Thanks for the love, but Jake is gone.

[teela1342]

About 2 weeks ago I posted in the Health section about my Jakie being sick. He went through two courses of medication for an infection in his spine. He held on for a while and I was hopeful. But over the last few days he declined rapidly. He started to lose the use of his front right leg as well as both back legs. He stopped pooping. Last night was the final straw because he didn't eat. He never refuses to eat. He was a strong, stubborn little bugger but he wasn't coming back from this.

I took him to the vet today. In 2 weeks, he had lost a little over a third of his body weight. His lower abdomen was distended from the feces backup. I kissed him goodbye and watched as they put him to sleep. I have him now and am going to bury him in the morning.

Really, I am not posting this for sympathy. I am sad, but okay with my decision. I just wanted to say thank you to everyone on this message board. Two years ago I accidentally (kind of unwillingly) wandered into hedgehog parenting in complete ignorance. This forum was a lifeline for me. Everything from sorting out confusing diet guidelines to calming my panic about bloody feet. You people here have been kind, helpful, and funny. You have all been a real blessing for me. I wish all the best for you and your families (human and critter). :hearts:

[sparke]

So sorry to hear about Jake. Its never easy to lose a pet. He will be waiting at the Bridge some day for you.

Colin

[Pringlesmom]

I am so sorry to hear about Jake. Jake's situation, as I mentioned in the other thread, was very similar to my Pringle's. I know they are together now happy and healthy over that rainbow bridge where teeth don't matter and where mobility isn't ever a problem. I had to put Pringle to sleep as well. That is never an easy decision. One minute I was crying hysterically over the "possibility" of ever having to make that decision, a month later I got the sign from Pringle and felt the peace of knowing that was the only loving decision as you had said. I am praying for you right now, and know that Jake will always love you and you will see each other again.

[paris26]

I'm so sorry to hear about Jake. Hedgie Hugs!

[herbiesmom]

So sorry for your heartache and so know the feeling! Jake is at peace and happy and healthy now. What a loving hedgie parent you are to be able to make the decision to help him by letting him go. It is never an easy choice to make.
Hugs, peace, and prayers,

[LoriL]

I'm so sorry to hear about your Jake. From the sounds of it, you made the right decision for him. Lots of hugs heading your way.

[groovychic]

I'm so sorry to hear about Jake's passing. We are thinking of you :sunrise: Hedgie hugs ~herbie and kahlua