Love & Loss
- Suzie
- Jun 2, 2018
- 5 min read
A few weeks ago I spoke of Mike and I bringing Albert home. Last week in my blog I again mentioned his growth and constant presence in our lives and as a member of our family.
Early last week Mike and I noticed some out of the ordinary behavior.
The following day I sit on the floor beside him, holding him as close as possible, eyes filled with tears, not knowing what sort of bug/virus was eating away at him. From what seemed nowhere came strange and very scary seizure-like sessions. As the minutes past his condition would escalate. I called Michael in a frantic state, not knowing what to do or how to help Albert.
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Earlier Days:
The day before he had shown no similar symptoms. We spent the day hanging out together in the kitchen & garden. He loved to lie down right at my feet on the pink rug below the sink. Anytime he saw me there he would move from whatever spot he had been lounging in to right there, as close to me as he could be. He was so happy here with us. He loved his 3 tiered backyard and would plunge down the hillside and then jump over the flower pots at the bottom. He was such a fun and smart little guy. He knew his name by the end of his first night with us. He knew how to sit by his first full day in our home, and by his 4th day, how to shake a paw. He loved to do a trick in exchange for a treat. He was so smart and the most lovable. He loved to be pulled in as close as possible. He never rejected your love no matter what he was going through. His favorite place to feel safe were under anything he could just barely fit under, or if meeting new people his preference was behind my legs. Twice a day, Mike and Albert would venture out the back gate for a walk throughout the neighborhood. At the beginning, Albert wasn't used to the leash or the stairs. By the end of the first week he had improved significantly at both tasks and loved and looked forward to it every day. He drove with Mike and I to all my classes and sessions, and met many of the artists I work with after sessions. He had an undeniable sweetness. there was not one person to come across him that did not have eyes for him. He was a little piece of perfection.
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After communicating with Mike fairly early in the morning, it was clear we needed to seek some professional help in regards to Albert's new symptoms.
Michael and I took sweet Albert to the vet for guidance. We drove an hour to High River after being told it would be worth it. Receiving less feedback or help than expected considering Albert's fragile and unexpected condition, we drove an hour back into the city with mere antibiotics and hearts full of love for him. Once home we took some time to discuss the details of our trip. Although not much clarity had been given, there was a lot mention of "distemper" and some messages conveyed from vet to vet via body language that proved in the end to be more helpful than anything.
By Thursday the 31st the virus had taken over most parts of Albert. I've decided not to share most of this devastating information out of respect to our sweet and precious Albert.
It wasn't to say he had forgotten what he knew, but he had clearly lost control.
Albert was a vaccinated puppy. HOWEVER., the links provided conclude that improperly performed vaccinations can occur. Also, In dogs under five months, antibodies passed to the puppy through the placenta and during the first day of nursing may prevent the vaccine from working. The time frame that these antibodies become inactivated varies from puppy to puppy and is the reason we give a series of vaccines. Puppies may develop antibodies earlier but should not be considered protected until they complete their vaccination series.
I've attached a couple links here that provide more information about distemper in dogs:
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All of Thursday morning was spent on the phone with different vets throughout the city. Mikes mom popped in to check on Albert per Mikes request in the AM and upon seeing his condition she sacrificed the greater part of her day to help us find Albert some peace of mind. Many conversations and hours unraveled more speculation of distemper and or rabies.
By 12 Mike and his mom had departed with Albert to the VCA where they had made an appointment over the phone and merely discussed Albert's symptoms --> https://vcacanada.com/carecentre . My little heart could not bear to go with them. I had kissed sweet Albert on the head and wished him all the peace the universe could bring him. I knew Mike loved him just as much as me and would do all the right things to keep Albert safe and loved.
When they arrived at the clinic it was clear they were expected. The three were placed in a quarantined room where they awaited "service".
Vet records were sent from High River to the VCA and after a bit of talking it was clear there was no further testing required. The vet told Mike he could spend 10 grand on Albert that Thursday and still be standing in exactly the same place the next day.
More days of confusion and suffering for Albert was not an option. He was so sweet and pure and perfect. He did not deserve to suffer.
The vets lead Albert to peace and Michael never left his side. The vets questioned him several times throughout the heartbreaking experience, but he was persistent and the most loyal. He never took his hand off little Albert's soft head or ceased to whisper, "your okay""we love you".
Albert was with us for 13 days yet it's hard to remember life with out him. He was truly special and I am so grateful for every moment we were able to share.
The more we talk about things, the more we remember. Through tears and recollection I recall signs and symptoms as soon as his second day here. It's virtually impossible to know how long Albert may have had the virus but it is clear that by the 13th day in our home the virus had spread and Albert was severally ill. A truly sad thing about the virus is that it becomes neurologically degenerative over time and progression of stages.
I reached out to my classes and connections and revealed to them my sincere and honest truth. There would be a few classes I would no longer be able to attend due to the critical nature of Albert's sickness. Mike and I needed some time to heal and honor Albert with our thoughts. We are still collecting that time throughout the weekend. My colleagues were very understanding.
In honor of Albert, some photos of him being his most wonderful self.
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