Bravo: A good boy

During our most recent trip to the vet, Bravo received two large bags of fluids. After a round of blood tests and X-rays, we still don’t know what’s wrong with him. We are trying to keep him comfortable, quiet and we are hoping he bounces back.

I promised to be better this week. Unfortunately, life got in the way. Again.

To be honest, I haven’t felt like saying much. It’s too hard.

Tuesday, I was surrounded by family and friends as we celebrated Halloween and hundreds of children visited our house for tasty treats. That night, when some of my dearest friends and family members arrived, I greeted them by saying, ‘Bravo is sick.’

I didn’t cry although I desperately wanted to. Instead, I busied myself dishing out salad, lasagna and cake.

Our normally social, active yellow dog was gloomy. He tried to be happy with the people in his house. Still, after a few minutes, he walked up the stairs and stayed away from the commotion for the rest of the night.

Wednesday, The Weed and I hoisted Bravo into the truck and took him to the vet. After a round of blood tests and X-rays, we still don’t know what’s wrong with our beloved boy. The vet administered two large bags of fluids and sent us home with some liver medicine and strong painkillers.

Bravo has lost 10 pounds in the past two months. He is lethargic. He won’t eat on his own. He gets disoriented. He is sick.

This is terribly hard for me to see. Still, I know I need to be here for him like he has been so many times for me.

I am feeding him baby food from a syringe every few hours. I tell myself this is helping. At least, it is helping process the painkillers now in his system. The drugs are keeping him comfortable. Stopping the stomach contractions, quieting his complaints.

The vet suggested performing a costly abdominal ultrasound. The Weed and I have talked about this at length. It’s difficult to draw the line but we have. We don’t want to put him through any more.

We are trying to keep him quiet. Steady him. Feed him as we can. And, we are hoping against all hope that our handsome boy bounces back.

I was supposed to have a post-surgery follow-up appointment in Denver yesterday. I cancelled it. I haven’t showered in days. I haven’t left the house since we went to the vet.

I am trying to do right by Bravo.

I am wiping the drool from his mouth. I am ushering him back into the house when he goes outside and gets ‘lost.’ I am helping him up and down the stairs. I am massaging his back and hips.

I am telling him he is a ‘Good boy.’ He really is.

On Tuesday, several of our friends and family members visited to celebrate Halloween. It was nice to see everyone. Still, it was difficult to have a good time because our boy, Bravo, is so sick.