Jackson has gastroenteritis. He's vaccine allergic and needs an IV and catheter just to get his yearly shots. He has skin allergies that have caused him to be half bald at one point. He has had bad ear infections and pink eye. He hates my uncle Kellen and no one knows why. He eats our black mulch and then barfs. I'm guessing he does that just because all dogs are a little dumb. His latest diagnosis? Diabetes.
Last week I noticed he was drinking a lot of water. Then, he started wetting his bed and peeing in the house at night. I knew something was wrong. I took him in on Wednesday morning for a drop off appointment. When I told them what was going on, they seemed worried. Knowing that this is my Jackson, I was worried too. The vet and I played phone tag later that day and I finally talked to her around 3:00. She said, "I know this is not something you would have expected to hear, Jackson is diabetic." She went on to explain to me that his blood sugar was somewhere in the 300's and it should only be around 100. She told me about insulin injections, special diets, around the clock monitoring, and finally that euthanization is an option.
I couldn't believe it. My crazy, silly, lazy dog who has already had so many issues is now a diabetic? Euthanization? How do I even make this decision? I cried and I cried. This dog. This 20 pound black dog has been my little sidekick for 6 years. I brought him home as a 4 pound puppy to my studio apartment back when I lived alone. I sneaked him in without paying a pet deposit (dumb decision). I took care of him the best I knew how and he remained by my side through 4 moves, he approved of The Husband when we met (after a few introductions). He's my dog. He's not just a dog.
I'm not giving up on him. I'm not sure what will happen, but I'm trying to get him healthy. He's stayed by me all these years so I owe him this.
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