[Henryk]

Originally Posted by BK001

At about 1 am, my husband and I were awakend by the most blood-curdling scream from Luca, our little Yorkie. Both of us thought that maybe the other had stepped on him in the dark while taking a trip to the bathroom. Not so. He was listless, had thrown up and defecated and just laid in one spot. Totally out of behavior. We were afraid to move him so we got up and discussed what to do, while I manned the Internet to see if our Vet (in Leesburg) has emergency hours. They do not.

Another scream -- unlike any I had ever heard from a dog. After calling several places, I found Buffalo Ridge Animal Hospital on 466 (fortunately less than a mile from where we live) and called. Thankfully someone answered the phone and suggested we bring Luca in right away. We were there within 20 minutes. After an examination and blood tests, the vet, Dr. Meghan Richey, told us he was in shock and his systems were shutting down. She said he was badly anemic (not diet related) and his white blood count was the lowest she has seen. She said he has an auto-immune disease that was attacking his body. She said there is no cure and since he is over 15 years old, the prognosis is not good.

So at 2:30am we made the very painful decision to let him go. We were afraid the the end might be near but had no way to anticipate this soon nor how painful losing him would be.

We just returned home and the silence in the house is deafening. Although I can't stop crying, I take comfort that Luca had a very good life, we loved him and he us, we will miss him and we will be eternally grateful that aside from tonight, he lived relatively pain free.

I do want to add my thanks to the compassion shown by Dr. Richey, the emergency Veterinarian at Buffalo Ridge Animal Hospital.

Rest in Peace Luca.

My heart aches for you. You'll always remember him and the good times. I pray for your comfort and peace.