Pets are family. There’s no other way to describe the way they weave into our lives, turning simple routines into cherished memories. Cisqo, our dear dog, is no exception. His joyful spirit, playful energy, and uncanny ability to listen whenever anyone talks brought endless joy to our home. But last week, things took a heartbreaking turn for him—and for us.
It started with a sudden, unexpected accident. Cisqo got hit on the back of his head, and almost immediately, he suffered from seizures. My heart dropped when I saw him that way, hoping it would be a one-time event, but sadly, that hasn’t been the case. Now, these seizures come without warning—when he’s excited, frightened, or simply out of the blue—and every single time, it shatters me.
When the vet examined him, we learned that Cisqo also showed signs of Ehrlichia, a tick-borne infection. His eyes had become grayish—a telltale sign of the infection—and he’d sometimes lose his balance and lose his appetite. While the infection was certainly troubling, we were relieved to learn it wasn’t the cause of his seizures. Thankfully, Cisqo is now free from the infection, but the seizures remain, unpredictable as ever.
This week, we were supposed to leave for my hometown, a trip we’ve been looking forward to. But we can’t leave Cisqo at a pet care facility in his condition, and I don’t think he’s fit for a long journey either. It’s not easy rearranging plans, but I can’t bring myself to leave him in a situation where he might be frightened or feel abandoned.
Cisqo isn’t the same vibrant, playful pup he was before. He still has that gentle sweetness, but his playful spirit seems dimmed. Playing, running, or even getting excited all come with the risk of triggering a seizure. He’s cautious now, perhaps sensing the toll that activity takes on him, and it breaks my heart.
For anyone who has ever loved a pet, you know how it feels to want the best for them, no matter what. Right now, we’re trying to make things as safe and comfortable as possible for Cisqo, focusing on the small things that bring him joy and keeping our hopes high for his recovery. No matter what, he’ll always have our love and care—because he’s family, and that’s what family does.