Tribute for Rocky

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Lucinda

Lucinda

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I just want to tell you how amazing Rocky is.

She stopped eating at the end of March. She already had a known ovarian cyst and had lost all fur from the tummy. At the beginning of April she underwent dental surgery. Afterwards I couldn't get her to eat anything except a bit of syringe food. Weight dropped from the low 600s to 560ish. Rocky looked like she had already gone. I have never seen a pig look so haggard.

About a fortnight after the surgery I discovered a huge abscess under Rocky's chin. It must have swelled up very quickly, as I had been having Rocky out so much. It was lanced at the vets. Rocky was still losing weight. This was the Friday I also discovered the bank fraud on my account. It was one of the most horrible days of my life. Having spent all afternoon trying to sort out the fraud, I went to pick up Rocky. The vet said Rocky only had days to go and I should consider if what I was doing was kind any more, and we should review Rocky on Monday. Now I had a huge problem with this. The preservation of life can never be wrong. I do not agree with destroying animals.

Rocky rallied over the weekend and on the Monday had gained 80g. This abscess has rumbled on for about 5 weeks now. Once we got Zithromax, it began discharging a decent amount of pus. Last week Gina (another vet) said there was hardly any abscess cavity left. I am still getting a small amount of pus out. Rocky now eats everything I put in the hutch and is the first to shout for meals.

And yesterday I noticed the most beautiful thing. There was a soft growth of black down all over Rocky's tummy. Fur is coming back!

I said two months ago that getting Rocky well would be like trying to turn the Titanic: impossible. I don't know how we have done this. I don't like false modesty, and I know a lot is due to the time and care I gave Rocky. But that is only part of the story. What Rocky has achieved is remarkable. It shows how right I was not to even consider getting Rocky killed.

Please, even if your pig is critically ill, give him a chance. You never know.

Rocky - this is for you. I love you so much, my brave little friend. The odds were so long, but you liked those odds. I fill up when I look at you, and your soft downy tummy. You're amazing. Thank you for not leaving me. I know there were moments when you wanted to. Please know how much I love you.
 
That had me in tears. What a beautiful story, So lovely to hear she is getting better after all that, such a fighter, really suits her name! :))
Well done rocky x)x)x) I think we need some pics now of that tummy :))
 
"I do not agree with destroying animals."

I believe that the option should be available. However I think that all too often it is used for the benefit of the owner. I said this on another thread and received some negative comments!
I think some owners are unable to take care of sick animals for reasons best known to themselves. It can be a justification, for any possible feeling of guilt about having a pet put down, that it was done out of kindness to prevent further suffering, even if there was a good chance of full recovery with care and attention.
 
Beautiful tribute Lucinda. You have been through so much with Rocky, I am delighted she is making such great progress in her recovery. You are right, it is down to your care and Rocky's determination, as well as the co-operation of your vet, that Rocky is still here today.

AP, I agree fully with you there, the option of euthanasia is abused frequently. Out of the hundreds of cases of animals being PTS, very few cases really are in the best interest of the animal. It has to be said that there are situations where it is best for the animal that they be "allowed" to pass sooner rather than later.
 
"the option of euthanasia is abused frequently. Out of the hundreds of cases of animals being PTS, very few cases really are in the best interest of the animal".

ccc4
This has to be a first. We both agree with one another!
 
What a lovely Tribute to your surviving Rocky, well done on your hard work and most of all well done Rocky! x
 
CCC4 said:
AP, I agree fully with you there, the option of euthanasia is abused frequently. Out of the hundreds of cases of animals being PTS, very few cases really are in the best interest of the animal.
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I agree. However I dread the day when we are forced into that situation and hope it never comes.

Lucinda, it can be such a wrenching and lengthy process nursing them back to health, especially for a prolonged amount of time with little hope. Thank goodness the hard work and faith you have put in thankfully paid off. I'm really pleased for you and Rocky and hope that she will make a good and continued recovery.
 
That's a beautiful story and Rocky has really prooved what a fighter he is and with all the TLC he has had from you - well done to both of you.:)
My Nemo wouldn't be here now if I had listened to the vets - he went off his legs and the vet didn't give us much hope and thought it best to put him to sleep but he gave him steroids and antibiotics that didn't do a bit of good but I started giving him osteocare which I had read about on Peter Gurney's site and within a couple of weeks he was back on all four legs. It has happened twice since then but he's recovered both times.:)

That is Nemo in my avatar - he will be six years old in November.
 
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I'm in tears. Congratulations to you and Rocky xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
 
What a journey Rocky has been on. It just shows that he is a fighter. It is very difficult when our little ones are ill but the dedication you have shown is outstanding.
 
Thank you all.

There were many days when I never thought I would be making the above post. I thought I would be posting in Rainbow Bridge.
 
A lovely account of true piggy spirit and a fab piggy parent.

Well done Rocky and well done Lucinda - you've shown what real team work can achieve.

I'm so very happy for you Lucinda x x x x
 
Lucinda, I'm delighted to read this wonderful tribute to Rocky. She's a little fighter, but so much credit must go to you for the way you have fought for her too .... well done to both of you, please give her a kiss from me.
 
And after two months apart Rocky and Riffy have moved back in together this afternoon....
 
Aww what a beautiful tribute to your lovely girl. Yay for Rocky and a big well done to you and her. I bet her and Riffy are loving being together again :) x
 
What a lovely tribute to a special girl!

It is ALWAYS worth to fight; but we also have to be realistic when the pain and the agony our loved one is becoming too much, and when it becomes obvious that they ARE NOT going to win that fight. It is the most bitter decision to make - and it should never be made lightly, you're right in that.

I am so glad for you that not only Rocky, but you, too, proved to be such a pair of fighters with a winning score! May you enjoy your happy bond for a long time to come!
 
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What a beautiful tribute to Rocky Lucinda x)

I am so very happy for you both, the dedication you have shown to her has paid dividends and that is so rewarding! well done you two xx
 
WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO HOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

Oh darling this is just awesome news to hear the two R's are back together again xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Dearest Rocky whee are all thrilled to hear your getting better and that your fur is growing and your gaining weight, all our love and wheeeeeeeeeks xx>>>xx>>>xx>>>xx>>>xx>>>xx>>>xx>>>xx>>>
 
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