When the cardiologist’s office told me Delilah could pass in her sleep, it freaked me out. Naturally, I was anxious to get her started on the new medication, but I couldn’t pick it up until last Friday. To make every 8 hours work for us, I decided the best times would be 10:00 PM, 6:00 AM and 2:00 PM. SO…I gave Delilah her first pill at 10:00 PM Friday night.
Saturday morning I woke up shortly after 6:00 AM, it was dark and chilly and I stumbled out of bed to make sure Delilah got her next dose of medication.
Delilah was curled up in a ball on her bed. Usually when I get up and she’s still sleeping, she raises her head and looks at me, (probably trying to figure out if it’s worth her while to get up or not.) Saturday morning, she didn’t raise her head. So, I reached down and rubbed her ear.
Nothing. She never moved, never made a sound. I rubbed a little harder. Still nothing.
MY heart started to beat faster.
(It was dark, so I didn’t get a picture. But here’s a cute picture of her sleeping.)
It was cool in the room, and she was cool to the touch. I grabbed my cell phone, turned the light on and watched to see if she was breathing.
After about 10 frantic seconds I realized she was and went into the kitchen to fix her meds and get their food ready.
I opened the refrigerator door, grabbed the Liverwurst and the wrappings crinkled, and in trotted Delilah.
She wouldn’t wake up with my petting her, but as soon as food came into play, she was up and ready to greet her day.
THAT is life with a Labrador.
After I shoved my heart back into my chest, I laughed. Maybe a bit shaky, but I did laugh.
You make me laugh (or smile.) The sweet, funny, loving things dogs do that brings a smile to the face, or a laugh to the lips.
What did your pet do to make you smile or laugh this week?
I’m glad she was okay! I remember one day I went to take care of my sister’s dogs and her senior Pug didn’t meet me at the door. I called for her, and she just laid on the sofa, not moving. My eyes welled up with tears and I when yelled her name, she opened her eyes and blinked at me. I went from panic-stricken to almost giddy with relief.
And here I sit fighting with Madison to try to get her to eat her breakfast. Bailie loves to eat, but Emma was never really food crazy, and Madison would be fine if she skipped food all together. It’s a real issue.
OMG Jodi. My heart would have stopped too! I am so glad she is fine. Isn’t is typical that they hear the food wrapper? LOL!
I came in the RV the other day and couldn’t find Torrey. Weird, because she always greats me at the door, and an rv is small. I finally called her, and she was on the couch between the pillows. Sheesh.
We can only imagine how scary that was for a minute.
I can understand the near panic – sometimes Shadow’s breathing is almost imperceptible to me at those “wee small hours of the morning”, too. But, nine times out of ten, she follows me out of the bedroom within a few minutes. (Ducky sleeps in her crate at night.) I have a feeling Delilah will do fine on the new meds, as I was telling you the other day. Sometimes it takes a couple of weeks for meds to “kick-in”. Callie will keep watch over her though, just as she has been.
Mom’s heart was on the ceiling just reading this story! I knew there would be a happy ending. Plus – liverwurst!! GAH! I’ve never had it, but I am pretty sure it’s 100% my favorite food!!
Love and licks,
Cupcake
It isn’t just Labs. Poodles can hear cellophane hit the floor from two rooms away.
That’s scary, but I’m so glad you ended up with a laugh and smile at the end!!
I remember Kobi used to sleep SO soundly when he got older. There was more than one time when he gave us a scare because I couldn’t wake him. I should have thought to go open some food for him too!! 🙂
Luke can hear the slightest food related sound. I can open up the fridge and take out a stick of butter, and he knows that sound, as quiet as I try to be. I always let him lick the wrapper. 🙂
Oh Jodi, I know it’s hard knowing the potential outcomes but please know we’re sending oodles of poodles of healing, comforting thoughts (for both you and D-Dog). Also know there’s magic in liverwurst packaging when it comes to all pets. Hugs and tail wags.
My foster dog Sal used to sleep so soundly, too, (I think he was so tired and finally felt comfortable once he got here). I used to go in and check on him, get his food ready and set in the room, and then let Barley get started on her food and by the time I was back, he was awake and eating away 🙂 I’m glad Delilah knows that food is really what’s worth waking up for–I’m the same way if I smell bacon cooking!
I’ve been there…Abby sleeps so soundly, and she is going deaf…so yeah, I know exactly how you felt! *hugs*
Just by reading this we could feel our own heart beating faster. We are happy that everything was ok and glad that you were able to calm down. Glad you were able to laugh and smile about later on. Thanks for sharing the lovely photo. Have a wonderful weekend.
So glad she was just sleeping and OK. What a scare. Pugs are like Labs- they live for food LOL.