Ashley the Hiking Mutt...

will never hike again... She spent the past two days in the hospital getting various blood tests, x-rays and an echocardiogram. The end result: She has an enlarged heart, an enlarged liver and spinal arthritis. The doc doesn't even want to give her pain meds right now because of her liver condition, though he said there is a morphine based med he will prescribe if her spinal pain gets too bad. She's only seven years old, dammit! That's too effing young... It's just not fair.

And she seemed so healthy just one week ago today when we were on our latest trip in Northern California:

Bummer. I've had to put several down due to illness (I have boxers, which are cancer factories) and it's never easy.
Enjoy the time you have with her.

Sorry to hear this, Lonnie. I hope she will not experience too much pain.

Seems like a really nice companion. Sorry to hear she is not doing well. Had to put down a Scottie with similar conditions. It is not an easy thing to do. Good luck.

Those of us that love dogs have to go through this all too often. After I put down my Springer, I never thought I would have another dog, but Lucky the border collie found me! My deepest sympathies.

People who love their dogs understand that its like watching a family member fail. Best wishes to Ashley and your family.

thomascanty wrote:
will never hike again... She spent the past two days in the hospital getting various blood tests, x-rays and an echocardiogram. The end result: She has an enlarged heart, an enlarged liver and spinal arthritis. The doc doesn't even want to give her pain meds right now because of her liver condition, though he said there is a morphine based med he will prescribe if her spinal pain gets too bad. She's only seven years old, dammit! That's too effing young... It's just not fair.

And she seemed so healthy just one week ago today when we were on our latest trip in Northern California:

Poor little thing.

Sorry to hear this. Wish Ashley the best.

Sorry to hear this terrible news about your friend. You have captured a fantastic memory there. I hope she does not feel too much pain in her remaining time with you.

So sorry to hear this Lonnie, we've all gotten to look foward to seeing her latest adventure with you. Did the Vet. give any hopes of a change for the better? Like someone else said, enjoy the time left and hope for the best.

Gosh Lonnie, that's so sad. I know you got Ashley just because she was a perfect fit for your hiking buddy. I hope she stays comfortable and I KNOW how much you love her and will take good care of her.
I have a sick old dog too... but she is 13. Ashley is too young.

Lonnie:

My deepest sympathy.

I have enjoyed your hiking pictures immensely, especially the ones with Ashley in them.

Althouth our pets are not children they are indeed part of our family and are well loved. It obvious from your pictures and commentaries that you feelings for Ashley run very deep.

I hope for the best for you and Ashley.

Pretty Dog. Sorry to hear about it.

Thanks for the comments and condolences everyone. They are very much appreciated. This has been a bad week for me, as you can well imagine. We should have the lab results back by Monday, so then her doctor and I can come up with a plan for her treatment. I took her to the hospital because she was obviously in a lot of pain earlier this week. Fortunately she doesn't seem to be hurting now, and even eagerly devoured a cup of Frosty Paws (her favorite treat) today. I hope to hear good news from the doc on Monday, but honestly I don't really expect it. This is pretty much the same diagnosis my dad was given 15 years ago, and he didn't last very long after that.

Ashley has always been spoiled rotten, but she's really getting the royal treatment from me now. So are the cats, just for good measure...

so very sorry to hear about Ashley Lonnie

you never know , she could be on the 'mend'
prayers and flowers winging their way.
tell Ashley to hang on


* Get well soon Ashley *

that's an order Ashley