Ch. Sweet Sadie Sunshine 04.04.07

New member here -

Last nite I had to authorize the euthanasia of a very special family member - 8 year Sadie, a brindle boxer.

Two nites ago, Sadie started to have issues sleeping and seemed to be up all nite and couldn't get comfortable. The next morning while I was walking her she seemed like it was the last thing in the world she wanted to do.

I asked my wife to make sure during the day that she kept on eye on her, thinking she might have the flu or something. However, just before I left Sadie urinated on the floor and it was dark brown in color and very pungent.

Naturally, I thought this was the onset of a UTI. My wife took Sadie to the vet. After many tests and a lot f confusion we determined Sadie was probably suffering from Autoimmune Hemlolytic Anemia - her body was attacking her red blood cells.

Sadie was transported to a critical care facility and over nite took a turn for the worse. The blood transfusion and immunosupressive therapy didn't stablize her. The vet said it could take up to a week of work to get her better and then there were no guarantees. She would only ever have a 50 50 chance of survival and then chances are we would be right back here again a month.

I am feeling pretty low that I authorized the death of someone very dear to me. I came home last nite and wanted to be greeted by a short snubby tail wagging and her contorted into a "bean".

I haven't thrown anything out. I am not sure I can as I don't want to say goodbye. All of us at home feel quite upset and wish there had been other alternatives, but neither us nor the doctors saw any.

I miss my Sweet Sadie Sunshine.

Thanks for listening.