My Chihuahua Peanut
By CatsandDogs
@CatsandDogs (13963)
United States
April 12, 2011 12:40am CST
will be 13 years old on July 23rd. I've had him since he was 2 days shy of 3 months old. He's had very little health problems through the years but I guess it's finally catching up with him. He's been coughing and hacking and can't stop so hubby took him to the vet for me when I was too sick to go myself. It was when I had that awful infection and ended up in the hospital for 2 days. The doctor prescribed him some medicine and cough syrup. What he has is due to his age, an enlarged heart which is pushing up against his lungs and causing his lungs to fill with fluid. The medicine he's on helps his heart and keeps him from getting an infection. The cough syrup wasn't working so the vet called one in at our pharmacy which is working really well however, if it ever stops working then he'll be put on lasix which is what my siamese cat Gracie was on before she died. It scared the hell out of me to even think of going there with Peanut because lasix drains the fluid hence, potassium as well. We all need potassium in our bodies in order to use our muscles or we'll be unable to move or do anything. With my Gracie Grace, I'd give her a syringe full of gatorade to be sure she had enough in her body. I had no way of testing her so I had to guess at what she might have needed. I might have to do the same thing with my Peanut. I'll do all I can for the little guy all the way up till he stops eating then I'll know it's time to do the right thing. Hopefully God will make that decision for me because having had to do it before, it never gets any easier. Nonetheless, we'll stand by our little guy and do all we can to make his last days happy as they can be.
6 people like this
11 responses
@carmelanirel (20942)
• United States
12 Apr 11
I'm sorry Cats, I know how you feel. I remember when my dalmatian was starting to go, and it broke my heart. That was many years ago, the latest dog who was put down was my neighbor's dog a few weeks ago, but he was as much as my life as he was theirs. This is because ever since they had brought him home, he'd come over here for a treat and then the last three years, I walked him during the day because he was getting so old he couldn't hold it more than 2-3 hours at a time.
Enjoy this little guy for as long as you can, but don't wait too long, because you don't want him to suffer. My prayers are with you during this time, and try to remember that you will see him again and that he will no longer be in pain...
@CatsandDogs (13963)
• United States
12 Apr 11
Awwww that's a cute story! You're such a kind hearted friend! You really are! You made that dog's last days a happy one.
It is hard to have to do that but when the time comes, you know you're doing the right thing by our furry friend. I've had to do it a few times and it just doesn't get any easier. But in this case with Peanut, he's the last of the originals meaning, we had two cocker spaniels and two cats when we got him and when his time comes, he'll join them and the others that have passed on too. We had wondered if he'd remember the two cocker spaniels names and we tried it with him by asking 'do you remember Rainbow and Bubbles?' and his ears shot right up and he looks at me questioningly. Oh yes he remembers them! So sad I can't tell him where they went though but he'll know soon enough.
Another thing to tell about that's so cute! The pharmacy where we get his cough syrup from.... they label the bag and bottle Dog Peanut and our last name. Yesterday hubby went to get another refill and the girls there know my hubby since he's been getting the refills so many times, the girls have asked to see Peanut so when we need another refill, we're going to take him with us to show the girls. Isn't that cute? They want to see him. LOL
1 person likes this
@carmelanirel (20942)
• United States
13 Apr 11
Yes, I am an animal lover and my neighbors knew that I would help when their dog started getting older. Oh, my eyes are filling with tears, as it has only been a few weeks..I am also fortunate that my neighbor called me the day they were going to take the dog to the vet, that way I could say good bye to him..That was really hard, as the last time I walked him, I took my time and made it last as long as I could..My 21 y/o daughter, who grew up with this dog, when she found out, she came straight over from work to also say goodbye..
I think it is sweet that these girls want to see Peanut, I could never do this with any of my dogs and they have all been over fifty pounds..lol
@ElicBxn (63638)
• United States
12 Apr 11
Peanut is certainly up there for a Chihuahua. I know it hurts, my Scamp is 13 and a half, and so far no problems, but I know it really is just a matter of time.
I watched dear old Sassy trot into the office this morning and know it is getting close to time for her. I need to take a brush to her because she's not grooming enough to get the fur out and I've been pulling clumps off her lately.
2 people like this
@CatsandDogs (13963)
• United States
12 Apr 11
Yes he sure is. My mom knew a girl who ended up being homeless and they let her and her chihuahua stay in their RV till she was able to find a place to live and her chihuahua was 16 years old. I thought that was right old for a chihuahua.
I have a Sassy too but she's only three and a half years old. lol Actually she's OreoCookie's kitty that I took in for her when she had to move and couldn't take her with her.
I do know what you mean about the timing, when it's time it's heart wrenching but at the same time, you know it's the best thing to do for our furry friends. I've had to do it a few times and it just doesn't get any easier. But in this case with Peanut, he's the last of the originals meaning, we had two cocker spaniels and two cats when we got him and when his time comes, he'll join them and the others that have passed on too. We had wondered if he'd remember the two cocker spaniels names and we tried it with him by asking 'do you remember Rainbow and Bubbles?' and his ears shot right up and he looks at me questioningly. Oh yes he remembers them! So sad I can't tell him where they went though but he'll know soon enough.
Another thing to tell about that's so cute! The pharmacy where we get his cough syrup from.... they label the bag and bottle Dog Peanut and our last name. Yesterday hubby went to get another refill and the girls there know my hubby since he's been getting the refills so many times, the girls have asked to see Peanut so when we need another refill, we're going to take him with us to show the girls. Isn't that cute? They want to see him. LOL
@whiteheather39 (24403)
• United States
12 Apr 11
My heart goes out to you are this time of trial. My bossy alpha chihuahua "Schatzie" had her 8th birthday and my male Pepi had his 5th last week. I dare not even think about anything happening to them. Pepi has had an allergy for a couple of weeks and has been scratching like crazy. He has been on Benadryl which seems to help. I will pray that Peanuts has many more healthy years ahead.
1 person likes this
@CatsandDogs (13963)
• United States
12 Apr 11
Thank you whiteheather. You're so kind hearted! Besides you DO know how it is having chihuahua's yourself. They're great dogs, aren't they? About Pepi's scratching, I have a suggestion if I may. Benadryl makes them so sleepy and tired out. Have you considered trying Chlor Tabs which is the Equate (WalMart brand) of Chlor trimeton. I've given that to my dogs when they needed it and it worked like a charm! I've given Peanut a quarter of a pill because he's so small and it works great on him.
It is hard to have to put our furry friends down but when the time comes, you know you're doing the right thing by them. I've had to do it a few times and it just doesn't get any easier. But in this case with Peanut, he's the last of the originals meaning, we had two cocker spaniels and two cats when we got him and when his time comes, he'll join them and the others that have passed on too. We had wondered if he'd remember the two cocker spaniels names and we tried it with him by asking 'do you remember Rainbow and Bubbles?' and his ears shot right up and he looks at me questioningly. Oh yes he remembers them! So sad I can't tell him where they went though but he'll know soon enough.
Another thing to tell about that's so cute! The pharmacy where we get his cough syrup from.... they label the bag and bottle Dog Peanut and our last name. Yesterday hubby went to get another refill and the girls there know my hubby since he's been getting the refills so many times, the girls have asked to see Peanut so when we need another refill, we're going to take him with us to show the girls. Isn't that cute? They want to see him. LOL
@stephcjh (38473)
• United States
12 Apr 11
Awww. i know exactly what you mean. We had to put our dog to sleep a little over a year ago. I hated it. We had him for 12 years. We have a new dog now though and he is so special too. Hope you make it through these times. I know how hard it is.
2 people like this
@CatsandDogs (13963)
• United States
12 Apr 11
It is hard to have to do that but when the time comes, you know you're doing the right thing by our furry friend. I've had to do it a few times and it just doesn't get any easier. But in this case with Peanut, he's the last of the orginals meaning, we had two cocker spaniels and two cats when we got him and when his time comes, he'll join them and the others that have passed on too. We had wondered if he'd remember the two cocker spaniels names and we tried it with him by asking 'do you remember Rainbow and Bubbles?' and his ears shot right up and he looks at me questioningly. Oh yes he remembers them! So sad I can't tell him where they went though but he'll know soon enough.
Another thing to tell about that's so cute! The pharmacy where we get his cough syrup from.... they lable the bag and bottle Dog Peanut and our last name. Yesterday hubby went to get another refill and the girls there know my hubby since he's been getting the refills so many times, the girls have asked to see Peanut so when we need another refill, we're going to take him with us to show the girls. Isn't that cute? They want to see him. LOL
@bunnybon7 (50973)
• Holiday, Florida
12 Apr 11
im so sorry. i worry constantly what im going to do if i loose coco before i go. shes all i have besides my son in this house. my only companion. its terrible to loose your baby like that. i know you must be very used to him in all this time. i dont know what to say except what i told my friend that recently lost hers, he will be in heaven running around like a puppy again, maybe with my Bear, that was a big lab, but loved little dogs. he let Coco be the boss. i cried for a month every day over missing him. @CatsandDogs (13963)
• United States
12 Apr 11
Bless your heart bunnybon! It is so hard losing a loved one like that because they are one of our 'kids'. Try thinking about it this way, you don't want him to wonder where you went when your time comes so it would be better that he were to go first. And thank you so much for your prayers!
It is hard to have to put our furry friends down but when the time comes, you know you're doing the right thing by them. I've had to do it a few times and it just doesn't get any easier. But in this case with Peanut, he's the last of the originals meaning, we had two cocker spaniels and two cats when we got him and when his time comes, he'll join them and the others that have passed on too. We had wondered if he'd remember the two cocker spaniels names and we tried it with him by asking 'do you remember Rainbow and Bubbles?' and his ears shot right up and he looks at me questioningly. Oh yes he remembers them! So sad I can't tell him where they went though but he'll know soon enough.
Another thing to tell about that's so cute! The pharmacy where we get his cough syrup from.... they label the bag and bottle Dog Peanut and our last name. Yesterday hubby went to get another refill and the girls there know my hubby since he's been getting the refills so many times, the girls have asked to see Peanut so when we need another refill, we're going to take him with us to show the girls. Isn't that cute? They want to see him. LOL
@bunnybon7 (50973)
• Holiday, Florida
12 Apr 11
btw, i will pray for him to be better and last longer without any pain1 person likes this
@bunnybon7 (50973)
• Holiday, Florida
13 Apr 11
oh thats so sweet. everyone loves little dogs dont they. Coco does the same if i ask her if she remembers Bear. i dont do it very often since she always looks around sadly like she still wonders.
@leenie50 (3992)
• United States
12 Apr 11
Hey Sweetie,
I didn't realize that Peanut was so sick. If you told me, then my memory has failed again. As you know, I take Lasix and have been for several years. Then I was prescribed potassium. Then suddenly I was taken off the potassium because I had too much in my system. With me it's like a yoyo effect.
I will keep you and Peanut in my prayers.
Love Ya,
Leenie
1 person likes this
@CatsandDogs (13963)
• United States
12 Apr 11
Hey Leenie GF! I've told you a little bit about it but not everything because to be honest, I didn't think about it. I guess when talking to you on IM Peanut wasn't coughing like mad so I just didn't think to tell you. Besides, my mind being as overloaded as it is all the deg gone time..... get my drift.
Having too much potassium can damage your kidneys. I was told this by my mom because she has to take it every day. She was taken off of it for a time because she had too much in her system but had to be put back on it later.
It is hard to have to do that but when the time comes, you know you're doing the right thing by our furry friend. I've had to do it a few times and it just doesn't get any easier. But in this case with Peanut, he's the last of the originals meaning, we had two cocker spaniels and two cats when we got him and when his time comes, he'll join them and the others that have passed on too. We had wondered if he'd remember the two cocker spaniels names and we tried it with him by asking 'do you remember Rainbow and Bubbles?' and his ears shot right up and he looks at me questioningly. Oh yes he remembers them! So sad I can't tell him where they went though but he'll know soon enough.
Another thing to tell about that's so cute! The pharmacy where we get his cough syrup from.... they label the bag and bottle Dog Peanut and our last name. Yesterday hubby went to get another refill and the girls there know my hubby since he's been getting the refills so many times, the girls have asked to see Peanut so when we need another refill, we're going to take him with us to show the girls. Isn't that cute? They want to see him. LOL
1 person likes this
@leenie50 (3992)
• United States
13 Apr 11
MB
That is so very sweet of the people at the pharmacy. It makes you realize that people do care.
I have a suspicion that Peanut may know exactly where his friends are. I also believe that our precious furry friends remember all their loved ones.
As you said, we never forget all the babies we have had to send to their final resting place.
Enjoy your little Peanut.
Love Leenie
@Polly1 (12645)
• United States
12 Apr 11
I'm so sorry Cats, I know how heartbreaking it is when one of our "kids" start showing their age. I had a dog who had to take lasix for fluid retention. she had congestive heart failure. My dog coughed too, thats when I took her in to the vet. She was coughing because the fluid was building up. All you can do is make him as compfy as you can, spoil him until he goes over the rainbow.
1 person likes this
@CatsandDogs (13963)
• United States
12 Apr 11
Thank you Polly. It is hard to have to put our furry friends (kids) down but when the time comes, you know you're doing the right thing by them. I've had to do it a few times and it just doesn't get any easier. But in this case with Peanut, he's the last of the originals meaning, we had two cocker spaniels and two cats when we got him and when his time comes, he'll join them and the others that have passed on too. We had wondered if he'd remember the two cocker spaniels names and we tried it with him by asking 'do you remember Rainbow and Bubbles?' and his ears shot right up and he looks at me questioningly. Oh yes he remembers them! So sad I can't tell him where they went though but he'll know soon enough.
Another thing to tell about that's so cute! The pharmacy where we get his cough syrup from.... they label the bag and bottle Dog Peanut and our last name. Yesterday hubby went to get another refill and the girls there know my hubby since he's been getting the refills so many times, the girls have asked to see Peanut so when we need another refill, we're going to take him with us to show the girls. Isn't that cute? They want to see him. LOL
@GardenGerty (160879)
• United States
13 Apr 11
I think the gatorade was a good idea, and for peanut, if you ever feel he needs more potasium, he can eat potatoes, and dogs generally like them. I am glad you have had such a long life and friendship with Peanut.
1 person likes this
@CatsandDogs (13963)
• United States
13 Apr 11
Hi GG! The gatorade was for my siamese cat Gracie but I will use it too for Peanut if he has to be put on lasix. So potatoes is something dogs will like? Ok I'll try that if and when he's on lasix. He's been a great dog and will be sadly missed when the time comes that he goes over the Rainbow Bridge. Hope it's not any time soon though but if it is, well, I know I'll see him again some day just like all the others we've had.
@CatsandDogs (13963)
• United States
12 Apr 11
Thank you AmbiePam! How is your little one doing? Puppies are so much fun but especially chihuahua's because they're always playful.
It is hard to have to do that but when the time comes, you know you're doing the right thing by our furry friend. I've had to do it a few times and it just doesn't get any easier. But in this case with Peanut, he's the last of the originals meaning, we had two cocker spaniels and two cats when we got him and when his time comes, he'll join them and the others that have passed on too. We had wondered if he'd remember the two cocker spaniels names and we tried it with him by asking 'do you remember Rainbow and Bubbles?' and his ears shot right up and he looks at me questioningly. Oh yes he remembers them! So sad I can't tell him where they went though but he'll know soon enough.
Another thing to tell about that's so cute! The pharmacy where we get his cough syrup from.... they label the bag and bottle Dog Peanut and our last name. Yesterday hubby went to get another refill and the girls there know my hubby since he's been getting the refills so many times, the girls have asked to see Peanut so when we need another refill, we're going to take him with us to show the girls. Isn't that cute? They want to see him. LOL
1 person likes this
@CatsandDogs (13963)
• United States
13 Apr 11
Thank you jillhill. You're so kind. It is hard to have to do that but when the time comes, you know you're doing the right thing by our furry friend. I've had to do it a few times and it just doesn't get any easier. But in this case with Peanut, he's the last of the orginals meaning, we had two cocker spaniels and two cats when we got him and when his time comes, he'll join them and the others that have passed on too. We had wondered if he'd remember the two cocker spaniels names and we tried it with him by asking 'do you remember Rainbow and Bubbles?' and his ears shot right up and he looks at me questioningly. Oh yes he remembers them! So sad I can't tell him where they went though but he'll know soon enough.
Another thing to tell about that's so cute! The pharmacy where we get his cough syrup from.... they lable the bag and bottle Dog Peanut and our last name. Yesterday hubby went to get another refill and the girls there know my hubby since he's been getting the refills so many times, the girls have asked to see Peanut so when we need another refill, we're going to take him with us to show the girls. Isn't that cute? They want to see him. LOL
@ANTIQUELADY (36440)
• United States
12 Apr 11
I'm soooo sorry i hope he gets better. He like my dog & getting some age on him. Cayce is 17 tears old. I told her the other day we were just 2 old broads hanging out together.lol.u are very caring to give her the gatorade. I know your loving care she will be around awhile hopefully.
@CatsandDogs (13963)
• United States
12 Apr 11
[b]Thank you Jo. It is hard to have to put our furry friends down but when the time comes, you know you're doing the right thing by them. I've had to do it a few times and it just doesn't get any easier. But in this case with Peanut, he's the last of the originals meaning, we had two cocker spaniels and two cats when we got him and when his time comes, he'll join them and the others that have passed on too. We had wondered if he'd remember the two cocker spaniels names and we tried it with him by asking 'do you remember Rainbow and Bubbles?' and his ears shot right up and he looks at me questioningly. Oh yes he remembers them! So sad I can't tell him where they went though but he'll know soon enough.
Another thing to tell about that's so cute! The pharmacy where we get his cough syrup from.... they label the bag and bottle Dog Peanut and our last name. Yesterday hubby went to get another refill and the girls there know my hubby since he's been getting the refills so many times, the girls have asked to see Peanut so when we need another refill, we're going to take him with us to show the girls. Isn't that cute? They want to see him. LOL[/b]
