Most of you know me well enough by now to realize that for me silence is not golden. When something is just too hard to talk about, I just don’t talk. The past two weeks we have been on a heartbreaking journey with Faye only to discover she is in Stage 4 of kidney failure. The very same day I told you about Ben’s leukemia, I took Faye to our local vet and asked for blood work and X-rays. We had taken her in about 10 days earlier because she was not eating well and had lost some weight and was just generally acting quiet and despondent which I chalked up to the visiting dogs. The first time she refused her favorite food we thought she was acting like a “diva”. That Monday our vet again thought her tummy might hurt but had no idea why. The next day Tuesday the vet called with the test results which were shocking – levels relating to her kidneys were off the charts and we were to bring her in the next day for a regimen of IV fluids to flush her kidneys of toxins.
That brings us up to the morning I picked up the chicks. Remember these pictures taken on Wednesday morning?
Right after I settled the chicks in the barn I took Faye to our vet and checked her in where she stayed until Friday when her levels had not improved. I went to see her twice a day but she was alone all night which I hated to think about. On Friday our vet suggested we go to Iowa State University in Ames, Iowa, 2 hours south of us, where we rushed her Friday afternoon. We arrived at the university veterinary hospital emergency room late in the afternoon and Faye was admitted to the ICU. Oh, it was so hard to leave her there with strangers! She had an internal medicine vet and a student assigned to her care and the facility had people around 24/7.
We drove down every day to visit her so she would know she had not been abandoned but it was Rick who she clung to and Rick who cried the whole time.
The diagnosis? Kidney failure. But she’s only 4-1/2 yrs. old! We were asked over and over if she had gotten into any household chemicals, antifreeze, human medication like ibuprofen, anything toxic we could think of. I asked about the jerky treats – not the ones made in China but those made in the US. We were told by who we consider the Mayo Clinic of dog health that the USDA cannot confirm any concrete evidence to connect chicken jerky treats to kidney failure but that some companies in the US were using components from China in their jerky even tho the jerky was actually being made in the US. I took a new bag of US made chicken jerky to Faye’s last appointment and asked our Iowa State vet if she would give them to her dog and she said “no”. She also reminded me that there is no evidence that points to the jerky causing kidney failure in Faye who loved chicken jerky more than anything in the world. We gave it to Telly, too, so we also had Telly tested. Telly’s tests were normal. Now maybe she’s just bigger and stronger and not as suceptible as Faye or maybe it’s not the jerky at all. Maybe it’s Faye’s genetics.
Faye has had IVs, ultrasounds, X-rays, blood draws, urine draws, heart monitors, enemas, feeding tubes and enough exams to last a lifetime. Her only option was a feeding tube into her stomach. That’s what brought this to our attention to begin with . She quit eating – first she cut back and started losing weight and she became quiet. Her vet is convinced this has happened over a long period of time and gradually her health declined before our very eyes. One symptom of kidney disease is excess shivering which we have noticed. If we had gone to our vet last January and said Faye just shivers, he would have told us to get her a coat and he would have also reminded us we live in North Iowa! And when she started refusing some of her favorite foods, who would have thought to run a kidney panel?
She has now lost a third of her weight and is a walking skeleton. We brought her home last Tuesday to spend whatever time she has left as quality time with us. The feeding tube into her stomach would have required her to live strictly indoors to keep the tube completely clean and that would not be quality life for Faye. We try to tempt her with absolutely anything we think she might eat. Today I brought home chicken McNuggets and she ate 2 of them. She will also eat a cooked egg yolk sometimes and beef baby food. I have made my own chicken jerky and once in awhile she likes that but she will only eat a few bites a day.
We are devastated and heartbroken. I have accepted it now, I guess, and when I see her curled up in her bed, just a little bundle of bones, I realize that the little lively feisty dog we love so much is actually already gone.
I know you will all be feeling bad for me now and I will appreciate any prayers for Faye. Forgive me if I don’t respond to all the comments. I have cancelled all the dog boarding reservations and anything else on my calendar. I am sewing a lot because I just have to do something other than sit in my chair and cry. Rick will go back on the road and I will try to take care of Faye this week. I have ordered something online that MAY help her – we have nothing to lose and if she’d just eat better, she’d buy herself some time.
I knew I could not post on this blog anymore unless you knew about Faye. I talk about my life and the love I have for my dogs is at the center of my life. I can feel my heart cracking as I write.
I’m so sorry to read this, Mary. Prayers for little Faye – that she begins to eat a bit more and that she’s not in pain. Much love to you and Rick.
I am so sorry Mary and Rick. Faye is a part of your family, and it is so hard when they are sick. Praying for you,
With tears in my eyes, I am so very sorry for this to happen tour family. Fur babies are the most forgiving of all our faults and when they hurt it is so much worse as we know nothing on how to alleviate their pain except show them how much we love them. Prayers are going out to you whaole family and may Faye not be in pain> I know that we cannot give you hugs but know we would if we could.
Will Rogers wrote “I cannot be funny today. My dog died.”
This is not an exact quote, but we know how you are feeling. Our cat died in 1981 and I can cry about it like it happened yesterday. The cat was the truest friend I ever had.
Prayers for you in this troubling time
Mary and Rick, I am so sorry about Faye. It’s hard I know.
Hugs, Jeanne
Sweet Faye! Healing thoughts and lots of love sent her way.
Oh my gosh my heart aches for you and i know that it hard to believe but your dog will always be with you especially when you sew don’t worry this too shall pass lots of love from your favorite fan since 1993 when I bought my first country threads pattern book and was so inspired I always envyed you and longed for a life like yours with so many pets and people who love you and talents are endless you have so much love yet to give take care of you. Steph from update ny
I am SO very sorry!!!!!!!!! My thoughts and prayers are with you!!!!
I am so sorry Mary! It’s like you said about little Ben, life is so unfair. Dogs are such a part of us and bring such happiness along with great pain. Will be praying for you all.
Mary, I am so sorry about Faye. You all will be in my thoughts and prayers.
Oh I’m so sorry for you,Rick, and especially Faye. We have been there too and I cried as I read your email. Prayers for all of you.
Mary,
My heart is breaking as tears roll down my face. How awful. I know what our 4 legged family means to all of us and that is why I enjoy your blogs so very much. Your kindness and the animals always make me smile.
All of you will be in my heartfelt prayers.
My heart and prayers are with you today.
Mary, Just feeling so very sad for Faye and your family. So good you were able to bring her home where you will be able to give Faye the love and comfort she needs. Prayers are with you.
So sorry to hear such sad news. I know this is a real tough time for the three of you. Just want you to know you are all in my heart and prayers.
I am so sorry to hear about Faye. She is such a cutie. Positive thoughts and tons of prayers heading your way.
Hugs & Prayers for Faye and your family. 💓💓💓
Oh Mary and Rick. Prayers are going out for little Faye. This is so hard for all of you, I know. Tears and prayers for all of you and the other pets. They know.
Mary and Rick – I am so sorry to hear about Faye. I know both of you go over the top for your pets. It is very hard to see them go. My thoughts and prayers will be with all three of you. Linda
My heart is breaking for you! We adopted a Siamese cat Feb 2015 from a Siamese Rescue. She is a little kitty and has been fine up until this Jan. She started trying to urinate everywhere, and I found little drops of blood in her urine. I rushed her to the vet and she was in the hospital for 4 days with antibiotics and IV fluids. Long story short, the vet she saw could not figure out what was wrong and several visits and lots of lab work. I asked the senior vet to look over her records and he called last week with the devastating news that she is in Stage 3 kidney failure. Before we got her, she was on the streets in Ohio and got into something that transmitted e-coli to her. It has attacked her kidneys and not a thing we can do. She is home now, and off all meds. He said to just love her up and let her enjoy her final time in her home where she has been well cared for and loved since she came.
I don;t tell you all this for your sympathy. Like you, we are so sad and simply living with her day to day. I can’t stand to be away from her and when I am here, she is most happy to just be with me. She not been very lovable to us as she was almost feral, but she has come around and knows we won’t hurt her and will just love her.
My heart and prayers are with you, Rick and little Faye. May God bless her time left with you and know how very much you love her. Hoping her passing over the Rainbow Bridge is quiet and gentle.
Blessings.
Diana w – you and I are in the same spot – just loving them while they’re still here. I’ll be thinking of you.
Mary I can’t begin to tell you how sorry I am for you. Poor Faye so sweet and unable to tell you anything. When our Schaunzer stopped eating I made filet migon every night for two weeks still she started eating again. Like you said try anything and everything for her. You both are in my prayers.
Prayers for all of you…
Mary, I am so sorry for what you and Faue are going through. Our dogs are such a wonderful part of our lives and it hurts so much when they get sick. I will keep you and Faye in my prayers.
Mary, I’m crying right along with you and Rick. I’ll keep you, Rick and Faye in my prayers.
This part of loving a pet is so painful. 🙁
So so sorry. I couldn’t even imagine. My dogs are my life and…..that’s all I need to say. Be strong! Thinking of you and your family.
So very sorry. I know others have said the same. We love our pets well and feel responsible for their health and well being. Love her well and God Bless
So sorry to read of this, our pets are our family, thinking of you….
I’m so sorry to hear of Faye’s illness. Thank you for sharing her story though. I’ll be praying for her and for you. These animals are so dear. We are blessed to be their guardians and to know such incredible love from them.
Thinking of you. I think it hurts even more when it’s our fur babies. Snuggle her for me too.
My heart broke for you as I read your blog. Prayers of course. Just wish I could give you both a hug and make it all right again.
I’m so sorry. That’s just heartbreaking. I’m glad you were able to bring Faye home where she knows how much she’s loved. I just can’t express how sorry I am. Our pets are so important. All best wishes.
Oh, Mary! I’m so sorry! Your love for your animals is so obvious. Watching our companions in discomfort and pain when they can’t tell us what’s wrong is frustrating. I know Faye knows you love her and are doing things for her best. This is such a hard thing. We have a 10 year old German Shepherd we have had since he was 8 weeks old. Now he in the early stages of Degenerative Myleopathy and listening to his nails drag in his hind legs is almost painful. Fortunately I don’t think he is in pain but I know what is coming for us . I can’t bear to think of it.
Mary, I am also so sorry. We love our pets like we do our children. I enjoy your blog and know things have been hard for you lately. My thoughts and prayers are for you and your family at this time.
I am so, so sorry to hear this news. I know when the time comes you will do right by her. It’s heartbreaking to love these sweet souls for such a short time.
My heart breaks for Sweet Faye, for you and Rick and for Telly too! May God’s love comfort you as you are going through this!
My prayers for you, Rick and Faye. How very sad to lose a beloved pet and family member. My heart goes out to you.
Oh Mary, my heart breaks for you & Rick. Losing a beloved furry member of a family is its on special kind of heartache. I have lost 2 of my own in the last year & it is so hard to accept. I am sure Faye realizes you are doing all you can for her & loves you that much more for it. You, Rick & Faye will certainly be in my prayers. God Bless.
My heart goes out to both you and Rick. Faye feels your love, I have no doubt. You have and continue to give her your best. You all will be in my prayers.
I’m so sorry about Faye. We have two dogs who are the center of our world, so totally understand your devastation.
Your story about Faye breaks my and reminds me of our fur babies that have gone to the Rainbow Bridge. We, like you and Rick, do not have children, so our dogs are treated like children and they behave better than some I’ve seen! Dogs really do go to heaven and I plan on seeing mine there. Love and prayers as you walk this road.
OH Mary — I am SO SORRY!! Our pets are family members & it’s just so hard when they become ill. You & Rick have been wonderful caregivers to Faye – and you can be sure she is thankful to be part of your family. She has such a sweet, loving nature. It comes thru in your photos. My heart goes out to you. I’ll definitely be praying for Faye, you & Rick.
💔 I’m crying as I write this. I’m so sorry and she is lucky to have you give her nothing but love and warmth.
So sorry for you and Rick. As I read I am thinking of our baby boxer bulldog, 108 lbs. and what you must be going thru. Prayers for you all and your baby. Paula in KY
My heart hurts for you.
My tears are running down my face as I tell you that my heart goes out to you
N praying 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻 so hard for your baby, been there n it is excruciating
💔💔 to snuggle with her is the best!!’😓😓
Oh Mary I feel for you and Rick! Just love Faye. It’s very hard to loose a fur baby. Hugs! Hugs! Pray for both of you!
My heart breaks for you. God bless Faye. There’s nothing worse than seeing one of your best friends suffer and able to do nothing. I live on a farm and have been in your shoes more times than I ever wanted. Kiss and hold her as much as possible. She knows she is loved. God bless all of you.
Ugh! I’m so sorry for your pain… please know that we all are sending you and Rick hugs….Praying for you all…
I am lifting you all in prayer, Mary, and also pray you feel comfort from our Lord, the God of all comfort, as you tend Faye with loving care.
So very sorry to hear the news. Prayers to you. Thank you for sharing such a personal time.
I am so sorry to read this, I know how hard it is. Our pets are family. Prayers for all, peace and comfort.
So sorry you are going through this. It is very hard I know.
So sorry that you, Rick, and Faye are having this experience. I know that you are doing the best that you can to see that she has the best quality for the time she will be with you.
This is very sad news, Mary. I’m sorry for Faye and for you and Rick and all who love her. After exploring all options, bringing her home to let her live her life on her terms is certainly the kindest thing to do for her. She’s in good hands.
Oh Mary! I so feel your pain. Prayers for Faye, you & Rick! Our dogs are our kids, not our pets! It’s really hard to see them suffering. They can’t tell us what is wrong with words but usually you can just tell by their eyes that something is NOT right. 🙁
Oh Mary, my heart breaks for you. It is so difficult to watch our furry children suffer. My prayers are going up for Faye, you & Rick. I’m certain she is much happier being home with you. Hugs to all~
We lost our good friend and loving cat Abby to kidney failure last June. We did the same tests and flushing etc. that you have done. I miss her every day, but am more happy I had her than sorry she’s gone. These four legged friends are a wonder.
I am sobbing right now. I am so heartbroken for you. I will pray for all of you.
So sorry for you and for Rick and for Faye. I know how it hurts. My thoughts are with you all.
My thoughts are with you…I know how it is when they are sick and there is nothing one can do. Hugs and prayers to you.
I hurt and cry with you, for I have walked in your shoes… HUGS!
Mary, I am so sorry for you and Faye… I cried as I read your blog…. My heart breaks for you. Will keep you and Faye in my prayers… May you have the strength to do what is right for Faye.At least with our pets we can stop their pain and misery. Have had to make that heart breaking decision more than once. Also know what vet bills are.. We spent over$13,000.00 on two cats at two different times. So I. Feel your pain….the price we pay for loving our pets… They are family…God bless you.
Faye is lucky to have you and Rick as her family. I’ve lost two of my three fur babies in the last 3 years after 17 years. They become such an important part of our family. It’s always hard to loose any member of our family. I’m so grateful to have one kitty left who is always beside me. So sorry for your heartbreak.
All three of you (you, Rick and Faye) will be in my thoughts and prayers in the days to come.
If you are willing to give something a try, try Chanca Piedra. I was told the end of January that my Boston Terrier Rudy had a 1″ bladder stone and kidney failure. My vet wants to do nothing as Rudy will be 14 on April 21. I have always been into alternative remedies and use them on my self and my dogs. From homeopathy, to herbs and correcting the bodies vitamin an nutritional balance. Anyway getting back to Chance Piedra which is an herb that us used for breaking up kidney and bladder stones, people use it for kidney failure, it is an antibiotic for UTI’s, gets rid of prostatitis, and in my opinion is fantastic. It will lower the blood sugar and blood pressure too so be careful with that. Anyway Rudy’s bladder stone has went from 1″ in diameter to 3/4″ in diameter. He is still really thin but eats like a piggy now. He went from 29#’s to 24#’s but has gained two pounds back. His last blood test showed his BUN was going down, his first one was 57 and is now down to 49. Not much but we are getting there. I put him on Chanca about 5 weeks ago. When I was doing research I came across a statement from a woman that her mother was in stage 4 kidney failure and she is feeling so much better and is in either stage one or two of kidney failure, I can’t remember will have to look it up again. I took Rudy off commercial food and he gets chicken in the pressure cooker with vegetables, and either potatoes or rice. He loves oranges, strawberries, tomatoes, pretty much anything. If you want to try this I will help you if you want. I am a dog lover. I have been divorced since 2001 and it has just been my dogs and I. I take dogs that no one wants, but have capped out a 10 about 4 years ago and can’t take anymore as I have very little income and bad health myself. When I lose a baby it rips my heart out. I am so sorry about Faye. Blessings, Nancy
And Rudy is no longer shivering either.
My heart bleeds for you! I have something for you to try that she might eat. I just used it on my 12 yr old Collie who has colitis. It is called a/d (acute care) and is used for dogs recovering. It is a chicken flavor and Caesar ate it even when he hadn’t been eating. I got it at Timberlane in Clear Lake. Keeping you in my prayers!
So sorry to hear about Faye. Our fur babies are precious to us & losing them is so hard. We lost our Chloe a golden/cocker mix 14 mo ago due to Ave.Just recently adopted a miniature Schnauzer who is 11 yrs old and blind. He was a rescue that no one wanted! After finally getting his digestive system straightened out..,.he is absolutely the sweetest little guy anyone could want.being blind is no problem.Yes he still runs into things, but it doesn’t seem to bother him. As I write this he’s curled up on my lap. By the way the food he couldn’t eat I donated to the shelter. Prayers for you ,Rick,& Faye.
I have thought about Faye for the last few weeks and have been meaning to ask you how she as doing. I am so sorry she has to go through this but I’m glad you were able to bring her home. She has had a terrific life thanks to you & Rick. This will be hard but as always you have done the best thing for her.
My prayers and thoughts are with you, Rick and Faye. We just lost our dog, a 15 yr. old black lab, earlier this week. She died of kidney failure. It is so sad to see them deterioate. She could not or would not eat as well. We cried for days and our other 7 yr.old lab is heartbroken. She is so despondent. Our heart now aches for her. She lost her best friend. Our pets are truly family members.
May you find peace and comfort in her memories as you spend these last days with her.
Lorraine – Telly is despondent, too, and we feel so bad for her. I can feel what you’ve just been through.
Had tears just now from reading about Faye. So sorry to read the news. Prayers and thoughts going out to you and Rick. It hurts when the only thing one can do is try to make them as comfortable as possible. Our fur babies are our family.
Oh Mary and Rick….my heart just brake for the both of you. These dang little puppies that we love so much and when they pass over to Heaven…..well you know and to only be 4 1/2…… I alway enjoyed seeing the stories and pictures of Faye, she reminded me of my little Mitzie that passed 10yrs ago…..I still miss her so much! They could pass for sisters. Miztie & I would come visit Country Threads thenever I came home to visit my mom. I’m praying for your little girl. I’m so very sorry….
Praying for you all
We lost a young husky to kidney failure. She had been a rescue and the group had a vet who gave her a clean bill of health. First people who adopted her returned her to rescue group because she was a runner. When we found out she had kidney failure she has very little function left. We did iv flushing but when they no longer helped she deteriorated fast. Miss her. Love Faye and treasure your time together.
Mary, I am so sorry to read about sweet little Faye. I thnk we all feel your pain, jus know that you gave her love and the best of care. Hugs to all three of you.
My heart is breaking for you. We love our pets because they’re our family. We adopted our collie when she was 4, she’s 14 now and has been in and out of the vet for the last year, she now has tumors in her throat. We’re keeping her comfortable, pain meds, as per her vet. We do the best we can for them. I’ll keep Faye and your family in my prayers. Faye has had a wonderful happy family, please find peace. Toni Anne
Mary and Rick, I know your pain, just like so many other people do. Our animals are like little humans. They trust us and love us unconditionally. I know we look forward to their barks, hugs, kisses, and beautiful eyes glaring at us. Thank you for sharing yours and Faye’s story. I’ll pray for you, Rick, and Faye. Hugs and love to you all.
So sorry. Peace and comfort for all. You have done your very best for Faye.
Prayers and love.
My heart aches for all of you. It is so hard to watch our loved ones suffer. Keep her comfortable and know you have done all you can for her.
I’m so sorry! Will hold you, Rick and Faye in our prayers.
I am so sorry to hear about your beloved Faye. My prayers are with you all.
My heart breaks for you and Rick, last year in April my boy went from one day fine and the next day he wouldn’t eat and he just laid around. Now for a German Shepherd/Husky mix that is just unheard of, even at a week shy of 12 years old. When I took him to the vet his test showed end stage renal failure and some of his enzymes were off the charts which indicated cancer. For his age I couldn’t put him through the treatment and was told that by the time he had reached this stage that about 70% damage had been done to the kidneys so I made the decision to put him to sleep. I couldn’t go through watching him suffer and it would have been selfish on my part to try because I had done just that with another one I’d had years earlier that had heartworms. It was a difficult decision each time but we each have to decide what is best for our furbabies. Sending hugs and prayers of comfort as you make the best decision for your furbaby.
I realized when my cat died,and I was heart broken,that maybe I was blessed to be able to love a creature.I had an acquaintance who could not understand the love for an animal.I think.the pleasure I had from that animal was worth the pain.I I’ll always love and miss him.Please print a copy of a poem that you printed when your goat died–Oh do not mourn for me when I am gone ,for I have friends in the great beyond-I Don’t remember the rest of it.My sympathies for the pain of losing a loving friend.
/So sorry for all your struggles. My dogs are so very important to me so I can feel your pain. Prayers for all of you.
It is so heart breaking to have a beloved pet struggle with health issues. She is so lucky to have you guys as her mom and dad.
My heart is breaking for you. She’s just so young to not have many healthy years ahead. Thank you for sharing and for being such a fervent compassionate pet caregiver. The animals in your life are blessed to know your love and you are blessed to know their love for you.
My heart aches for you and Rick. Hugs and prayers for you all.
So sorry, Mary. Sending hugs and prayers to you, Rick, and Faye.
Oh Mary, I am so very sorry about your precious baby! Know that everyone that reads your blog is crying with you now – I surely am! I have never posted before but so enjoy your posts and feel like we are friends. You and your baby are in my prayers!
Kathy
Faye knows how much she is loved by you and Rick. We have enjoyed the wonderful stories and pictures of Faye and her friends and are saddened with this news. Thank you for sharing.
My thoughts and prayers are with you. Our dogs or cats are not just our pets but they are our children and family.
My prayers go out to your household and of course Faye! Having been at this point several times with our past 4 legged parts of our family, I know this is a devastating heart breaking time. I am praying for you all so very much!
Jeri
I am so sorry. You all are in my prayers.
My heart just breaks reading your post Mary! We had a similar thing happen with one of our cats who was also young. You feel so helpless & you just want to fix them. Sending hugs & prayers to you, Faye & your furry brood! The love between Rick & Faye is so evident from your wonderful pictures! Take care, Elise, Rudy the Doxie, and Cleo, Ted, & Alberta the pusses😥
I so understand losing someone dear. I do hope you and Rick can feel the love we are sending your way. I’m glad you can sew as a distraction. Lots of prayers and Quilty (((Huggs)))
God bless the little girl, and you and Rick!
I am sorry you are going through so much, you, Rick and poor Faye. We have lost two doxies to pancreatic cancer (my dad had it too, so when you hear that diagnosis, it’s just a little time). It was devastating to watch your pet go through. I’m very sad for you all.
I am so sorry for what you are going through with Faye. My dogs are the loves of my life. I would be so devastated to loose one of them. I will keep you, Rick and Faye in my prayers.
I cook all my dogs food and make their treats. Cocoa had gotten sick and could not keep down the dog food. My vet had put him on a bland diet of rice, cottage cheese, and yogurt. So after two weeks I tried to put him back on the dog food but he continued to get sick. Since he could keep down the food I was cooking I decided to cook for them all the time. That was a year ago. Today Cocoa is the healthiest he has ever been. Sammy is over weight so he is getting more vegetables to get his wieght done.
Prayers for all of you. Kate
I think everyone has said what I would say. Just think about what her life would have been without you. Faye’s life may be short but was so grand. So many dogs don’t get that chance. We all are praying for Faye, Rick and you.
So sorry to hear about Faye,i’m a dog person to..with tears running down my face as I read this ,hang in this is a tuff one. They are our furry babies that we love dearly,so sorry!
I am so sorry Connie. I know how hard this is because we love our pets so much. I have lost a lot of dogs and know what you are going through. Just being with her is what you can do . Prayers for you both.
No words can ease you pain, know that my prayers are with you both.
I am so sorry….my heart just breaks for you….
It is so difficult to see our furry children go through such a devastating health issue. My heart aches for you and Rich but you both have done whatever possible for Faye and I hope that brings you some comfort. My thoughts are with all of you.
So sorry to hear of this. I can barely see the monitor as I type this. I know the love that you are speaking of and know how hard this is. Lots of love, big, warm hugs and many prayers are being sent to you, Rick and Faye. God Bless.
How sad that you and Rick are having to go through this. Our pets bring us some of our greatest joys and they love unconditionally. My heart aches for you – sending cyber hugs and prayers for you and you little Faye.
Our Duke had a stroke last November and we had to rush him to Cincinnati. He stayed for two days and then came home. He had to be walked with a blanket wrapped under the back of his body for about 4 days and then he was able to walk slowly without it. He is still alive, and as far as he is concerned he is feeling great! But he still has to watch himself or he goes to the floor! Faye will either pick up and survive or she will die and we all will be heartbroken, but it will happen.
Words cannot express how sad I am feeling for you and your husband and your ordeal with little Faye. She reminds me of how our dog loves to lay on my husbands chest so I feel like I am right there with you, crying for all of you.
Mary our prayers are going out to Faye, you and Rick. i no what you are going thru. We lost one our our furbabies a few years back due to kidney failure,and now the same has been going on with his brother that was diagnosed last year. we take it one day at a time. He on special food from the vets.he wont eat the canned but will eat the dry. plus we give him canned food from the store. we feed him pretty much round the clock because he only eats maybe a tsp at a time. and of course has lost most of his weight.
Hugs from our home to yours,
ox
My thoughts and prayers go out to you, Mary, as well as Rick and Faye. I can tell from your blog how much you love your pets. They are such an important part of our lives.
Keeping all of you in my prayers. Faye is very lucky to have such a wonderful and caring family around her.
Mary, I am so sad for you, Rick and Faye. All of you will be in my prayers. I am glad Faye is at home with you, Rick and your other animals.
Mary, my heart goes out to you and Rick. I lost my beloved basset ,Hannah 2 weeks ago and know how hard it is right now. Feel assured that you went the extra mile and tried everything. Do NOT beat yourself up over the jerky. sometimes we never know why these things happen.
My heart is full of love for you and Faye–I have a small ten year old dog who is beginning to have some health problems, living alone, I can’t even think about being here without him…many prayers to you and Rick and of course, Faye…. when someone says–it’s “just an animal”–they have missed out on the best piece of life we have been blessed with. Hugs, Char
Precious little Faye. It’s heartbreaking, I know. When my cat was diagnosed with kidney failure, I started giving her slippery elm bark powder…just a small amount (1/8 tsp.) mixed in with some baby food. Slippery elm bark is supposed to soothe the stomach lining and intestinal walls which in turn combats the nausea and stomach acid. In other words, it helped to improve her appetite. Everything I’ve read says it can also be used in dogs, but, of course, you’ll want to check with your vet. In the meantime, hang in there.
Keeping all of you in thought and prayer.
Mary, thinking of Faye, and you & Rick, my heart breaks for you. Love Moe
This was a heartbreaking post to read. I was in tears and my heart goes out to you and Rick and Faye. Sending prayers your way for comfort and peace for you all. I am so sorry.
My heart goes out to you and I cry with you as I read this. My dogs are my children who just happen to wear fur coats and walk on 4 legs as I know yours are to you. You, Faye, Rick are in my thoughts and prayers. Take care.
Ohhh, I am so sorry that you and Faye and Rick are going through such a difficult time! Prayers will be headed your way often from here — yup, I always read your blog and I had started to worry when I noticed you were not posting. Hang in there and lavish love on that dear Sweetie!
I feel your pain. Faye is so lucky to have such loving, human parents such as you and Rick. My prayers are with all of you.
So so sorry to hear of your pain and heartache. I feel your pain. Wishing you comfort and peace.
My heart is breaking. I am so sorry that Faye is not well. Keeping you, Rick and Faye in my prayers. Sending hugs and love.
Mary and Rick, may God lay his gentle hands on you all to bring you comfort and to know that you have done all you can. Faye only knows that she loves you so much and that you have given her a wonderful loving home. God will take care of her in heaven and Faye will wait for you patiently until she sees you again.
My heart is breaking for the two of you. God knows that the three of you are hurting – he will take care of all of you.
I am so sorry about Faye. I feel your pain, our fur babies are our children, a part of us. I just went through this with my girl Oreo. End stage liver disease, was there so sudden this last month. Yes we cry , we comfort them, but they must leave us. When I look at her pictures from the last 15 years I try to remember the love she gave me and the fun we had. She was always a pup in my eyes, when did she grow old. Give Faye your love she will take it with her and know she is comforted now.
Mary, I am so sorry to hear about Faye. We love our fur babies. My heart breaks for you, Rick and Faye.
Give her lots of love in the time she has. Thoughts and prayers are sent your way.
MaryBeth Our hearts are heavy as we think about you and Rick. We all love our dogs so much. Keep the faith. Love, Cassie and Bruce
So sorry to hear about Faye’s problems. Our fur babies are so special. Just give her lots of love, like the love she has shared with you and Rick. Thoughts and prayers are with you all.
I am so sorry to hear this about Faye. I will keep all of you in my prayers. It is always so difficult to deal with an ill pet and I know that she can feel your love and caring.
My heart goes out to you. Watching a pet suffer is just so very hard. We just lost our Labradoodle 2 weeks ago. She quit eating and pooing and we were very concerned, then she quit going to bed with us and would sleep downstairs all alone. It was and still is so sad! 😢 We went to the vet and blood tests, samples, X-rays and ultra sound only found a slightly enlarged spleen. But nothing that would cause all of these symptoms. So we decided to give her shots of antibiotic and steroids in hopes it would make her feel better. The first day no change and the 2nd day she was a little more active and even brought her toy for me to throw. And that night she slept with us too. Then on Friday she got so bad and couldn’t stand up so my husband got her to the vet and I met him there, but she was gone by the time I opened the door to the backseat. Out hearts broke that day. Molly Mae was only 8 years old and had been with since she was 6 weeks old. She was such a love. So my prayers are with you and your dear, sweet baby!! 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🐾🐾🐾🐾🐾🐾🐾
Julie – oh my goodness! What do you think happened to her? Did you have her posted to find out? I know how shocked and sad you are and I am so sorry for you. My personal email is marye@ncn.net -‘please write to me.
So sorry to read this. Heartbreaking. I have a (rescue) dog myself so I know how much a part of your life, of your family a dog is. Thinking of you.
Mary, this is so sad and to see those pictures of her and Rick breaks one’s heart. She really seems to have a special bond with him. I prayed for all of you tonight, I know is not easy to see our little companions suffer.
Pray to Saint Francis who loved animals so much. Hugs, Felicia
Your pain is shared by everyone that knows the love given by Faye to you and your love given to her in return. You are wonderful people and God will have Faye waiting for you in Heaven.
I am so sorry. Faye knows you love her.
Could you post the checked jerry recipe?
My heart is breaking for you both as I read this. We have been through this, and my criteria was always whether the dogs would eat and wag their tail. You obviously have done everything in your power – bless you for the care and comfort you have given. I’m sending a donation to ARL in her name for the ones who do not have that love in their lives. Wishing you and Rick peace and comfort.
I am broken hearted right along with you!
Faye is one of the lucky dogs in this world who had a loving home and humans willing to share it with her. It is so heartbreaking when they get ill; isn’t it. I had two Lhasa Apsos — both were with me for about 16 years. Although it was hard to go through their illnesses and ultimately have to say good bye, I am so glad they were a part of my life. I know there probably isn’t a one of your readers who wouldn’t say the same. We now have a little dog I rescued from the streets almost three years ago. My husband and I love her to pieces. Although I know some day I will need to grieve for her, I couldn’t imagine not having shared our lives with her. God Bless you and Rick and little Faye!!!
Oh so sad. I am crying with you.
Praying for you, Rick, and Faye. Such a sad time when our loved ones are hurting. I hope you are comforted knowing that you and Rick have provided such a loving home and given her a wonderful life. Big hugs.
Oh Mary, I’m so sad to hear this about your sweet dog, Faye. I’m sad for you and Rick too. I will keep you all in my prayers. Sending hugs.
So sad, my heart goes out for y’all. Prayers…big Texas hugs
we have a dog that we love also My heart is broken for you also. It is so sad
Patricia – our hearts are still broken. We miss Faye more than I could describe.