I miss my little yorkie…

by Bryan
(Dayton, Ohio)

Abby was our sweet little Yorkie. She was born on 9/16/2000. My wife, Kris, and I were dating at that time, looking towards a future together. Kris always loved Yorkies. It was the perfect kind of dog for her. Her mom found a local breeder who just had a litter. We went to look and immediately fell in love with Abby. Kris was apprehensive – not sure if she was ready or capable of taking care of a little life. We all knew she was and helped her convince herself of the same.

Abby was a character from day 1! I could bore you with literally millions of stories, but all parents of furry little children have such stories. Fast forward to July 8, 2011….

Abby was in great health – full check with bloodwork and all 2 weeks before. She started getting sick late on Friday, the 8th. We went to Dayton Emergency Vet Friday night, didn’t seem too bad. Some high liver enzymes but not too extreme. That night was extremely restless for Abby and Kris tended to her all night. The next morning Kris took Abby to her regular vet. They took xrays and were concerned about her gallbladder and referred us to Cincy Med Vet for an ultrasound.

Saturday afternoon ultrasound showed her gallbladder was blocked, a condition called a biliary mucocele and needed emergency surgery Saturday night.

The surgeon gave us a post surgery update. Things went fine and he felt very good about the procedure. He stated there is a 20% mortality rate due to post-op complications and there is no known reason or factors for this. The air left the room… There is a chance Abby may never be home with us again – cuddling on the couch, playing the ball game that she made up the rules….but this wasn’t going to happen. Abby was coming home. I just knew it!

Sunday, we received updates. Things seemed to be going fine. A minor issue or two, but they were not unexpected. She had a bit of discomfort and developed pancreatitis – which is common for such a procedure.

We received a call about 2 am Sunday night / Monday morning that she developed complications known ARDS – acute respiratory distress syndrome. We rushed down to be by her side. She was in an O2 chamber. She recognized us and struggled to get out to us. An hour or two later her condititon deteriorated and she crashed. We were rushed back and had to make the decision to end her pain and let her go. At 5:44am, Abby left us to be with God. Please say a prayer for my little buddy that she is in peace.

I know I will see my Abby again someday on the Rainbow Bridge. But until that day……

I miss my little buddy. I love you Abby

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