My blog has moved!

You will be automatically redirected to the new address. If that does not occur, visit
http://janicecole.net/blog/
and update your bookmarks.

Sunday, May 30, 2010

Lulu: March 10, 2007 - May 28, 2010








 








It's been a difficult week.
We arrived home from our youngest son's graduation to find Lulu very sick.

She appeared fine while we were away, but began showing signs of sickness the day we arrived home. I knew something was wrong when I went into the coop and Lulu didn't run away. Her flighty feistiness has been her defining trademark.

After several calls and a visit to The Camden Pet Hospital, with chicken specialist Dr. Cynthia Fetzer, she was diagnosed with coccidiosis, a protozoan parasite that affects many animals. It's often not serious, but Lulu already had a compromised intestinal tract, which made it a serious condition for her. 

She became so weak I resorted to hand feeding her for three days with a special bird nutrient and gave her electrolytes to boost her fluids, but her system was failing rapidly. After 24 hours of medication her body temperature was 108.5ºF, far above a chicken's normal 103ºF.

Late in the day on Friday I reconciled myself to the fact that she wasn't getting any better and drove her to the vet for the final time. She laid her head on my chest as the sedative began taking effect and we said our goodbyes.





I like to think of her at her best: high-strung, chattering, and in charge. She'd mellowed a little over the three years from the frenetic chick that I named Crazy Lulu, but she still had attitude.

I feel fortunate she shared her life with me.









                            


                       

20 comments:

  1. I'm so sorry. Rest in Peace Lulu.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Oh Janice, I am so sorry Lulu is gone. I know you're sad but I'm sure Roxanne and Cleo are really sad.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Oh Janice
    How sad. I am so sorry you lost your Lulu. My heart goes out to you. Will keep you in our thoughts.
    Patty

    ReplyDelete
  4. Thank you all for your kind thoughts. It really helps.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Oh! I'm so sorry to hear that! It made me cry............Hope you are doing OK.

    ReplyDelete
  6. I just read your newest posting and you made me cry. What a beautiful tribute to Lulu. I'm so sorry your wonderful week ended this way. I hope Cleo and Roxanne remain healthy. Take care and know I am thinking of you.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Oh Janice, I'm so so sorry. I know how much she meant to you. It breaks my heart that you did everything you could and then some to save her and then still loose her. May her wonderful spirit and that attitude be with you forever. Leny

    ReplyDelete
  8. Sorry to hear about Lulu. It's like losing a little part of your family. Think about the good times, and what a great life she had.

    ReplyDelete
  9. Janice,
    I'm so sorry about Lulu. How wonderful though that she will be immortalized in your book. What a special tribute.
    Dianne
    P.S. Congratulations on Adam's graduation!

    ReplyDelete
  10. Thanks everyone, you're all really wonderful. It helps!

    ReplyDelete
  11. So sad for you & your family. Lulu has become such a wonderful part of both your people & pet family; what terrific Lulu memories that she left you with! Take care.

    ReplyDelete
  12. So sad. Lulu was a wonderful part of your family and left you with terrific memories. Take care.

    ReplyDelete
  13. Dear Janice, I'm sorry to hear of Lulu's passing.Life is so full bitter-sweet memories.I know in time only the sweetness of one crazy chic who pecked her way into your heart will remain. Hugs! Pegi

    ReplyDelete
  14. So sorry about Lulu, but what a wonderful pet she was. Gloria

    ReplyDelete
  15. Thanks so much Gloria, I appreciate it!

    ReplyDelete
  16. You have a way with words Pegi! Thanks.

    ReplyDelete
  17. I'm so sorry for your loss. I remember meeting the girls for the first time and picking Crazy Lulu out of the trio right away... Her "attitude" was that obvious! She was such fun to watch.

    My heart goes out to you Janice. Cheryl

    ReplyDelete
  18. Just catching up on my blogs. So sorry for your loss. Hope you are all well.

    Cindy

    ReplyDelete

ShareThis

Related Posts with Thumbnails