Update on Sirius (July 15, 9:10 pm EDT)

[DemoTex]

I literally slept on the screen porch last night with him. I cooked an extra filet minon (8-oz) and he scarfed that up!
Sirius is doing better today. He is eating hearty and drinking without me prompting him. Not as much occult blood in his stool either. Very little coughing and no blood there. He socialized with Nick and me today, too. Maybe the prednisone is helping. I questioned why they took him off the prednisone for nearly a week. I know that we are buying time, but if his daily quality of life improves my checkbook is out.
This morning dear Michelle ____ (his Greenville, SC, oncology vet) and I sobbed as we talked about euthanasia and cremation. It was tough. Now I think that he will at least make it through the weekend. Maybe the prednisone will give him a little more quality time. Michelle is on call all weekend and will be available if we need her. I cannot tell you how wonderful she is. She knows a good dog when she sees one. Just like everybody who knows Sirius .. hundreds of good people from Washington, DC, to Dallas, to Greenville, to Dog Mountain and points in between (including DU!).

Thanks for the love,
Mac


Sweet Sirius


Sirius' pal Nick-Nick
(longest tongue in dogdom!)

[kikiek]

1. My heart breaks for you. I will be thinking of him all weekend.

Our oldest baby is getting close too. I can't even think about it. He has to die naturally in his sleep.

[Elidor]

2. Prednisone can hurt as much as help

It shuts down the immune system, allowing infections easy access. It can also soften bones and cause the body to attack the bones. It was a smart call to take him off of it for a bit. I hope you guys have a good weekend together.

Our bodies wear out, but our love is immortal.

[Tallison]

14. True...

And those are the long-term effects. But it works well palliatively, definitely boosts the appetite, reduces swelling and any pain that's causing, and provides a degree of emotional euphoria.

Best wishes, Sirius!

(Edited for grammar)

[BrklynLiberal]

3. Good that he is eating. It seems like you are providing some quality time

together for both of you. Sirius has obviously been a great friend to you, and you are giving him some fantastic days to finish out what has been a glorious life.
He is one handsome boy!!!!
He will always be with you...living in that spot he carved out for himself in your heart.

Please give him an extra gentle belly rub and ear scratch for me...

What a good boy.


:loveya:

[greatauntoftriplets]

4. Mac, I am so sorry....

It's been a bad week all 'round.

Be with him, I know Sirius will appreciate it.

[flamingyouth]

5. I'm so glad to hear that he's eating.

Hugs to you both. :hug:

[Pool Hall Ace]

6. You are doing a commendable job caring for Sirius.

I have had doggies all my life, so I know how difficult it is when they are ill. I am sure he appreciates the filet mignon! :hug:

[DeposeTheBoyKing]

7. I haven't weighed in yet on Sirius

I know the agony you're going through, having lost my beloved cat Fergus almost two years ago now. Sirius is very lucky to have such a loving friend as you, and you have given him a wonderful life. I'm glad he's doing better and that you may have more quality time with him. Both of you are in my thoughts and prayers.

[MuseRider]

8. I just signed back on to check

if there was an update.

I (and a whole lot of us) are with you and Sirius. Been there and I can't say enough about how wonderful you are with your doggie. I slept many nights on the floor with our lab as she had her last nights. I understand, how could you do anything else? Enjoy your remaining time. You never know. Tootie lived for several months after my first nights on the floor with her, she rebounded for a while. My heart and thoughts are with you. Anyone who cares for their furry friends like you do is #1 in my book.

Peace to you both.

[havocmom]

10. Ditto that- checking for an update. Been holding my breath all day

looking for a post.

Mac, smile and love him... every gaze is precious, but you know that.

Keeping you and your fur crew in my thoughts. Hoping for a comfortable time for Sweet Sirius. Sweet songs from birds in the mornings and soft breezes in the afternoon as you pals enjoy each other's company.

Good deal about wolfing down a steak! ;) His love of life and his love of you are inspiring.

Scritches from the west for the Dog Star.

hang in there.

hm

[friesianrider]

9. Sending all my love, good wishes, and good vibes your way!

Amazing what a good filet can do for a doggie :) Stay with him - I've had many animals in my life, and you'd be amazed how much some TLC from an owner can help a sick animal.

Keep us posted...you and Sirius are in my thoughts!

[Zomby Woof]

11. Hugs to Sirius!

Even his picture reveals what a gentle and loving soul he is. :hug:

[UrbScotty]

12. My thoughts are with you.

:hug:

[Bossy Monkey]

13. Glad to hear he's doing better

I guess you can look on every day as a gift now. Best wishes.