Some thoughts and discussions from me.
She’s My Heart
The past 5 days and nights have been the worst in almost three years. I cried more than I have in the past three years combined, and I think I probably got a grand total of 10 hours of sleep. I don’t think I nor Shane realized just how much we loved this little sweet girl until Saturday night…
(don’t worry – this story has a happy ending!) Last Friday was a crazy busy day for me. I had three clients in a row in the morning, and then had to zip off to Denver for a work training. Niko hadn’t been feeling well, and Shane mentioned he was going to take her to the vet while I was working. Nothing too out of the ordinary – she was vomiting and having diarrhea, which she’s had before. A little puppy pepto usually does the trick, and that’s what they gave her at the vet’s office.
But on Friday night…around midnight…I knew something was NOT right. However, I pushed it aside, convinced I was just being…dramatic.Then on Saturday she was worse, and continued to get worse, until Shane and I made the decision to take her to the emergency animal hospital. Unfortunately, the one by our house was closed due to flood damage, so we made the 20 minute drive to the next nearest one. When we got there, they told us she obviously needed to be hospitalized, and she was super sick. I immediately broke down. It was SO hard to leave her there, but we eventually did.
<!–more–>
My two friends from home were still staying with me at this point in time, and it was pretty close to 11:00 by the time we got home. After a fitful sleep (if you can call it that,) I woke up at 5:00 am to take my friends to the airport, and head over to Denver for a full day’s work.
(more on that later)
It’s probably good that I had to work a good majority of the day, because it kept my mind off of Niko. After work, Shane and I immediately drove over to visit her (Shane had visited her that morning,) and I was devastated by what I saw.
I saw my girl not even respond to me as I walked up to her. She was lethargic, and regurgitated several times throughout our visit. As her doctor was talking to us, saying that she was “super sick,” and that she’s “really worried about her,” I had to excuse myself to run to the bathroom. That night was one of the worst of my life, because I wasn’t sure if I’d see her again.
I know that some people think it’s illogical to equate a love for a dog to a love for a human…but I’m not one of those people. Perhaps it’s because I don’t have a child, and therefore don’t have that reference level yet, but Niko is my heart, and my heart was in pieces on Saturday and Sunday night. We wanted to do everything we could for her, so we told the doctor money was no object for her, and to do whatever they needed to do. (which, they did…$5,000 worth of supportive care. Oof.)
After another night of no sleep, I woke up at 5:00 again to go teach a class (which was pretty much a fail.) Then Shane and I stayed home and avoided the outside world for the rest of the day. Shane was as torn up, if not more, as I was.
We went to go see her again on Monday morning, and were elated because she seemed to respond to us, and even sat up for a bit. However, the doctor said she was still regurgitating, so that was discouraging 
We also went back on Monday night, and while she seemed the same, the doctor then told us she was finally getting a little re-hydrated. (They were extremely worried about her dehydration at first.) We left a little more encouraged and hopeful on Monday night, and couldn’t wait to see her again the next day. Sorry this is kind of long and dragged out, by the way, but I might as well just tell the whole story!
Tuesday morning then came, and after a morning of training clients, we called the doctor to get an update. Holding our breath, we listened as she told us, “she’s looking a lot brighter today!” we were elated. We got the news that her regurgitation was down, and she was off of her pain meds. Hooray! 
We immediately drove back in to visit her, and were thrilled when she told us we could take her outside with us to get some fresh air.
Still a bit mopey, but on the mend. She even ate a little food!
Gosh I love her.
Right now she’s still at the animal hospital, but will hopefully be able to come home with us tonight
I’m a big believer in the power of prayer, and we had so many close friends and family praying for her and/or sending positive vibes her way. I think it’s helping. She even got a care package dropped off for her!
(thanks again, David and Katie!!)
This weekend is Shane and my 5-year anniversary, and were planning to go away for it, but I think we’ll stay right here with our little family instead.
I totally understand…my dogs are my children, and I would’ve reacted the exact same way! I’m SO glad she’s better!!!! Do they know what caused her to get sick?
It will be so good to have her home!
awwww girl! thinking of you! glad she’s feeling better. this weekend is our 5 year anniversary too!
Lindsay (@LeanGrnBeanBlog) recently posted…Greek Yogurt Chicken
I hope she fully recovers soon!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine recently posted…Savory Pumpkin Lentil Tacos
So scary! I would do the same for my dog, too! Glad to hear she may be on her way home soon… fingers crossed!
Erica @ For the Sake of Cake recently posted…SweatUSA – Day 1
Yay for happy endings! I had a similar week when my sweet Prince became ill suddenly. We were in and out of the vets office daily and finally he was sent to the animal ER here. He didn’t pull through (but he was born with Feline AIDS so we knew he was delicate!) but I had forgotten how life-disrupting that week had been until I read your post today. Thankfully the bad memories mostly fade away after time and all the happy ones stuck around 🙂
Erica { EricaDHouse.com } recently posted…To Kid, or Not to Kid {that is the Question}
I’m so sorry to hear this, Paige! Praying that Niko will recover. I’ve never been a pet owner, but I know from my friends with pets how hard it is to see them so sick. Best wishes!
Alison @ Daily Moves and Grooves recently posted…WIAW: School Day Eats
I was so worried when I first started reading!! So happy that he is doing better. Praying he comes home tonight <3
Heather @fitncookies recently posted…Cake Mix Rice Krispy Treats {Recipe}
Oops! She* My brother’s dog is Niko and is a boy! sorry bout that 😉
Heather @fitncookies recently posted…Cake Mix Rice Krispy Treats {Recipe}
It’s ok…everyone calls her a he! 🙂
friend, you know i am praying. My dog is my life. It’s scary to lose such a part of it. But she will overcome! <3
lindsay recently posted…Gluten Free Tea Time Muffins
Oh my goodness. I will be praying so much for you and poor little Niko. My puppy is everything to me so reading this really tore me up. I know the pain you must be feeling and know that you have so much support, love, and positive thoughts being sent your way. Praying for a speedy recovery.
Danielle recently posted…Chocolate Chip Protein Muffins
HUGS AND PRAYERS SHE GETS HOME TONIGHT!!!!!
Miz recently posted…Three reasons why I advocate the family meal.
Oh no Paige! I’m so sorry that you, Shane, and Niko had to go through all of that! Did they ever figure out what happened??
Sarah @ Blonde Bostonian recently posted…A Response to CrossFit’s Dirty Little Secret
I can completely understand feeling that way about your pup – If something like that happened to Atticus I’d be completely devastated. I’m so happy to hear that she’s on the mend though!
Sam @ Better With Sprinkles recently posted…WIAW: Purse Snacks.
I’m so glad to hear that Niko is OK! I don’t have any pets but I sure feel a connection with my parents cats and would probably have reacted the same way. They are family. 🙂
Alaina recently posted…My 2014 Challenge
SO glad to hear she is doing better! Dogs are family, they steal our hearts from the minute they enter our home.
Jennifer Dunham recently posted…What a Difference a Header Makes! Three Theme Transformations
aw this makes me want to cry! I would be the same way as you are if my puppy was sick! I am soo glad she is getting better!! I am keeping little Niko in my thoughts!
Kaitlin @4loveofcarrots recently posted…Finding your blogging niche
I completely understand, and I don’t think it’s illogical at all to feel that way. I was just telling John the other day that it’s a little bit ridiculous how much I love our dog, Max. I’m so sorry for your scare, but so, so glad Niko is doing better!!
Natalie @ Free Range Human recently posted…Race To Prepare
I totally understand. We went through something similar with one of ours recently. We (husband and I) both cried. We honestly didn’t know if we would be able to bring our little guy home with us. I’m so glad she’s better!
Heather (Where’s the Beach) recently posted…Branson Rev3 Triathlon Spectating
My yorkie is definitely like a child I love him to death! Sending prayers!
Good golly! Pets are the best. The only little thing that expects nothing (but food!) from you but gives you all the love in the world. Thinking of you and hoping for a speedy recovery for Niko!
Shaunna recently posted…Day 1 Complete
Poor little thing. I’m so glad to hear she’s on the mend and doing better! I’ve been thinking of you a lot these last few days! xoxo
Ashley @ My Food N Fitness Diaries recently posted…WIAW #99: What Do You Eat?
I think you can tell a lot about people by how they treat their pets. Our little lab mix is OUR little boy, and we could care less that people with kids roll their eyes at that. Love is love to me, and nobody can tell me who or what to love! Sending prayers!
I have totally been there! Give your pup lots of love. Thinking about you guys.
Kim @ Wonderings recently posted…Monday Suds: Ouray Brewing
oh my gosh- my heart is with you! Even though I have a human baby, I still have mad love for my fur baby! SO glad she is doing better <3 <3
Oh my word… so glad things are looking up for her. Hope she keeps doing better & better!
Corrie Anne recently posted…Mobility Jeopardy! + The Grown-Up Happy Meal
Oh my goodness…my heart breaks for you guys! I’m glad Niko is on the mend, but I know how scary that can be. Korky is my #1 and has been for years. I’m with you on the deep love you can have for a pet. They are family and it hurts to see them in pain when they can’t tell you what is wrong. I’m sending tons of positive thoughts your way! Please keep us updated.
Erin @ A Girl & Her Mutt recently posted…A little brain dump…
Oh I completely understand and it’s not the least bit silly! I’m so glad to hear Niko is getting better!! Give her lots and lots of snuggles! 🙂
Since I’ve been an adult on my own from the age of 18, I had one cat – Boomer. Last August, he got sick (and then sicker) and I had to put him down because he was suffering and he let me know it was time. It was THE hardest thing I’ve ever done in my life and I didn’t want to let go of him as he drifted off to sleep.
Courtney @ Don’t Blink. Just Run. recently posted…Puttin’ On My Big Girl Pants + A Race Recap
When I lost my kitty earlier this year, it felt like losing a child. I actually cried last night thinking about it, and I don’t cry often! I’m praying for Niko and hoping she gets to go home with you tonight <3
Tara @ Sweat like a Pig recently posted…Longing for a normal week
I am so glad your sweet little pup is feeling better! I am definitely in the same camp as you are when it comes to puppy love!
xx Kait
Kait @ ChickadeeSays recently posted…Autumn To-Do List: 2013
I can 100% relate to this. My pets are everything to me. My cat who I grew up with my whole life passed away last year, after suffering from age-related illness for a while. I was far away at rowing training camp when my parents had to make the decision to put her down, and that night I Skyped with her, with tears streaming down my face. She was at least able to acknowledge me, and passed away on her own about an hour later. Losing a pet is one of the worst things ever-I hope you little dog continues to get better!
Aurora@Fitness is Sweet recently posted…WIAW #dormlife
Wishing Niko all the best! Dogs can be such a close member of the family – I know I would be heartbroken if anything happened to my pup. Thinking of you and your family (humans and dogs alike!).
my dog is my child 🙂 I would do just about anything for him!
Wishing Niko all the best and so happy that things are getting better!! I was crying while I was reading this… dogs – human relationship is one of a kind!!
hugs
purelytwins recently posted…time to Soli Beat
I was so happy to get a little Niko kiss today. And SO GLAD that things have turned for the better (duh). It was great to see you so happy today (which was a pretty perfect day!). xoxo
Awe Paige! I’m sending Niko all the positive vibes right now!!!
I’m glad he’s feeling better – and just praying everything is smooth sailing from here on.
I definitely get super attached to my pets and when my cat died I was devastated. When animals are ill it’s the worst feeling.
Thinking about you lots!<3
Lisa recently posted…Sweet Potato And Turkey Chili
I’m so glad that you got to bring her home friend! I can’t imagine what you were going through, but I’m so blessed that I got to pray for you all during that time! xoxo
Brittany @ Delights and Delectables recently posted…WIAW: When Luvy Is Away
aww. poor girl. Did they tell you what was wrong with her? or do they have a clue? I know how you feel. Barney has a back injury and I have to watch him closely. Some days are scary, especially when unexpected things happen (like when other dogs jump on him, or vice versa). Dogs (or pets in general) are basically little people when they become part of your family. It’s not the same as a child, but to those of us without children, they do take up a big part of our heart.
Sending you hugs. Hope that she keeps recovering!
calee recently posted…Sweet Tunes Thursday: That time I applied to be a DJ.
oh man HOW SAD AND GOOD all at once!!!! I totally understand – I can’t even imagine loosing my pup and I don’t even think we think about those kinds of things until it comes to that! SO glad everything ended up being alright! xoxo
julie recently posted…black cherry cola gummy treats!