n January 2014, I bought myself a gift for my 30th birthday. A Bearcoat Shar pei! I called him Chino smile emoticon
He was absolutely the best dog I could have wished for. Loyal in every way possible, & so loving & trusting. A bond that was untouchable. Fortunately for me the industry that I work in means that I am outdoors every day working with horses. Therefore Chino adapted to a life with horses & thoroughly enjoyed his days outdoors having the freedom to do what ever he wanted! smile emoticon
During the Easter bank holiday weekend, Chino came on holiday with me, my partner, & my family to Cornwall. It was the best, most happiest time I had with Chino - he absolutely loved the beaches & the days out! We all had an incredible time! Just a few days later, Chino suddenly became very sick. I took him to the vets, & blood tests revealed that he had Chronic Kidney Failure. I was absolutely devastated & overwhelmed. The vet advised that I put him to sleep.
I couldn't do it. It was so sudden. He was just a baby. So I took him home. Thanks to some amazing advice from Shar pei owners all over the world right here on Facebook, I managed to stabilise Chino's condition. I had a further 6 weeks with my baby, to enjoy & prepare for what was to come.
This last week he deteriorated, fast. Even to the point where he had a seizure, & then went blind overnight. My new vet who sees Shar pei's every day said that of all the kidney failure patients he had ever seen, Chino had more symptoms & side effects all at one time than any other. I was fighting a losing battle, & Chino's weak body could not fight anymore.
This morning I took Chino up on to my bed for cuddles. He was trembling. He looked at me, & let me know enough was enough. People always told me that I would "know". But until this morning I didn't believe it. But Chino let me know...
I haven't felt this upset since my last boy, Frodo, passed several years ago. However I have never had to make that decision for an animal before, & I feel truly heart broken.
Thank you everyone who has contacted me & supported me along this journey. I wish everyone else with a sick dog, or any other animal, all the best. Cherish absolutely every moment. Take photos, be happy. Love your animal & they will show you more love than you could ever imagine in return.
Rest is peace now my baby boy. Mummy loves you so much. I'm so sorry I couldn't fix you. Love you angel.