Our Greta Girl Is Ill

Our Greta girl, our nine year old pepper salt giant schnauzer became ill last Saturday afternoon.  She started vomiting and by evening, we were very concerned.  She looked at us as if to say, please help me.  At 10 PM that night, we left heading for the wonderful vet hospital and her vet and our friend.  By the time we got there, Greta had swollen glands all over her body.  During the four to five days previous to this, she had gotten me up in the night to go out and pee.  She had continued playing with the boys until maybe the middle of last week.  But those were the only real signs we had that she wasn't up to par.   When the blood work came back on Monday, it was the worst.  She has lymphoma with some leukemia tendencies.  She continued to get worse and this morning we took her back to the clinic, not at all certain we would be coming home with her.  Above all, we don't want her to suffer as much as we don't want to lose her.  She got her first treatment of chemo this morning and although she isn't eating yet, a lot of the swelling has gone down in the lymph nodes around her neck.  When I sit on the floor with her, she now paws at my hand to pet her if I stop petting her.  We are taking this as a good sign.  She has been drinking water all along, but if by Thursday she still isn't eating, I would like to see about an IV of nutrition when she goes back in for another chemo injection.

In the almost five  years we have had this incredible girl, she has wormed her way into our hearts.  I think though that the doors were wide open and we invited her in.  My mom said she thought Greta is one of the most loving dogs she has ever met.  Greta does have an intense stare though.  I have seen her sit in the front passenger seat and stare at a neighboring car in traffic.  I have also seen the driver's head spin around when he felt this stare boring into the back of his skull.  Each time it has happened there has been a look of amazement when the driver sees this large giant schnauzer very intently watching his every move.  The driver always appears to be pretty intimidated just as Ms Greta intended them to be.  Here she is ready for Christmas a few years ago.

Here is Greta with her buddy Hank our youngest giant and her play buddy getting their picture with Santa.

Here is our beautiful baby...........

We are taking it hour by hour and grateful for every minute we are allowed to have with her.

Comments

[Lauren Dillon]

I just read your comment, Julie. I'm so sorry. I know life's not fair but it seems particularly unfair lately. I sure hope they crossed together. That gives me some comfort. I love you.

[Francine Crae]

Oh, Julie, I am so sorry to hear about Greta's illness. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Francine