Jethro had been fine Friday, and then Saturday, just as the auction to fund his surgery started, he started feeling puny. By Saturday evening, I'd decided to take him to the Evet and get the usual shot that would clear up his problem. He'd bounced back from this 3 months in a row. He'd go 6 weeks between episodes, and usually he had them on a work day and I'd drop him off at the vet's and pick him up that afternoon, good as new.
The shot didn't work this time, and I'd called his vet on a Sunday. Got pills and a new steamer and spent most of my Sunday in the bathroom with the heat on and shower running trying to help him breathe.
Monday, I dropped him off at the vet's office and they gave him fluids and wrote the referral to go to Mandeville. He needed a rhinoscopy and sinus surgery to correct whatever genetic defect was causing these lung infections.
Tuesday, I called and made his appointment to be seen at 1pm. When I'd left at 6:45 am, he was still struggling to breathe, but no different than Monday. At 11:20, I walked into the house to get out of my uniform and take him to be seen, and most likely have his surgery. I found him cold and limp on the floor, it appeared that he choked on his mucous, but that's just my guess. He was by the water bowls. There was a little blood on his mouth, and I imagined I felt a heartbeat, but it was just my own, pounding through my hand. I rushed to the vet's office, less than a mile from my home, and it was too late.
He was just hours from that surgery. It wasn't even 4 days from the day he started feeling sick.
My heart is shattered. That little guy was larger than life, and touched every life that knew of him. He was amazing, and I miss him more than I could've ever imagined.
Sure, there are other dogs special to me in my pack, but Jethro....Jethro was the sunshine, the punch line, that thing that makes you smile when you want to cry. Monkeypants. There will never be another
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v289/Anewborg/Thebroom001.jpg)
Poor, poor little soul, this is so heartbreaking. God speed, little one, and give strength to your family who will miss you forever.
So so sorry to here about Jethro at the bridge.
Been there myself.
I'm so sorry!!! My tears are flowing and I can't even think of anything comforting to say. :comfort: We'll miss you sweet boy!!!
This is heartbreaking.. I'm sure Jethro is so thankful for all you did for him, and how much you eased his troubles. He was so blessed to have you.
God-Speed, Captain Jethro Monkeypants......Our hearts are saddened and tears are flowing but we know that you are now at the Rainbow Bridge with all the doxie angels and you are all playing and running chasing butterflys, laying in the sunshine and pain-free. We all shall meet again in time. Hugs and prayers to your family. Dee, Dave, Sarge & Duggie
No words, just tears. He couldn't have had a better mommy. I picture him scampering at the Bridge when you arrive - utter joy when his mommy joins him. In the meantime, he will watch over you and his siblings. He was loved by the best. :comfort:
The tears are flowing...poor sweet baby. Many thoughts and prayers to Jethro and his family...I am so very sorry for your loss.
I just wanted to come on and say thank you all for sending the sweet tribute, I'd never heard that poem before, and since I've heard "rainbow bridge" 100s of times, it really touched my heart to have something new to me. Stood in my garage and bawled till I had snot coming out my nose, and then cried some more because that's how Jethro died, with snot in his lungs.
I'm picking up his ashes today, and I plan on using the tribute that was sent to me as the memorial photo the vet's office has for pets they've loved and lost.
I'm thankful to have had you all pulling for my silly little monkey man, and thankful for the support you've offered during my grief.
We've all cried like babies over our fur kids. It just means we love em.
I had my first cremated too! His ashes now reside in The Place Of Honor on my mantle.
You should at least be proud of yourself for putting forth a great effort, I know I'm proud of ya for trying.
I'm trying to save my latest in honor of Captain Jethro Monkeypants. We have a really good chance and he's making improvement.
Very sorry for your loss it is so very hard to lose a Fur Kid Rays & Hugs tp all may Captain Jethro Monkeypants Rest In Peace.
Papbouv