When hearts are breaking

[Maryann,Roo and Tigger]

Roo has congestive heart failure.  He is only eight years old.  His heart is breaking and so is mine. I can tell you that  Roo has an excellent vet, so good in fact that the vet cardiologist is willing to turn Roo's care over to him.  Something which she said she never does.  I could tell you that it is not connected to his Addison's.  I could tell you he had an excellent check up in July. I could tell you that this sometimes happens in labs and poodles.  

But none of that matters.  Roo is in congestive heart failure with severe atrial fibrillation.  Both heart valves are failing (leaking).  Roo has been his joyful self until about a week ago when he began to breath hard from time to time and cough until he retched.  Still eating and pooping and playing though.  So what's too worry about?  I finally gave in to "being a worrywort" and took him to the vet yesterday, after x-rays, an EKG and blood work (Addison's check), we were hustled off to a cardiologist in Tustin.  One echocardiogram and kind, thoughtful, complete explanation from a young woman (well, young to me - which puts her somewhere between 30 and 60) and Roo is on four medications which will give he and I more time, between 6 months and 2 years, to love each other.

Roo is taking this all in stride, as is Tigger.  Me, not so much.  My darling daughter went with me to the cardiologist and drove us there and back.  My husband is a rock.  My heart is still breaking, splintering and gluing itself back together for an hour or so and then crumbling again.

Thank you to Adina for starting DK a community where I can truly pour out my feelings without being judged.  I know you will truly understand my grief and take a little bit of it unto yourself.  It will help.  I thank you all so much. 

[Janie, Jackson and Jilly]

Oh my goodness, I am so sorry. My heart is breaking for you. I hope he continues to respond to the meds. Sending positive thoughts and prayers.

[Gail and Bailey]

So glad to hear that Roo is responding positively to the meds! Big doodle hugs!

[BG and Gavin]

Maryann, I am so glad Roo is responding well. Give him a cuddle from me.

[Cheryl and Finnegan]

Oh Maryann, I don't know how hearts heal sometimes but praying that Roo responds well to his meds and that the meds enable the two of you to have many more happy years together.    

[charlotte bednarsh]

Praying for you and Roo.  Good to hear he is responding to the meds....such good news.  

[Carolyn Shusterman]

We have been thinking of you four and praying for the best outcome possible.  Thank you for the excellent news. 

[Maryann,Roo and Tigger]

Thank you all so much.  Your empathy is a big help.  Roo has been on meds 4 days now and his respiration, heartbeat, are way down, his arythmia is less, too.  He is happy, still eating and pooping and no bad reactions thus far. The best we could hope for.

Again, you have no idea how your comments have helped.  My head is a bit more together now, though my heart is not much better.  Roo and I are shooting for three good years - positive attitude all the way.

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

Maryann,

My heart is breaking right along with you.  Roo is just way too young for this bad, bad stuff to happen.  I am just so very sorry.  I wish Roo happiness and fun  events for the time he has left.

Nancy

[Lucy & AnnaBelle's Mom]

MaryAnn ... So sorry to hear about Roo!  It sounds like he is getting wonderful care and still has his quality of life as well.  Please know that we will be thinking of you all and hoping for many more wonderful memories for you and Roo and Tigger.

[Gail and Bailey]

Maryann, I am so sorry to hear about Roo's illness. My heart is breaking for you. Praying the medication gives you lots of time with your sweet boy! Hugs for you and Roo (and Tiger too!)