Heaven Awaits Hercules (UPDATE: He's in Heaven Now)

[Barbie]

Hercules woke me up early this morning whimpering. I thought his tummy might be upset, so I got him to walk outside, but he moved very slowly . . . then started trembling . . . and collapsed in the yard. One of my vet’s assistants drove to my house and helped me lift Hercules and put him in my car. When we arrived at the vet, they had to remove him with a stretcher. He has a fever and low white blood count. My vet said, “We might have to make a decision today.” I knew what that meant. 

They’re trying him on another antibiotic and told me to leave him there, go back home, and call them around 3:30 PM. If there’s no improvement, Hercules will be entering doggie heaven today. This is so hard! Zeus is being a real trooper and apparently senses that mommy is very upset right now. Rather than praying for Hercules’ recovery, I’m praying that God takes him . . . because I don’t want to have to make that decision myself.

 

UPDATE: God answered my prayer. I just got a call from my vet. Hercules passed away on his own a few minutes ago.

[Megann Eichner]

Dear Barbie,

I am so sorry.  Today is the Feast Day of St. Francis of Assisi, who love all of Creation.  I can just imagine Hercules lying there with his head in St. Francis lap.

[Bonnie and Kona]

I'm so very sorry for your loss, Barbie. Hercules sounds like he was very much loved. I hope Zeus is a comfort to you.

[Allyson, Peri & Taquito]

Barbie, my heart goes out to you. I know Hercules had cancer and was doing well given the odds. You may never know what made him deteriorate so rapidly; however, I would not rule out the contamination theory.  Given Hercule's weakened immune system due to the cancer, slight changes/sickness could have been what caused him to go downhill so fast.

The bottom line is that you cannot blame yourself.  If it was the food, it is not your fault. I fed my chihuahua tainted chicken jerky 5 years ago (during all of those recalls) and he BARELY survived.  Had many of the symptoms you discussed and they lasted 2 months. He now battles permanent kidney damage from the ordeal and I have beaten myself up about it.  I am finally starting to put that behind me and deal with what is going on the best way I know how.  That is by homecooking for him to extend his life as long as I can and also ensuring I feed his sister doodle the best food I can to prevent another episode from happening.  Just be the best mom you can to your sweet Zeus and don't beat yourself up over this. You may never know the real cause.  HUGS!!!!!!!!!!

[Susan and Sasha]

Barbie..I am so very sorry...Please know that.my thoughts and prayers continue to be with you...

Hugs from Sasha and Me...