It was with a very sad heart that I had to help Valerie Mae across the rainbow Bridge last Tuesday. ValerieMae was loving life, chasing chickens, playing with the sexy boxer next door and playing (and napping) with her best friend, Bean. Then over the weekend she declined quickly, stopped eating, then stopped drinking. It broke my heart, but I know she is running around up in heaven with all those who have gone before her, eating great food & playing. She was a blessing to have in my home for the few months she was here.
I never thought I would be here and neither did my family. But things happened at home and my family was moving to Florida.
There was a flood at my house here, and there was water, lots of water everywhere. I had to wear my life jacket just to walk through the house. It was such a mess.
The thought of me moving to Florida was more than I could take. I have watched enough TV to know alligators live in Florida. With me having only one eye, how in the world could I see them coming on my blind side? I am a Texan through and through.
There was a family meeting and it was decided if I wanted to stay here, I could stay here.
When my dad brought me to join rescue, there was some big crocodile tears. My dad kept telling me that he adopts dogs, not surrenders dogs.
I assured him I was going to be alright. I was going to find a fabulous family and a great home where I can remain the queen.
I am off to see Dr. Larsen, so she can get a good look at me, do some blood work and take a look at my kidney levels. I came with some kidney care dog food, so that might mean I am more special than I thought.
6/20/22 Update: From Dr. Larsen: Valerie is in complete kidney failure. She was diagnosed on 11/21 with bilateral degenerative changes to both kidneys via ultrasound. I will attempt to slow down the progress of the disease with fluids, food and meds but I think hospice is going to be the name of the game for her. Also she has a bladder infection, tail and ear infection and giardiasis. Her red blood cell level is 15%. This is chronic kidney disease, so this has been happening slowly for a while. If she drops much lower we might have to do blood transfusion but that is only a stop gap. The kidneys are most likely done. She is an absolute sweetheart.
7/4/22 Update: We’re sad to share that we’ve had to put Valerie Mae on hospice due to kidney failure.
From her foster momma: Miss Valerie Mae seems to have missed the memo that she is on hospice. Right now, she still feels well enough to play with the resident pug puppy, Bean, and to stare at the chickens. I’m sure she’s dreaming of eating them! She’s precious.
8/3/22 Update from Valerie Mae’s hospice foster momma: Valerie is loving life! She taunts the chickens, enjoys toys (especially tennis balls) and loves playing with Bean, the resident Pug puppy.
10/17/22 Update: Foster girl Valerie Mae might be on hospice care, but she still likes to have a little fun every now and then.