I received some very sad and shocking news from my friends today. I posted about their dog, Lili, last summer who ruptured a disk and had to have emergency back surgery. It was a scary time and a rough few weeks, but she came through it with flying colors. We just saw Lili last Friday, and she was as playful and happy to see us as ever. We were talking about how amazing it was that it was like nothing was ever wrong with her.
Wednesday night, my friends noticed she was acting like she did when her disk ruptured. They gave her some meds to make her comfortable until they could get to the vet in the morning. She woke them screaming in pain, and they rushed to the emergency vet in the wee hours of the morning. She was euthanized there. I haven't talked to my friend yet - her email was brief. When I think we can both handle talking, I'll find out what happened. I don't know if they determined something was untreatable or what.
I'm absolutely heartbroken for them. Some of you may also remember that I posted about their precious Basset Hound, who was Tonka's last girlfriend. She was sick for a very long time (from puppyhood to age 3) and eventually diagnosed with a horrible incurable disease that prevented her from absorbing proteins. Our friends knew she was dying, and adopted a pair of stray cockers about a year ago (Lili and Duncan, who they believe to be siblings). Zoie the Basset was euthanized less than a year ago, followed by Lili's surgery, and now her sudden passing.
My only comfort is that Lili has at least 2 special friends to greet her at the Bridge - my Tonka never met her, but I know he and Zoie are inseparable at the dining establishments at the Bridge, so they will make sure Lili is okay.
Lili, we had only begun to get to know you -- I'm glad you found such a wonderful Mom and Dad to give you and Duncan a loving home after you were abandoned by someone. Your pretty, jet black fur and curly ears will struggle to remain shiny with all the slobber from Tonka and Zoie flying around. We'll make sure Duncan has as much love as possible as he tries to adjust to life without his little shadow.
You'll be missed sweetheart. Please give Tonka and Zoie our love and tell them how much we miss them.