What a horrid expression, but that's what people say. We put her down.
She was nearly ten and a half, a decent age for a Golden, but seemed to be slowing down more than she should have been so, two Wednesdays ago we took her to our vet for a check up. Her blood work showed some minor concerns, including a slightly low red blood cell count. We told the vet that we'd be in for her next regular check up in March.
However, in the following days, she became even more lethargic so, last Thursday, the day after dad died, we took her back to the vet. Her red blood cell count was dramatically and dangerously low and she was diagnosed with an autoimmune form of anemia abbreviated IMHA.
The vet said that she could be treated with prednisone so we started the treatment immediately.
Still, Lizzie got worse, much worse.
Yesterday, we took her to a wonderful veterinary E. R. near Reading. Her red blood cell count had fallen to a nearly fatally low level.
After discussing the options available to us, we made the tough decision. The very kind and patient doctor told us directly that we were doing the right thing and that IMHA is a terrible disease.
But, it all happened so quickly.
In the midst of saying goodbye to dad, we have the pain of this loss.
Certainly, this is a different sort of sorrow. But, the two piled on top of each other...
We called Lizzie, Sweet One. Like most Goldens, she was very quiet. But, she wagged her tail with more enthusiasm than any other dog I've known.
She was a very pleasant companion.
The house seems very empty today.
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