07/21/2025
Today we helped Doris out of her weakening body. For close to a month, we have been treating her for respiratory infections that were taking a toll on her body. For nearly a month, she could not breathe through her nose despite 2 procedures to clear her airways (both of which were risky and she struggled to recover from). She was on 3 rounds of antibiotics, but nothing seemed to help. Today, we returned to the vet for the 4th time in as many weeks and she was worse than when treatment started. She was more grey in color, and her legs and feet were dark purple, the infection moved back to her lungs (last week her lungs were clear) she was struggling to hold herself balanced. We made the difficult decision to let her go, fearing she would not survive another procedure to clear her airway. We hugged her tight and told her we loved her.
Afterwards, we brought her home to Jim, who has been confused and angry with me for several weeks. I had brought Doris down to visit him while she was receiving treatment, but she was primarily staying in the garage and then eventually the house with us. Animals understand death. Animals understand loss. Watching Jim say goodbye to Doris has hurt my heart in a way I can't describe.
Doris came to us 3 and a half years ago. She was named after my grandmother, and her husband was named after my grandfather. This couple who spent their entire lives fighting for one another. Doris fought hard, but her body was tired. We love her so much, and will miss her always.
