Support System

Last year at this time I had three dogs...two pugs and a french bulldog. In August, my 8 yr old fawn pug died from lymphoma and now my 6 yr old black pug has immune induced meningeal encephalitis which is somewhat different from PDE. She is very sick. I am having a hard time believing that this nightmare is happening again. Where could I go for some support? It doesn't look good for my little girl.

You're in the right place for support, friendship and understanding. Many of us here have gone through impossibly sad times with our babies, through one thing or another. If you don't find anyone whose Pug has gone through exactly the same thing, there is certainly a wealth of knowledge and experience here in how to manage ailing Pugs (or any pet) and make their lives as comfortable as possible for as long as possible.

Welcome to PA, I'm sorry for the circumstances, but glad you've found us. Open up whenever you want. My very best wishes for your sick Pug.

Rona is right...there is a lot of support and knowledge in this forum. Last was a tough one for me. I lost my heart pug on Valentine's day and 3 weeks later, a little crippled pug I had fostered for 6 years. In May I was given up for dead because of acute pancreatitis but the support and prayers of the pug people on this board brought me through all of it. I know without them, it could not have happened.

I will keep both you and your precious little pug girl in my thoughts and prayers. Please keep us informed of how she is doing...and you too.

I'm so sorry. I will keep you and your girl in my thoughts and prayers. Please feel free to come here if you need to talk or vent or whatever.

I'm so very sorry. I lost my baby girl, Mattie Mae in September of last year to lymphoma as well. I am still devastated and having a hard time accepting it. I can't imagine losing another so soon. My heart goes out to you. Feel free to send me a PM if you'd like to chat.

I wanted to thank everyone for their heartfelt responses. I guess I am wondering when is enough for my "Tinkerbell". I want to do everything possible but I don't want her life being spent in the hospital every 5 days especially when there are no guarantees. After spending $2000 dollars, the specialist's response was "let's keep our fingers crossed". Well I guess if you're a millionaire that response is acceptable but not when you live paycheck to paycheck. But....I can't imagine not giving my baby a chance due to finances if she really has a chance to survive this and live happily ever after.
My guilt is not measurable. I will never forgive myself if I don't give her all that is possible to help her.
Please pray for her and for God to give me the answers.
Thank you everybody...I will keep in touch.

I am just seeing your post - keeping you and your girl in my thoughts!!!

I don't know enough about the condition your girl has, so I can't offer advice there.

The "how do you know" question is a tough one, as the answer is different for every person based on your own values and abilities.

For me personally, quality of life is the main factor. When deciding whether or not to do another procedure or treat a condition, I asked myself "what would we do differently based on the outcomes of this? what are our treatment options? will those treatment options improve or even maintain quality of life?".

Finances of course play into it too - if the treatment is expensive, but outcome is questionable and won't improve/maintain quality of life, I'm much less likely to opt for it. If the treatment will improve or at least maintain quality of life, then I will bust open the piggy bank.

That differs for everyone - even amongst those of us here on PA, and there is no right or wrong answer. You have to determine what you can manage and what you're willing to try (and ultimately you are the one that has to live with those decisions).

Does your vet offer CareCredit? That may be another option to look into - it's essentially a credit card for vet care (you can use it for human healthcare/dental etc also). Some of our folks on the boards have used this when it's needed for expensive care.

No matter the outcome or what you decide is best for Tinkerbell, she's obviously lived a life full of love. Many of us here have either lost pugs too soon or witnessed it happen to others. It's never fair and doesn't make sense when we have to watch our animals be sick, but you've come to the right place for a support system. You and your girl have my strongest thoughts for recovery and strength.