Lily's in the ICU

First let me say a BIG thank you to everyone for the love, support and prayers for Lily Belle and all of us. This sure is a very trying time for one and all. They say something like "that does not break us only makes us stronger." Well I'm holding firm on that thought because I feel like I'm about to break right in half. So when all is said and done, I should rightfully be stronger than Superman and the Hulk combined.

Last night there was no change in Lily at all. She was still miserable. Of course I knew that the antibiotics would take time to work so I had to give it time. We went to bed and I slept the entire night with my hand on her chest. I was so worried that she was going to leave us while we were sleeping. I have insomnia and especially with this miserable upper respiratory infection of mine, I really don't sleep. So staying awake was no problem for me. It was a restless night for the both of us.

I was a little more hopeful this morning when Lily actually ate her breakfast. Then she wouldn't drink anything at all which was a big concern. One step forward, two steps back. She slept all morning long and again didn't look good.

Here she is with her eyes rolled back into her head (look out, crazy lady with camera coming thru!)

I left right after lunch to take Grandpa Bob to his friends house to play cards. (We don't even like my Dad driving the golf cart so I always make up excuses to drive him.) When I got back Rolf was having trouble waking Lily up. He was trying to get her to drink some water. He had taken her out to pee right after I left the house and he said only a drop or two came out of her. So he knew she really needed water.

I tried waking her and she would just open her eyes a tad like she was struggling really hard to open them and then they would close. She didn't have the energy to open her eyes. Her eyes are still beet red. They keep rolling back in her head. I talked to her and she couldn't even lift her head up. That's it! We scooped her up and ran out the door while dialing the Vet in the other hand and trying to text Newby's Mama at the same time.

I'm hysterical on the phone and describing Lily as a dog who is dying on me. They knew the severity of it yesterday so they are expecting the worst today. We pulled into the parking lot and there was a Vet team waiting for us in the parking lot. I get out of the van with Lily limp in my arms. I take two steps towards the Vet, the Vet starts talking, Lily opens her eyes and starts wagging her tail! Leave it to Lily!! We all started laughing.

Her temperature is higher today than yesterday. She is now extremely dehydrated. They do a chest xray and that comes back clear. They are still sticking by it being a severe urinary tract infection. Her body is working very hard to fight it. They can see that she appears worse than yesterday. She is hardly moving and are all concerned. They start her on IV fluids immediately and will be adding in the antibiotics shortly. Lily needs to stay with them. She will be in the ICU due to the severity of her condition. I know she is much safer with them. She will be monitored all night long and will not be left alone. Our Florida Vet(s) are wonderful and are in a brand new, state of the art facility which they designed. I'm thankful she is getting the very best of care.

But...... I am a basket~case and I can't stop crying. I know we all feel the same way, when one hurts, we all hurt. These are our babies.

I don't even want to tell you what it was like to walk out the door and leave her there. To say 'see you later sweet pea, I love you with all my heart and soul' damn near killed me. I wanted to puke right then and there.

Oh, and about Rolf? He's always so stoic! That is, until he turns his back. Then he wears his heart on his sleeve. And just don't get me going right now about little Muffin. She's our little lost soul searching for her sister.

Not knowing what the next second, minute or hour will bring us is gut-wrenching and heart breaking.

I will tell you this, I will be the one on my knees tonight praying like I've never prayed before. And if by chance you hear me praying all the way over at your house, feel free to join in. We could truly use all the additional prayers we can get our hands on right about now.

Me and my girl

Hugs,
Kim

Special thanks to Newby for getting the word out on Lily and so quickly. And to Newby's Mom, thanks for trying to keep me sane! Nola's Mom, I did post a thread on that Board you linked me to. Thanks for sending it to me and for your very kind and loving e-mail. To Amber's Mama, girlfriend your kindness means the world to me. It was wonderful talking to you today. And yes, I WILL call you should I need help. (I'm not bashful about asking either....) And WHN, I know you've got a good connection somehow with the new Pope. Please put in a good word for us.

ALL Our friends rock!