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).

[Lonnie & Libby Lu]

I'm so sorry Allyson to read this about Taquito and know how important this time is right now for hugs and snuggles.  Sending prayers and hugs for you and your family.  

[Mandy & Benny]

My heart is with you and Taquito.  Enjoy your time together and get in as many cuddles as you can.

[Kim and Jaxson]

My heart is breaking for you.........

[Leslie and Halas]

Oh, I'm sorry Tacky's not doing well.  He's a tough little guy.  I hope you guys enjoy all of the time you have left together.

[Jarka, Monty & Auggie]

So sorry to hear this, Allyson. We'll be with you and Taquito even if you are not here too often. Thank you for these important reminders. Hugs to you!

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

Allyson, I am so sorry that you are facing this with Taquito.  Thank you for turning your disaster into a positive.  Thousands of us have benefited from your experience and research into food.  My heart goes out to you.

[Allyson, Peri & Taquito]

Thank you everyone!  The positive item that has arisen from his health problems is that I am armed with knowledge and will do EVERYTHING in my power to not have this happen to another one of my dogs...and hopefully many others! 

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

Thanks for this important reminder.  I know how much you love Taquito....this must be such a difficult time.

[Susan, Coby & Chloe]

So so very sorry to hear this, Ally. Such news is always heartbreaking. This is very important to hear. I've been considering this very issue now with a 10 week old ALD after a catastrophic diagnosis with our last one at a young age for which we were fully prepared to spend up to $6000.00 out of pocket.  I've been talking to Embrace about insurance - I will go ahead and secure the policy today after reading your post. Rest assured some positive steps will come of experience.  Best to you. 

[Miss Ellie]

Oh Allyson...this just breaks my heart...I am so very sorry to hear this about your sweet Taquito...sending big hugs to you and praying that you will have much more time with him...miracles do happen...