I don't know what's happening. Mike's stomach was grumbling loud all night long... it's done that before so I wasn't concerned. He woke me up at 6:30 to go potty, and it "seemed" we all felt wide awake and good this morning. I was so grateful for all of us feeling so good. Well... I let them both outside, and when they came in they immediately started playing. Within a few minutes, I realized Mike was playing so early and so hard because his stomach was upset, and he wanted to puke. (When his stomach gets upset, part of his ritual is getting overly excited). So, I put the puppy back in her cage, and Mike went back to sleep.

As I sat on the lazy boy having coffee.. I heard Mike... breathing really dry and labored. My boy just laid there with his eyes half open having the most difficult time breathing. I've noticed his breathing at night is different too lately... heavier and sometimes more shallow, but this is the first time I've heard any difference during the day.

With his stomach still grumbling, he laid by the door. I opened the door a little hoping the fresh, cool air would help clear all the passages. He sat up and just looked at me, and I just knew it was the end... I thought he was going to go to the bridge this morning. He closed his eyes with his head up (like you would if you fell asleep sitting up), and I just couldn't help the tears that started to fall. I sat on the floor in front of the open door talking to him and petting him until he decided he really didn't want to be bothered anymore and turned away from me. I couldn't even get a nose kiss out of him. I honored his wishes and got up and sat on the chair just watching him "sleep" for a very long time.

I've called the vet, but she's in with patients and will call me back. I hope she calls back soon. I'm praying she doesn't say to take him in because he is so terrified of that place, and besides, I don't know what there is that can be done for him whether he goes there or not... I guess I just have to wait and see what she says.

Again... I went and sat with him... talking and loving him. The puppy was crying desperately to get out of the cage. I let her out and she immediately went to her brother. I was able to keep them apart for a little while, but then Mike wanted to get up to play. I know the reason he wants to play is because his stomach is still upset, and it will help him purge... but I didn't want to stop him from having (at least) some fun, so I let them play for a few minutes (just enough to get it out of their systems without Mike getting overly excited) before I put her back in her cage.

It breaks my heart to have to cage sweet Katie, but right now... Mike has to come first, and quite honestly, she doesn't mind being in there if he's sleeping. It's mostly when Mike is up and doing that she begs to get out.. or when I'm on the floor with him giving him all of my attention.

They're both sleeping right now. Please pray for my sweet boy. He's having such a hard time. I've always prayed that God will heal him completely, but this morning.... I prayed that (when it's time for him to leave me) that he will just gently fall asleep.... and this morning, that's what I thought was happening. His breathing was so strange, and his eyes looked so insightful that it looked like he was getting ready to go. Oh God, no matter how much I try to prepare.. I know I'll never be ready.