Earlier this week we returned home to find our dog Dai having difficulty breathing. Thinking that it was a pre-existing issue with her trachea, we took her to the overnight ER vet for some supportive oxygen and medication. However, after arriving there we were informed that they were hearing substantial amounts of fluid in her lungs; In investigating that, we discovered that in the few short weeks since she was last seen by her oncologist, with no outward symptoms along the way, the brain tumor we had been treating her for had metastasized and aggressively spread to her lungs, to the point that imaging showed almost half of her right lung was completely occupied by a cancerous mass.
She was evaluated as an unviable candidate for surgery, as her lungs were too weak to be operated on, or to attempt puncturing for fluid aspiration. In addition to that diagnosis, we were informed that they were unable to stabilize her breathing in supportive oxygen, meaning her two choices from that point were to either slowly suffocate under the weight of her tumors and fluid through the night, or to be given a peaceful rest with our help. As much as it broke us to make the choice to let her go, we couldn't let her suffer. So, in the early hours of the morning we made the call to let Dai go comfortably in the arms of family.
On top of the emotional toll this came with, we incurred an overwhelming amount of bills and financial draws. Our savings had been already wiped clean from her cancer treatment prior to this point; we took on the emergency vet costs, euthanasia, and cremation without a concrete plan on how those would be paid, as our priority was, and will always be, the health of our family above all else. In addition to these incurred costs, Victoria had to take unpaid leave from work to be present for Dai’s passing and assist with her further arrangements, as Victoria’s employer does not count pets as family members and she did not qualify for emergency work excusal or bereavement.
In the past week our family has felt the world fall out from under us, and we continue to feel buried by the enormity of both our grief and also all of the moving parts, payments, and paperwork we need to manage to bring our baby home and wrap up her previous ongoing medical affairs.
Any donations to help us in this time of need are greatly appreciated, but in no means obligatory. We appreciate any kindness shared, either via donations or messages of condolences and sentiments should you feel moved to send either.
Dai brought light and smiles everywhere she went, both to those who knew her and to strangers alike, and we hope we can soon shift our focus away from treading water and towards all the ways we can carry even a fraction of that light forward in her honor.