Priced to Live (continued)
by Karl Rothrock
Onset occurs after the animal turns 2; however, the vet warned us that some cases that take place beforehand are much harder to control. So far, there is no direct cause, although digestion of poison and infections to certain organs may help the disease proliferate.
“The Human Society of the United States’ Guide to Dog Care” states purebreds suffer the most from genetic disorders. The Humane Society urges pet owners to study what diseases their purebreds suffer from; otherwise, the “Guide”states, there is nothing to be done after the pet has been born.
Two hours ago at home, Mom had brought the three family dogs in from another bathroom run outside. The other dogs, the Shit-Tzu, Veronica; and the Labrador, Malt; treaded happily to their bed in front of the open heating duct. Tipper waltzed into the room, trotting at his bubbly gait. His hind legs weakened, eyes becoming glossy as he wobbled on his feet, still moving forward as if nothing were wrong. He was almost to the chair where he slept when his front paws gave way. Saliva drooled from his mouth — the first seizures rocked his body.
When I came home 20 minutes later, the fits ended; Tipper lazed on the bed. He stood weakly and proceeded to the water dish. His tongue lagged and he lapped the water slowly, as if moving too fast would cause pain. He made his way back to his chair and lifted his front quarters onto the seat. His rear end shook and he was unable to propel himself up.
The other dogs sat outside with their rumps fidgeting in place, eager to be let in. Tipper moseyed over to the door, glanced at them, turned to his bed, legs wobbling like flimsy plastic legs supporting a steel table.
“Where is he?” Dad said after we returned from the vet. He went into the dog’s room. Tipper lay on our tent, scattered on the floor, sitting on his rear legs, shaking slightly but not as badly as he had been. Veronica strolled by in her slinky way, brushing against his trembling frame and sat down beside him.
My dad, raised in a rural area, was taught to respect creatures, but knowing how to deny any suffering — opened the door, pistol in hand. “C’mon, buddy,” he said.
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