AJ and I were at the Oregon coast for a mini vacation with Grandma and Grandpa when Seby finally succumbed to his health issues.
The vet identified a small murmur in Seby's heart years ago. Each time we go to the vet, they would remark that the murmur was a bit more pronounced. This summer Seby developed congestive heart failure and pulmonary edema - basically his heart was so enlarged that it was no longer pumping blood efficiently and fluid was collecting in his lungs.
Medication worked for a while and we had our happy, playfull sweet puppy back. While we were on vacation though, he had a seizure from a lack of oxygen to his brain. His heart was growing so big it was actually impinging on his windpipe and the heart was pumping so inefficiently that oxygen was not circulating well.
It was a very traumatic night as we were in a little sea coast town away from familiar resources, trying to take care of Seby, find an emergency evening weekend vet, trying to keep AJ from going hysterical... Finally found a vet about 40 minutes away. Dad drove me and grandma stayed with AJ. Everyone said good bye to Seby at the house because I just knew he wasn't coming home.
The vet was very nice and sympathetic and in the end I made the choice to let Seby go and we put him to sleep.
It's been hard to get used to a home where Seby doesn't jump up and greet us as soon as we walk in the door. I miss they way he cuddled next to me on the couch. His personality was so big... and the house feel much quieter without him.
Glory is suffering too. She's become extremely anxious and will not leave my side while I'm home. If I go to a room and shut her out, she poops all over the house trying to find me/find a place to hide. She's even taken to trying to jump into the tub with me while I'm taking my morning shower!
AJ wants another dog. She's lost both Seby and Glory in a way since Glory is avoiding her and very clearly "my" dog. AJ really wants a dog that will love her. I don't think I'm ready yet. I am considering options though. I don't want a puppy! We're gone every day for 7-10 hours. Not exactly a good puppy situation!
He had the cutest little face...
Seby always looked like a drowned rat after a bath!
Christmas at my mom's house - playing King of the Mountain.
Cuddled with AJ...
5 comments:
I'm so sorry!
Love Jenn
What a love - inquisitive, friendly, and a joy. I am so sorry.
Love, Sue.
Seeing pictures of Seby made me tear up. I miss him too!
Thanks everyone.
I've been thinking there's a sort of poetic justice that Seby died in OR. He was actually born in OR and I went to get him with my mom during a visit to WA.
So the puppy who was born in OR returned to his roots...
Thank you all for your sympathy and love.
Wow, I'm soo sorry to hear about Seby. He was with you for so long. The first time you introduced me to Damon around 14 years ago you had both of the dogs. I'm really feelin for you Dana. Sending my love.
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