Tuesday, April 29, 2014

All About Whisky

Mommy here, to give everyone an update on Whisky.

Whisky resting at home after the Echocardiogram
On April 20, Whisky had a very bad bout of diarrhea from a bad batch of the regular food she's been eating the last few months. A vet visit and some fluids later and her diarrhea cleared up. But the fluids caused her to start coughing (we stopped the fluids earlier than planned because of this). A further check revealed a very bad murmur in her heart. The situation became critical and she had a diuretics injection which flushed out the fluids and the coughing ceased.

However, her vet was very concerned about the murmur and suggested that we brought her to the Specialist to have an Echocardiogram done. The Echo revealed a tear in a valve in her heart (it's called a ruptured chordae tendinae) which may tear off completely at any time. Surgery is the only option. But even so, only ONE vet does this surgery and is done at a neighboring country. The stress of travelling and being in unfamiliar surroundings and people will do Whisky a lot of harm and she may not even survive the trip (if by plane, she has to be in cargo. If by car, it would take up to 5 hours of travelling). The surgery is also not a guarantee fix as the problem may come back.

After much discussion, we have decided that the best option would be to let Whisky be home, surrounded by her family and lots of love. It has been extremely difficult for me to try to stay strong for Whisky. I had posted updates on my Facebook and received a lot of very kind and meaningful messages. The one that made so much sense was the one from Isabella and Angel's Mommy, Sharla. She had said, and I quote her entire comment, "I did the same thing with Sadie and was told by a wonderful blog friend to remember that she didn't know her diagnosis but she knew I was upset. It is the hardest thing in the world to be strong at a time like this but enjoy every moment and try to let her see your happy Mommy side like always so it's normal for her. Tell her we all love her!". Thank you, Sharla, for sharing that comment with me. 

Whisky is currently on some heart medications to help her stay comfortable. I do not know how long we have left, but I am grateful we have had at least 14 happy years together. She is and always will be my heart dog. I love my Whisky so much.

We would most definitely appreciate all the love and good thoughts, purrs and woofs you could send for Whisky to stay comfortable. Of utmost importance to us, is her quality of life. We will keep going until she tells us it's time for her to join her BBF (Best Bunny Friend), Looppy at the Rainbow Bridge.

I will try to post updates whenever possible but my priority now is to spend whatever time we have left with Whisky. I am sure you understand. xoxo

...Mommy Cathy

38 comments:

The Florida Furkids said...

We're purring and praying that Whisky has lots of good time left with you.

The Florida Furkids and Mom Sharon

Angels Amber and Max DaWeenie and Mom said...

We are sending all the prayers and POTP (all 40 at our house) for Whisky to stay comfortable and for the medication to work wonders. Our little powderpuff Chinese Crested, Angel, was diagnosed with the same disease, only we were told back then that only a heart transplant would save her (of course that isn't being done yet). Our Angel was a fighter and lived longer than the doctors estimated and had a good quality of life (and she loved life). We pray that Whisky will also beat the odds and give you a lot more time to enjoy life together.

Furry Bottoms said...

Oh dear, that sounds so scary. I am so sorry, Cathy. Your friend Sharla is absolutely correct, they sense your emotions and your feelings so much more than anything else-- so putting on your happy Mommy face is the best thing for her but also the hardest thing to do. With Freddy, he was perky right up to the end.

Hang in there, enjoy your time with her. We are here for you, always. Much love to you and all your furries.

Anonymous said...

Oh that's so sad! We don't know Whiskey very well but love visiting your blog and seeing her, she's so beautiful! We're purring for her to be happy and comfortable no matter the outcome.

Fuzzy Tales said...

Cathy, we're sorry to read this news about Whisky.

Sharla's comment was wise, though. Our fur companions don't know they have a particular illness, just that they might not feel well. They don't "tax their lives with forethought of grief," which is a line from one of my favourite poems, The Peace of Wild Things by Wendell Berry.

There's not much we can write, but we can send purrs and purrayers and universal Light, that Whisky has quality time left with you, and that you find the inner strength you need as you journey with her.

Hugs and peace and blessings to you both, and to your entire family.

Connie - Tails from the Foster Kittens said...

Hopefully you have oodles of time left, time to start relaxing about the diagnosis and have quality time together..

I remember when Em was passing of cancer, it was so hard to be positive around her, that one day I had to force myself out of the house and I went to the movies to see a comedy I had wanted to see. I think it did her some good for me to stop hovering so much

Random Felines said...

we sending purrs and wish you all the quality time in the world...

Unknown said...

We are so sorry to hear your news about Whisky. We know you are stuck between a rock and a hard place. However we think you have made the right decision. It is so sad to know time is limited and we know how hard it is. Sharla is so right. Not an easy thing to do for sure but try and be strong. No worries we see you when we see you and until then spend all the time you can with sweet Whisky.
Best wishes Molly
You are both in our thoughts and prayers.

Tamago said...

You've made the best decision to let her stay home with you and all her family. I agree with your friend Sharla. It's really hard to stay strong in such time but our fur babies are so sensitive to how we are feeling. Whisky loves you and you being happy mom means so much to her.
Please know we are here for you. Smile and enjoy your time with her. Hugs and love to you and all your family.

Brian's Home Blog said...

Please know that we are all thinking of you both and we send all our love and many gentle hugs. We love you too Whisky.

Little Miss Titch said...

We are with you 100% on your choice,I know its hard for you But it is the right one,Enjoy Whisky for what ever time she has life,She is strong in spirit and That will carry her through,love to you all,xx Rachel and Speedy

brokenteepee said...

You know we are all thinking of you and Whisky. She knows she is very loved and that is the best feeling in the world.

Marg said...

That advice from Sharla is the very best. You do need to remain positive for Whisky so she doesn't worry about you. Just show her how much you love her and be glad that you have this little bit of time to spend some quality time with her. We are so so sorry. She is a wonderful dog. Our thoughts and prayers sure go out to you.

CATachresis said...

Sharla's advice there is spot on. So hard for you, but Whisky is loved so much by you as well as us in the cyber world. We send all our strongest megapurrs and thoughts and prayers for you. Hugs Caro and Austin xoxoxo

da tabbies o trout towne said...

whiskey....we send R best best thoughts N purrz yur way, we ask St Francis two watch over ewe N keep ewe..we understand yur mom's knead to bee off blogger and with ewe....we hope yur comfortable and we noe yur dayz will be spent with thoze who love ewe most ♥♥♥♥♥

Terri said...

We are so sad to hear about Whisky. Fourteen years is a good lifespan for a dog. However, they are never with us as long as we'd like. We're sending lots of hugs and purrs from our house.

Quill and Greyson said...

We send our purrs and Mom sends her love and hugs. We are all here for you when you need us.

Katie Isabella said...

We are standing with you and your family. Lots of love and prayers. Xxoo

BeadedTail said...

We love Whisky and think of her all the time. We also can understand what you are going through and we're glad that the advice we had received is helping you too. It is the hardest thing in the world to do but the last thing she wants is her mommy being sad so it helps her immensely. Give her our love and smooches! Hugs to you too!

♥♥ The OP Pack ♥♥ said...

We are so very sorry to hear about Whisky. This diagnosis would be a hard one for any dog, but at her age it must be so hard. We totally understand your decision to enjoy the time she has left with you. Sort of what we are doing with Phantom here. We send you great big hugs and all the good thoughts and prayers we can. Take lots of pics and give her some tummy rubs from us.

Hugs and Woos - Phantom, Ciara, and Lightning

purrmonster said...

The hardest part about loving our little buddies is knowing that, for better or worse, their lifespans are shorter than ours. All you can do is make that span as good as you can (quality being harder to define than quantity). And celebrate their lives.

When I lost a cat to brain tumor, for the last month she knew something was wrong--but she also knew we were celebrating her in some way. They do know.

Best of wishes to you.

Photo Cache said...

I really echo PURRMONSTER's comments (first paragraph). That is how I feel. I don't know if this gives you comfort, but rest assured that we're sending you good vibes and lotsa purrs from the four-legged and to Whisky and the whole furcrew.

Hugs and head butts,
Emma and Buster

meowmeowmans said...

Cathy, we are purring and praying for you and Whisky. We hope that the time you have left is abundant -- both in length and quality.

Big hugs to you both.

Mariodacat said...

My heart just is breaking for you. Poor sweet Whiskey! As hard as it might be, you will make the right decision when the time comes. Until then just love her as much and often as you can. Lots of purrs and prayers coming your way.

The Island Cats said...

We are so sorry. We love Whisky and we purr that you and she will have some good time together.

Mollie said...

Oh Whisky we are so sad to read this, you know how much we love you. We are sending all our pawrayers that you have still a long time with us. Give Mommy a big hug from us too. We have been away for 87.000 weeks so we weren't aware of what was going on. Love you xxoxxxx


Mollie and Alfie

Kay said...

Thoughts are with you & Whisky.

The Chair Speaks said...

Yes, that's the best for Whisky now just as what our human is doing for Kenggy - lots of love and spoils.
Hugs to Whisky, mom and dad.

ANGEL ABBYGRACE said...

Cathy we had been following your posts of FB, but somehow we missed the one explaining about her heart condition. Sharla did give you some excellent advise. While Whisky may realize that things are not optimal she is going on like everything is OK. So you love every special moment you have with her and I encourage you to take LOTS of photos and videos. You will be so glad you have them. We wish you and Whisky so many deep purrs and whisker kisses and we'll be praying for you both.

♥♥♥

Cat and DOG Chat With Caren said...

Cathy, my heart, thoughts, prayers and love go out to you. I went through something similar with my Angel Bobo (who also developed heart issues late in life, he was 16 when I found out and he left me when he was 18). It is SO HARD, but try as hard as you can to be "happy" at least in front of Whisky. I know how hard it is. Our babies pick up on our vibes. Giving all of the love you can is so important, Sharla was right. Just enjoy every day. Know that myself, and ALL OF US are here whenever you need us. xoxo

Clooney said...

Oh we are so very sad to hear this news about Whisky. We will be keeping Whisky and you Mom Cathy in our thoughts and sending love and prayers to you both.

Hannah and Lucy said...

We are sending love and purrs for your sweet Whisky and we know you won't let her be in pain.
Take care.
Luv Hannah and Lucy xx xx

Mark's Mews (Marley, Lori, Loki, and Binq) said...

We are purring that Whisky can spend lots more time with you!

SquirrelQueen said...

Oh Mama Cathy, we are so sorry to hear about Whisky's illness. We agree 100% with Sharla's wonderful words. Being at home with loving family is the best any of us could wish for. We are sending comforting, loving purrs your way.

Kitty Kisses,
Cindi Lou & The Kitty Krew

Intense Guy said...

Over from Furry Bottoms... Poor doggy, she looks so beautiful.

Your love will ease her way, wherever it takes her.

Katnip Lounge said...

We are late seeing this, but we'll be purraying for Whisky--we are going through a similiar situation with The Baby right now.

{{hugs}}

Unknown said...

Cathy, we are sending you strength and happiness,
Kisses
Nellie

haopee said...

I just had to read the entire Whisky story. I'm really devastated right now. Devastated for not being there for you guys and awful for having missed Whisky's final moments.