Conrad

Trust the past to God's mercy, the present to God's love and the future to God's providence. -- St. Augustine of Hippo

Sad news in the Noble household. Kyle's service dog Conrad is very ill.

For those of you who may not remember Conrad has been sick for over a year. Conrad became very ill on Kyle's one year angelversary. He started to have seizures and spiked a high fever. He was rushed to an emergency vet clinic. Conrad survived but was diagnosed with a rare disease-primary parathyroidism. In other words, Conrad suffers from low calcium levels which causes seizures. Conrad received IV calcium for a while and then was weaned to oral meds. As a result of the seizures and high fever his kidneys took a hit. Conrad started on IV fluids about 6 months ago. He had been doing well

Conrad went into acute renal failure this past week while we were on vacation. In true Conrad and Kyle fashion, Conrad's labs look much worse than he did for a few days. Unfortunately, Conrad is unable to keep any food down and he is in pain.

We brought him home and he climbed up on the bed and snuggled with Kyle's "Beary". After that brief period of being perky, Conrad has started throwing up again and does not move unless coaxed. We have scheduled an appointment with the vet tomorrow evening to have him put to sleep.

It kills us to do this but we do not want to see him suffer. Conrad was Kyle's constant companion and best friend. Conrad was content to lie with Kyle for hours snuggling him and entertaining him. After Kyle passed away, Conrad went through a depression as his purpose in life was no longer around.

I know that Kyle will be thrilled to have Conrad with him. I am a little jealous that Conrad is the first to be reunited with Kyle. Losing Conrad is like losing another piece of Kyle.

Please keep us in your prayers as we say goodbye to Kyle's best companion.