06/05/2026
We had 3821 days together and I still feel cheated. 2026 was the year that chipped away at your health.
First, in February you required oral surgery for a badly abscessed tooth. A couple of months later, a sore growth appeared on your rib that was discovered and we were terrified it would be cancerous. It was benign, but your recovery from the surgery was slow and you were prescribed antibiotics, pain meds, etc. Then, one day, your back legs were wobbly. It was suspected after the X-ray that it might be a pinched nerve muscle that, with additional medication, might improve on its own. But it didn't, and we tried encouraging you to stand and keep moving but you just couldn't. Off to emergency vet again. The pain was very evident on your face, and when examined, the Vet was going to refer you to a neurologist. More medication was prescribed for the pain and muscle relaxers to help prevent atrophy. You appeared in less distress the next day and ate more food than the previous day. I was waiting on an email about the neurologist.
Yesterday morning, I took one look at your face and knew you were suffering in silence. Your eyes conveyed so much. I called the Vet immediately and canceled everything in order to get you in asap. I picked you up to try and provide comfort, and you were so weak that you could barely make a sound to express your discomfort.
They did an ultrasound only to discover you had two aggressive infections raging throughout your tiny body, your temperature had dropped 2 degrees, you had to be put on oxygen because your heart rate was slow and your breathing was shallow.
How can this be happening?! She's only 11!! She was fine a few weeks ago. She's been on antibiotics!!
I knew when I heard this news that it meant your organs were shutting down and the look on your face said you were tired of suffering. But I wasn't ready to say goodbye forever. 😢
Myself, Keith and Elena surrounded her as she left us peacefully.
How can you say goodbye to a best friend? A cherished family who literally changed your life for the better? Who brought joy to so many others? Who supported you at your lowest points in life?
To say I will forever miss her would be a massive understatement. But I can say I will try my best to honour her memory. ❤️
Tiny Tina, may you frolic amongst the fields on the other side of the Rainbow Bridge 🌈. RIP
