Advanced Stage Heart Disease

Yesterday, my family found out that our 2 1/2 year old Shetland Sheepdog, Mercedez, is in the advanced stages of heart disease. We have medicine for her that might slow it down, but she's been given at most 6 more months to live. Her heart's apparently about twice as large as it should be and surrounded by fluid. We didn't expect to have to brace for her passing so soon... It's so sudden. She might make the six months, and I'm hoping for that, but all I can think about is how next year she'll probably not be with us anymore. Not only that, but I'm worried how our other sheltie, Mac, will react, seeing as they were raised together.

This will be the first time I've ever gone through this with one of my own pets; I feel like I've been kicked in the stomach. People tell you it hurts, but you never really know until it happens to you... I keep hoping the vet is wrong and that she'll live for at least three more years. It's just too early to have to say goodbye. I want to enjoy the time we have left with her, but every time I see her, all I can think of is how sick she is. At least right now she's not in any pain and is relatively happy..

My friends don't really get what a big blow this is, so I turned to this site. Any words of wisdom to one who's never been through the full pain of pet lost on how to handle this would be most welcome. And please, if you ever have a moment and it crosses your mind, say a brief prayer for my puppy. I just want her to be happy, no matter what happens.

Thank you for reading,

Sam Ouellette