Oliver's Bloodtest Update

[Fitmaltesemom]

The following is a progress report on Oliver who is 15 years old.  As you all know he went into severe kidney failure on April 5th, three days prior to his 15th birthday. Dr. Shultz was very impressed and happy with Oliver's results :) His next check up is February 7th.  He is on the KD prescription diet and only is given fish oil  and Pepcid AC in the morning.

2014 BLOOD RESULTS

April 5     BUN 157   CREAT 2.1
April 8     BUN   75   CREAT 1.4  After three days of fluid therapy
April 20   BUN   65   CREAT 1.5
May 22   BUN   24   CREAT 1.7
Aug  3    BUN   24   CREAT 1.8
Nov  7    BUN   23   CREAT 1.4

[tonyb286]

Hi Elsa. I am fine, thank you, but busy. I have recently become involved in a 1000 strong canine kidney group on Facebook, as well as the MedHelp group, so I seem to spend increasingly long hours at the keyboard. My partner tells me I should have a schedule and spend a limited amount of time responding ... easier said than done. With so many members on the Facebook site, it's sad to hear daily of dogs passing due to the illness overcoming them. But there are positives too, and I am certainly learning from others just as much as I'm passing some knowledge on.

My two muts are doing well, although the greyhound decided to have a go at the hallway carpet while I was out shopping for an hour a couple of days ago. Luckily it's an old carpet and will be replaced in a few months time ... poor Giro looked so guilty when I came back, even though he wasn't the culprit.

Yes, one day at a time is the way to progress ... it's hard, but life goes on.

Hope you have a lovely day.

Tony

[Fitmaltesemom]

How are you Tony?  I am actually doing fine and taking one day at a time.
The day that I welcome another Maltese I will let everyone know.
I am forever grateful for all the friends I made on this forum.

Blessings to all.
Take Care
Elsa

[Fitmaltesemom]

I know Charlene.... I get so teary eyed just seeing this.
Take Care

Elsa

[DogBlog]

Elsa........that is so beautiful......I saw Oliver immediately.....and you got a picture.  If that isn't a sure sign that he's smiling down on you!!!!!  

[Fitmaltesemom]

Charlene,
Thank you Charlene. This forum has helped me a lot in more ways than one. Everyone here is fabulous....without the guidance from day 1 I would have been lost. And today, although my little Oliver is no longer here I receive the same guidance and love from everyone.  Hugs to everyone one of you who are helping me during the healing process.

To my amazement on Saturday....we had cloudy weather and I happened to look out my kitchen window...when I saw a beautiful sight above. I am posting the picture for everyone to see. Please look right in the middle and you will see my little angel. Such a beautiful gift from above.

[DogBlog]

Elsa......you certainly have endured your share of grief this year.  I am sure your Dad and Oliver knew how lucky they were to be loved by you!!  There are never enough words to comfort during these times but I can only offer my prayers and love!!  You were there for me when Sammie passed and I will always be here thinking of you!!

Love,
Charlene

[Fitmaltesemom]

So true, without Tony I would not have known what to do when Oliver had kidney failure.  I learned so much on this forum and made so many friends who are truly caring and sincere.  

Even now Tony is helping me with the healing process.

Hugs to all.
Elsa

[DarbiesMom]

Tony,

You will forever be my knight in shining armor:) You gifted our lives with Darbie for a longer & most happier blessed time:) Your words of wisdom & faith will resound in me Always.

Many of us will go forward and renew...Someday. But, it is you, wonderful counselor, that softened the fall.

Forever Friend

Lynne & Darbie Angel

[DarbiesMom]

Thank you for the lovely pics of Oliver...He truly has the angel's grace surrounding him. He will be held there forever.

It is devastating to lose your beloved father and Oliver in such a short space of time. Be kind to your Self. I know Darbie was my anchor and consoled me thru the loss of my M&D...When Darbie died in June, I was inconsolable.

You allow yourself to grieve and cry...Remember those you love. Love your memories...Thank God you are a good human being capable of feel loving & compassion.

Just know, everything will be alright

Love to You always,

Lynne & Darbie Angel

[tonyb286]

Hi Elsa. What to say ... I don't know. Grief is indeed a very big part of life, for those of us left behind. It's a huge burden we carry, probably till the end of our own days. As we get older, the burden seems weighty, because we lose more of our family, our friends and colleagues, and our best friends too. My journey with grief started young, as I lost my parents and most of my close family while I was in my 20s, and it is still hard, even today, more than 30 years later.

But, I think of myself as a survivor. Despite all the odds, I'm still here, so what time I have being here, I like to make the most of. I don't mean jetting around the world or partying all night, but being with those I love the most - and that's actually my dogs.

There are days that are still difficult ... and I call them my BB days ... which is when, no matter what I might be doing or have planned to do, BB is in my head all day tugging at my heart strings. When I lost her 3 years ago, I honestly felt I could not get over it. But here we are ... still going ... still doing the things I enjoy doing, and with a legacy to her in the form of this forum.

Losing your dad is a real hurdle ... and losing Oliver was another one ... two traumatic events all in a very short time period. You are right, this is going to take a long time for you to get back on track with your life. But you will. You are strong. More than that, you have a huge, kind and generous heart - and that will help you get through, I'm sure.

We never forget. And neither should we. These are people and family to us. A major influence in our lives. And while we continue talking about them, we give them a lasting voice and a continuing part in our onward life journeys.

I wish you all good things for today, tomorrow and in the weeks ahead.

Your friend,

Tony x

[Fitmaltesemom]

I'm popping in and adding some pictures. I think of Oliver everyday. Not sure I mentioned that I lost my father in March and now losing Oliver has broken my heart in pieces. I have good days but some are sad :(
I know in time I will be fine.  I've never known about death until my first Maltese died in my arms seven years ago. When my father passed in March I was devastated. I am trying to understand and know that this is all part of life....but its difficult.

Elsa

[Fitmaltesemom]

Thank you sweetie. I'm taking one day at a time. I lost my father in March and now losing Oliver has really broken my heart. I'm taking one day at a time and trying to reflect on the wonderful memories.

Hugs.
Elsa

[DarbiesMom]

Dear Elsa,

Please know I am thinking of you and holding you up in prayer. I do believe Oliver held on each and everyday basking in the love you gave him. You were his gift to the end...

I hope your love finds a new journey in the future ahead.

Peace to You,

Lynne & Darbie Angel

[Fitmaltesemom]

Just posted a beautiful picture of Oliver.  
Hugs to all who followed us through our journey.

Elsa

[tonyb286]

Oliver's story and your shared journey is amazing. I'm pleased the Fb page has received so much attention - Oliver deserves nothing less. I can empathise with the huge feelings of loss. It's been almost 3yrs since BB passed (the reason I began the CKF User Group), and some days are still my BB days, when she's in my heart and mind the entire day. Time does help - but it's hard to adjust to a new way of doing things when your friend and companion has gone.

I'm fortunate to have two dogs here with me still and they are such a comfort.

Take good care of yourself.

Tony

[Fitmaltesemom]

Yes, Tony. Dr. Shultz said she wanted to know how I was doing. I was so touched.  Its been over a week and I can't believe Oliver is gone. I'm going through moments where I question myself if it was the right thing to do.
I guess every pet owner questions themselves after making that decision.
After my boyfriend (who bought Oliver) came to visit him, he talked with Oliver and cuddled. Once he left.....I could see that Oliver pretty much let go. I honestly think he was just waiting for his dad to come see him one last time. That Friday afternoon Oliver's eyes looked like he was saying "I'm tired Mom its ok to let go"     He sure took a huge piece of my heart with him when he crossed over to Rainbow Bridge.  He has a page on Facebook and once we posted his passing...it was tremendous. I actually counted the likes and comments over the weekend. Oliver had 4,266 likes and 1,356 comments.  I am donating his Muffins Halo for blind dogs....which assisted him since he could not see anymore.   Oliver left an impact for such a little guy :)

[tonyb286]

Hello Elsa. Kind words from a lovely, compassionate and very professional vet. I sure wish there were more Dr Schultz's around caring for our loved ones.

Tony

[Fitmaltesemom]

Dr. Schultz called me the Monday after Oliver's passing  to let me know that she thought Oliver possibly had a brain hemmorage or a stroke. She said his body was going through a domino affect and he would only get worse.
These were Dr. Schultz’ words to me:
Dear Elsa,
Your decision to say goodbye was one of the hardest you"ll ever have to make. It was the kindest gift you could give Oliver, and now he is at peace.
Sharing your sadness,
Dr Gerry Schultz

[Fitmaltesemom]

I can’t believe my little man is gone.
It wasn’t even his kidneys that failed. His last blood results were great.
His little body just tired out from the colitis, ear infection, ulcer in the eye and the head tilt that he had within a seven day period prior to his passing.  He was losing his balance.  Dr. Schultz believes he may have suffered a brain hemmorage or had a tumor.  His front legs would spread out and his hind legs would give out.  He was also having involuntary movements in his arms.  On his last day he collapsed at the groomer and he looked tired.  At the vets it was obvious he was tired- his three pound body had enough. He was lifeless and oblivious at the end.  He was a true champion !!!!

[DarbiesMom]

Dear Elsa,

I am truly devastated to hear about Oliver. He was our champion. As I see Charlene made a lovely note remembering our pups as we navigated our lives together. We lost Darbie on June 10th and the deep longing see her and hold her is immeasurable beyond words. Our brief time with our loves is so great. I believe in my heart, like Charlene, that our beloved friends will greet us one fine day as we are received into heaven. Until then, may you find peace and comfort with each passing day and know you are in the thoughts and prayers of many.

God Bless You,

Lynne and Darbie:)

[Fitmaltesemom]

Thank you for your kind words.
Blessings,
Elsa

[Fitmaltesemom]

Thank you.
I will get back with everyone on this page soon.

Blessings
Elsa

[Earlsteffie]

Hi Elsa, I've not communicated with you before, but, I've kept up with you and Oliver. Oliver was simply 'Blessed' to have you as his 'Parent'. 'Parents' like yourself are an extremely rare commodity these days. I know too well that you have some very rough days/weeks/months ahead of you. Try not to loose sight of the fact that Oliver lived a very long life, and a very good life Thanks to 'You'. You are a 'True' Pet Lover for you never left a stone unturned while caring for him, irregardless of the financial costs.  Take care of yourself Elsa.

Run Free Oliver!

Earl

[DogBlog]

Oh Elsa.......I am sitting here crying!!  Please know I'm giving you big cyber hugs!!!  I felt that Oliver, Darbie and my Sammie had a special connection as we seemed to start this battle at the same time.  Oliver is being well cared for by Darbie and Sammie!!  I know so well how you are feeling and that there are no words of comfort at the moment.  You are a very special person and Oliver was so lucky (as you were also).  I'm sure his kisses were to thank you for giving him such a great life....they are amazing!!

We are here for you!!  I know how much comfort I felt from everyone here when I lost Sammie.

All my best,
Charlene