Thursday, May 13, 2010

RIP Jake

My beautiful dog Jake passed away this afternoon.

We're not sure exactly why, as one minute he was fine, the next he was shaking uncontrollably and walking around in circles, staring at something only he could see. We rushed him to the vets, and after an hour of watching him get worse, they finally told us it was probably a back injury and to take him home. They gave us some anti-inflammatories and that was it. So after a night of constant worry and no sleep (for Jake or us) and a morning of worry and watching him trip over and run into things and another 2 vet trips with the same answer, we took him to a different vet to get a second opinion. He collapsed on the way out to the car, and couldn't breathe properly, and his teeth started to chatter. The vet rushed out the doors when we arrived and helped us get him from the car. He watched him walk around in a circle and then fall over backwards, and his eyes roll in his head. He ordered a stretcher and took him straight into the theater and onto a table. They took some spinal fluid and blood, but as we rushed it to the airport to be flown to Brisbane, they called to let us know that he'd died.
Thankfully, Jake was given a drug to make him sleep, and we were able to say goodbye before we left. He passed away in his sleep, dreaming good and happy dreams.
We had him for 10 fantastic and wonderful years!Rest in peace my darling! Thank you for the laughs, the walks, the wet kisses and the constant company. Thank you for the good times and the bad, the mischief you made and the hugs you gave. Thank you for being there when I needed a friend, and for always listening, no matter how silly I must have sounded. Thank you Jake, for being a good dog. We will miss you always!

Give your animal an extra hug tonight, as you never know when you might have to say goodbye.

Edited to add:
The test results came back. Turns out Jake picked up a very rare condition called Angiostrongylus cantonensis, or Rat Lungworm. He contracted eosinophilic menengitis from it. There was nothing we could do, and even if the vet had realized what it was and put him on meds straight away, there was only a slight chance he could make it and even then with side effects. I've included a link in case anyone is interested.
Thankyou for all your kind and supportive comments. They mean so much to me! I shall get through, and the fun times he has given me to remember will last a lifetime.

21 comments:

CC said...

I am so sad for you and your family, I'm just so very sorry to hear of your loss. Our furry friebds are so much a part of our lives, that to lose one leaves such a large space in our families and such a large hurt in our hearts. I hope remembering the love you gave to him,and him to you brings you comfort...

Joy said...

Amanda I'm so sorry ... what a sad day for you. Our furry kids become such a treasured part of the family and I'm sure your darling Jake knew how loved he was, you can tell from his beautiful face in the piccy. We've only had our border collie a couple of weeks but I can tell already how they quickly find their way into your heart.
Sending big hugs to you ....
Joy

A Bite of Country Cupcakes said...

Oh Amanda,You poor thing having to go through such a saga,The 1st vet sounds like one to avoid!
RIP to your precious furry friend,What a gorgeous Pooch he looks to have been.

RG said...

Oh Manda,
I'm so very sorry for the loss of your beloved Jake.
Such a lovely face!
Do take care. (((((hugs))))
Robyn xx

Anonymous said...

I am so sorry to hear about your lovely dog, they sure become part of the family.

quilting hugs to you and your family
Christine

Christine M said...

I'm so sorry to hear about Jake. Just like our dog Ginger, they become part of the family, not just a dog. Just remember all the fun times you spent with him. I'm thinking of you. Hugs to you and your family, Amanda.

Teresa said...

So very sorry Amanda to hear about Jake. He was so beautiful and I'm glad he had you for his family! Take care and I hope your heart mends soon xx

Cubby House Crafts said...

So sorry for you and your family for what is sure to be a sad time! Remember the Happy times!
Take Care
Lisa

Me and My 4 Fellas said...

This is such a sad story and I am so sorry for your loss...

Jo in TAS said...

That's so sad, I'm so sorry to hear of your loss. Jake is in a peaceful place now and it sounds like you have some wonderful memories.
HUgs
Jo

Jennifer Rose said...

:( I am so sorry :(

C said...

Oh Amanda I am really really sorry to hear your sad news about Jake. Losing a pet is very difficult and they do leave a big gap in our lives. But it sounds like he had a lovely happy life - given to him by you. I lost one of my cats three years ago and cried for days. But now I only remember the good times we had. I hope you reach that stage with Jake soon. Sending you a big hug, Carol xox

Anonymous said...

Oh how sad.He looks exactly like my Border Collie Murphy.I dread that day , hes 13 years old now.

Take care!

Lynn said...

Manda - big hugs to you! Jake was the luckiest dog in the world to be able to walk through life with you. Hold his memory tight in your heart.

Libster said...

Im sorry to hear about your loss, we lost our beautiful girl back in march I understand your loss. have you heard of the rainbow bridge? I like to believe in it :)

Baye said...

So sorry about your dog. You certainly did everything you could. I'm sure he sensed your concern and love.

Yarni Gras! said...

Oh Amanda, I am just crying with you right now. I wish I could make it better but only time will do that.
Just now you did your best and that Jake knew how loved he was and God gave him the perfect family to be with on this earth.

Sarah said...

Oh my goodness Amanda! Such terrible news! Our pets are very much family members arent they! I bet his life with you was wonderful.
BIG HUGS
x Sarah

Selina said...

I'm so sorry to hear this Amanda. I lost my beautiful girl just in February and it's just such a hard thing. Thinking of you, Selina.

Anonymous said...

oh so sorry to hear your news about Jake Amanda he certainly looks like such a sweetie

Anonymous said...

oh so sorry to hear your news about Jake Amanda he certainly looks like such a sweetie