RIP Boo-Kee

[naturegirl]

My Yorkie Boo-Kee was the ultimate hunter. I have been challenged since we moved to the "country" over 2 years ago trying to keep him away from all the critters out here. First it was the scorpions; then the gophers, prairie dogs, and rabbits; and finally the frogs. He actually alerted me every time he found a scorpion in the house, which I very much appreciated. We were also treating him for valley fever, which I believed was caused from his constant digging for gophers.

 

Seven years ago my husband gave him to be as a birthday gift, and he was the best birthday gift I ever received. He was my fierce protector and always under my feet no matter where I was.

 

He had at least a half dozen encounters with these frogs I asked about in a CWT post in the past and each time I was lucky enough to be able to wash his mouth out in the kitchen sink and he would have some reactions, but ultimately he would be okay.

 

We have relocated many of these frogs, moved our dog water dish up on a bench so they wouldn't use it as a bath, cut the weeds, etc. I attempted for awhile to go out with a flash light and search for the frogs prior to letting my dogs out, but our backyard is over an acre and this I found to be a very time consuming task.

 

Yesterday morning at 5 am he apparently tasted too much of one of the frogs because within a couple minutes of coming back inside he was having convulsions. For 45 minutes I held him hoping he would make it. He died twice in my arms and kept coming back. He had the spirit of a lion all compacted into his 14-pound body. In the past I have never considered it a possibility to put my own animal down, but during this ordeal the thought crossed my mind, but ultimately I gave him the opportunity to survive if he could. The 3rd time he stopped breathing was the end. He fought a good fight.

 

My heart is sad. My Boo-Kee was one of a kind and will be greatly missed.

[Lucky Draw]

Sorry for your loss. God speed, Boo-Kee.

[Antmo23]

He sounds like he fought till the end, heart of a champion. I'm sorry for your loss .

[Pine Donkey]

So sorry for your loss. They sure find a way to quickly work their way into your heart and become part of your family.

[6ANut]

So sorry for your loss

[Chef]

I'm so sorry to hear this.

Little guy was a fighter it seems.

I can only imagine how you must feel after going through that with him in your arms.

 

I'm very sorry.

[CouesWhitetail]

Wow, that's terrible. I am so sorry for you and your dog. What a loss. Unfortunately, we can't protect our dogs from everything. At least your dog had a great life with you.

 

In the future, you might be able to put up an area with chicken wire that will maintain a place for the dogs to be outside, but the toads can't get in. You might also talk to a vet and find out if there is some sort of treatment you can keep on hand that you can give immediately when they get into trouble.

[cramerhunts]

This post about tore my heart out, I am very sorry for your loss and can understand the pain it has caused. It sounds like he was quite the fighter.

[naturegirl]

Wow, that's terrible. I am so sorry for you and your dog. What a loss. Unfortunately, we can't protect our dogs from everything. At least your dog had a great life with you.

 

In the future, you might be able to put up an area with chicken wire that will maintain a place for the dogs to be outside, but the toads can't get in. You might also talk to a vet and find out if there is some sort of treatment you can keep on hand that you can give immediately when they get into trouble.

 

A kennel is very good advice and something I didn't think about until after the fact and is definitely something I could've done differently.

 

I know many people kill the frogs, but it isn't in me. I went looking for frogs after he died and asked myself why. In my heart I know I would've done nothing to a frog if I had found one. I'm pretty good and laying blame where blame is due.

 

Thanks all. I know it gets better with time.

[CouesWhitetail]

I suspect you are correct about the toad causing the poisoning, but the other thing to think about is to make sure you don't have any antifreeze or pesticides or something like that out and available to the dogs accidentally. Dogs can be attracted to antifreeze but if they drink it, it causes the same symptoms as toad poisoning. The toads are only out a few weeks out of the year, but it's easy to forget about the other hazards that dogs can get into. I worry about this because people (neighbors) sometimes just pour antifreeze and other toxic stuff on the ground and dogs can stumble upon it accidentally.

[Snapshot]

Sorry for your loss of a good friend. It's not easy, I know.

 

Toad poison is worse for small dogs. Big dogs can usually live through it. I had to flush my Dog before. The only thing you can do is flush it's mouth with water, and get to the vet, and have the dog's stomach pumped and an IV.

 

Best wishes!

[tjhunt2]

My sincere condolences. Believe me when I say I feel your pain and share it with you. It will get better with time but it's also very hard to let go. There's no doubt you gave your dog a good life and the best care. Thoughts and prayers for your broken heart.

 

TJ