Friday, January 11, 2008

Durango Update 2

We visited with Durango last night and although he looked terrible he was holding his own and had only vomited twice yesterday. They let us try to feed him but he just wasn't interested at all. He finished the second plasma transfusion last night and I was hoping that the test results this afternoon would show some improvement but it wasn't meant to be. His white blood cell count is at 350 (normal low range is 5000) which is half of the last labs, proteins and albumin are very low as well. The vomiting and diarrhea have increased too.

Basically the ER dr said tonight that short of the Human Albumin transfusion there wasn't much else that could help turn him around. Since it's a human product there are severe risks involved that include him having a fatal reaction to it. On the other hand, he's slowly and painfully dying. He compared how he feels with the worst Pneumonia and Montezuma's Revenge a person could ever experience and that the narcotics can't dull all of the pain/cramping.

I don't want him to suffer, but I do want him to have every chance. I ok'd the transfusion for tonight and I have no idea if I've done the right thing or not. If he makes it through they'll run his bloodwork in the morning but if there's no improvement I can't continue to make him do this. This is a horrible, horrible situation and it's not fair that he's going through it. He doesn't even know what it means to have a good life and to have someone who cares about him, it's just flat out unfair. On the selfish side I don't want to be in this position and I know I brought it upon myself by adopting again. I'm sick of f-ing people who don't take care of their animals and act like they're disposable. I don't know what the hell is wrong with this world sometimes. I'm sad, I'm angry and I hate this helpless feeling. I wish that the people who dump these animals and don't take care of them were forced to watch them suffer and die. I really do.

39 comments:

Lisa said...

My heart goes out to you, Maryann. I know this is killing you just as it's killing little Durango. I hope this last thing works, but if it isn't I know you won't let him suffer more. It's so hard to find the good in this situation, but if nothing else, that little puppy had a few days in a loving home with happy dogs. If this is his time, he will go as a beloved family pet and not a poor little shelter dog. Don't let this deter you from helping others. I am still praying with you that something miraculous happens. It's heartbreaking. I wish I could do something to help!

Peanut said...

Maryann my heart is just breaking for you and Durango. We are going to be sending all our thoughts that this next transfusion works. Just remember that no matter what happens at least you gave him a shot at the best life he could have ever had which is way more then those a$$holes who had him before did.
There needs to be way more people in the world like you.

NAK and The Residents of The Khottage Now With KhattleDog! said...

Damn it - this just isn't right for him OR for YOU -

My mom will copy this out to the SiberNUTTERS and get the POWER OF THE LIST GOING again -

We are sooo with you -

Why are my mom's eyes wet?

WUV!

Khyra

Carolyn said...

Lisa is so right--he HAS had experience with a loving home. I am so heartsick for you all. I don't know what else to say, except that no matter what tomorrow brings, you've been wonderful to him.

Praying for a miracle, just one little one.

Carolyn (a la Maddox and Shelby, posting with my regular gmail)

Unknown said...

Sadly, people who are heartless enough to treat animals so poorly are likely to remain unaffected by watching their suffering and death. Those that are likely to be affected are not likely to put these creatures in this position.

All of us in Stoodleville know you to have a beautiful and generous heart Maryann. We'll pray harder and whisper good thoughts in our hearts for all of you. Get well Durango.

Mud Monster said...

Oh Maryann its hard for me to type this as my eyes are full of tears. I know what you are going through and I know how hard this must be for you and your pack. Our hearts go out to you. As peanut said their certaintly needs to be more people like you in this world!! All paws and fingers are crossed that this last transfusion works for Durango. Irreguardless of the outcome believe me when I say he knows you love him and he is thankful for all you've done for him. God Bless and know you are in our prayers.

Quincy, Tristin & Dana

Anonymous said...

I'm so sorry you and Durango have to go through this. At least he knew the love of you and the rest of the pack. I'm hoping for a miracle for all of you. Much love and hugs to you all.

Randi said...

Hi Maryann-

We are praying & praying & praying...Its completely beyond anyones control at the moment..& thats the hardest thing to make peace with.

You are unbelieveable Maryann - your heart is bigger than almost anyone I've known..you dedication to your pups - whether or not they'be been with you years or days is simply astounding...I am so happy the world has you & we need more people like you.

We are praying for little Durango's speedy recovery - again -he is here with you for a reason & you are caring for him for a reason...I do believe there is some kind of devine plan that involves that little pup.

All our love to you & the rest of the pack. Remember, we are all here for you.

Love & Licks
Randi & her mom

Opy - the Original GruffPuppy said...

Oh Maryann - we don't know what to say :(

We are thinking of you - you are in our hearts and prayers.

Poor Durango - are hearts break for him :(

Love
Opy, Charlie, Greg & Brooke

Roxie, Sammy, Andy and Shermie said...

Maryann, I had hoped to read better news. I'm glad you are trying this last treatment. I hope beyond hope that it works for Durango. But, as said before, if it isn't meant to work, at least he has experienced a loving home and welcoming pack. If he goes to the Bridge, he will know that someday he has someone coming for him.

Mary, the Dachsies' mom

Sophie Brador said...

Maryann, I just know that you are doing the best you can for Durango, and I also know that are considering what is best for him. It is so hard to sit with our babies through these tough time and some times the decisions we have to make feel like the most difficult in the world. But know in your heart that you are doing the best you can for him. Our hearts go out to you and we think you are one amazing woman!

xo

Sherry & Sophie Brador

Amber-Mae said...

Hi there Maryann,

I heard about the new fella Durango. He sure is a very cute pup but I'm so sorry that he's not doing well. I know you will do anything & everything to keep him alive but if this blood transfusion doesn't help, then you'll just have to let him go to end his pain. My thoughts & prayers are with you...

Regards,
Melissa & Amber-Mae

Lacy said...

My sweet Maryann, I am sooo sad u r having to deal with this soooo soon after Thrawn.....it breaks my heart...just know that u gave this precious guy a chance to b loved even if it was for just a little while, that he would never had had if it hadnt been for u...such a beautiful dog....i dont know what tomorrow will hold for him, but if prayers help, he has them....

Peace,
A sad Claudette & Lacylulu

Louka said...

I'm praying for him and you and sending you good vibes. It's terrible and hard, going through parvo. I know it's a very, very small consolation, but at least if he dies he will have known a few days in a loving home and he will have felt what it's like to be loved by someone as wonderful as you. You're so dedicated, I can't help but admire you.

Asta said...

Maryann
I'm so very sorry for all the pain you've had to go through and the pain Durango is in...I agree with you I'd be mad as hell..it's so very unfair..just know you are in our prayers and we know that your loving heart is doing what is best and necessasy..hugs to you and all yooour pack
Asta's Mommi,Ami

Molly the Airedale said...

Our hearts are breaking for you, Maryann. This is so not fair! Our thoughts and prayers are with you and have been for days!

Love ya lots,
Maggie, Mitch and Sue

Hammer said...

Dear Maryann
I will pray with all my might that this little fellow makes it through. I don't know why these things have to happen. But you've done a wonderful thing by bringing home sweet Durango, and he knows, and I hope with all my heart that he pulls through because I can assure you he will be fighting.
I've spent my life rescuing dogs and horses. They just 'come' to me.
I really hope that Durgano makes it through and I would do what you are doing .. give him every possible chance you can give him. He is in pain, but I believe his spirit is strong.
Love from Susan

Ruby Bleu said...

Maryann...I can't say enough how amazing I think you are! This is a horrible situation, I think somewhere Durango knows how much you care for him and will do the right thing.

Thinking good thoughts...
Michele & Ruby

The Daily Echo said...

I hear you loud and clear, and know exactly what you're feeling. The rage that often tears me up inside frightens me sometimes. I've seen alot since we work with Rescue, but I know I haven't seen all there is to see. I know how the system works (or doesn't) and how monsters walk away from having any responsibility or consequences. I only hope I live long enough to see a change. That's all I ask. If not, I'll be sitting at the bridge watching over the ones that are suffering. Despite your heartache, you've earned your wings and halo. Take one moment at a time and know you've made a difference. That's all we can do. Our prayers and thoughts will be with you today. We all support any decision that needs to be made. Your instincts are wonderful.
Andrea

GottabeMe said...

I'm so sorry Maryann. God knows you've had more than your share of this type of anguish over the past year.

We are all praying for him and you.

Indy and family

The Army of Four said...

Our thoughts and prayers are with you - and dear little Durango. Thank you for loving him.
Karen and the Ao4

Jessica said...

It was hard to read this. But we cannot even imagine how hard it is for you to go through this.

Our prayers are with you!

Love, Seadra and Zoe

Balboa said...

Oh Maryann, my heart goes out to you, I can't believe what you and DUrango are going through. I am happy that he found his way to you and you will do whatever you can for him, you are a true hero to us all and especially to Durango. I know that he has experienced more love with you in this short time. We will be praying for you, Durango, and your family.

Jake of Florida said...

We're so sad and angry for what you're experiencing -- the result of your good heart and the incompetency of the shelter (other words come to mind!).

You've given Durango a fighting chance - please take comfort in that! And the rest is beyond your control, which is probably the most frustrating part of it.

Our loving thoughts, Maryann, to help you over this rough time!!

Joan with Jake and Just Harry

Dakota said...

Our prayers are with you and yours.

Dakota and Joni

D'Azul Siberian said...

Our hearts go out to you and Durango.

The D'Azul Siberians

Gus, Louie and Callie said...

We are so sorry for what Durango and you are going through. You are absolutely right, no dogs should have to go through that suffering when it could have been avoided. You are such an awesome person to try and help we are praying that this last treatment works..

Big Sloppy Kisses
Gus and Louie

Sid the Dog said...

Hi Maryann-
My owner J rescued a puppy with parvo so she knows how this must break your heart. I echo all of the other dogs' sentiments and I really hope that the transfusion helped Durango turn a corner. That is wonderful of you to give him a fighting chance and some much needed love. Rocky and I will be thinking of you all and sending good rescue dog vibes your way!

Best,
Sid the Dog (and Rocky)

wally said...

Oh, our heart goes out to you. I feel so bad for the poor dog who didn't have to go through this, if only some people could be more responsible. At least for a few moments in his life he knew you and knew how great things could be, even if just for a moment. I'm so sorry.

We wish we could give you hugs. Not only because you need them but because you really are a gift to dogs (and peoples). If the world was full of people with as much compassion and love as you have, things like this would never happen.

wally (& his ma ape)

Lillie Valentine said...

We are praying for you and your family.

Jan Price said...

We want you to know we care, so we borrowed a photo of Durango and posted about him. You have been doing everything you can to help him. We pray for the best.

Jan's Funny Farm

Snowball said...

Maryann, I can understand the stress and anger that you are feeling.

We will pray for Durango. I hope he pulls through.

Take care.

Luv,
Snowball

Unknown said...

I just read Wally's blog.

My tears and heartache don't help, I know, but our hearts are with you and The Pack.

I am so sorry. You are never alone in your pain.

Love Mare

Mack said...

Maryann,
You are such a strong, kind-hearted woman; what if more people were like you?? -- this world would be a MUCH better place! It just amazes me how some people can treat animals - makes you wonder how they treat their human kids:(

Our thoughts and prayers are with you and Durango.
It will get better, I promise. I know cause I've been there too many times myself!!

BYE,
Amy, Mack's mom

Maya and Kena said...

Dear Durango and family,
We are praying REALLY hard fur you

(http://i230.photobucket.com/albums/ee17/mayaandkena/PrayfurDurango.gif)

, we can't imagine how hard it must be to go through this. But in the end, no matter what happens, things will turn out fur the good of everyone. Everything happens fur a reason.

Wags and licks,
Maya and Kena

Lenny said...

Maryann, you, Durango, and the whole Brat Pack are in our hearts and prayers.

Kelley and Lenny WFT

(P.S. Lenny wanted to say thank you for the nice Christmas card.)

Katherine and Pippa said...

Gutted, Maryann. Really, really gutted. We would so like it to work out for you all. Can't do anything except send muchissimo positive thoughts. We are right there with you.
Much love, Kate, Adrian and Pippa.

Jan Price said...

There's no rush, but we stopped by to invite you to stop by and pick up your awards. Aside from the fact, we enjoy your blog, we hope they will encourage you even a little.

We're watching and waiting for updates on Durango and the rest of you, hoping for good news.

jans funny farm

Girasol said...

So sorry to hear about Durango. Could you imagen if there was nobody for him?
You have a great hearth.
We will be praying for Durango.

National Canine Cancer Foundation