The World Is Right Again

Well, Charlotte, these past few weeks have been chaotic to say the least.  You've been unaware of what's been going on with Rockne, but I'm sure you've sensed Mommy and Daddy's stress once in a while.

For almost a month, Rockne has been sick.  We've taken him to the vet's office so many times I can't even keep track anymore.  Last Monday, though, was the worst.  After being at the vet's office all day to receive IV fluids, he went outside into the back yard, laid down and wouldn't get up.  With you in my arms, I went out into the grass to coax him back inside the house.  He finally got up, but when he attempted to climb the stairs he began to sway back and forth.  I yelled for Daddy who ran down and caught Rockne just as he was passing out.  Daddy rushed him to the animal hospital, and when we were able to get a hold of our vet, Dr. Zupka, transferred him to his clinic where he and Daddy stayed up with Rockne until almost 11:00pm.

Sparing you the details, your big, furry brother has Addison's disease.  Rockne was having an Addisonian crisis; his potassium levels were at a toxic level and his Adrenal gland wasn't doing its job to correct it.  Dr. Matt Zupka correctly diagnosed him and saved his life, literally.

I know these posts are supposed to be about you, but these next few months and years of your life would have been so different for you without Rockne around.  Who else would lick your spit-up off the floor? Or the food that you drop?  Who else would get you to squeal the way he does when he comes to sniff you or lick you?  Who else would let you play with their tail? Pull on their fur?  Who else would make you laugh as he chases your big sister (and eventually you) around the room?  No one; but thankfully he's still around to fill all of those holes. 

He may need to put on a few pounds, but Rockne is back home with his family.  The world is right again.