Papoy

Papoy’s Story

Papoy was the very first dog I cared for from puppyhood until the day he passed on. He could be quite feisty. Anyone in the house was bound to get a nip if he wasn’t in the mood. But beneath that grumpy exterior, he was funny, mischievous, playful, fiercely independent, and full of energy. At 13 years old, he was still healthy and functioning normally overall, and I was so happy to see it.

Then everything changed on a Sunday. That morning started off completely normal. By afternoon, I got word from family at home that Papoy refused to climb the stairs. Even so, I knew he could still walk and had managed to come down the stairs on his own.

When I tried giving him a treat, he got off the sofa and struggled to stand. I was puzzled, but with a little help, he managed to stand and walk, though quite wobbly. His hind legs were growing weak, and he spent most of his time lying down or sitting. Fortunately, he was still able to relieve himself on his own.

By Monday morning, Papoy could no longer stand or walk by himself; he could only lift his head. I rushed him to the vet to find out what was wrong. That day, even when offered his favorite food, he refused to eat. The vet recommended keeping him overnight for observation because he was so weak, and he could no longer stand even to urinate.

Leaving him there alone broke my heart. I kept wondering if he was stressed or scared. But at the time, I believed it was the best decision to help him get better quickly. Based on his blood tests and x-rays, the vet said everything was still within normal limits, and the exact cause of his sudden inability to walk remained unknown.

By Tuesday, we planned to bring him home so he could be with family and continue outpatient care. We managed to consult a neurology specialist there. The doctor explained that this was likely a progressive neurological condition where his motor functions were slowly failing, starting from his hindquarters and working their way forward. By then, Papoy had also started drooling. I couldn’t tell if he was still able to swallow or control his saliva, but he was still willing to eat and drink.

Following the doctor’s advice, I brought him for physical therapy to help restore his nerve function. After we brought him home, his old spirit still peeked through. He still got annoyed when teased, could turn his head left and right, and responded when we called his name.

Later that night in the room, I noticed his drool increasing and his mouth staying open, as if he was struggling to breathe or swallow. We didn’t know for sure what he was going through, but I made sure to constantly monitor his heart rate and breathing.

I sat beside him, watched him for a moment, and whispered, “Are you in pain or suffering? If you need to go, it’s okay… But if, please God, he can still heal, please heal him.”

Shortly after that, he urinated. I lifted him up to change his wet underpad and clean him up. That was when I saw his mouth open even wider, making a sound like he was trying to breathe or swallow, until his eyes suddenly rolled back. I immediately tried to lift him to adjust his position.

In that exact moment, he passed stool, his gums turned pale, and his eyes lost their focus. I tried to stay calm and rushed him back to the hospital. The doctor did everything they could, pumping his chest and giving him oxygen, but it was too late. Papoy couldn’t be saved. I lost him in the span of just two days.

It all happened so fast, and I still don’t know how to process it. I spent hours holding him, crying, holding his tiny paws, and talking to him before he had to be wrapped.

To this day, I still can’t believe this really happened. But the reality of not being able to see or touch him makes me realize it is all too true. My soulmate has gone to heaven.

Now, all I can do is speak to him through my prayers, hoping he can hear every word, looking at his pictures, and cherishing all our beautiful memories in a different form.

Poy, when my time comes, please come pick me up. Wait for me, until we can be together again in heaven…