Monday, December 22, 2008

Tearful goodbye





Harlee just wasn't getting better, I've had a bad feeling for days. Last night I just knew he wasn't going to be okay. We took him back in to the Vet for the third time this morning. A quick poke into his abdominal cavity to check for fluid revealed our worst fear. His lab work showed probable sepsis and kidney failure although his repeat Xray was hopeful as far as his bowel was concerned. The bowel wasn't the issue anymore, an infection from surgery had taken over. Looks like Harlee developed a Peritoneal infection (abdominal cavity) that hasn't been seen in over 10 years at this clinic. Best case scenario, 30-50% survival rate with aggressive re-opening of his staples to flush out the abdominal cavity. IV antibiotics for many days, 24 hour around the clock care.

And so, I cried. I cried and cried until I couldn't cry anymore. Despite our best efforts there just wasn't much of a chance Harlee would make it. And so they brought Harlee back into the room so we could say our goodbyes. I love that stinky dog. Maddison and Hannah's hearts are broken. Harlee was the "runt" of our litter, white as snow. He stood out from the rest of his litter mates because he was so mellow and loved to be cuddled. He slept with us at night, and followed Maddison everywhere. When he was just a few months old he had his eye bitten by his dad. A month later he could have nearly drown in our pool had I not heard his cries for help. I should have known poor Harlee was a dangerous boy.
I feel horribly guilty he didn't have his surgery sooner, although I know that we still had to "wait and see" if this sock would pass. And so the stages of grief start today. Our house is a little more empty and calm without Harlee here. Alot more quiet, and very lonely. Anyone who has ever loved a pet can understand. Our tearful goodbye starts today, I hope we can soon find peace in knowing we tried all we could to save his life. ((Hugs for our dear Harlee))

5 comments:

Beth said...

Kelly, Josh, Hannah and Maddison,
I am so terribly sorry that you have lost Harlee. He will most definitely be missed by all of us as well! Love and hugs from the Douthitts

Wendy said...

I'm so sad...Oh, Kelly...my heart is breaking right now. I'm so so so sad to hear this news. Is there ANYTHING we can do??? Just say the word. I'm so sorry. I will keep you all in my prayers. I have an older brother in Heaven who was a dog magnet. I'm sure Mark has already found Harlee and added him to his flock...

Jill said...

I'm so sorry about the news! You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers as you go through this difficult time.

*Hugs from Virginia*

Lynnea said...

Kelly..{{{HUGS}}}..I am so sorry. My prayers are with you and your family tonight.

Scott K. Johnson said...

So sorry to hear that. As you said, you did all you could for him. Wasn't meant to be I guess.