Jake, Still Our Boy

Doctor called this morning. Jake is stable; no better and no worse. He won't eat, which is the most important thing right now. The Doc wants to keep him on steroids over the weekend and see how he is by Monday morning. He seems OK in the hospital, but that is not a long-term solution. His quality of life is the concern now.

I had read about the Smokehouse recall this morning and worried because we had given those treats to the boys before. I hadn't in a long time and Frank doesn't remember. I scoured the house for treats that were made in China. All in the trash now. Asked the Doc about it and she said that Jake would have shown different symptoms and responded differently to treatment. I still think it's overvaccination. Haven't asked her about that yet.

Last evening, Frank and I prepared to put Jake down this morning. Dove into the tequila bottle a little bit. Our brother-in-law called and Frank was too soused to speak. He kept telling me to catch up to him, but I never made it. I started working on a new video for Jake, which helped me keep my mind off things. Now that the decision is put off until Monday morning, our livers will get a bit of a rest.

We visited Jake this morning. Took a bunch of food. He came out of the back looking pretty good. Tail wagging. Eyes bright. I took him out to pee and his back legs collapsed when he lifted his leg. He had trouble standing. His pee looked good. We walked a bit and he seemed stronger. Took him into a room to try to get him to eat. He had no interest in the chicken and steak, but he ate a bit of the deli turkey. Ate about two pieces and then stopped. Barked a little, so I took him out to pee again. A little blood at the end, but he was walking better. Doctor thinks he is still passing bits of that clot in his bladder, but it was pretty bright red. I would think a two-day old clot would be more brown.

We played with him a bit and cuddled. He seemed to tire so we called the vet tech to come get him. Went around the corner to Central Market to buy some more turkey for him. Left it with the vet tech, who seemed very concerned. They are truly kind and caring at this hospital. Very comforting. There are no visiting hours tomorrow, but the Doctor said she would call in the morning.

Jake has always been a picky eater, which isn't helping. I hope the ulcer meds he is getting start to work tomorrow. Monday is decision day.