We lost Simba to a short and mysterious illness on September 7, 2023, less than a month before his 3rd birthday. On Satursday of Labor Day weekend he was lethargic, and seemed to be in pain. We took him to the Emergency vet Sunday night; they were so busy they confimed that his vitals were stable and suggested we see our regular vet. We went there Tuesday, and Dr. Kovar thought the pain might be a pinched nerve since gently pushing his head down was painful, and x-rays showed nothing else wrong. Pain meds didn't seem to help, so back to the vet Wednesday. Simba had a focal seizure during that visit.so we went home with anti-seizure meds and blood for bloodwork being taken. The seqizures did appear to stop, but the pain was worse. We made an apointment for Froday morning. But, Thursday night Simba tried to get up and jsut flooped over, then tried to get up again and flopped uncontrollably a couple of times.I picked him up and held him, and he seemed calm but breathing a little fast, and seemed to fall asleep. After a while I gave him to Curtis to hold, still sleeping - and not long after he passed away.
We bought Simba from a local Shih-Tzu breeder along with Kali, the winter after Mindy passed. The breeder brought the him with the litter that had Kali; he was the only one in his litter. He was independent even then, and active. Over time, he became close to both of us, though he never was a long cuddler - mostly he'd jump on you and get petted all over but especially on his tummy, rub his face all over you, snort in your face, and then decide to leave. When he wanted a treat, he'd come over and put his paw on your arm, and just look imploringly at you. He loved soft pretzels! He was always the first one out the door into the back yard, and the last one in. He played with Kali and Bailey. stayed ooutside with Mika, and occasionally fought with Monte.
He was a bright, bouncy, sturdy, and indeppendent little guy. He was not quite 3 when he died.
Copyright Maryrita and Curtis Steinhour, 2023.