it. We called our girls down and put our little letters to Sparty on top of his coffin and held them down with a green bow. Our oldest daughter then read a book our neighbor had dropped off earlier that day named 'Dog Heaven'. My husband read the book Guess how much I love you. It was hard for him and his voice kept breaking because it was the exact same book he had read to our son on the day he was born-still. Our youngest kept asking to see Sparty. I realized it was going to be the only way for her to understand that his body was dead. We reopened it and only showed a small part of his back leg. She then was satisfied that it was indeed Sparty's body. After re-taping, we all went outside and said something nice about Sparty and tossed a handful of dirt into the hole. Once everyone had a turn, I took my girls in. I did not want them to see the hole get filled. I told my husband I would be out shortly to help. That did not happen. Our youngest daughter finally let loose all of her pent up emotion. Both my girls just cried and yelled for what felt like eternity. My oldest started saying in the end "I just want something small and furry to hold". I explained to her that even if we had two dogs and Sparty had died, she would be devastated none the less. My youngest ended up falling asleep crying. My husband came in because he was done. We put our girls to bed. I couldn't sleep so I stayed up all night cleaning. I guess it was stress cleaning. I went to bed for about two hours and it was time to start a new day. I have not fully allow myself to cry yet. I cried a bit at the final vet visit. I cried a little when my girls had their emotional meltdown. Everyone has been so devastated, I have been trying to hide my pain so I can help them. I've been told it will hit me hard. Again, and again. I cried the night that I cleaned because I was alone and no one could see me. I have cried writing this story. My heart is at peace because of the second opinion and so much more. Someone had written your animal will let you know. Sparty couldn't had made it any clearer unless he spoke clear English! The lyrics from the song seemed to reach me thanks to a helping hand from someone on the other side. And, I got to bury and honor our little Sparty in the best way for our family.

I'm not going to cancel my membership with this club just yet. The other night, my husband said "I almost thought about brining home a little yorkie puppy but decided against it". What was weird was I was about to tell him about Raquel crying and saying she "needed something little and furry to hold". My husband said no "unless we came upon a yorkie that needed a home or something". Since I was thinking about it, and he said it, I think there is a chance it may happen in the future. Not today, not in the next week, but eventually. After all, this experience is that their is not such thing as a coincidence when it comes to this family lately!

[megansmomma]

RIP Sparty........you gave him a wonderful life and were with him until the very end.

[jencar98]

Sparty's life story has touched me beyond words. I'm so very sorry, my heart goes out to you.

I'm glad you will stay around here.....you have many caring, understanding friends at YT.

Rest in peace sweet boy.

[maryeverett1]

Oh my goodness. I am sitting here just stunned. I felt like we would get an update like this from you but still shocked that he's gone and I don't even know you or your beloved sparty personally. I do know this feeling having had to do it a year ago wit my beloved 17 year old cocker Marley. All I can say is you will never forget and no furry being will ever take his place. I have my good days and my bad days and yes someday (maybe even sooner than you think) some little creature will capture a new piece of your heart (as I sig here I'm staring at 3 sets of eyes I didn't know existed this time last year!) it's because of sparty that you will be able to love again! I'm glad you guys got "dog Heaven" what a precious and perfect comfort that book is to kids and adults alike! I'm sure like many other YT members I am grieving tonight with you! If I could bring you a coffee or a hug or help you clean I would! I won't ever forget Marley or sparty or the millions of other dogs who faithfully serve us until the very end! Please do not hesitate to PM me if there is anything I can do! Doesn't matter what it is I will be there! Praying for comfort and continued peace! He was a blessed furbaby to belong to such a wonderful family! He won't ever be forgotten! Much love!

[yorkieusa]

I am sitting here crying my heart out. I have been through this, too, and I know how hard it is and how heartbroken you are. I still miss my little Muffin and cry when something comes to me that I had not thought about in a long time. It is very hard, but as you can see I now have my adorable and very much loved Kacee.

[spiritwings1202]

I know all to well what you are going through and sparty will always be missed and rememberd. Always know that you gave him a good life and that you will see him one day in heaven. Hugs, and prayers go out to comfort to you and your family.

[heatherlee143]

I am so sorry... I have 2 girls and right now I am pregnant with a little human girl(due in June). I cannot imagine the pain of going through all of this later on in life. My oldest is 5, will be 6 in December. I can tell she is getting older. I never want to lose her. It hurt my heart to read this... and even more so as you can imagine all the pregnancy hormones rushing through me.

[Cherie6446]

Your story is so sad. It has been a little over a month and 1/2 since we lost our dear little Gina. The pain I know you feel is a pain we all feel for you and Sparty. It is so hard to say goodbye to a loving companion who has been our faithful friend for so long. My husband and I cried everyday for days and days - even today - and said no more little ones because it hurts so much. We adopted little Zoey three weeks ago and although so can not take Gina's place she has filled a hole in our lives. In the weeks to come you will get a longing for that little fur bundle that your daughter wants to hold. You will know when the time is right just as you knew when it was time for Sparty to pass over.
Sending you very heartfelt best wishes and healing for your pain.
Cherie

[YorkieShadow]

RIP sweet baby Sparty
Im so glad that you ended up taking Sparty to a different vet for a second opinion, if for nothing else to ease your mind. Im so so sorry for your loss, I know what you all are going through, Its so hard losing the ones we love. Im sure your Sparty is in heaven in your baby's arms. some day you'll all meet again. Holding you all in my thoughts and prayers. If you ever need to talk Im here, But sounds to me like you have a wonderful DH.

[kay deem]

I am sorry to read about your struggle. It brings back painful memories of about 12 years ago. My first beloved yorkie suffered the effects of congestive heart failure and renal failure. He was first diagnosed at age 9. (with the same symptoms you write). I am a RN. With the help of my veterinarian, I administered fluid challanges for 24 hours during his first crisis. Once we pulled him through, he recovered and lived happily for 2 more years on a carefully balanced diet and medications that had to be manipulated according to his renal function. During that 2 year period, his younger mate began the fros of renal failure, so I had two beloved pets with renal failure the second one developing metabolic cataracts. I had a "puppy intensive care". I tell you this because of the time and effort a dedicated to my pets did have a positive outcome for a time. I didn't have a young family at the time and could dedicate myself totally. It became quite expensive, then it became heart wrenching. I finally gave them both the greatest gift of love any pet owner can give. I still grieve those first yorkies. I have since raised four more adults and will again face some of these difficult decisions. You will know if it is right. You will cry at first then you will smile at the precious fun memories. Then after a time, you will probably have another Yorkie to love. The problem with these precious Yorkie pets, is that no matter how old, they exude that puppy appearance and personality. My heart is sad for you and your family, but I know you will be fine. Finally, I did make an emergency trip to Ohio University School of Vet Medicine with that first Yorkie after my vet suggested that we euthanize. The School gave me 2 1/2 more years with my "Pookie". My regards.

Originally Posted by Sparty

Hello,

I have a male Yorkie who is almost 11 yrs old. About 5 weeks ago, I noticed he was acting lethargic and losing some weight. He was also vomitting. I thought he may have gotten into something so I gave him a couple of weeks before taking him to the vet. At the Vet, I discovered he had dropped down to 3 1/2 lbs (from 5 1/2). The doctor also had a hard time finding his kidneys because they were so small. He did blood work to tell if my dogs organs were working okay. The blood work came back fine. He said he still felt like there was something very wrong going on.Some diseases, such as cancer, do not show in standard blood work. He gave me muscle relaxers and painkillers for the dog and told me to call if he did not improve. After Sparty (my dog's name) took the meds, he started moving better. He was more interactive with the rest of the family. Once the meds were all gone, he no longer wanted to move much. Some days I had to put his leash on and drag him from his cage (Its his little house w/a cushy bed that he loves) because it would be almost 3 in the afternoon and he hadn't eaten nor gone potty. I gave him a shower and spotty something white on the part of his back close to his tell. I went to remove it only to discover it was his bone showing thru his skin! I was horrified. I made another appointment with the vet. I took him yesterday. The Vet weighed him and we discovered he had lost 5 more ounces. The vet also couldn't find one of his kidneys. I told him Sparty had been drinking a lot more water then normal. Even with this, he was dehydrated. Based on the exam, the Vet felt that Sparty only had 1 to 2 more weeks of life left. He also said those weeks would be very painful for the dog to endure and for us to watch. I had expressed to the Vet, at the first appointment, that I did not want to run a bunch of invasive test and do painful treatments just to give us a few more days or months with Sparty but put him thru a physical hell. With that in mind, the Vet recommended I put him down. He asked if I wanted to do it that day. I told him I wanted to wait until after the weekend. I had my youngest daughter with me but my husband and oldest daughter had not had an opportunity to say goodbye. We have spent this weekend taking Sparty to all of our favorite places. He is getting home cooked meals everyday of all his favorites.It's just so hard. I have had him longer then my kids. Symbolically, he means so much. I got him as a Christmas gift from my husband. I wanted a small dog that I could hold my arms and love. Four months earlier, we had lost our first born child who was a full term still-born. I firmly believe that Sparty is the only reason I was able to relax enough to get pregnant again and have our oldest daughter.I just want to know that I am doing the right thing. I would hate to put him down and it only be a slipped disk or sore back. I told my husband that our dog was dying the very first week he was sick. I had never said that before. I just knew. But, how can I know if I should put him down? I wish he could talk and tell me what hurts and if he is ready to go. Before he got sick, he was super active. It seemed he had not aged at all. People meeting him for the first time would ask how old our "puppy" was. He jumped onto the top of couches without breaking a sweat. I use to joke w/my husband that he would never act like an older dog. One day he would go to do one of his jumps and die mid-air. So many tears have been shed this weekend that I'm surprised there isn't water damage! The thought of losing him is bad enough, but the sight of my 5 and 9 yr old crying is making it unbearable. Currently, we are planning to put him down on Thursday of next week. Any opinions/recommendations you can give me is greatly appreciated.

[kay deem]

I thought I had sent a heart felt reply earlier, but not sure. I have experienced this with two beloved yorkies. After my vetrinarian suggested euthanasia, I refused and took my first one to Ohio State University Vetrinarian Hospital. They were able to guide me and my vetrinarian to successfully treat the first crisis and get 2 years of additional time with my "Pookie". This was in 1996-1998. He was 11 years old. Prayers and thougths go with you, Sparty and your family.

[marcie]

I am so sorry about Sparty..My prayers are with your family. I am reading this with tears in my eyes.

[Zeus08]

Thank you for sharing your final moments with Sparty. I cry and mourn his passing with you. He knew how you loved him and is now in peace free of pain. Hugs to you and your family.
Melissa