Come for the politics, stay for the snark.

Hot air and ill-informed banter

I’m pretty sure there’s only one Jack Smith.

Meanwhile over at truth Social, the former president is busy confessing to crimes.

Tick tock motherfuckers!

A sufficient plurality of insane, greedy people can tank any democratic system ever devised, apparently.

They fucked up the fucking up of the fuckup!

The party of Reagan has become the party of Putin.

The willow is too close to the house.

Everybody saw this coming.

Eh, that’s media spin. biden’s health is fine and he’s doing a good job.

Whatever happens next week, the fight doesn’t end.

Let’s delete this post and never speak of this again.

My years-long effort to drive family and friends away has really paid off this year.

We are builders in a constant struggle with destroyers. let’s win this.

Good lord, these people are nuts.

A last alliance of elves and men. also pet photos.

Since when do we limit our critiques to things we could do better ourselves?

No one could have predicted…

Only Democrats have agency, apparently.

After roe, women are no longer free.

Roe isn’t about choice, it’s about freedom.

When I decide to be condescending, you won’t have to dream up a fantasy about it.

JFC, are there no editors left at that goddamn rag?

I see no possible difficulties whatsoever with this fool-proof plan.

You are here: Home / Pet Blogging / Dog Blogging / Positive Thoughts for Lily

Positive Thoughts for Lily

by | 218 Comments

This post is in: ,

I had to hospitalize Lily just a bit ago. She had been losing weight, acting listless, and I scheduled her for a checkup, and they ran her bloodwork and while all her organs are fine, her teeth were white and she had a very low platelet count so they believe she has Immune-Mediated Thrombocytopenia.

They are keeping her overnight to keep an eye on her, pump her full of steroids, and monitor her vitals, and if things change for the better we are going to keep her there until her platelets are back to normal, and if she takes a turn for the worse I am going to take her to a critical care center for a transfusion.

That’s all I know, and I refuse to google it (beyond finding the name) and I don’t know how much it will cost to fix her but whatever it takes. Keep her in your thoughts.

Obligatory- I am a basket case right now.

Reader Interactions

218Comments

  2. 2.

    Big R

    Always the hardest part of parenthood, no matter how many feet your children have.

    Wishing Lily a swift and complete recovery.

  3. 3.

    Yarrow

    Oh, no! Sending all the positive thoughts in the world to dear, sweet Lily. And some comforting thoughts your way too, John. Deep breaths. She’s the bestest, sweetest dog. Hope everything goes smoothly and she responds quickly to the treatment.

  8. 8.

    LAO

    Horrible, horrible, horrible. Hang in there John, we’re all hoping for Lily’s speedy recovery.

  11. 11.

    Mnemosyne

    Yikes! I hope Lily recovers. One of our cats has an autoimmune disease (pemphigus) but luckily for us, so far she responds really well to steroids without side effects. IANAV, but a quick Google seems to indicate that Lily will greatly improve with proper treatment.

  12. 12.

    errg

    Thoughts and love and best wishes to you and Lily, I hope the sweet girl recovers quickly…

  13. 13.

    Barbara

    Get well soon, Lily.

    Also, make sure they haven’t forgotten the obvious things, like heart worms and Lyme disease. One of my dogs had an intestinal blockage and even after being treated he was having a lot of difficulty with his white blood cell count — and then they found out he had Lyme disease. Once they started treating that, he rebounded very quickly.

  14. 14.

    Litlebritdifrnt

    My bestest thoughts are winging across the pond for dear sweet Lily. I am sure she will be fine, we all have to root for her, and I know we will.

  15. 15.

    The Moar You Know

    John: I am sorry. I hope she recovers. My dog is everything to me and I suspect you’re not any different.

  18. 18.

    Mingobat (f/k/a Karen in GA)

    Sending healing thoughts and well wishes from me, Mr. Mingobat, Iggy and Muppet. Your description of life with Lily is what made me think there might be something to this whole “having a dog” thing after all. We owe her.

  20. 20.

    Daffodil's Mom

    OH, john. Many, many, many hugs. We just lost our irreplaceable big guy two months ago. Only, not really, bc I just know he’s really still right here with us — and I will not accept any other possibility. Do also know that if the best veterinarian care combined with tons of prayers from tons of folks make any matter at all, she should be just fine.
    But meanwhile, take care of yourself — Lily wants and needs you to do that, ok?

  21. 21.

    Betty Cracker

    Healing vibes and best wishes for a full and speedy recovery to sweet Lily! Take care of yourself, and let us know if there’s any way we can help.

  26. 26.

    WaterGirl

    Seeing good thoughts and love and prayers. Hoping for only the best for our beloved Lily, possibly the sweetest dog on earth.

  29. 29.

    Odie Hugh Manatee

    I hope the vet is successful and Lily is back on your lap in no time. Best wishes to her and yourself, John.

  31. 31.

    ByRookorbyCrook

    I am so sorry John. I hope and pray for a quick platelet boost for Lily. Take deep breaths and extra pets for the rest of the menagerie.

  35. 35.

    lol chikinburd

    Dang, I’m sorry. Lily’s a true superstar, and I wish I could reasonably do more for her than think.

  38. 38.

    hitchhiker

    Not great news, but sounds like reason to be hopeful. All fingers and toes crossed!

  43. 43.

    Fester Addams

    Keeping all good thoughts for Lily’s speedy recovery. We know she’s your heart dog.

  45. 45.

    Humdog

    Teeth white = good. Gums white = look for low platelet count. I had a dog on prednisone for years for low platelet count. We found a dosage right for her and tailored activity to avoid scrapes and scratches and had many good years. Sending hope and good wishes to your whole pack, John.

  55. 55.

    Mnemosyne

    @Humdog:

    Assuming I was reading the vet stuff right, Lily may have the same thing your doggo had. Happy to hear that she had a long life even after diagnosis.

  59. 59.

    raven

    It’s not exactly the same but Lil Bit has had Immune-Mediated Hemolytic Anemia for years now. We control it with ATOPICA and she’s done pretty well. Hang in there.

  62. 62.

    WaterGirl

    @raven: My cocker Mellon had that, too – hers was controlled by pred. We got her down to half a pill a day and she lived for years and made it to 16!

  63. 63.

    beabea

    Unlurking to wish the best to Lily and to you, John. Your love for that doggy shows in every word you write about her.

  66. 66.

    WaterGirl

    For anyone who doesn’t have pet insurance, I highly recommend Pet Plan. I swore after I lost my kitty soulmate that I would never not have pet insurance again.

    Last week I got a check for $916 for my boy kitty’s chronic UTI related expenses for the past 9 months, and this week I will receive a check for $3,000 for Henry’s ACL surgery. I paid $500 of the 3,500 and they paid the rest. ($150 deductible + 10%)

  67. 67.

    Gustopher

    Oh, poor Lily! And poor John. I hope Lily does well, and is back in your bed where she belongs soon.

  68. 68.

    MisterForkbeard

    Crossing my fingers for her. If you need any help with treatment payment, let us know.

  69. 69.

    Joy in FL

    Love to Lily and healing vibes; comfort to you. May the time fly for you until she is back home with you.

  71. 71.

    spudgun

    Sending healing vibes to your dear girl! And sending calming thoughts to you, John. I’m sure Lily will be fine in no time ?

  72. 72.

    Mary G

    Poor sweet Lily. I am sending light and love to both of you, as well as the rest of your crew.

  77. 77.

    laura

    Please accept this ((((((((hug)))))))) from the left coast.
    I’ll be keeping you close to the heart and wish the best for your dear boon companion.

  82. 82.

    dr. bloor

    Sheldon, Coco, Basil and even Lulu are all sending positive kitteh karma Lily’s way.

  85. 85.

    randy khan

    Oh, dear. Reading the comments it looks like there’s a good chance this is treatable, and I certainly hope it is. Sending good thoughts to you and Lily.

  90. 90.

    MoxieM

    Whoo boy. Best to you. Best to Lily. Will they let you bring in a worn T-shirt or similar for her to sleep with?

  91. 91.

    Jim Heim

    From sysvet: Although ITP is a life threatening disease, it can usually be treated successfully and survival rates are approximately 90%.

    So be one of the top 10%. We’re all rooting for you both.

  97. 97.

    Rob Massing

    I started following you right around the time you got Lily. I think of you as soulmates

  99. 99.

    Comrade Colette Collaboratrice

    Oh, dear. I’m sorry to hear she’s poorly – hope she responds well and swiftly to treatment. Take care of yourself, too.

  100. 100.

    Laika

    Longtime lurker here to say I’m so sorry! Hope she is better lickety split. Sending love & healing vibes.

  101. 101.

    middlelee

    Sending positive thoughts and I am going into the kitchen to light a healing candle for her. That’s the way I pray.

  105. 105.

    Anne Laurie

    Not googling is a VERY smart idea right now, Cole. Trust your good vets, and the statistic that IMT is 90% treatable.

    Lily (& you) have many, many people praying for you both right now. And if we need to demonstrate our support with financial assistance — don’t hesitate to ask!

  106. 106.

    Stardus614

    I’m very sorry that you had this scare. Everybody loves Lily. But, I think this isn’t as bad as you fear. My mom had ITP, which is I guess the human version of this disorder. They gave he prednisone, which she loved because it made her feel so good, and she was fine for several years. She just had to have blood tests from time to time. I hope Lily is all better soon, and stops scaring the people who love her. ???

  107. 107.

    dr. luba

    It sounds like the canine version of ITP, which I have, and have had for many years. It’s treatable and survivable (and the least of my medical worries, quite frankly).

    Sending good wishes to Lily, my disease-mate ;)

  108. 108.

    dexwood

    Tossing in my best wishes for Lily and you, John. Happy to make a contribution towards that sweet dog’s care, too.

  109. 109.

    J R in WV

    So sorry to hear the bad news. Hoping and expecting it is only a temporary event in a long and happy life for Lily with you.

    The Vets are so dedicated, and have so many resources today compared to back when we first started keeping critters! Hoping so hard for a complete recovery for Lily, AND for you. Take care of yourself too!!!

    The well-worn and slightly smelly tee shirt is a great idea, do that right away!

    Best wishes from all of us here in SW WV!!!

    JR and clan

  111. 111.

    Elizabelle

    Lily’s got a lot going for her. She’s got an educated owner with the resources and desire to get her excellent treatment. Sounds like she has a very good chance.

    Think of how Walter ended up with a happy end of life, even with worse prospects. Thinking of Walter and his goofy smile always makes me smile.

  115. 115.

    B

    I had a dog with this. It was a lot of work with the constant blood tests (biweekly then weekly for months) and enormous hunger, but she got through it with steroids. She gained a lot of weight and at the initial highest dosages drank enormous quantities of water. That led to some incontinence but that resolved after the first month. Assuming Lily is responsive to the steroids I would be very careful totally weaning off the steroids. My dog did well while on the steroids but once she was totally off, it didn’t end well. In retrospect the vet said she should have stayed on a maintenance dose. This is treatable, especially if lily is responsive to steroids.

  117. 117.

    HRA

    Tiki and I send you and Lily our best wishes for a speedy recovery. Please take care of yourself and the other furry ones, too.

  118. 118.

    singing truth to power

    Worrying and grieving with you for your sweet Lily. They give us so much love –

  122. 122.

    stinger

    So sorry to hear this, but there seems to be every reason to hope for the best with that disease.

  125. 125.

    notoriousJRT

    Cole, I wish you the strength and some way to calm in this storm. I am sending my most positive healing vibes to Lily. I hope treatment brings her back to full health very soon.

  126. 126.

    martian

    Your devoted care is going to go a long way towards ensuring Lily gets the best outcome possible, John. I’ll keep a good thought for your darling girl.

  127. 127.

    Ann Marie

    My best wishes to Lily for a full and speedy recovery, and warm hugs to your whole household to get through this.

  128. 128.

    Amir Khalid

    I very much hope Lily gets better and continues loving you and looking adorable in her pictures. And that you and she have more years together ahead of you.

  130. 130.

    Wolvesvalley

    Daphne and Chloe send kitty good wishes to Lily, and hope she recovers quickly!

  131. 131.

    Alain the site fixer

    Omg sorry to hear, John. I am running a kitty hospice right now for one of my inherited cats from my mom and it’s ripped open many wounds from last Fall and taking care of mom. Take care!

  144. 144.

    MazeDancer

    @satby:

    Treatable and 90% survival rate is what you want Google to say. Thanks for report.

    May good news be yours soon, John. Sending you and Lily much Light and many healing beams.

  145. 145.

    Dread

    Sorry, mate.

    We’ve dealt with two puppies in the last year that have had health problems (cancer and an enlarged heart.) We did our best, but eventually had to say goodbye.

    I hope your baby girl makes a full recovery.

  147. 147.

    Djinn Dandy

    Best of luck for the both of you. Lily stories have gladdened me so many times and lifted my spirits. Just, all my best.

  150. 150.

    embra

    You and Lily have a lot of people pulling for you. We’ll be worrying and hoping for a good outcome right along with you.

  151. 151.

    cain

    Oh goddam, Cole. I’m wishing the best luck for both you and Lilly. Please let us know how things go.

  152. 152.

    Gelfling 545

    One real drawback to the internet is I have so many pets I have never met IRL whose health I fret about! On the other hand I have met so many lovely pets virtually! Blessings on Lily.

  154. 154.

    Joe

    My sisters cocker spaniel got diagnosed with IMT at the age of 5; she’s now 12 and as crazy and active as ever. Lily will be fine.

  155. 155.

    James Powell

    Man, that’s a hard thing. Hoping for the best for Lily and a restful heart for you.

  156. 156.

    Geeno

    Best of Luck to you and Lily.
    Wow. I remember when you two found each other, it was magic.
    Just hoping the magic keeps going.

  160. 160.

    InternetDragons

    Worked my way through undergrad and grad school as a vet tech. The statistics are very much in her favor, John, but I won’t burden you with stats and such when I’m sure you are just trying to get through things minute by minute. Just know you have good reason to be hopeful. Keeping you both in my thoughts.

  163. 163.

    raven

    Everyone wants to give advice, I get that but

    IMT is a complex and variable condition, so treatment is individualized. Often aggressive care is required when the disorder is initially diagnosed, and many dogs need to be hospitalized.

  164. 164.

    J.

    Oh no! I hope Lily is OK. How awful for you and Lily. Poor little thing. Fingers and toes crossed for her, and you.

  165. 165.

    Chip Daniels

    I’m so sorry to hear. I always love the pics of Lily, she seems like such a sweet and loving companion.

    Hoping for the best.

    ETA: One thing we don’t think about enough, is how our animal companions bring out our best, and heal our wounded souls.

  166. 166.

    BanditQueen

    Good girl Lily! Come on girl-you can do it! TLC for the Cole Kidz, especially Lily & John.

  168. 168.

    ixnay

    Most heartfelt positive wishes. As others have said, her odds are pretty good, but that won’t make your fear go away. Try to remember to breathe. Love to all the Cole household.

  172. 172.

    Kay (not the front pager)

    Oh dear. I know this must be tearing you apart. You and Lily have every good thought I can think.

    Best to Lily.

  173. 173.

    frosty

    Best wishes for good health for Lily. She has such a sweet face; when I see her I remember one about her size that we rescued many years ago.

  176. 176.

    leeleeFL

    Hope Miss Lily is soon recovered and home with you all, John Cole. Our Children are our most important beings, furry or otherwise! Sending calm for you and healing for Lily?????

  177. 177.

    Shell

    Omigosh, I remember your original blog post where you talked about meeting this scared, introverted shelter dog and wondering if you might adopt her. And we all cheered when you did.

  178. 178.

    Pam

    Oh, no. Hoping for positive developments. There is no love like that for a pet. My heart breaks for you

  179. 179.

    AndyG

    Me, my wife and our two hounds send you and Lily all our love and positive thoughts. We hope she’ll soon be home burying herself in your freshly-laundered bed linen….

  183. 183.

    Greg Ferguson

    Hold on, John. I know how much Lily is the heart and soul of the Cole house. and it’s heartening to see, above, expert opinion that gives her a good chance. Every hope here for her recovery (and therefore yours, you wonderful cranky dad…). Love you all.

  184. 184.

    Aleta

    I hate to shop and tape up packages; it takes me forever. It would be so much easier on me to send small $ tokens of love to Lily and her vet than to mail her too much mustard. Be kind and let me contribute.

  185. 185.

    Ohio Mom

    Sending healing thoughts from Southwest Ohio.

    You are right not to google this unpronounceable condition. Googling is for when you are not sure your doctors don’t need extra help, a little direction and supervision.

    You have a smart and wonderful vet who is completely trustworthy (I remember the fabulous care Walter received).

    All that there is for you to do right now is to take good care of yourself. Make sure you eat and sleep — you need all your wits to see Lily through, as well as hold down the fort for the other three. You can do this!

  186. 186.

    Keith G

    I hope all goes well. The condition you name rings a bell from the time when my sister and her husband had a farm which was always home to a large and ever-changing pack of dogs. As I recall survival rates are very good. Hope it applies here.

  188. 188.

    Immanentize

    My pet health food is awesome. All of it is on Lilly.
    My human positive for is all on you, John

  189. 189.

    Manyakitty

    Peace, love, and healing from our home to yours. Heisenberg, Schrodinger, and Mme. Curie send unlimited purrs and nibbles.

  191. 191.

    vhh

    John–sounds like you have arranged the best care for Lily. Wish her and you all the best

  192. 192.

    Garbo

    You’re so tuned in to her that you noticed something was off and got her to where she needs to be to get better. She’d do the same for you. Love to you both.

  195. 195.

    StringOnAStick

    You’re a good man John, take care of yourself because Lily and the others need you. All my best to sweet Lily.

  197. 197.

    Ramalama

    While you wait for news of the tests for Lily, maybe listen to Jane siberry’s song “Everything Reminds me of my dog.” Put it on a loop while you snack, play video games, and give love to the other household critters.

  198. 198.

    jl

    Good luck to Lily, and hope Cole can stay cool, Lily needs support!
    Keep us posed. Lily dog is in my thoughts.

  199. 199.

    Mary in Ohio

    Delurking to add that this is why I hate the fact that thoughts and prayers has been ruined by the Republicans. Sending good vibes from our pet family to yours.

  201. 201.

    debit

    Just got home and saw this. Hang tough, John. You have a good vet and I know she’s getting the best care.

    Folks, the paypal button is right up there. I’m not going to wait; hospitalization can be expensive.

  202. 202.

    la caterina

    So sorry to hear that Lily is ill. Putting her and everyone chez Cole on the prayer list. Whatever she needs, we are here for her.

  205. 205.

    woodrowfan

    I hope she’ll be ok. If you need help with he vet costs just put up a fundraiser. I’ll donate….

  209. 209.

    seaboogie

    I read the expert/experienced comments and googled. If Lily responds well to initial acute treatment and follow up treatment, you may look forward to a good many more years of her loving companionship.

    I know that Lily is in the best possible hands between you and your vet, so I’m doing what I can do by sending you both my love and will make an offering and light a candle and incense to my pal Ganesh to *remove all obstacles* to Lily’s return to excellent puppy health. I trust you’ll keep us posted so I’ll know if I need to amp up the good intentions.

    Take all of our well wishes in and give her a kiss on her kissing spot for me and for all of us….

  211. 211.

    Lyrebird

    Good thoughts coming for sweet doggie and good human!

    @Stardus614: Yes in our extended family we had a similar good recovery, and yes there was some grumpiness when the steroids stopped but TOTAL RECOVERY was well worth it!

  212. 212.

    Juju

    I’m sorry to hear about Lily’s illness. I hope you have the best results possible. Heidi and Gracie Lou dogs send their best wishes, as do I.

  213. 213.

    SWMBO

    All the best to you and Lily.
    I second the opinion to check for tick diseases. There is more than Lyme disease to check for. And they are treatable. Good luck and keep us posted.

  214. 214.

    beckya57

    I’m so sorry. We have pets too. I know how much you love her. Will send good thoughts.

  215. 215.

    glaukopis

    Mac, Gibby, and I are all wishing for the best for you and Lily. May she be back home with you and healthy soon. It has always been such a joy to see your love for her.

  216. 216.

    Debbie(aussie)

    Lots of love to you John, to Lily (with positive thoughts) and the rest of the pack.

  217. 217.

    Stardus614

    @Lyrebird: The doc kept my mom on a very low dose of prednisone for the rest of her life, but she really loved the higher dose, despite the moon face. If it has the same affect on doggies and Lily has to take it for a while, somebody should probably warn John, so he doesn’t freak.

Comments are closed.