The news from Scott Carrino about his dog Louis is painful and uncertain. Louis has made some progress in that he is vomiting less, but the progress is slow and painful and frightfully expensive.
Scott has his own ideas about this and I totally respect them, this is his dog.
But I am reaching the point where as an advocate for my dogs, I would start thinking about putting a cap on this process.
Louis’s white cells are alarmingly low and there are now signs of liver trouble. He has a feeding tube up his nose and is taking all kinds of medications. He is still drooling, which means he is still nauseous.
Scott and I had a long talk this morning, and I urged him to call Suzanna Fariello, the very wise and honest vet we share, and ask her opinion as to how long he can or should continue with this treatment, emotionally, financially, and ethically.
He agreed to do that.
I am also worried about Scott and the toll this is taking on him as the news every day continues to be a mix of some small progress and lots of suffering.
These are decisions only Scott can make, I suggested giving the process some more time, but he has to decide how much and at what cost, to him and to the Louis.
I think it’s time to fix on a date, and if the progress isn’t marked, then end the suffering.
Last night, he sent me a text message that ended this way: “I am tired. I miss him. I want him at home. We are gonna have a good life together. That is my plan.”
I feel badly for Scott, he’s wanted a dog for years, had to give up his and Lisa’s cafe because of the pandemic, and he’s working hard to reconsider his life. Louis was and is a big part of that. I’m not much on prayers, but I did ask my angel to step in and get Louis home.
This has opened up some deep wounds in Scott, he asked me to help him keep some perspective. I will. We all love our dogs so much, sometimes we just have to deal with the dark side of love as well as the bright.
(Scott has not asked for any financial help. I respect that also. )
When the day comes for my dog and me to part, I will remember what you have written and practiced in your own life. I promise to be the best advocate for Shiba an owner can be.
That will not be the time for my own desires. I have come close once already.
I have been listening to all your books and I love them. I’m currently almost finished with “The Soul of a Dog”. It reminded me so much of a little dog I had gotten from the pound after I had to put my Dalmatian down. This little Chinese Crested was hairless and as ugly as he was cute. I named him Wody and I loved him dearly. He had such an animated personality! We had not had him more than a couple of years when he developed a problem with his back leg. He seemed to start losing muscle control and finally dragging it. After a couple of vet visits, we decided we could amputate the leg. He was so active and happy, I figured he’d be fine. We set the appointment for the procedure but before that time came, the same symptoms started in the other rear leg. Well, I was crushed! The doctor put him on some prednisone to buy me some time and I finally had to have him put down. I called my Bishop, crying. “Tell me I’ll see my dog again?” He said, “Sure, you’ll see your dog again! You’ll see all your pets!” He led me to a passage in Revelations and other scriptures that explain that all the animals that our Savior created when he created the earth have spirits and are resurrected from the dead, like man. That all animals will go to heaven, redeemed by the blood of Christ and will dwell in eternal felicity. I feel, if I am a good person and try my best to follow the commandments, part of my reward will be to see Wody one day. I know I will see him. I can’t tell you the peace that gives me. I believe that our Heavenly Father and His Son, Jesus Christ, (I believe they are two separate beings) love animals just like we do.
Ann, The Pope has said animals go to Heaven. I believe Him.
I really feel for Scott. We had a similar experience several years ago with Whitney, our Aussie who had kidney failure.
We stubbornly wouldn’t stop treatment and tried everything offered to us, but nothing altered her condition’s progression. We finally ended it when it was clear that prolonging the situation was causing suffering.
We were not spending wisely, believing that sufficient intervention could change the outcome. But sometimes it just can’t.
We still have Whitney’s “rescue sister.” But we will remember Whitney.
It might be helpful if Scott could get a diagnosis, even a probable one. Knowing the likely conditions and their outcomes might provide guidance.
Certainly Scott could have no one wiser than you as a friend, right now, and always, Jon. Thank you for being there for him, and whatever decision comes, your experience and friendship will help Louis and Scott through.
Wishing you well tomorrow and always.
Jon,
This is a cautionary tale. Many breeders give shots at six weeks which is too young to provide good immunity. I remember when Zennia’s breeder was upset with you taking her out at a young age. This can happen.
I do hope Scott doesn’t let this unfortunate event discourage him from getting another dog if his doesn’t make it. Remember Gus. Things do go wrong and your post about the down side of dog ownership is so true. Scares me too as I think about another dog.
Lynn
I am praying for a miracle for Louis and his dad. Heartbreaking … the threat of losing a beloved little soul, especially if they are young. Like you say, the challenging side of love and connection.
I am so sad to hear Lou has not bounced back as much and as quickly as I hoped he would. the pain I feel in reading your update is more for Scott ………..but also for Lou, as I’m sure you know. I can only continue to hope…as I do, that Lou will turn a corner…… rather than the alternative…..which will be heartbreaking for Scott. Thank you for the updates. I keep them both close to my heart…..as I will keep you close to my heart tomorrow when you have your procedure.
Susan M