Sad News

I am sorry to write that Indy passed away this afternoon. It was a very tough decision, but he was growing weary of the efforts from the vets to reverse the effects of the drug allergy. I sped down to Manhattan late last night after they called to say he wasn't doing so well. When I arrived he was a bit better and he had tail wags and kisses for me. My mother and aunt arrived early this morning to help me deal with things. This morning we met with several vets and were told they could keep trying other drugs, but that different issues would arise from them. I didn't want to think that Indy wasn't coming home with me, but I had to let him go. I know it was best, but I am brokenhearted that I couldn't save him and show him all the love he deserved his whole life. Just one month, not enough time to shower him with affection. I am so sad. My only consolation is that he's up in heaven playing with my other dogs: Pepper, Frito and JJ. God bless you Indy for loving me and trying to mend my broken heart.

Keep the Prayers Coming

Just got off the phone with the vet - Indy's breathing is getting worse and they aren't sure why. He was okay this morning - eating and drinking. Tricia said he just seemed a little down, so she was going to try to cheer him up.I'm having a hard time accepting another step back after all his improvements over the last few days. Please keep him in your thoughts and prayers.

Feeling Better

The calls yesterday were all positive. Indy is feeling and breathing better. He's handing out puppy kisses and tail wags to all the vets. His x-rays came back looking better and I think that perked up everyone who's working with him. I'm going down to visit him in a day or so to keep him motivated to come home, which I hope will be soon.

Up & Down

The morning started up with a phone call that Indy's tests had all come back great and he had eaten a full breakfast, plus two doggy biscuits. So good that they took him outside for a little bit of exercise - consisting of a few steps in the fresh air. But, then he started having problems breathing and they rushed him back into ICU - reinserted his trec tube and put him back on oxygen. The thinking was that he still has 8-10 pounds of fluids retained, so they will work on getting those off before more exercise. I could hear it in the vet's voice when he called me on my cell as I drove home - he was deflated that Indy hadn't continued to take steps forward and instead took one back. But, he said we have to be realistic and it's a small step compared to the strides he made over the weekend. I can't wait for Indy to return to me - the apartment is very empty with only me and the fish.

Weekend Visit

I just returned from a two-day visit to see Indy in Mannhattan. When I arrived, he was hooked up several different machines - oxygen, chest tubes - lots of stuff. When he saw me he couldn't lift his head, but he did wag his tail a bit. Many members of his team were there attending to him and running tests. It's amazing how many people can be staring at a motionless dog at one time. I spent the day sitting on the floor, petting his head and trying not to hit any tubes - as they were all vital. Late Saturday, he was taken off the chest tubes and his blood oxygen levels were improving. The night shift came on and I headed for a hotel for a little shut eye. Sunday morning, we were all gathered around him again for another check of his blood - all things moving in the right direction. Just after noon, his trecheotomoy tube was taken out and he was pretty much breathing on his own, with just a little help from the oxygen tank. He was exhausted from the procedure, but happy to have it removed. He was able to get up and walk a few steps towards me with the help of a couple vets. I am overjoyed at his progress. I fear the final bill a little, but his life is worth more to me than money. I will try to post some photos I took in the ICU. Thanks for your continued prayers.

Making some progress

Indy is off the ventilator, but is still having some problems breathing - a valve that hasn't remembered how to work yet. They woke him up this afternoon, but they said he's still pretty groggy. He ate some baby food and had some water, so that's good. I am driving down in the morning to spend the day and hopefully encourage him along. The vets are afraid that I'm going to be upset when I see him with all the wires, tubes and shaved fur. Since I was once a patient in the ICU, I think I have a good idea of how not pretty it all is. I am hoping to have a positive effect on my little guy and not upset his progress. The staff at K-State has been very nice, calling to keep me updated and making sure that there are always one of two people with him at all times. I don't think we'll ever be able to thank them enough.

Another 24 hours

They tell me every 24 hours he survives is a good sign. This afternoon they said that tonight would be the deciding factor. If his symptoms don't improve we are in trouble. His breathing is better, but not better enough if anything else goes wrong. His doctors are very caring and they all have hope that he'll turn the corner - so I hold onto that hope. Hope that my little Indy will come home and beg for whatever is on my plate, lay right behind my feet while I'm standing in the kitchen, kiss my hands after he's been given a treat and hide underneath the bed thinking I don't see him as his tail wags out from under the dust ruffle. I miss my little guy very much.

Driving to K-State

This morning the vets in Omaha told me Indy would need a specialist with an animal ICU unit if he is going to make it. So we loaded up the car and drove 3.5 hours to the Vet School at Kansas State. Indy was taken to ICU immediately and tests began. He has a very bright team working for him, including two Omaha natives, and they started a course of action by late in the afternoon. He is on a ventilator and steroids, but they are hoping for a recovery. They are all impressed by his sweetness and his spirit. Before I left, because they wouldn't let me stay with him, he picked his head up on the table and started wagging his tail at me as I showered him with kisses. The vet said everyone was surprised that he was strong enough to do that and that's another point in his favor to survive. Continue to send out positive puppy karma. Thank you.

Puppy Prayers Needed

Indy has reacted badly to his final heartworm treatment and has spent the last 24 hours at the vet. They are trying everything they can think of to help him, but he needs some puppy prayers to help him heal and come home. Please send all your positive thoughts to him.