Doggie Heaven - Sobe, we'll miss you!

The Diagnosis

Our beloved Sobe was diagnosed with congestive heart failure at 5 months of age.  It was a relief to come to some conclusion because we couldn't figure out what was wrong with him initially but it was definitely not something I expected and it has caused me so much pain. 

Sobe developed a cough at the end of March and was being treated for a respiratory infection but the cough wouldn't go away.  An x-ray was taken, a CBC/ Chemistry panel was done and they were both inconclusive.  A few more vet visits and another x-ray brought to light that his heart was shaped differently.  We got sent to a larger animal hospital where they did more extensive tests which determined that his mitral valve was not working properly and that he was already at the later stage of heart failure.  There was no cure; Sobe was doomed.  I was so devastated and heart-broken with the news that I cried for days.  It was even more heart-wrenching to see him play and not realize he was dying.  The vet said Sobe's prognosis was very poor and if we were really lucky, he would have a year but realistically, he said Sobe only had about a couple of months to go but each dog is different.  Sobe was given a cocktail of medication and I was given instructions on what to do in case of an emergency.  We had to keep a log of Sobe's respiratory rate and if there was any increase, we needed to bring him to the hospital asap.

Mitral Valve Dysplasia

You can read up online or click on the links I provided to get the detailed explanation of mitral valve dysplasia but my quick version is the valve that pumps blood into the lungs isn't working.  The valve is supposed to open and close with each pump of the heart but in Sobe's case, the valve doesn't close which doesn't provide adequate pressure to pump the blood into his lungs.  Instead, the blood flows back into the heart and over time, the heart enlarges and fluid starts to build up in the lungs.  Basically the fluid in the lungs create the coughing and in severe cases, the dog will feel like he/she is drowning.  This was what happened to poor Sobe.

The Day of...

Our weekend started off with the usual:  me getting up at 7am to walk Sobe, feed him and put him on our bed while we slept a couple more hours.  I noticed that morning that Sobe was coughing a bit more than usual but figured the Lasix (diuretic medication) would work.  At 12 noon, as we prepared to go to the park, he was still coughing which was concerning so I gave him another dose of Lasix.  We had a nice time at the park with the beautiful weather.  We brought a blanket, sat under a tree in the shade and people-watched.  Sobe didn't run around - he stayed by our side taking everything in.  He continued to cough but not as much as when we were at home earlier.  On our way back home though he continued to have coughing fits and I noticed that his breathing was getting more frantic.  I knew that we needed to get him to the hospital if it didn't improve.  We went home to drop off our things and gave Sobe 10 minutes to rest and relax.  There was no improvement and he was lying on the floor, his ribcage moving in and out as he coughed and gagged.  We rushed to the hospital as quickly as possible with me driving and Rick holding onto him.  It was so difficult for me to drive while watching him struggle for each breath.  At this point, Sobe's head was extended trying to breath and there was panic in his eyes. 

When we got to the hospital, the nurse took him quickly to give him oxygen and an IV.  Rick and I waited in the waiting room for 15 minutes before the vet came and brought us to his office for the "talk."  He basically asked what our plans were and what we expected out of the visit.  He was honest in telling us that Sobe would probably not make it out of the crisis and even if he did, it would happen again.  It was so difficult sitting in that room with the obvious weighing in around us.  It was awful to make the decision to end a life but this was the second time Sobe had a coughing episode which ended him up at the hospital and this was more severe than the first.  It would only get worse and who knew if we would be home to catch it the next time around.  We were actually lucky that this happened on a weekend when we were home with him.  Rick and I decided that it would be best to end his struggle no matter how difficult the decision was.  To stabalize him and then have him go through this again would be extremely selfish of us.

The next step that occured after we decided to put Sobe to sleep is something that will remain in my mind for a long time.  The vet brought Sobe in for us to say our good-byes.  Sobe was wrapped in a blanket and he was gasping and wheezing.  Just remembering his pain brings tears to my eyes.  Sobe who normally fears the vet and snuggles as close to me as possible, was so focused on breathing that he was hardly aware that we were there.  I held his face and looked him in his eyes and told him I love him.  He looked back at me and continued to gasp and I knew he wanted out.  There wasn't anything else I could do for him at that point.  Rick and I held onto him and kissed him as the vet injected the sedative into his arm.  The pain made him look up at me with wide eyes and I held onto him and kept telling him I love him.  Eventually he put his head down on the table as the vet gave him the last injection.  I saw his eyes change.  They lost focus and Sobe stared out at nothing.  His gasping stopped.  His body relaxed and it was over. 


Chewie Chewbacca

Through all this, I was staying in touch with the breeder and kept her posted on Sobe's condition.  Because Sobe got sick with what was a congenital issue, the breeder is sending us another puppy.  Rick and I picked out the puppy and he will be sent to us this coming weekend.  The puppy is a grizzle coat Lhasa we named Chewbacca aka Chewie.  The goal was to have Sobe take Chewie under his paws and teach Chewie the behavior we expect from him.  It's so unfortunate that Sobe left us so abruptly.  Sobe would have made a great big brother.

I've never owned a dog before and Sobe was my first.  I am so proud to say that he did everything I expected of him and more.  He accomplished all the goals I set for him.  This last month, he became housebroken, he was able to conquer walking down the stairs, he had no problems going for walks as long as we walk slowly for him, he did all his tricks including the new, "high five", he slept in his crate with the door open, and much more.  Sobe loved to be put on our bed in the morning so he can relax with us before we started our day.  We would watch the morning news or nap while he played with Mr. Lobster or lick Rick's ears.  Boy he loved licking Rick's ears!  I am sure Sobe was very happy to have us as his parents.  He showed how much he loves us by always wanting to be with us, teaching us patience and making us happy.  Sobe we love you to peices.  We're sad to see you go but are happy to know you are no longer suffering.  You're too special and that's why they put you on the express to Doggie Heaven.