Zak

We picked up Zak's ashes today which was sad.  It's been a week without Zak and we are adjusting.  Sally is not looking for him as much now and I try to make sure she has someone around her most of the time.  Debbie, Jim, Craig & I spend time with her.  I take her out with me as much as possible, which she seems to enjoy even more than I anticipated. 

We got the results back from Zak blood test back after it was sent back to be re-read.  The most out of balance were his ALP and GGT.  The alkaline phosphatase test (ALP) is used to help detect liver disease or bone disorders. Gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) levels may be used to determine the cause of an elevated ALP.  His were 641 (5-131 is normal) and 206 (1-12 is normal) respectively.  It would appear from what I have read, that his liver was not functioning.  His Glucose level was 10 (70-138 is normal)  These numbers are so out of line, it is amazing he was still alive.  He kept his spirits up right up until the end, giving kisses to the vet's assistant before his departure.    

Missing Zak

We have gotten so many kind notes and remarks from Zak fans - thank you all.  I still cannot talk about Zak without tearing up, but I'm working on it.  It will take some time for the pain to subside. 

Last night Sally got really upset.  She thought she heard Zak and went spastic trying to find him.  It took about an hour to calm her down.  I decided to take her into the office today because she is unacustomed to being alone.  Sally is shy, so I warned everyone to not approach her but let her be in control.  It worked out well, she enjoyed the company and visited better than I expected.  I think in time, if I decide to keep this up she will become friendly with everyone.  She stayed by me and was very good.  When she would see a familar face at the office, she would really light up.  Today at the office is the happiest I've seen her for some time.  I believe that she knew Zak was sick but she does not understand that he is gone even though we let her see and smell him after he died.

When we got home Sally came in the house and looked around, expecting to see Zak.  I could not hold back the tears, we all miss him so much. 

Zak 4/7/2002 - 6/11/2011

RIP Zak
A pet's time on earth is far too short - especially for those who love them.  We borrow them for awhile and during these brief years they are generous enough to give us all their love, spirit, and heart until there is nothing left.

Now that I've cried by eyeballs out and had two margaritas I'll give you the run down.  I called my friend Dr. Deb since Dr. Laura was out of town to see if she would be willing to come to the house if necessary.  We both thought the time was near.  Dr. Deb agreed and gave me her cell number.  Shortly after that, I went to check on Zak and he was laying in the back part of the house.  He was shivering and moaning with every breath.  I covered him up to help warm him and had Craig come take a look.  We both reluctantly decided it was time.

I got in my car and drove up to the hospital where Dr. Deb works to see if she could come down soon or should I just bring him up.  She came right down and Zak jumped up to meet/kiss her - aughhhhhh!  I don't know what to do.  I had agreed that I would walk Zak to the "rainbow bridge" and now I'm conflicted.  Dr. Deb said she can come back and don't feel presured.  I consult Craig and he said that he had spent most of the morning with Zak and it was time.  Zak was in pain, did not want to socialize or be touched.  He needs our help, which is to rescue him from the suffering.  I felt things had changed last night, but they were definitely different this morning.  I just LOVE him too much and don't really want to let him go.

We proceeded - Dr. Deb did a very pleasant and peaceful euthanasia.  We were outside on the patio and Zak's head was in my lap - he just went to sleep.  We then called Fairwinds, a pet cremataion service,which took about an hour.  We had that hour with him laying peacefully on his beach towel and we said our goodbyes.  Sally inspected him smelling his mouth and his junk and seemed to know that he had checked out.  The lady from Fairwinds was very nice and took great care of him.

I want to thank everyone of you who knew and loved Zak.  Your support through this painful ordeal is much appreicated.  Zak, we had a wonderful journey and you will be missed so very much.  

For anyone wanting a pet, please consider adopting.  Zak was adopted as a puppy and seemed to know that we saved him.  He LOVED everyone and left an impression on most all that met him.  He wanted to please, he was smart, compassionate, and beautiful.    

 

6/11/2011 Status

6/11/2011

It’s been awhile since I last reported, I there is a lot to catch up on.  Generally speaking, Zak has been lethargic with some small bursts of energy.  He will bark with someone comes to the door and greet visitors, but it’s all an abbreviated version of his normal self.  He always wags his tail when you approach him, even if he appears to be sleeping.  He has still been 100% solid going outside to take care of “business”.  He has been eating well.  His lymph nodes are still very swollen, even with the maximum prednisone dosage. 

Tuesday of this week, Dr. Laura came over to the house and took a blood sample.  She felt that Zak, being a very healthy dog before the Lymphoma diagnosis, may be a candidate for some other medications.  His vitals all seemed good and we are awaiting a “second read” of Zak’s blood work.  He has another Dr. appointment scheduled for this coming Tuesday.

Last night we noticed that Zak’s eyes looked “droopy” and he seemed even more lethargic.  He would not go outside with Sally before heading off to bed which is totally out of character for him.  This morning he was not in the bedroom and we found him outside by himself.  He was not interested in eating or being with us.  He just wanted to be alone.  I did coax him into eating a treat with his medication hidden inside.  We are hoping this will make a difference, but if not we are near the end.  Dr. Laura is out of town, so I’m checking on other options for “walking him to the rainbow bridge”.  It’s very very sad L

6/5/2011 Status

Yesterday, 6/4/2011, Zak was pretty much like the day before with a couple exceptions.  He is usually anxious to go outside in the morning (I get up around 5:30 am).  This morning I didn’t get up until around 6:00 am and opened the door for him and he was not interested in going outside.  Later, I played fetch with Sally and Zak participated.

Today, Zak didn’t expend much energy but seemed O.K.  He did have diarrhea today as well as required letting outside at 2 am this morning.   I’ve been communicating with Laura, my veterinarian friend, who will come over this week to have a look at Zak.  She sent me some really good information today to help me understand and help Zak as best possible.

Craig found a few photos of Zak with Sally and her Sister Lucy when they were puppies which are awesome.  Zak was so good teach and gently play/mother them.  He has such as positive and caring attitude.

Zak escapes

Zak taking care of Lucy

6/2/2011 Update

Zak had a good day today.  We had friends over for dinner and Zak really enjoyed the company and was very alert.  He ate well and looks “normal”.  His lymph nodes were noticeably larger this evening, so the dosage is not quite keeping up.  His body must be really under attack by the cancer to cause his lymph nodes to enlarge so quickly between maximum doses of prednisone.  He seems happy to be alive so we’ll just keep dealing with this a day at a time.

6/3/2011 - Zak giving our friend John a kiss

I have a long list of stories, so I wanted to share another one I’ll call “Runaway Zak”.  If Zak got the opportunity to escape the house or back yard, he was deaf to any commands to halt.  It was like he temporarily went deaf.  Once I chased him for about ½ mile calling to him and the only way I caught him was he stopped to sniff some poop left on the street from another animal.  Another time we didn’t notice he was gone and got a knock on the door asking if we had a black dog.  It was our new neighbors who reported there was a black dog swimming in their pool.  The worst was when a contractor let him escape and I searched the entire neighborhood for him asking the neighbors to help.  I called Craig to come home from work and assist in the search for Zak.  I returned home after searching for about an hour and Craig pulled in the driveway at the same time.  I noticed Zak in the dining room looking out the window at us.  My assumption was that Craig found him and was rounding me up to terminate the search.  Craig was very confused when I asked where he found Zak.  I pointed out that Zak was in the house.  We never knew where Zak had been, but we did surmise that he returned to the house, jumped the back fencing (easy to jump in but too high to jump out), went for a swim to cool down, and came into the house thru the doggie door.  Fortunately after we brought Sally into the family Zak decided to terminate this behavior.

Zak resting by the pool

Yesterday, Thursday June 2, Zak seemed improved.  The increased prednisone was definitely making a difference reducing the lymph nodes and improving his quality of life.  Craig bought a little fan and Zak likes lying by it since the medication makes him overheat.  He ate well and slept a lot – but so did Sally.  I think they both generally sleep most of the day.  Both Sally & Zak follow me everywhere.  We are enjoying such nice weather, we all like being outside.  Zak loves to lay by the pool and help me garden.  He did some “lizard hunting” with Sally out by my herb garden, but it didn’t last long.  He does not have any issues moving around, but his breathing seems louder than normal when he is resting.  He just seems physically tired but still fairly alert.  I watch him closely to make sure he is not having issues and is breathing O.K.  When I brush him, I check his body for swelling and soreness and have not detected any issues other than his tummy being red (it's O.K. now).

Zak (smiling) enjoying Debbie's company