nuke wrote: ↑Fri Aug 25, 2006 6:55 pm
Hello,
I've been lurking on these forums for about 2 months and wanted to share some pics of my new best friend. His name is Ziggy and he's 5 months old.
I've had him for 3 weeks. He's a real joker and seems very smart. He loves to go for rides in my truck and really loves to meet people.
This is "nuke" aka Gina
Ziggy died Friday morning and I'm absolutely devastated. He was my one and only baby for the last 14 years. My ONLY companion and now I'm alone.
Ziggy was 14, but in near perfect health. He had some hearing loss but was otherwise pretty much the same as he always was. He'd still spin around in circles when I got home. He'd even want to play now and then. No hip or mobility problems. Nothing.
Friday, just after midnight he woke me with a yelp. I looked at him and saw right away - it was bloat. I was in a panic. I was in denial. It was the middle of the night and I didn't know what to do.
I took him for a walk and he was slower than normal, but he didn't want to come home. It was a short walk. I somehow thought if I walked him he could pass the gas. Then I cleaned his but and put olive oil on my bare fingers and tried to open his anus. He let me do it and he didn't even seem like he was in pain. No panting or pacing. I think he knew I was trying to help him. Like I said, I was in a panic and in denial.
I prayed that if this was his time that he wouldn't have to suffer. That I could be strong for him.
I located a hospital that was open. It's now about 2am and Ziggy was standing in the yard. Just standing. He tried to throw up once.
I was so worried that I wouldn't be able to get him in my car. I didn't know if he would be able to jump in, and if I even touched his tummy he yelped. I tried to call a couple who did in-home euthanasia - because I really didn't think I could get him in my car and the last think I wanted was for him to suffer.
I called the ER told them that I think he would need to be put to sleep. They told me to come in and that they would come out to my car.
Ziggy was still standing in the yard. I showed him his leash and he perked up, jumped up the steps and came in. We went to the car and I opened the door. He wanted to go for a walk! So I got into the driver side of my Explorer and he still wanted to go for a walk. After a minute, he jumped in! Ready to for a ride.
At the ER, I called and they came out to get Ziggy. His belly looked like a guppy. Ziggy was friendly and gentle until the end. He was wagging his tail as he went inside with the assistant.
I had to wait in my car because of the restrictions due to covid. After about 30 minutes the doctor calked me. He said Ziggy had a mass in his abdomine, which may have been his spleen due to the bloat. He asked me if I wanted to xray. I asked, no matter what he needs surgery, right? Yes. Seven thousand dollars. I asked how he was doing and he said he's "quite uncomfortable"
I didn't want him to suffer. I asked to put him to sleep.
They put me on with the office girl to get payment first. I was sobbing as I gave the info. I'm crying right now typing this. She asked if I wanted a paw print, ashes, etc. I said no. I wouldn't want my baby reduced to a novelty item on a shelf. She asked if I wanted to be with him, Of course!
They came and got me. They led me around the side of the building into a room. I went inside. After a minute, then opened the door and in came Ziggy. He had a cone on and I took it off. He was sniffing at the outside door and wanted to go out. I'm sure he really wanted to go to the bathroom. He was so bloated.
The doctor said the first shot would sedate him and that he would go to sleep fast. He put the 1st shot in and Ziggy went right down to his on-the belly, face between the paws sleeping position. He snored one time as I held and rubbed his paw and stroked his fave and eyes. I wanted so badly for him to open his eyes to look at me like he used to when I would pet him as he slept.
A few seconds later, the doctor said "he's gone. he's not in any pain anymore"
I didn't know what to do. "Is that it?" I said? What do I need to do? No answer. I left out the side door crying like I've never cried before. I somehow had his collar and leash in my hand. I don't remember when they gave them to me.
I had to go to the gas station because the car was on empty. After putting gas in I just sat there. The sun was starting to come up. I didn't want to go home and not have Ziggy there.
I texted my neighbor.
I drove home in a daze. Crying and sobbing.
When I pulled into the driveway, Karen came to me as I was still in my car. I picked up and showed here Ziggy's collar and made a gesture, like " can you believe this?" and she hugged me. I told her I needed to sleep and went inside.
Ziggy was my baby. A sweet and outgoing boy. He loved everyone and was such a good boy.
I'm crushed. I'm crying. I live alone and I don't have my Ziggy anymore.
