Our new puppy, Wicket, has been in the hospital for three days with Parvo and roundworm. The staff at the University Animal Hospital in Tempe is giving him the best care, but he’s not perking up as expected.
This is my 8-year-old son’s first dog. We never really thought he could have one because he is allergic to dogs, but Wicket has hair instead of fur. Sawyer fell in love with Wicket at first sight, and the feeling seems to be mutual.
Last night, Sawyer broke down while visiting Wicket, crying into his rubber-gloved hands. And, for probably the first time ever, I didn’t know what to say. Moms always know what to say, but I couldn’t promise that Wicket would be all right, because he may not be.
And what if Wicket dies? I can’t say it is for the better because it’s not. And I can’t say it is God’s will because God has plenty of dogs in heaven already.
I sat with Sawyer last night as he cried himself to sleep. And, this morning, we were almost late for school because Sawyer was praying for his puppy.
“I know he is going to come home. I just know it,” Sawyer says. I smile at him through my own tears and hug him, and it doesn’t matter that I don’t know what to say.
Karina Bland is raising her 9-year-old son in Tempe with a lot of love, humor and support from her friends and family. A longtime journalist covering child welfare and education issues for The Arizona Republic, she blogs about raising good kids.
Oh my goodness Karina, your
Oh my goodness Karina, your poor family and especially your poor son. I feel for you, I know how hard it is and especially when you've got children who are attached and it happens so quickly too!! You will be in my thoughts and prayers ... what a shame ... was it something he had that you didn't know about when you purchased the puppy? Poor baby :-(
Thank you so much,
Thank you so much, momto1lil1. I really appreciate your kindness. No, we didn't know when we got him. It came on five days after we brought him home. Parvo takes seven to 10 days to show symptoms, so he obviously got it from the breeder's place. And he's such a little dog, just 3 or 4 pounds, that it's taking a heavy toll on him. So we will keep praying and keep hoping, and your thoughts and prayers will help, too.
Karina Bland is raising her 9-year-old son in Tempe with a lot of love, humor and support from her friends and family. A longtime journalist covering child welfare and education issues for The Arizona Republic, she blogs about raising good kids.
I'm saying a prayer for your
I'm saying a prayer for your pup and you guys now.
I can totally feel for you
I can totally feel for you and your son. My heart goes out to you both. My kids had a puppy and we loved him, but I formed a nasty allergic reaction so we had to get rid of him (found him a wonderful home luckilly). My kids were devestated and I was horrified that we couldn't follow through with him and had broken my kids' hearts. I hope the best happens for you guys and that little Wickett comes home soon.
"It's not to late to become who you've always wanted to be..."
I am so sorry that you are
I am so sorry that you are having to deal with such a hard situation. Parvo is really nasty to deal with. My mom had a dog with parvo when she was young and it was an older dog, and managed to get through it. I hope that your puppy can get through this. Remembering that all dogs go to Heaven has helped me when dealing with our extended family members and loss. I'm praying for you and your family. I really hope your puppy will pull through.
Lisa - Mom to her spunky little Scarlette
It is so hard for everyone
It is so hard for everyone in the family to cope with sick animals. Hang in there and keep us posted. Kids and animals seemed to get attached to each other real easy. My thoughts are with you and I will keep you in my prayers.
im sorry your dog has to go
im sorry your dog has to go thru dealing with parvo. When my chihuahua was a puppy he got parvo and he was only like 2 pounds. He made it thru and I hope your puppy can too. Will be praying today.
We lost our dog last year
We lost our dog last year and it's been hard on our oldest son. He wonders why God "made Bailey sick.'' We try to remind him that Bailey is up in heaven acting as our angel and keeping my kids' two grandpas company
Susie is a discussion leader in the east valley for arizonamoms.com. She has two sons, ages 6 and 2.
Awww, Karina...I'm so sorry
Awww, Karina...I'm so sorry that Sawyer, you and Wicket are going through such a tough time. I hear your pain and dedication to not only share your sadness with Sawyer but your honesty as well.
Sometimes we just don't know what's around the corner. Wicket will always be Sawyer's first puppy no matter what.
^^A^^ ^^A^^ ^^A^^
Sawyer Karina Wicket
Wicket is in my prayers and I'm sending angels.
Jan Katzen-Luchenta
Author - Nutrition for Learning:Feeding the Starving Brain - Foresight nutritional counselor- Montessori educator - www.nutritionforlearning.com