The Rallying Cry

Words cannot describe the state of shock I went into on Wednesday morning. Before I had fallen asleep the night before, Heather had lost nearly all function in her back legs. I had made peace with my decision to let her go if there was nothing the V-E-T could do for her. But when I opened my eyes the next morning and saw Heather standing there on all fours, I didn't know what to think. I found myself asking the same question I had the night before: how had this happened?

I covered her with kisses as I carried her downstairs. Mr. K, Pudley and Nibbles were there to greet us and together, the five of us went on our morning walk. Much to my surprise, Heather opted not to be carried and marched herself out the door, into the yard, through our neighbor's yard and all the way back - without assistance. I was speechless and had no reasonable explanation for what I witnessed. Just the night before, I had sat there on that very grass with Heather thinking it could be our last night together. Yet, here I was with the flicker of hope reignited from within once more.

Heather and I journeyed to the V-E-T. I explained what happened, how Heather continued to eat really well and even walked herself to the water bowl before making her way all the way across the main floor of the house to sit on her favorite air vent. The V-E-T put Heather down on the floor and there again, she walked toward the vet tech and then came over to say hello to me. As confused as I was, a sense of relief came over me when the V-E-T said it was not yet time to say goodbye.

I learned that Heather had thrown a blood clot and that it had passed on its own. That explained the temporary paralysis. Since Heather is prone to clotting, I also learned this was likely to happen again and that if it did but also went away in 12-24 hours without issue, she could keep going as she is. However, the V-E-T warned me that though Wednesday was not the day to say goodbye, we were getting close and it could be a matter of days or weeks - not months. Grateful for another day, I returned with Heather to the Scottie House, where she walked around as she pleased all day.

Heather and I both slept so soundly last night. We even slept in a little later than usual (which didn't please the three other Scotties waiting for breakfast downstairs). Again, I carried her downstairs and she ate a full meal, drank a cool drink and took care of business outside. I felt good. We had time. 

I came home to check in with the Scottie crew three hours later. Much to my dismay, Heather had lost function in her back legs once more - this time, completely so. She really struggled even to adjust her position in the Scottie bed. I called the V-E-T and gave Heather some Tramadol to help relieve any pain or discomfort she would go through as she passed another blood clot. As previously discussed with the V-E-T, I plan to be here by her side waiting the 12-24 hours to see if things improve. Her appetite is still healthy, she's drinking water...she just can't walk.

Of course, I'm hoping sweet Heather will rally again but I also don't want her to be in any pain. We're close to the end now, I can feel it. Heather will let me know when it is time. And when it is time, I'll help her over the rainbow bridge - something I've never done before. Thank you to everyone for your continued support. I promise to keep you posted as we go. Much love, The Scottie Mom.