After family dog dies from eating poisonous mushrooms, Holly Springs women want to warn others

He was described as a fun, friendly, and loving companion. He was healthy until one day he ate something poisonous from his own backyard.

Cash's family wants to use his tragic story as a warning to other dog owners. You've likely seen your dog scurry around during a walk, trying to sniff out a snack near a tree.

The Gipson family in Holly Springs is warning you to watch for what your dog eats. Teresa Gipson says it's too late for her dog, but maybe her story can help you.

"He liked to eat and so he was pudgy!" Gipson said.

But his knack for eating led him to eat a mushroom in the backyard.

That was Sept. 20. Gipson took him to the emergency room that day. She said the doctor that day said the most Cash might experience was a strong stomach ache.

Then came the next day.

"He was moving around very slowly," said Lena Gipson. "And I saw his legs get really wobbly and him go down."

Later at the hospital, the Gipsons say the vet revealed Cash's condition wasn't looking good, including his liver. He had to be put down.

"Just watching him suffer was just unbearable," said Lena Gipson.

If your dog eats a mushroom and is acting strange, Dr. Anusha Balakrishnan from Triangle Veterinary Referral Hospitals​ in Holly Springs recommends you take the dog in within four hours of the mushroom having been eaten. After that, the toxins start causing problems.

"Then they might seem alright, but it might be very deceptive if you didn't see them get into mushrooms," Dr. Balakrishnan said.

She recommends if you did see your dog eat a poisonous mushroom, call poison control first and then try to get them to vomit using hydrogen peroxide.

Regardless, if you can do that, take your dog to a vet and call ASPCA Animal Poison Control at (888) 426-4435.

Cash may be gone, but the Gipsons hope what happens can help save a life.

"I'm going to miss his smile," Lena Gipson said.