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.

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307 comments
Thank you for sharing your heart and about Lily. Hoping for a quick recovery for Lily, and for peace in your hearts no matter what the outcome. She is clearly a special part of your family.
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Prayers for Lily and your family! I have a 9 year old black lab and cannot imagine going thru such a rollercoaster of emotions and not knowing. I am just across the bridge in Gig Harbor, bring your family over to walk the harbor if you are looking for a distraction. (once the rain stops)
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I am so sorry to hear this. I wish dogs were not so stoic sometimes so they would tell us when something is wrong before it becomes a huge issue. Our sweet boy has been on a rollercoaster this last year too with cancer issues. Then Tuesday afternoon he ate foxtails(!!) and had to have them removed from his throat. I will keep Lily and all of you in my prayers.
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Praying for Lily and all of you as you go forward. These amazing companions of ours make life that much sweeter.
God Bless
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Oh, Ali, prayers for you all and especially for sweet Lily! Our dogs are so much a part of our families, aren't they? Love and blessings and prayers for peace and healing from our family to yours.
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Up swing is a good thing. I pray this is just a bump to be rolled over. If not at least take to heart that the suffering will be short which is a blessing.
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OH my heart is breaking for you. I just lost my dog less than a month ago to a coyote attack and it happened in front of me. I cant even begin to imagine the pain and up and down emotions that you and your family are going through. I am so sorry and am praying for you.
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We have been riding the same roller coaster for the past year with our 14 year old golden. Thinking of your family during this time.
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Woof.
(from my dog to yours)
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We are going through something similar with our 13 year old black lab. Thinking of you during this difficult time.
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Oh, Ali, my heart goes out to you and your family. Anyone with pets knows that they are truly a member of our family and it is heart wrenching to watch them suffer in pain and illness. Here's to hoping the best for you all and that Lily will have a continued long life and health.
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praying for you all and sweet Lily. i can't imagine a reality other than my sweet pup laying next to me, so i can imagine your heart ache during all of this. praying there are good days for her ahead, and that your heart is at peace with whatever decisions you need to make.
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thinking of you all and saying a prayer for Lily-- that you will get the answers you need for her to get better! God is so good to give us pets-- such a special part of the family. xo
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God loves all his creatures and knows the condition and needs of Lily. I will pray to "The Great Physician" to touch, heal, embrace, and comfort Lily and your family.
Prayerfully,
Damiane
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I know that there are a lot of us out there that have dealt with these issues with our pets who are of course our family mambers. Keeping your family & lily in my thoughts.
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None of the decisions you'll have to make will be easy. Good luck!
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Ali-
What a beautiful relationship our furry companions bring to our life. I, believe my fur babies are the best in the world, as you do, I'm sure. I will say prayers for you that things go as smoothly as possible. To Lily...beautiful girl, you are a good dog.
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Ali,
My 13 year old black lab Sierra passed away last month.She had my heart. Just doesn't seem like we have enough time with them. Prayers for Lily.
Zanne
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Ali - our prayers are with your family. we've had a lot of dog issues in the last year. Cushings for our 9 year old, HGE, and now hypothyroidism for our two year old. It is very hard to watch your pet suffer. Hang in there and trust your heart.
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Prayers for you and your family. Going through something like this is so hard. I swore after the last time I had to make that difficult decision that I was never goiong to have another pet again. And it has been no less heart-breaking when my family members have gone through it.
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