The Roller Coasters Of Life
Tags:Over the last five days or so we've been on a roller coaster of emotions with our dog Lily.
While camping she began having difficulty breathing and not being able to keep food or water down. Chris took her to the nearest emergency vet hospital where they put her on IV, sedated her and found a variety of maladies - the combination of which put her in critical condition. We made the decision to transfer her to a different emergency vet hospital in Tacoma (the next closest) to be able to see a specialist and get more information (underlying causes, etc) before deciding how to proceed.
Since we've been here in Tacoma it's been close to the end and then it's been a bit better. It's been up and down, each day waiting for a different test, a new hope, a bit of recovery.
Riding the coaster is hard. Being here with family while riding the coaster makes things easier and keeps the kids entertained.
Today she seems on the upswing, able to keep some food down last night, but there's still other conditions that need to be addressed. We're waiting for another update from the main doctor today to determine the next course of action.
Lily's 11. She's had an awesome full life and has been a great companion for our family.
I appreciate your patience and your kindness towards our family and Lily as we move forward in the coming days.

Comments
Sign in or sign up to comment.
307 comments
Prayers are being said for all of you.
Replies
Sign in or sign up to reply.
Oh my word, I really feel for you. Thinking of you all.
Replies
Sign in or sign up to reply.
So sad to hear that you are going through this with a beloved member of your family. Hugs, prayers and strength are being sent to you all.
Replies
Sign in or sign up to reply.
So sad for you and your family. Hugs & prayers to all of you.
Replies
Sign in or sign up to reply.
Know the feeling of a loved pet being sick. Sending hugs your way.
Replies
Sign in or sign up to reply.
Good Girl Lily. You and your family are in our prayers. We lost our beloved boy Jake - and while in my head I know we will out live our most wonderful companions, my heart has no comprehension of the pain it feels. There is a wonderful book about the lives of dogs - A Dogs Purpose - excellent on audiobook. It gives perspective on "lifetimes" of and from the dogs view...quite a wonderful, heartwarming story that helps put their purpose in our lives into focus. Made me look at the beginnings and endings of these journeys in a whole new light.
I wish you well in your journey and that your purpose is fulfilled now and always....to Ali, Chris, Simon and Anna - how wonderful that Lily is in your life - a memory you will always have.
the best to you all....Sharon and Boomer
Replies
Sign in or sign up to reply.
Praying for Lily and your family as you face difficult times. Big hugs to you.
Replies
Sign in or sign up to reply.
we just found out that our 8 year old boxer has cancer with only a few months left. He seemed perfectly healthy--then this. My heart breaks for you and your family. I have never had to deal with a situation like this before-having to make the decision to let a pet go-and it just plain sucks.
Replies
Sign in or sign up to reply.
I can relate to your rollercoaster ride! We too have pups as a family and we love them dearly. Wishing all will go well for you and your family! Sending prayers your way!
Thanks for sharing this with us all!
Replies
Sign in or sign up to reply.
Thoughts and prayers for all of you.
Replies
Sign in or sign up to reply.
So sorry to hear Lily is sick. Sending good thoughts to you all at this time.
Replies
Sign in or sign up to reply.
Thinking about you, your family and Lily, and sending healing thoughts. Pets are such a huge part of our families, we have two chocolate labs that are 9 and 11 and I see them both growing old so quickly now that it breaks my heart.
Replies
Sign in or sign up to reply.
I understand what you are dealing with, and we may be dealing with the same any day now. Our dog Fancy is now 14, a lab mix, and has had breathing issues somewhat this summer. She has always gone with us on vacation in our camper, and has been a great traveler. She is such a great dog and truly has been part of our family. I know my husband, who is very attached, will have a hard time dealing with it, as well as our kids! I know we are lucky to have her as long as we have, but it doesn't make it any easier!
Replies
Sign in or sign up to reply.
Thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. And special hugs for Ms. Lily.
Replies
Sign in or sign up to reply.
Good luck with Lily. Whether they are human or of the "covered in fur" variety, they are still "family," and it's so hard to watch them when they are ill. My positive thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Replies
Sign in or sign up to reply.
Praying for Lily and the rest of your family!
Replies
Sign in or sign up to reply.
Such a hard time! These kinds of days are not too far for my family either - we have one dog and two cats...none of whom are particularly young.
Thinking peaceful thoughts for your family and Lily.
Replies
Sign in or sign up to reply.
Hey Ali,
So sorry to hear about your Lily. As I write this, tears roll down my face. I am remembering an early Sunday morning almost four years ago. We had our Barkley for fourteen years, I awoke that morning to a very sick dog. Called his Vet @ about 6:30am, he met us at his office. Barkley had had a stroke, all but his right front paw, neck, and head were paralysed. There was no hope for him to recover. I held him and told him how much I loved him and what a good boy he was, then it was over.
The animals we share our homes with are trully a part of our families. When they are ill the entire family is affected! I hope the best for Lily, but if you lose her I know you will handle it with grace and compassion. Much love for you and yours, J
Replies
Sign in or sign up to reply.
Ali, I so feel for you! It's been about a year since I had to say good-bye to my lab, Quest, who was 14. With us it was also a roller coaster for a while, but a stroke made the decision for us and it was incredibly hard! I've tried to work on a scrapbook about him, but I think it's still too soon. It took me 2 years after my 20-year-old kitty left me to be able to work on it. I did find it comforting, though, to see all the happy pictures and memories they brought back. But seeing Quest's trusting eyes, with head cocked in anticipation, is still bitter-sweet. Praying for Lily and your family....
Replies
Sign in or sign up to reply.
Oh, Ali, I'm so sorry to hear this. I know she's a family member and I'm feeling for you.
--Wishing for the very best for Lilly and you and your family. :(
Hugs,
Noell
Replies
Sign in or sign up to reply.