[wdfifteen]

I’m about to explode, but I must be strong and supportive in front of Vicki. I feel anything but, so I’m here venting.

Ten days ago, we took our Golden Retriever Gracie Mae to the vet. She had been lethargic and acted like she had pain in her hips. X-rays show she has severe arthritis in just about every joint in her body, plus a long list of internal organ problems that are rapidly killing her. Bless her heart, she has hidden it well. The vet said get ready to say goodbye, probably within the next month or so.

We got back from another trip to the vet this morning - Owen this time. We took him in because he had a cough. We thought it was seasonal allergies, as the tree pollen has all the humans around here coughing and snotting their heads off. We thought he just needed some allergy meds.

The diagnosis is congestive heart failure.

It is the same illness that took my dear Madison a year ago. As the vet started describing what to expect and what drugs he would need we sort of went into shock, until she said the word “Lasix” and then we both just lost it. We know all too well what to expect – it’s fukn brutal and we know how it ends. The drug regimen and administering instructions are exactly the same, as will be the outcome.

I mean … again??

Last week a weasel broke into the chicken house and killed a beautiful iridescent black hen and I thought that was pretty bad.