I am so upset because my sister’s dog is sick.  His name is Rocky and he is just the sweetest most loving dog I have ever known.  I myself have never owned a dog.  When my sister was little, before I came around, my parents had a dog that bit my sister.  My parents decided it would be best to give the dog away and after that never we never had any other pets.  I always hoped when I got older I would be able to have a dog of my own; however, my husband is allergic to dogs so it looks as if I will never own a dog.  So, for me Rocky has been the closest thing I have ever had to owning a dog of my own. 

     Anyway, a week or so ago Rocky started having some spasms in his right chest.  My sister took him to the vet and he thought it might be a muscle problem or arthritis and sent him home with some pain med's.  The vet said if his condition changed to bring him back.  He seemed ok for a few days which we all thought great maybe he just needed time for the muscle to heal and he will be feeling better soon.  Well, a few days later my sister asked me if I could go let Rocky out because she was going to be late coming home from work.  The second I walked in the door I knew something was wrong.  Most of the time he jumps up and is so happy to see me and the kids but he just walked over and wagged his tail a little bit and then sat down.  I let him outside and when he came back inside he started crying.  I called my mom to ask her what to do and she said we need to take him to the vet.  We brought him to the vet and he had a fever of 103 and was just not doing well.  The vet took some blood for testing and also gave him an antibiotic just in case he had an infection causing the problem.  A day or so later Rocky’s fever was down and the blood tests came back normal but he still had twitching on the right side of his chest.  The vet pretty much said he doesn’t know what it is, but I just can’t accept that.  He is the vet.  Hasn’t he seen another dog with similar symptoms?  I just don’t see how he can’t figure this out. 

     So, today the kids and I went to visit Rocky and the spasms are still there.  He seems a little more upbeat but you can just tell something is wrong.  He isn’t happy like he used to be.  He can’t play with my daughter like he used too.  There is just something not right and I feel so helpless.  I want to help him and I want the old Rocky back.  I can’t imagine him having to live the rest of his life this way.  I can’t imagine him having to be in pain and not being the same active, happy, loving dog I know he is.  As I am typing this I am crying and I never knew I would ever feel this way.  He is my sister’s dog but he has been a huge part of my life too.  I just wish I could help him and find the answers.  It’s hard to see someone you love in pain.