While it feels fresh and raw, I must say that this isn’t the first time I’ve dealt with a pet’s health problems. I am so thankful my dachshund Wiggles endured and is now thriving after his health problems. But, this illness that has stricken my baby Birdie is my worst enemy right now. I don’t know why I’m constantly hysterical/ravenous for her survival after only knowing her a short time. I think it’s because her life has just begun, she’s just a baby after all.

A week ago she was a bright, affectionate puppy easily combining herself with our little family. Now she’s hanging on by a thread to her brief existence. She’s changed so much throughout the week. She’s lost so much weight. It’s very difficult to see her in an isolated room, huddled in a metal cage, right beside her litter-mate who is vastly improving. The thing is, she hasn’t really gotten worse. How can I give up on her when she hasn’t given up? But is it selfish to continue her pain without much hope of recovery? I guess that’s the question every loving pet owner has to ask themselves.

I’m still hoping I won’t have to ask myself that question today. I’ve been doing a lot of praying and I know my friends and family have too. It’s situations like this that make us realize the very preciousness and fragility of life.

To Birdie:

“Who knows how long I’ve loved you? You know I love you still. Will I wait a lonely lifetime? If you want me to, I will. Love you forever and forever. Love you with all my heart. Love you whenever we’re together. Love you when we’re apart. And if I ever saw you, I didn’t catch your name, say it loud so I can hear you, make it easy to be near you. Cause the things you do endear you to me, oh you know I will”

“I love all the many charms about you. Above all, I want my arms about you. Don’t be a naughty baby, come to mama, come to mama do. My sweet embraceable you.”

These are two songs Birdie likes me to sing to her, it also makes the other dog in the isolation room fall asleep.