Thanks to Tamara and the rest of you for chipping in– I didn’t see that coming, but it sure is welcome- the estimate for Lily’s care ranged from a small used car to $6,000. And again, that’s just an estimate. I’d like to think I deserved an Oscar for not flinching and just handing them a credit card- that’s why I spent 30 years building my credit rating, so I could afford an emergency like this, right?
At any rate, I spoke with the Dr. (a nice young woman named Dr. Weimer- although I am now at the age where my first thought upon meeting most doctors is “I’m supposed to trust this kid? Do her parents drop her off at work?”) at some length, and where we stand is the following. This issue is common among mixed breed dogs, and is three times as likely to present in females than in males. It can manifest in three ways- it can simply be an issue that comes about on its own, it can be the result of an infection, or it can be caused by cancer.
We don’t know which of it it is, yet, but the fact that she has good organ function (liver and kidney did not show anything abnormal in the initial blood tests yesterday) is “encouraging.” She also has an appetite and thirst, which is also good. The priority is to stabilize her- the get some blood into her, get the blood cell count and platelet count up, all while doing some thorough tests to try to determine the cause or if there even is one. If the issue is just presenting on its own, that would be the best, so that is what we are crossing our fingers and hoping for. That would just be a matter of stabilizing her, getting everything back to normal, and going home.
Before I left they took me in the back to see her, and my goodness is that place impressive. There were AT LEAST 20 doctors and nurses and vet techs back there, and it was super clean and nice. Lily looked very relaxed and comfortable, and is just so lethargic from the low blood count that she didn’t even seem anxious. I took a t-shirt I had worn yesterday out of the hamper and brought it with me so I could put it in the cage so she would have a comforting scent with her, and again, everyone was super gentle and nice and just gushing over her. She really is an angel, and she doesn’t bark or yip, she’s just a docile lady.
Leaving her was one of the hardest things I have ever done. I was actually thinking about it on the ride home- when I left for basic training my mom dropped me off at the recruiter and I bounded off without looking back. That’s sort of how I am about things- “Ok, I’m doing this now. Ok, I am a non-smoker now. Ok, I am going to rehab and will be a non-drinker now.” I don’t know if that is common or one of my idiosyncracies, but it’s just how I do things. You’ve made yopur decision, no looking back now. Just make it work. This was a lot harder.
I have already called to check on her (because of course I have, and spoke to the nurse who was administering her first transfusion while we were on the phone. She gushed and said what a sweet dog she is and that she was doing well, and I made sure to tell her that she is very quiet and won’t display pain or anxiety by barking or fighting, that you have to pay attention to her eyes and eyebrows and her shedding (she drops hair when she is anxious). They are supposed to call me back after some of the initial testing is done.
I’m mentally exhausted but I have only cried twice, and I am going to take a nap. I do want to thank you all again for the financial help. It really means a lot. Here are some of my favorite pictures of Lily from right after I adopted her from the shelter last week nine years ago:
I love that picture with her BFF Samantha (the second best dog ever). I’ll update you when I know something.
The Midnight Lurker
Yea, Lily! Live Long and Prosper!
Patricia Kayden
Adorable photos. Good to hear that she is in good hands. Sending good thoughts and air hugs her way.
HeleninEire
John her care is covered. If this crowd funding is not enough let me know. I will cover it. This place has given me more than I can ever give back.
TaMara (HFG)
I’m not crying…you’re crying.
OldDave
We have an elder dogizen who’s spending a few days at the vet’s office. It’s not easy when someone in your family is ill, even when that member is “just” a pet.
Kay
I like the picture where she’s driving.
Joy in FL
I just got home and 1st thing, I check BJ to see about Lily and there is a reasonably hopeful update on her.
I’m so glad. Thank you, John, for the detailed update.
Mary G
Love you two and thanks for posting. I’ve got a million things to do planned, but I just sit at the computer refreshing Balloon Juice. Love all the pictures! She’s just so dainty.
SWMBO
I remember one post about Lily snoring in your armpit and you just had no words for how much you love her. So glad it looks like she’s going to be snoring in your armpit for quite a while longer.
Chat Noir
Lily does frog-dog! I love when dogs lay like that.
Here’s hoping for the best outcome. I was there exactly 4 years ago with my cat and I know what you mean about the exhaustion from worry.
debit
John, thank you so much for the update. I am logged in at work just in case there was news. It sounds like she’s in the best possible hands.
Take care of yourself and ask for help if you need it, at home or here. You’ve spent most of you adult life being supportive for others; it’s okay to ask for some back.
JPL
Thank you John for the update, and please let us know if you need more. I feel like Lily is ours also, and remember when you got her.
Nicole
Always an excellent sign when they’re hungry and thirsty. Thank you for keeping us updated!
cbear
Thanks so much for the update, Cole–I went to bed last night with a knot in my stomach thinking about Sweet Lily (and you) being in such a scary place, and it’s wonderful that the news seems promising.
Hang in there, brother.
Peace.
debit
@TaMara (HFG): I know! I keep randomly landing on a sentence and bursting into tears. I think it was the one about leaving her with a t-shirt that started the initial waterworks.
AliceBlue
Can’t believe it’s been nine years! The photos are so sweet.
satby
Nine YEARS?!? It’s been nine years? I can remember the day you went looking for another cat and brought Lily home instead. Wow.
So glad she’s getting wonderful care and that we can help a little.
rikyrah
Thanks for the update, Cole.
And, those pictures are fabulous.
Totally rooting for Lily.
Villago Delenda Est
Sounds to me like the prognosis is good, at present.
YAY! YIP! YIP! YIP!
Lily continues to hang in there! She’s a good dog!
debit
@satby: Do you remember the little black modesty bars John put on her nipples? It was then I knew he was the sweetest guy on the face of the earth.
Villago Delenda Est
@Kay: “Look out, Toonces! Lily is at the wheel!”
Aleta
@TaMara (HFG): correct
WindyCityCat
And now I know that I’ve been reading this Top-10k blog for at least 10 years, because I definitely came here pre-Lily. Glad to hear things are going ok so far.
Elizabelle
Nine years! (Is there an echo in here?) Goes by fast. Lily’s Cole years coincided with Obama years. Coincidence? Discuss.
Glad she is getting such marvelous care, and am sure she will return to your home a more energetic pup.
The Moar You Know
Damn straight. I will tell you all someday about spending 5 grand on a dog I knew we could not keep. It was the right thing to do and I did not even think about it once.
Schlemazel
It is only money, she’ll be back with you before the bills start rolling in. Thanks for the update and get well soon.
Also too: that is a great life philosophy. My dad eat himself up about past decisions and it was a waste of time. Ruck up & soldier on.
Rebecca L Marks
John – My local animal hospital took pictures of my Tessa last time she was there overnight and updated me with them by text… Ask if your place can do the same for you!
Trinity
All the love to Lily and John!! (Also, this made me realize just how long I have been reading this blog…woo! Time flies ya’ll.)
Ruviana
So glad to hear the optimistic sounding news about Lily. My favorite kitteh-kiddo spent time in the Cornell Companion Animal Hospital (that’s it’s name) and I got to see him in the pet-icu. It’s a much happier place than people icus and the doggie patients were happy on general principles to see a human. My boy not so much but I got another year with him and I was grateful for that. Here’s hoping Lily gives you many more years of companionship as well.
Aleta
This dog here says hey he just got a treat.
something fabulous
Oh my goodness– nine years??? SO glad things seem at least to be stabilizing for the moment! I also have a BAD RELATIONSHIP w PayPal, so will be sending a check to the calendar address– add it to the fund for whatever comes up with that sweet girl! My Milo became diabetic a few years back, and so I know what a long and expensive road to a diagnosis and treatment plan can be. (probably back to lurking; i do have trouble keeping up in real time these days! but wanted to add my little something here.) Thanks for the updates, and thank you, TaMara especially and this great community for coming together!
Chacal Charles Calthrop
Glad to hear it’s good news. I know how worthwhile it is to spend money on a pet. I lost the Best Cat Ever (yes, I know every cat is the best cat ever, but this one really was — I can tell you stories about her endlessly) this past December and it cost me north of $3,000 (which is why I have no shekels to contribute right now) and the damn animal hospital did not just fail to save her, they lost my cat carrier into the bargain and then charged more against my credit card after she was dead & I’d paid the final bill. We had quite the fight, but there’s no way for me to prove that they didn’t incur the charges and simply forgot to bill them.
Earl
I spent… maybe $16k in a year on my last dog (one acl repair, followed by a burst disk and repair. plus pt.) He lived another two years because of it, so if you view it as a cost per month, it was really only about $650/month. Worth every penny.
Please post if your bill isn’t covered and I’ll chip in $50.
Sister Inspired Revolver of Freedom
@The Midnight Lurker: Absolutely! What a sweet and beautiful dog Lily is. And very lucky to have such a devoted guardian.
JohnO
I cried hard at Tunch’s news. Just had to put down my beloved Nikki the Siamese at 20+ when he just got so old he shrunk to half-size and couldn’t walk anymore. He had lost all bowel and bladder control about a year earlier and ruined my house, but was eating and drinking fine (until the end) so I hung tough with him. Cried for days. This news is making me cry in all kinds of directions.
My true love is now 8 and just reading stories like this makes me choke up, as I am not a wealthy man and our day will come.
Best to you and Lily, John.
(My new floors are nice, I guess.)
Matt Smith
@HeleninEire: This was lovely to see. Made my day.
John, thanks for the updates. I don’t know which one’s luckier to have the other – you or Lily.
Linda M
I’ve been teary all day (about some other things) and this news about Lily is bringing it on double. Thanks for the update.
Yarrow
Thanks for the update, John. Awww…so great to see the pictures of Lily. She is such a sweet and beautiful girl. Seems like just yesterday when you got her. She’s just the bestest dog–the dog of your heart. So glad the news is encouraging and it sounds like a really wonderful animal hospital. How great you have it fairly close to you.
Origuy
Not being a dog owner, I never thought about canine blood transfusions. But they are a thing, and there are blood banks for dogs, where people can take their healthy dogs to give blood. There are even bloodmobiles in a few places. Unfortunately, there are also blood banks which use dogs kept on site and I found some articles about their condition that aren’t so pleasant. In particular, those in California. However, Pennsylvania isn’t one of those places, as far as I can tell. Blood banks there use volunteers.
Geeno
Nine years – yeah, it does seem like last week, doesn’t it. Try to relax, but you can call them as much as you feel you need to. They can handle it.
Six large – man, I am getting old. “In my day the vets didn’t charge four digits” says old man with rotting onion on his belt. Well, you want the best; you have pay for the best. Might have to bump my donation.
WaterGirl
@Kay: I was thinking the same thing about the driving picture until I got to the bottom picture where she thought splayed out and looking happy. Now they are tied for first.
zhena gogolia
@The Moar You Know:
I’ve never regretted a penny spent on an animal.
Death Panel Truck
@Chat Noir: I have a cocker who does the frog-dog. He will lie on the floor like that and pull himself forward with his front legs. It’s funny to watch.
khead
@TaMara (HFG):
Onions. I have onions here.
Very sorry you’re going through this John. I know that feeling of handing over the CC for treatment (Gracie the cat) when you just don’t know how or when the shitstorm will stop.
hitchhiker
Would it be crazy to ask for a special Lily calendar? She’s just so lovely!
Thanks for the update, again. Seems like none of us will relax until she’s safely home.
opiejeanne
Oh man, John, I know about the spending on our pets and not looking back. I hope what they decide is the simplest and best solution for her and that she’s back home with you soon.
debit
@zhena gogolia: This.
Jim
I remember that picture from way back. You were still going through your humanization phase. Lily was a great help, which we could tell from the gradual change in your writing.
Hang in there, Kiddos.
opiejeanne
@Origuy: Blood banks for cats must be a thing too. In 1986 our dearly departed Daniel was dying and a vet decided a transfusion was just the thing. It wasn’t. I was younger and less ornery and didn’t know as much as I do now. That was an interim vet, retired and filling in for our much-loved vet while he was on vacation. Transfusions do nothing for a cat that is having heart attacks*, and thanks to Tufts we learned later that year that there is a treatment for this rare condition.
*Yes, cats have heart attacks. It’s very rare and none of the vets we worked with believed us until they all witnessed him having one. Also, when you take a cat in to have it put to sleep because it’s obviously in agony, and the vet decides to monitor the cat for 12 hours instead, that cat will rally and pretend nothing is wrong.
Phylllis
We love our girl. And our curmudgeon host. And the rest of the menagerie.
opiejeanne
@Jim: I must have discovered John right before he got Lily but I wasn’t a regular reader yet. He was just surfacing from his bad dream of conservatism and posted a column about how he couldn’t pretend any more. I think Sarah Palin was mentioned as part of that revelation on his road to Damascus, but instead of being struck blind it was that his sight was healed.
sacrablue
Thanks for keeping us updated, John.The stress of not having a firm diagnosis is intense. I just came home with my chemo kitty. He is now finished with his second cycle. Now we wait two more weeks until his next ultrasound to see if the mass is still shrinking. He isn’t happy with me at the moment because he had an “accident” on the way home so he had to suffer the indignity of a partial bath to make his day even worse. But he is such a sweet boy and otherwise healthy, so we will continue until he tells us to stop. We never talk about the cost because we just have to do this.
You and Lily are in my thoughts.
zhena gogolia
Here’s how experienced I am, the word for that is “idiopathic.”
Jager
I had a great German Shepherd named Onza years ago, he developed epilepsy (genetic from the mother’s side) the vet at Angel Memorial in Boston said you have a choice, you can keep spending money or put him down, I told her I’ll spend the money. She refereed me to the canine neurologist at Angel, he changed my dogs diet, taught me how to handle the seizures, gave me some scripts that had to made up by a compounding pharmacy and good boy Onzie lasted another 2 years. I came how from a date one night, he’d had a seizure and passed on the Eve of Christmas Eve. The breeder had stopped breeding his Mom when I told her about the epilepsy. Two months later she sent me a new pup at no charge. I know how you feel John and money has never been an issue when it comes to a well loved pet. Anze the Dog sends his best to Lily and to you.
joel hanes
from right after I adopted her
We remember. How could we forget?
You were obviously in love.
kindness
I can’t believe it was 9 years ago. I remember John, a confirmed cat guy, wrangling over getting a dog and it turned out Lily was the answer. Time fly’s.
trollhattan
Am with everybody else, sitting here with the “9-years?!?” whiplash syndrome. Gad zooks. Many thanks for the update and continued best wishes. Maybe Thurston can steal something to lighten the mood.
trollhattan
Here’s a guaranteed mood-lifter for everybody.
MomSense
@Chat Noir:
Apparently that position is called sploot. My kids say it very dramatically when they see her like that.
WaterGirl
@opiejeanne: oh my god, that sounds like a nightmare. I presume you have a new vet?
WaterGirl
@zhena gogolia: I thought idiopathic was short for ‘We can’t figure out what the hell is causing this.’
JPL
@TaMara (HFG): Thank you for organizing the fund raiser, and it appears that you will be able to post for another day.
Zoey2020
OMG – nine years! Yes, a chorus, but that’s what we are ‘hear’ for …
B
Years ago I had 2 dogs that were blood donors to a canine blood bank. The blood bank came to your vet and every couple of months and spoiled the dogs with lots of treats and tummy rubs. They only used dogs in a narrow age range to not stress growing dogs or aging dogs. That meant only about 3 years of donating. The reward was any future blood required for transfusions of your pets was free. I found out about it when I was treating my dog that had the same thing as lily.
schrodingers_cat
Sweet Lily is sweet. I hope she feels better soon.
SFAW
@WaterGirl:
If I understand my friend — who deals with “idiopathic” maladies from time to time — correctly, I believe you are correct.
Mike J
@SFAW: I’ve got an appointment to see an idiopath next week.
ruemara
@SFAW: As a person with idiopathic hypertension, I can only correct that to, “We have no fucking idea what the hell is causing this, so stop asking.”
I can’t believe it’s been 9 years already, but I do recall the Obama vs Hillary wars as well as the Lily adoption, so I guess I was here. Pardon me, I have to go buy a cane and pants that go up to my underboobs.
Aleta
@Mike J: My brother would call me an idiopath when my mom left us in the car and then I would kick the back of his seat.
Cermet
Hope it is just old age and they can release her tomorrow or so – yes, as you and any one over 45 knows, old age sucks. Sooner or later one or more organs fail, or cancer grows, or simply one get an illnesses that can’t be stopped. If there was any such thing as intelligent design, then it would be proof positive that god is either stupid beyond measure or simply satanic.
PaulB
A look back:
https://balloon-juice.com/2009/06/05/i-think-this-is-the-one/
Gianduja Kiss
Best wishes for Lily. I’ve never met her but I’ve been following her on this blog since you got her and I like her more than most people. Whatever happens, I am so glad you have provided her with such a loving home.
SFAW
@trollhattan:
Yeah, I also saw the Kobach semi-good news at TPM.
“Semi-good?” I can hear you say. Well, as I wrote over at TPM:
“I’m disappointed. I was hoping she’d issue a ruling that Kobach be jailed for being a racist, fascist, anti-American motherfucker. Not sure which section of the US Code that violates, but I’m hoping the Judge can come up with something.”
So I guess I’m a glass-half-empty kind of guy. I guess if Kobach were thrown in a Federal pen, with Hans von Spakovsky to keep him company, then I’d see the glass as mostly-full. Although I’d want them to save some room for Turtle, ZEGS, Shitgibbon, KKKeebler Elf, DeVos, Pruitt, Zinke, Flynn, Carson, Shitgibbon (he’s fat enough to need two spaces), Arpaio, Tom Brady, Mulvaney, Mnuchin, and a host of other anti-American schmucks.
lowtechcyclist
@Phylllis:
This. And like a bunch of others have already said, John, if what’s been raised so far doesn’t cover Lily’s bills, please let us know, because many of us are good for another round or two. You matter to us, and so do all your furry critters, canine and feline.
Like many of the others, I didn’t know it had been nine years, but I’ve got an excuse. Nine years ago last month, my wife and I adopted our son and brought him home from Russia. So nine years ago, we were overwhelmed with learning to be parents of a 20 month old boy. For awhile afterwards, I had essentially zero time to spend on the Internet, so a lot of stuff slipped by me in early 2009.
SFAW
@ruemara:
Naturally, I defer to your superior expertise. Sorry to hear they can’t figure it out, however.
SFAW
As with a bunch of others here, I can’t believe it’s been nine years already. As far as I’m concerned, Lily is still a (beautiful) puppy.
Gin & Tonic
@SFAW: Some years back my son had idiopathic thrombocytopenia. They were pretty clear on the “we have no fucking idea” part. Some scary times.
psychobroad
Hi John, long-time lurker, because generally the threads are dead by the time I get to them. Had to throw a little $$ at your face, thinking of you and Lily!
VeniceRiley
Paws crossed for Lily! Hope she has a speedy recovery and it isn’t too serious. Poor sweetie.
gammyjill
Cole, Lily is a lovely dog and you’ve been a great father to her. You can always count on your readers for funding for Lily,
Kathleen
Sending love and light to you and Lily. Holding optimistic thoughts about her recovery. Take care yourself also.
Kathleen
@something fabulous: Just click through the pay pal link. You can get to a credit card option. That’s what I did.
Kristine
I’m in if additional funds are needed.
I can’t believe it’s been 9 years. Damn.
RedDirtGirl
Such love in those pictures, on both sides of the camera. Thank you for sharing them. Give her a scritch from me.
SiubhanDuinne
@PaulB:
Oh, thanks for posting this. I was going to prowl through the archives and try to find it.
I love the part where John lists everything that is wrong with her — she smells of cat piss, she has a nasty rash, I hate her name, — and then closes out the Litany of Awfulness with “She is perfect.”
frosty
I’m going to echo “nine years??” I was hear a little before that. I remember the first pix of Lily, what a sweet looking doggie. I’ll be chipping in also.
Shell
This thread seems to invite dog sharing. Very worried for my girl Katie. She’s 15, and Ive had her since a puppy.In January, I moved from New Jersey to Maryland. Hoped to have stayed in my house till Katie eventually passed, so not to put her thru the disruption. But had to put the house on market for large medical bills. Couldn’t keep a dog here so she’s been living with my sister. Went pretty well, but her sometime incontinence became constant, crazy thirst, weight loss. The vet can’t find any reason why. Got to the point where my sister said she can’t take care of her anymore. Suggested we let her go to a Senior Dog Sanctuary. This is just breaking my heart. Another disruption; will she be scared and confused. (she does have signs of dementia). Is it time to just let her go? She still enjoys eating and going for walks. If she can still have some quality of life there, why not…
Sarah in Kingston
I love the picture of her on your lap in the car. I remember seeing that one way back when and thinking, yup.
cain
Has it been nine years? Good golly! It just seems like yesterday when John decided he was going to get a dog and decided on getting Lilly and how she was so stressed and then like two weeks later, she came out of her shell and was this happy awesome dog. Be well, Lilly!
Dog Mom
@Ruviana: I just trekked down there (Cornell) yesterday with one of my beagles. Weather was awful – but ‘Team Lulu’ was happy to see her, even if they had to follow her around in the rain three times with a ladle to see if she would give up some pee.
mnaj
Rescue pets are the best (I have one face-bumping me right now as I write this), but rescuers are even better
Ruckus
@Cermet:
I’m thinking that if there is a god he, and of course it would have to be a he and you’ll see why in a moment, is either an extremely sarcastic or sadistic bastard. Now I’ve met some women who, well, basically fail the humanity test as well, but a hell of a lot more men do. I could name names but you’d recognize most of them as republican politicians.
Tams
Both Samantha and Charlie love Lily! Not to mention how much I adore her… and we’ve had quite the journey together! Cole, you’re doing what many wouldn’t for their pet. Many would just give up! But not this Juice community!!! To all the bloggers, from the bottom of my heart, I thank you! Not sure what a world would be like without the sweet, gentle prancing proudly Lily! Sending smiles, paws up, and love to you all!
opiejeanne
@WaterGirl: That was many years ago when we lived in Riverside and it was pretty bad. Our own dear vet who was on vacation came back to town when I recognized the cat was in terrible pain again. Danny died in his arms, having a heart attack and when he called me he was weeping. He’d never seen it. He was fairly young. A couple of years later he became a neighbor and everyone in the neighborhood loved him.
We have a vet now who seems competent, treats our current kitty very well, and we have pet insurance that rocks and costs about $23/month. So far it has covered her annual checkup a couple of times, a tooth extraction, and a tooth cleaning. The total of what we’ve paid is less than the cost of those services.
And now we have another cat. Our daughter just asked if we want to keep her boy, so we will be enrolling him in the insurance plan also. I think he’s about 12 and Annie is 5, so his monthly fee may be a little more than hers.
Debbie(aussie)
So glad things are going well. Hope Lily continues to improve and the tests confirm the least scary prognosis. Love to the Cole menagerie and the wonderful Balloon ? Juice family.
opiejeanne
@PaulB: Oh wow, I do remember that column. This is more evidence that my memory is really borked.
artem1s
So nice to see those pics of Lily. My introduction to this blog was the week JC slipped, fell and broke his shoulderblade? carrying Lily outside to do her business. Because it was too slippery and snowy for Lily to walk herself out. I remember thinking, “who is this guy?”
Now I know…
be well sweet Lily
mardam422
Here’s hoping that Lily will be fine and live a much longer life.
Everyone thinks their dog is the best dog ever. Mainly because they are.