As you know we adopted our first dog last week.
Let me let that sink in.
Our first dog.
We really thought long and hard about having a dog. I think we have been debating it for atleast a year or more and when we finally decided that it was OK for our 7 year old to have one, we spent weeks in and out of shelters and adoptions looking for a fit.
When we found Captain (who was named Copper) at the shelter we knew he was “the” dog. We did all the right things. We had him neutered, checked for parasites, parvo, picked up a leash, expensive dog food, treats, etc. etc etc.
Then we surprised our daughter with him last Wednesday.
The past week has been very sweet.
He sleeps with Charlotte at night, we all hang out during the day, he is just a very gentle and warm soul. A few days ago, which sounds funny cause he has only been in our home for a few days, he came down with a cold. His nose started running and his eyes were getting eye crusties. But since Phoenyx has a cold and I have a cold, I didn’t think too much of it. What’s one more thing in the house with a cold, you know?
He was still wagging his tail and licking our face.
Then comes today.
I go to take him outside to potty and I couldn’t find him. He was sitting in my daughters closet. I picked him up and brought him to the stairs to come down with me and he wouldn’t move. It was like he was disoriented. I picked him up and took him outside to pee and he did. Then he got a little pat for being a good boy but he wouldn’t make a move to come back in the house. Just sat there. I started to worry he was dehydrated. I brought him in and put him on his pillow that is on the couch. I went into my office and came back and he had hopped down and was sitting next to Phoenyx on the floor.
He seemed to be leaning sideways. Like swaying…
I knew it wasn’t normal, I just had a feeling, so I called the vet who took us in right away.
I was prepared for the flu, pneumonia, worms, cold, sickness, who knows, but I was not prepared for the Dr to tell me that he has distemper. It was all I could do to not cry while I was in there.
Here was this dog that has lived only in the shelter, that we take home and fall in love with for one week, and he is now dying.
He has a 50/50 chance. Do you realize how low that is? He could live or he could die. But everything I read, even the Drs face, was a negative prognosis. I called the shelter to let them know and she said they had to put down 86 animals this month due to distemper.
The vet told me that all I can do is keep his nose and eyes clear, get him to eat 3 times a day (and anything he wants and will eat), and let him have a ton of sleep. The rest is up to God.
I am so angry that this little guy that we have barely had a chance to enjoy and that my daughter is utterly in love with, may be leaving as fast as he came in.
She is still at school.
How do I tell her?
How do I break her heart?
My heart is already breaking.
Trisha
I’m so sorry Trisha. Can you give us an update?
I’m so sorry, I hope the best-case scenario comes true and Captain pulls through. I actually found this blog post because I’m researching distemper at shelters–it’s become a huge problem here in NC because many shelters do not follow proper protocols of vaccination upon intake. (they don’t want to pay for the vaccines). Can you tell me what shelter Captain came from?
He came from Mobile County SPCA
I’m so sorry. He is such a cute little guy!
I’m so sorry Trisha. At least he is with good people who love him during what could be his last days. I think that’s a good angle to take with Charlotte. She was chosen to be with him, take care of him and love him in his biggest time of need. She is is angel on earth.
Sending hugs to you all. He is so adorable. Praying it all works out. xoxoxoxo
Oh, I’m so sorry, Trisha. This will really break Charlotte’s heart. I remember the first time she saw captain.
Oh no, so sorry to hear this. I will be praying extra hard!!! for Captain!!!!
I am so sorry, and hoping for the best. We had to put our first dog to sleep 4 years ago, and we couldn’t bring our dog to Sweden when we moved and had to give him away. It’s heart breaking. So sorry.
Poor Captain. For now I would only tell Charlotte that he is very sick and needs all of her love. The power of Love is amazing; you just never know.
I’m crying as I read this and see his adorable little face. All I can think to do is pray.
you guys are in my thoughts – I SO hope he pulls through – such a cutie!
I am so sorry Trisha. I never would have suspected distemper either. I hope he can pull through this. He finally got a chance at life with people who love him. It’s just not fair.
I don’t have any ideas for telling Charlotte, but I will be thinking of you all.
:,(((((((((((((((((((
I’m so sorry you may lose Captain! It’s easy to see how lovable he is.
Oh, I am so sorry to read of this. Try canned pumpkin. Try peanut butter. Ya’ll are in my prayers.
Really really sorry that you all have to go through this. Sad for you and your whole family!
I’m so sorry for all of you. He looks like such a sweet dog. I’m praying he pulls through.
All I can is that totally sucks and I am sorry that you are having to deal with this. I hope Captain makes it.
How heartbreaking. I hope and pray that he makes it through.
Oh Gosh, that is truly heart breaking. All I can think off is that there must be a reason he found your family, 5 days from being put down. You gave him a change to live and be loved by a loving family; he will make it through this! I’m praying for you…good luck with telling Charlotte.
=(
I just can’t even imagine hun. You all are giving him so much love and remind her that no matter what, he knows how much he is loved and that if his life is cut short, it was still filled with LOVE. It might be a short time but the love you have given him since he entered you home will always be there <3
(((((HUGS)))))
Oh Trisha my heart is breaking for you guys. Captain is the best dog and I bet he pulls through this. I’m praying on it.
Lee
That has to be hard. I’m sorry.
I’m so sorry for bombarding you with information, but I remember being desperate when I was fostering, and would have welcomed it.
I found this link that may be helpful. http://www.kindheartsinaction.com/archives/1353 They actually have a Facebook page named “Save Dogs from Canine Distemper” here: http://www.facebook.com/SaveDogsFromDistemper I would imagine that they could be an excellent source of both information, and support.
Oh Trisha I’m so sorry
I wish I knew what to say but I don’t. Just lots of ((hugs)) and love for you guys 
OH my gosh, that is so sad. I have watched you share such happiness about this new doggy on FB and now this? I really hope the little guy has the positive 50 not the negative 50 percent chance and that you don’t have to break Charlotte’s heart. Man, I wouldn’t know how to tell her … that is so hard. Sending prayers that this new addition to your family pulls through and spends many long years growing with you all!
I’m so sorry, Trisha. I’m so sad and angry for you. I really, really hope he’s in the 50% survival category. Ugh, this is very heartbreaking. I just can’t believe there’s not more they can do for him. xoxoxo
I am so sorry to hear your news, and though I don’t even know you, my heart breaks for you! When I used to foster, I went through this, and it was horrific. I don’t think that your Vet was enough of a help to you. While it’s true that you can’t “fix” this, you CAN help to support this pup throughout the process via nutrition, vitamin supplements, fluids, etc. Talk to your Vet again, talk to another Vet, talk to rescue people that go through this time and time again and suck up as much information as you possibly can! Research, research, research!!!!
Things I’ve used on the advice of my personal Veterinarian:
* Antibiotics – Treat/Prevent against secondary infections
* Lixotinic – Liquid vitamins that also help to repair systems and improve appetite (Truly very different from many of the other vitamins out there)
* Nutrical – High Calorie Supplement with Vitamins
* Lysine – Helps to limit virus reproduction
* Diarsanyl Plus Paste for Dogs – PLEASE read this link as this stuff is GOLD! Not only does it help with diarrhea, it has probiotics and helps to absorb toxins, viruses, etc. http://www.valleyvet.com/ct_detail.html?pgguid=dd2b9ad0-8ab5-433c-adb8-2d5491e5bdf4&item=14998&ccd=IFH003&utm_source=froogle&utm_medium=free&utm_content=14998
* Potassium — To replace that lost with fluid loss
* Science Diet AD CANNED — This is high calorie “recovery formula”, and I used to buy cases of it at a time when I fostered. The BEST thing you can feed right now, and the canned will help with fluid levels as well. If you have to, you syringe feed it. We did this literally little bits at a time around the clock.
Here is another link with some products, but I do not have personal experience with them, so I would advise contacting the company either via email or the Facebook page: http://www.nativeremedies.com/petalive/PA_Search_results.php?query=distemper&x=19&y=17
Sending up some prayers! I would be honest, but gentle about the situation with your entire family.
thankyou for all the info, im researching the stuff you mentioned right now
I forgot to mention a couple of things –
* We also used Pedialyte (original, non flavored) by both mixing it with the canned food, and via syringe directly in the mouth.
* Karo Syrup — Blood sugar can drop very quickly on the little guys! Rubbing Karo Syrup onto their gums brings it back up and is absorbed without them even having to swallow it.
How heartbreaking. Praying he pulls through.
Oh wow…I am so so sorry. I had a Mastiff once that died of Distemper…I feel for you guys….especially the telling Charlotte part
I am so sorry to read this. I was so excited for your new little family member. Hugs and prayers.
I’m so sorry, Trisha. I can only imagine how heartbroken you are and how heartbroken Charlotte is going to be. My only advice is to tell her that he wasn’t feeling well and you took him into the Doctor to be checked out and that they said he caught an illness from where you got him and he may be ok – but he may not be. That you’ll just have to wait and see. And, just like you said – It’s up to God. It’s going to be hard. But, I think that’s all you can do. I’m so sorry.
I should not have read this, I am bawling at my computer. I am so sorry you all are having to go through this. I am a big believer in miracles so I will pray for one in this situation. I have no words.
I am so so sorry Trisha. I hope he can pull through,
Oh goodness Trisha, I’m so absolutely sorry.. My heart is breaking for you and your family.. I hope Captain can overcome this! My thoughts and prayers are with you guys!
I will be praying that this sweet soul will pull through and that all of your hearts won’t be broken.
That’s so sad, I’m sorry.
I can imagine how hard this must be for you and especially Charlotte. Are you considering putting him down? I hadn’t heard of distemper until now and it sounds like the long term effects aren’t very good either.
You would think the shelter would have told people this before you adopted. ugh.
(((HUGS)))
My heart is breaking for your family, I’m so sorry! You did everything right, adopting a needy pup and taking such good care of him, I don’t think it’s fair all all that this is happening now
Praying for all of you and hoping that he will beat it!
I am so sorry
I have no advice for Charlotte. Maybe focus on how you made his last days (if things seem to get worse instead of better) happier and let him know that he is loved.
My heart breaks for your family.
My stomach dropped and my heart is in my throat reading this post! I am so sorry
I think it’s probably best to be honest with her – she seems like a “straight business” kind of girl (not unlike myself at 7). How lucky is that precious puppy that he gets to be with a kind, warm, and loving family through all of this?! I will be praying for you guys that the 50% chance is on your side!!!
I am so sorry Trisha. I am in tears reading this post. I will pray for Captain to pull through. (((hugs)))
I am so sorry Trisha. I am praying for him
Ugh … with tears streaming down my face, all I can offer is a virtual hug. {{HUG}} One for everyone in your home. {{HUG}} {{HUG}} {{HUG}} {{HUG}} {{HUG}}
I am so sorry that you all have to go through this.
I’ll send love and prayers (and more virtual hugs) your way.
Oh no! That is so sad…I would vote for just telling her the truth. My dog got run over when I was 5, and my parents were honest with me about it. I don’t remember being sad about it now, although I’m sure I was, but I do remember that my parents told me the truth about it. Maybe rent “All Dogs go to Heaven” too?? Anyway, good luck! Not an easy thing to deal with
I am so sorry, Trisha. My heart is breaking for your family! I am praying that he pulls through!