The James Dean Roller Coaster. The J.D. Panel of Experts. The J.D. Diet.
by pinkagendist
Nobody said it was going to be easy… He’s got every illness known to dogs. Heart-worm (filaria), leishmaniasis, kidney & liver issues- everything. He does however have a panel of friends which include a vet, a pediatrician, a lawyer and two business owners. They’ve kindly contributed around 500 euros to Jimmy’s care, which was exceedingly generous.
The past few days have been touch and go, he’s been refusing to eat. We took him to the vet this morning, he got vitamin shots and pain killers and we’re hopeful he’ll eat this evening. The roller coaster of emotions has been utterly unpleasant. It became apparent to me that people have been preparing me for the possibility that J.D. might not make it. This morning as we drove to the vet he kept peaking out at me from his cardboard box. It was unnerving. I had readied myself for the moment when the vet would say it was more humane to put him down. When instead the vet suggested the vitamin shots and a different course of treatment I could barely breathe. I removed myself to the privacy of the bathroom and cried a little.
I’ve spent the past few hours calling every expert that would take my calls the world over. I’ve ordered milk thistle and aloe vera juice on their advice. Dietary recommendations were many… We got him fresh sardines. I’m making chicken soup. We bought cow liver. We bought duck foie gras & serrano ham. One of those things will surely tempt him.
The vet says that if we can get him to eat, he has a chance of survival. He now lets Mike touch him, but with me it’s a different story. We do a version of Catherine Tate’s Scared Woman sketch. I touch him, he jumps, then I jump- so I’m giving him a break from me touching him for now, it’s too stressful for both of us.
In other news today is Karen’s summer party, it kind of opens the season. We’re not going because I don’t like attending parties (any more) where there are more than 4 or 5 people. It’s a waste of effort. I did tell her that after everyone left, she could call us and we’d come by so she can tell us how it went. I’m sure it’ll be great (as always). This year an Australian chef is doing the food. He spends spring and summer here on the coast and the rest of the year in Gstaad.
Now I’m going to check on James Dean…
Sending good vibes!
Thanks
I will have our dogs do the dance of their people if it helps any.
I love how you care for the dog, when most people would probably kick him to get him to run away.
Everything helps!
I (and everyone else) have been trying to catch him for over five years. Five whole years of following and feeding and trying to get him to safety. I am not giving up now!!!
Our animals become like children to us. Sending warm thoughts to you & Mike & James Dean.
sunbeams,
Karen
It’s awesome the amount of love and care you’re giving this stray dog.
He can be fed with an NG (nasogastic) tube, but would have to be sedated or near unconsciousness to keep from pulling it out.
The other option is to force feed him food with a big syringe. You can make a mixture of meat baby food and rice weaning formula sold at pet stores. You stick the syringe in his mouth and push. Be careful not to push too much at a time and choke him. This would have to be given round the clock to have much effect.
Nutri-Cal is a classic supplement I’ve given to sick animals (I’ve rescued a lot.) Sometimes if they are not too far gone, they will eat this voluntarily.
Nutri-Cal High Calorie Nutritional Supplement for Dogs, 4.25 oz
Poor James Dean. I’m sorry.
Oh Edouard,
I am so sorry to hear about Jimmy’s status, but take comfort in that you are doing absolutely everything possible to give him a fighting chance–and it does sound like he has some fight in him.
You all will be in my thoughts.
On a side note, I feel the same about parties: I love to get together in small groups, but no longer enjoy large soirees. Have a good post-party party!
-Eli
I am so sorry to hear of James Dean’s ordeal, and how trying it has been for you. Just a little while ago I was talking with a neighbor about his beautiful skittish doggie who had been a rescue dog and not expected to live. That was four years ago. I will hope for the same fate for James Dean who, like my neighbor’s canine friend, has found such a good home. ~ Lily
I hope your puppy gets better soon Pink. It sucks when the doggies get sick.
Awww… you are so lovely, looking out for him like that
I used to work at an animal refuge and have seen amazing things happen, I’m glad you are not giving up.
I loved the thought of him peeking out of the box at you in the car. Maybe he is more interested in you than you think. Perhaps you should take a book to sit down quietly and read near where he is. Dogs are like kids, whenever you are not interested in what they are doing they have to come over and see what you are doing without them. He might get more used to you that way.
Good luck with him, and enjoy your after party, party.
You bring colors to living creatures. JD would have a harder time without you, whatever the case, you brought a rainbow to someone who only had dark clouds before. Cheers for your heart bro.
Fingers crossed for James Dean. This post brought a lump to my throat. Not just because I love animals too but because I love /people/ who will go to great lengths to help a poor little stray who has been friendless for too long. Whatever happens to him I think some part of his doggie brain knows that he is loved.
I hope everything works out very soon.
Sending so many good vibes your way!!