My Heart Dog, Chico Options

[Berta]

Chico is my jumbo chihuahua mix and my best friend and constant companion for 11 years. I got him when he was 9 weeks old and we've been inseparable ever since. He has taught me so much about life and unconditional love. He is my heart.
He has always been big. He's also always been fat. He was hungry when I got him and I've made sure that never happened again! His bowl was never empty. He's always looked like a ham with a chihuahua head stuck on! But my poor baby. Since he was diagnosed with congestive heart failure in September he has gained about 8 lbs of fluid. He weighs about 34 lbs. He can no longer walk due to his enormous belly. Even his legs are swollen so badly. He lives on the couch all day. I pick him up to take him outside a few times a day. I pick him up to take him to his bed beside mine at night. The couch is covered with pads because he has alot of accidents. I hand feed him and hand water him. But he still has a great spirit and still barks at anything that moves outside. He'd really love to get at 'em!
We live in a small town with a small-town vet. His vet says there is nothing else to do for Chico. Just to keep him comfortable until he dies. He takes Enalapril, Lasix and Vetmedin. I had to go to another vet to get the Vetmedin, which saved him in January, because our vet had never heard of it. Obviously the Lasix isn't working properly. I've asked him about a belly tap and he says no, that it is too risky and that he would not do it. I've read online about it and can't decide whether it would be dangerous for him or not. Has anyone here ever had this procedure done to their pet? I don't want to put him at risk, I just want him to have some relief.
I have made an appointment with another vet for Monday. They told me he would refer me to someone in a larger town to get Chico a sonogram and tests that he has never had to see what's going on with his heart. All our vet has ever done is listen to his heart. I am just so worried because I don't even know how I'll pay for all that. I guess I'll have to use a credit card. Times are tough. But I have to do something. It's getting to the point that he sometimes bites me when I try to pick him up and I know it hurts him to move him.
Thanks for listening. I have been really stressed about his condition lately. It is so upsetting when I can't do anything to help him. I'd appreciate any prayers for Chico.

Berta

[MissingHolly]

Dear Berta:

I know what a difficult time you are going through. I went through the same thing not even a week ago with my Shih Tzu Holly. Losing a family member is the hardest thing you'll ever go through. I still find myself having to stop my normal motions of filling up my dog's bowl in the morning when she's not here to enjoy it, but I am comforted by my family and the other pets that remain. After having my dog for sixteen years and having her die in my arms I was unsure of how or if I should just keep going, but I found the strength because I know that she is happy and no longer in pain. Putting her to sleep was the most kind thing I'd ever done for her, I think, because she was suffering a slow death. Know that, while it is difficult, you did your little guy a great kindness and he loves you all the more for it. He's with you in spirit and he'll never leave your side, no matter what.

I don't know if you considered it, but I had Holly cremated and, with her ashes here, I feel more at ease with my decision than before. The vet had her privately cremated the very next day by someone he knows very well, so I didn't have to wait for the SPCA to get around to it (down here they take weeks to cremate our beloved pets and I was dreading that that was what was going to happen to Holly). I'm not sure if you wanted Chico cremated or if you wanted him buried, but you have options.

Know that everyone here understands and feels your pain. I'm praying for you and Chico, but I imagine he is enjoying himself with the many other dogs and cats that are on Rainbow Bridge. Perhaps he's even running around with Holly, probably wanting to play with her favorite socks.

I have you both in my prayers and I am willing to be a cyber shoulder should you need someone to talk to or rant at.

Kat