Updated: Rest in Peace, Sadie.

Sadie is a Blue Lacy born on October 17th, 2009 but more importantly, she's a beloved family member and my mom's very best friend. She's always very energetic, even when she is taking a break from gnawing on toys or chasing the pool cleaner, she cuddles you with vigor. So we noticed right away when she started acting lethargic and depressed.

We took her to the vet as soon as we could. At first, they thought it was pneumonia so we treated her for that. When she didn't respond to that, we took her in again on Wednesday, September 24th. She was running a fever of 104, she was having trouble breathing and swallowing, and her heart was pumping much too fast. They did X-Rays and an EKG to rule out heart disease, as well as a slew of blood tests. We found out she was severely anemic, her red blood cell count was dangerously low. However, the tests indicated her white blood cells were NOT attacking her red blood cells, which indicated that it was not an autoimmune disease. We've narrowed it down to a tick borne illness, specifically Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever.

Since then, she's stayed at the clinic for nearly a week now and they've kept her on steroids and antibiotics. She seemed to respond well, but it was hard to tell since she would rollercoaster day to day. Dr. Mabry at Coryell Vet Clinic  just changed her antibiotic again today and seems to be doing well on it so we are all extremely hopeful that the worst is behind us. She will still need to stay there for a few more days, and while we've told the vet to do whatever needs to be done to get her well, we are aware that every night she is there, her bill goes higher.

We all miss her, my mom especially because she has lost her cuddle buddy at night. Our three other dogs all wonder where she is, they sniff around for her every time they go outside or come in the house. She hasn't even seen her 5th birthday yet, I know there is a long, healthy, and happy life ahead for her once she overcomes this. So please help her!!