My Taquito: Very Important Reminders to ALL DKers

[Allyson, Peri & Taquito]

I posted something about this in the Food Group today, a group I try to stay active in (and by try, I mean, try while working full time and caring for a 17 month old human child, husband and two dogs).  I realized this would serve as an important time for me to remind you all about a few things:

 

1. Buy pet insurance for your dog while he/she is young. NOW.

2. Carefully verify the sources of ingredients for the food and treats you feed your doodles.  Their life could depend on it.  Join the Food Group if you have not already.

 

I say this with a heavy heart as my Chihuahua, Taquito, likely will be passing to Rainbow Ridge in the near future - and he's only 10 (quite young in chi years!).  We might get another few months, heck, maybe a year, but I am not counting on it and will be trying to relish every moment I have with his precious soul before then. 

 

In 2007, during the summer of recalls (think food/treats tainted with melamine from China), I bought some Waggin' Train chicken treats from Costco. T. was actually on good food, but I assumed "Made in USA" meant safe.  I was wrong.  He barely survived, was down to 4 pounds (that's like a 140 lb woman losing 70 lbs) and shortly after, blood results showed kidney disease.  I didn't have pet insurance and let's just say that ever since that incident, I've spent upwards of $5,000 on him.  To keep him alive! 

 

I've been successful with home cooking and made his past few years very comfortable and managed the disease.  Lately, however, his appetite has been waning and I have known, deep down, things were not good.  He went in for his 6 month blood workup Saturday and I got the results today.  His BUN levels have doubled (not good for kidney function) and vet gave him about 3-6 months.  We are going to start him on sub-q fluids (water packs) once a month to flush his system and try to rid some of the toxins that are building up.  We may get some more time with him, but I will likely have a hard decision in front of me.  I have lost family pets, but this will be MY first pet to lose and it's just unbearable to think about. I will not let him suffer and I will hold him in my arms when he leaves this earth. He deserves that - after all, he was my only roommate for 4 years, he was their when I got engaged, got married, brought Peri home, bought a house, became pregnant, had my daughter.  My friends sang a song about him at my rehearsal dinner - said that DH would never take the place of Taquito. You get the picture.  Best friend.

 

But in the meantime, enough with the pity party!  Please buy pet insurance for your dogs - I was fortunate enough to have funds to keep him alive and get another BEAUTIFUL SEVEN YEARS with my number 1 cuddler!  But don't make yourself get in that situation ($ vs. saving a life). 

 

And for the love of all animals, do not buy from the big box dog food/treat companies!!!  Please join our Food Group immediately and take the advice seriously.

 

Much love to my DK family!  Although I am not here as much, I do check in and care about this community DEEPLY.

 

Allyson (and Taquito and doodle sis Peri).

[Tracey & Spike]

I so wish there was something we could all do to help you through this. Long story short my neighbours dog who basically mine as well had to be put down a few years ago. We too endured the summer of recalls. Many of the foods and treats on the horrid list were given to Ben at one point or another. None of us knew any better. Like the majority we assumed things like Milkbones. Jerky Treats and "name brand" dog food were safe. They were made by reputable trustworthy companies. Ben ended up having major issues with his kidneys and his liver.
After spending time in the food group and learning so much from you, Karen and everyone else I can't help but be so very grateful for your diligence, research and answers to endless questions. Because of you and everyone in the food group I have knowledge that I could have only dreamt of before. You are so brave and courageous for sharing your stories of your precious little Taquito.
You've helped take the overwhelming fear of "choosing wrong" away. Knowledge is power.
Thank you so much.
My thoughts are with you and your family during what i know to be a very difficult time.

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

Oh Allyson, this is such sad news.  My thoughts are with you

[Stephanie and Ragley]

Allyson- just reading this brings tears to my eyes in sympathy for you and Tacky. It seems that what Taquito has been for you is what Ragley will be for me and I cannot even imagine the pain this must bring you. Prayers and lots of virtual hugs being sent your direction. Prayers of comfort for Taquito and peace for you and your family. Thank you for sharing Taquito's story with us and helping keep our beloved furbabies safer and healthier. 

[Jack]

Im really sorry to hear about your loss, i know how tough that can be.

Thanks for all the advice, i will take them seriously

[Jill, Woody & Maxi]

Again, I am so sorry that you and Tacky are going through this, but thank you for reminding everyone how important it is to get insurance, feed good food, and to stay committed to our loves…thank you for all that you do!

[Linda, Charlie Brown and Beau]

What an important message and reminder to all of us here on DK. Sending positive thoughts that your best friend Tacquito's remaining days will be filled with many more good days than bad. 

[Texas Doodle Mom and Molly Rose]

We recently lost our sheltie who was there for our wedding, each move and each of three boys' arrivals home from the hospital, and it was so difficult to say goodbye. I know you are hurting :(. Thank you for the positive message regarding food -- I fight to feed our family the healthiest diet we can and I plan to do the same for our doodle. The food forum is incredibly helpful. Will be thinking of you ((hugs)).

[Marcy, Apollo & Phoebe]

I am so sorry. Sending positive thoughts your way.

[BG and Gavin]

Keeping you guys in my thoughts.  Thanks for reminding everyone; hopefully they learn from your heart breaking experience. xo

[Jennifer and Jack]

Allyson, I am so, so, sorry to hear about sweet Taquito.  I learned so much from the food group, from your story. Even though I don't "know" you, you would probably be surprised at how many times I have told your story. How I will boldly tell your story to a consumer at Pet Smart who is reaching for crap treats…. I honestly do.   I pray that Taquito turns around and somehow his BUN goes down….    I am going to share your written story on our breeders fan page club…I think you and your sweet baby deserve to have your story told in his honor..

Lots of hugs and prayers to you all.