I love you, Tango.
December 22nd 2004 ~ June 2nd 2007
I came home from work last night to find Tango not feeling too well. He wouldn't eat his normal food, was lethargic, and seemed depressed. Similar to the symptoms he was having a few weeks ago before the blood transfusion. He had been doing great up until last night.
I managed to get him to eat a little tuna in water, then brought him in the bedroom to lay down with. This morning I woke up and brought him to the vet to see if we could do anymore for him. Tango was given a couple of shots: a steroid, vitamin K, and some antibiotics. The Doctor said that since none of his tests (blood, urine, fecal) came back with anything nor did Tango have access to rat poison, his next guess would have to be either his spleen was killing off the red blood cells, or his bone marrow wasn't producing new red blood cells. We were going to do a test on Monday to see if it might be his spleen then give him another transfusion..
I had to go to work after I brought him home. Michael was here sleeping, I told him about everything, asked him to keep an eye on him as best he could. Tango was right next to him, on the floor where it was cooler I assume.
At about 12:30, Michael comes to see me at work. I didn't know why. All he said was "Honey... we need to talk.." and I knew. I got off work right then and went home to Tango laying on the floor, gone. I had to pick him up and hold him. I didn't care that he wasn't there anymore. He was my baby.
I called the vet to tell him, and asked about cremation. Not bad at all, only $68 for the cremation and an urn. We're going to put him on the shelf above my computer, because he always enjoyed laying up there.
I can't help but think that I should have done more. I should have brought Loki in with me to do another blood transfusion then and there, and I'd have more time with him. At the same time I'm trying to ease my mind with the fact that we probably did more to try to save him then any other pet owner would.
I suppose we all feel guilt for the death of a loved one though. Perhaps it will pass. Until then, all I can do is be thankful for the 2 and a half years of love he gave me.
I am going to sorely miss being woken with love rubs in the morning..