Can we love our pets too much?

Well, of course, the answer is no as far as I am concerned. I love my girl more and more everyday. Because of this, I have set myself up for some major heart-break someday. But, I know it is worth it. Each and every year we have with our pet, even if the years are fewer than they should be, are precious and worth the emotions (happy and sad) that we must go through.

I'm new to the forum. I have a 7 year old chocolate lab (Hershey) that I love so much. I just posted on the health forum about her slightly elevated creatinine levles. Of course, I'm worried sick about her. I've been upset since the vet called this morning. Why I do this to myself I don't know. I'm doing everything possible for her health. I know things happen to our pets despite our best efforts to maintain their health. However, I can't help but be sad and crying today because of my worry. Any suggestions on how to get through a rough patch like this?

I know elevated creatinine levels are not necessarily a death sentence. I know my vet will most likely give her a different diet, supplements, etc. I also know that Hershey could still live a normal lifespan with this problem. Even knowing this, I wish I could control myself better.

Thanks for letting me post here...I know many of you know how I feel right now.

Welcome to the forum! I have a crazy 7 year old Cholocate Lab named Winston! Dont worry we all love our pets to death here! I really dont know much about your problem but there are so many helpfull people here it woint be long before you have some good advise coming your way!

What do you feed Hershey....maybe we can start there!

Oh! I almost forgot! Pics of Hershey will be mandatory here!


Cindy

Hi, and welcome.

I've recently been through a rough patch with our pup, Jaida. She was born with a leg deformity and has had two surgeries to remove her "bad" arm. There were complications (hence two surgeries instead of just the one we planned on) and we spent a lot of time talking with the vet, AT the vets, and at home worrying to death about her.

There were some days where, even when I got "good" news, I would be so worried and exhausted that all I could do was cry and cry. My eyes would be leaking constantly, sometimes for days at a time. I slept little, and watched her like a hawk when she wasn't at the hospital.

You love your dog, and so you hurt and feel sad and worry when she's not well, or when you don't know what the future holds. It is a normal part of loving another being, but it is probably the hardest part. Your tears speak of love. And i don't see how anything could possibly be wrong with that...there's no such thing as "too much" love.

Thanks for the kind replies...it helps to remember that other people feel the same way about their beloved pets.

Cindy, Hershey has been on Eukanuba Early stage Renal (vet prescribed) for about 3 or 4 years. So, I'm thinking my vet will probably move her to the Advanced Stage version.

I'm hoping for the best next week...that the elevated creatinine might be a fluke. However, since this is the second time her level has been high, I'm feeling like the "fluke" situation is not as possible. But, you never know.

Waiting a week is killing me and it's only day one.

You should really check out our food forum...Alot of the vet prescribed foods dont have the best ingrediants..Perhaps some research into what your doogy needs in the food and take it from there! Try to not worry soo much...(easier said than done I am sure!) BUT your dog will know something is up! Maybe Hershey just had a bad day!

Best of Luck

Cindy

I know just how you feel. I love my kittens so much its amazing. I never knew I could love anything this much! They are only 5 and 4 months old, but I find I can't even read sections in my cat books that talk about senior cats, because my eyes get watery thinking of the day they are no longer with me.

I'm getting teary now just writing about it.

Jenebeka- welcome to the forum! Always feel safe to show your vulnerability to your dog. I can feel your heart palpitate when you talk about your baby-Hershey your 7yr chocolate lab. I can relate to you- I had a scare with my Cagney a 7yr standard schnauzer... she had some signs of osteoarthritis at the base of her spine. She had some pain and I was devastated. Cags is doing much better and her quality of life is better.
There are so many knowledgeable dog owners on this forum...If you have problems or concerns ask the questions and you will get great feedback!!!
I NEED to see pictures of Hershey ok!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

You can NEVER love your Hershey too much!!!! sorry to hear he isn't feeling great but he needs your love and encouragement. And for you to get through this time, you need to focus on Hershey's needs. He will help you as much as you help him :goodvibes:

My Harley was diagnosed with blastomycosis in Jan 2006 and given a very (very, very, very) slim chance of living. I spent many days and nights (almost 4 months) hand feeding him baby food, carrying him outside to potty, me missing work and crying....lots and lots of crying.

Harley is now an energetic, rambunctious (almost) 5 yr old tzu.

Do I love Harley too much???? I love him more and more with each day he is with me!

Hang in there......Hershey needs you! :pray:

oh ya....and I would love to see a picture of your baby!

Hi everyone...thanks for the kind thoughts. It really helps. I will be sure to get a picture of Hershey on here soon.

I've got to get a hold of myself still though. I've still been crying on and off through the day. I know she doesn't need to feel this from me. It's just so difficult. I just love her so much....and it keeps growing.

I'm still holding on to that tiny ray of hope that this blood test could still be a fluke and that her next test will be normal. Please keep Hershey in your thoughts and prayers for a normal test next Monday.

It really helps to not feel so alone. I just wish someone would reply to my message on the health thread!

God Bless! :pray: (My prayers for a normal test result next week.)

:pray: :grouphug: and :goodvibes: are all with you!