My girl is sick.

[aly]

I just returned from the vet and my heart hurts. Our Rottie (Jane) got sick. She's in the hospital and we're doing what we can, but the prognosis isn't good.

Jane has only been our girl for about a year. When we first found her (collapsed on the street), she had trouble walking and had some health issues due to the fact that she was seriously neglected by her last owner. The vet said that she was one of the sadder cases he had seen- he also said that her personality was amazing (especially considering the obvious abuse and neglect she had suffered). However, she flourished once we got her cleaned up and loved. She had arthritis and dysplasia, but she could run and play without too much of a problem. We knew there would eventually be problems, but didn't think it would happen so fast. She is the sweetest, easiest dog you can imagine. She's special and we bonded instantly. My BF and I loved her so much that we moved in together just so that we could keep her. We had only dated briefly and people thought we were crazy, but we felt it was worth it.

Last Sat, we played at the dogpark. She ran and had lots of fun. Sat night, she was stiff and a little withdrawn. Sunday morning, she wouldn't eat or drink and had trouble standing and walking. She was breathing had and was in obvious pain. Our vet was closed, so we took her to another vet. This vet suspected pancreatitis and gave her pain killers, antibiotics, fluids, etc. Jane could still walk, but barely. The vet also took x-rays, but couldn't see anything except scarring from years of bronchial infections. She considered hospitalizing her, but decided against it.

In the middle of the night, Jane became obviously uncomfortable and her legs stiffened up. We tried to help her calm down and keep her weight off the legs. It seemed like she was just getting stiff from being still too long- and she couldn't take her arthritis meds in case she had pancreatitis. After a bit, she went back to sleep and stayed calm. The next morning, her demeanor was back to normal and she ate and drank a little- but her lags had stopped working. Every now and then, you would be able to tell that she was in pain. We took her to our vet as soon as he opened. She has been there since yesterday morning. Despite steroid injections, antibiotics, pain meds and so on, there has been no improvement.

The vet believes she either had a ruptured disk or degenerative myelopathy. Both are bad- especially since she isn't a good candidate for surgery. We go back to the vet tomorrow morning to see if there has been any change. She's still so sweet and alert, but her body is so sad. And I'm so sad and my BF is so sad and my little chihuahua is so confused. Although there is some hope, there isn't much. I manages to stay positive for two days, but it isn't really working for me anymore. Especially since our visit today.

Thanks for listening. I know there are tons of pet people on here and I figure you would all understand... I figured I would distract myself with TE, but that didn't work, so I thought maybe I should just embrace it and post... Thanks.

[OakLeaf]

(((((((((((aly & jane)))))))))))

that's so hard :(

But if Jane is acting like she wants to stick around, is there a veterinary acupuncturist or chiropractor in your area, or a vet who will do adjustments with the little plunger thing? My Measle had spine problems, and adjustments really helped him for a while.

Anyway hugs to both of you.

[Pax]

So sorry your fur-baby is hurting, I know her pain hurts you as well. You and Jane will be in my thoughts.

[teigyr]

I am so sorry for both you and Jane. Hopefully this is temporary...at least I will try to think positive thoughts.

If you need specialist info, let me know. My parents are in SoCal and have been through a lot with both cats, dogs, and a pony. They've found some wonderful clinics that have made things work when supposedly there was no hope.

(((((((aly & jane)))))))

[makbike]

Aly,

I'm so sorry about Jane - it is never an easy decision. Did the vet x-ray her spine? Does it show signs of disc problems? Blood work? Were values normal or were her pancreatic enzymes elevated?

I know what you are going through, I'm sending lots of positive energy your way. You, your BF and Jane are in my thoughts and prayers. Hang in there and keep us posted. WE do care.

[aly]

Thanks... We're still hoping that things will take a turn for the better. My vet is very open to alternative treatments, so we've done some discussing. If she regains any movement over the next day or two, there will be more options. If not, things look bleak. We're somewhat limited by our pocketbook, but will do what we can. Unfortunately, just over the last two days, we've put a couple thousand dollars into tests and treatment and are reluctant to keep going indefinitely if it isn't likely to help. I think the thing that will limit us even more than money is Jane's age (she's around 8) and her other preexisiting problems. We'll know more in the morning. My Jane is a tough cookie and has already overcome some crazy odds. Maybe she'll do it again.

[SadieKate]

Aly, I feel for you. Izaak the Wonder Poodle has an inoperable malignant tumor on his shoulder. He doesn't seem to notice it yet so we're just having a good time together until whenever. We'll have some Nilla Wafers and think of you and Jane.

[aly]

Sorry Makbike, your post came up while I was typing. Her pancreatic enzymes were normal (funny how it seemed like such a bad thing at first, and now I wish she just had pancreatitis). They did extensive lab work and the only things off were her thyroid (somewhat low) and it looks like she has a bladder infection. The x-rays seemed clear except for her arthritis and dysplasia (which is pretty severe).

There are many things that we had thought were caused by her hips/ back, such as toe dragging, difficulty standing, random falling and tripping. Now it looks like they might have been due to DM. She has some movement in her back half, but it also appears that she isn't responding to most of the reflex tests. There are other tests we can do- they are super expensive- but they may not even tell us what's wrong.

What makes this so difficult are the guilt feelings. I'll feel guilty if I don't do "everything", but I'm also going to feel guilty if I make her go through more than I should when she is so compromised.

I'll keep you all posted.

[malaholic]

How heartbreaking! My heart goes out to you and Jane and I am sending healing thoughts your way. I think Oakleaf's suggestions about acupuncture or chiropractors are definitely worth a shot. Please keep us posted on how she's doing - and how *you* are doing - and know that you are in our thoughts & prayers!

[fastdogs]

so sorry for the old girl, I'm hoping she bounces back. Spinal injuries can be tricky, but also pretty surprising when they recover. In any case, I am wishing you the strength to make any decisions you may end up making- don't second guess yourself because our wonderful dogs live in the present. When you picked her up off the street you gave her a wonderful life and that's what she knows now- love and caring. It's so hard when they are alert but the body isn't working; I'm sure she'd tell you what she prefers, if she could, but it would never be easy anyway.
I'm hoping it's just bruising of the spinal cord, or something transient. Keep us posted.
vickie

[makbike]

Aly-

DM is a tough one to deal with. I lost my buddy of 14 years, Hondo, to its effects 5 years ago. Has Jane been showing signs of DM over the course of the past few months/year? From your description it sounds acute as oppose to chronic which does not sound like DM - more like a disc problem. Is it possible that her hip/joint issues are really the source of pain? Sorry for all the questions.

How are Jane's spirits? If it really is DM have you guys considered one of the carts they advertise in Dog Fancy. We once had a client who purchased one for her little dogs (back legs did not work at all). When the owner would strap the cart on that little dog came to life and would zip around like there was absolutely nothing wrong. The little dog did not seem to know her rear legs were not working. Both the owner and dog loved the cart.

Again, I hope you get some positive news tomorrow. I'll keep you guys in my prayers. I know this is a very stressful and sad period in your lives at the moment. Hang in there!

[Brandi]

Big hugs and prayers from our home to yours. She is very lucky to have someone like you and not the one's she was with before. At least you care how she feels and not wanting to put her through more then she needs. Whatever you decide
she I am sure has had a wonderful year maybe one of her best ever! Take some sompfort in that thought maybe.

[yellow]

Aly,

Hang in there. It is so difficult to watch a creature you love so much change so dramatically like this.

We adopted a beautiful 7 year old lab about a year ago. About 4 months after we got her she suffered some sort of neck injury, we don't know what or how. One day she was running through the grass and the next she was in horrible pain.

She ended up having a disc that had slipped out, turned sideways, and was pressing up against the spine. An Xray did not show this. It could only be seen in an MRI.

The vet felt positive that it was something he could fix, but we understood the risks. By this time all 3 of us--the dog, me, and Mr. Yellow--were all pretty torn up about everything and no one slept for several days (she ultimately ended up in the hospital on morphine until the surgery could get scheduled). We elected to have the surgery (the other option was euthanasia) and have never regretted the decision once. She recovered beautifully for an old girl and is so happy, sweet, and grateful (or so I tell myself). She was no spring chicken and had an unknown history. Many risk factors.

The money part is hard, I know. It all affected our resources for quite some time. Would it have been worth it if she didn't make it? Absolutely. We loved her then and we love her now and a little debt was a small price for us to pay. That's not to say everyone should or can do it that way. It worked for us, and we were lucky enough to have a good outcome.

Send her all the loving energy you have. My thoughts are with you. It's really, really hard. I know.

y

[maillotpois]

Big hugs to you and Jane. I couldn't really read your whole post at first. The fact she's a rottie just hit too close to home.

My rottie, Meg, went downhill very quickly in June 2001. It was so rough on the whole family, but mostly on me. It was a financial hardship for sure - 3 weeks of dialysis for her. (In TE terms, easily the cost of a very nice new bike.) She seemed happy, though, relatively speaking. But I wondered at the time if it was too much - I know the guilt on all sides.

Then one day when I came home, and she looked at me - her eyes were suddenly sunken. I just knew it was time. I think you'll just know when it's time, and when you're doing "too much". My vet referred me to a vet who makes house calls for euthanasia, and she died in her bed in our living room, her head in my lap.

It's such a big responsibility, and presents so many hard choices. But the love you get (and give) makes it completely worth it.

[smilingcat]

Hi Aly,

If its joint problem, it may take a week or two before she starts feeling okay. A lot of dog owners firmly believe in Glucosamine. You can find it in health food store, like whole foods and GNC. Add a recommended amount into Jane's food and see if it helps.

Since it came on suddenly after a good work out, I think she is just hurting a lot from over exertion. When she gets better, its probably best to go really easy on outdoor activities. She is getting old and maybe suffering from athritis as well.

I work with cat rescue group and my partner used to work with Golden Rescue of So. Calif. One dog we fostered was an older golden. He had issues, nightmares, sad nightmares, and he had athritis. We put him on glucosamine and his stiff hips became more fluid but we never walked him beyond 200ft. He wanted to play so we played him in our living room no jumping, nor running but he was really happy. We matched him to an older woman who suffered from athritis so they both understood what the other one was going through. Brycee is about 13 now and still going okay. We just heard from his mom the other day. My partner had a long conversation with Brycee's mom. Brycee might last another year.. :(
He has a really nice mom so atleast his latter half of his life turned out blissfully.

Anyway, don't lose hope. You may have to adjust your expectation of what Jane can do. Glucosamine is not expensive compared to regular drugs. It may add about $30.00/mo to Jane's food bill.

I wish you and Jane lots of good healing thoughts.
Smilingcat

[smilingcat]

just read about the reflex test. Well it might just be irritated nerve and temporary. Have hope.

smilingcat

[crazycanuck]

i'm sorry to hear about your doggiiiee :(

i don't have much to offer except i hope your pup's situation improves!

yukon sends sloppy kisses.

c

[Wahine]

Big hugs to all of you. Especially Jane.

My bullmastiff had degenerative myelopahty and eventually we had to have him put down. It was heartbreaking.

I'll be thinking of you and your fur family.

[LBTC]

Sending big beautiful gentle green and blue butterflies for calm, healing, and peace for you, your BF and Jane. May this be temporary and may you have every resource you need to see her through without undue hardship....

Hugs,
~T~

[teigyr]

I believe my parents had a german shepherd mix that had a version of that. That is where there's a disconnect from the brain to the nerves? They fed him this blended broccoli mixture that smelled vile but worked really well. I'm not so sure he liked it but he was piggy and that was to his advantage. He had a mixture of that and traditional medicine and far exceeded anyone's expectations.

I hope Jane is doing better. She is my namesake and I will keep her in my thoughts tonight.

[bmccasland]

(((((((((((Aly & Jane)))))))))))

As another parent who's been at the vet on a regular basis with a fur baby, I feel your pain.

[sbctwin]

{{{{{Aly & Jane}}}}} Remember, you have given Jane a loving home since she came to live with you. She couldn't have asked for more. Our furkids can't tell us in words how much they love us. I am sure Jane knows how much you care for her and will do the best you can....

[Ninabike]

Aly, So sorry to hear about your Jane. Been there, done that. Thoughts and prayers are with you, BF and Jane.

[sundial]

That's really sad. I'm really sorry to hear about your beautiful Jane. It's scary when there is sudden health changes and you don't know what's causing it. I'm curious, did you have a blood panel done to rule out any tick related diseases, i.e. Lyme's? And if so, how is the white count and the protein values? Treatment for this might include a round of antibiotics and possibly prednisone for the inflammation. If the blood work rules out any parasitic illnesses, I would then suspect a ruptured disc over DM. I had a girl with DM and it progressed over a 5 year period, beginning with muscle mass loss in the rear legs, then knuckling over of the rear paws, until she finally had difficulty maintaining balance. DM usually does not present with a sudden onset with advanced symptoms as you describe.

:( Is there a veterinarian with a specialty in chiropractic care nearby? Acupuncturist?

Please keep us posted on Jane and I am sending you a big hug from me and my 4 doggers. >>>>>>>>>>>Jane and mom<<<<<<<<<<<<

[ibcycling]

My rescue rottie boy Cyrus sends his love. It's so hard when they hurt and can't tell us where or why. I hope she improves and has many more years with you and bless you for taking her in when she needed you. Financially it can be very hard but there are places willing to help. I found a page with several links to pet-related financial help. I haven't dealt with any of them but have heard good things about IMOM.

http://www.brood-va.org/financialhelp.htm

What kind of arthritis medicine was she on? Did they test her liver function? My parents recently went through something similar with their dog Ralston. He had been on seizure medicine for a few years. Earlier this year he started becoming unstable on his feet, uninterested in stuff that normally excited him, and his appetite went downhill. They lowered his meds (he hadn't had a bad seizure in quite a while) and I suggested they put him on joint supplements. The vet thought it was arthritis in his hip. He improved for a few months and then went downhill fast. Turns out it was his liver and the vet didn't catch it the first time. If she's been on Rimidyl liver problems would be my first guess. There are ways to support the liver and help it regain function if that is the problem.


Good luck and sloppy rottie kisses,
Lora

[aly]

I truly appreciate everyone's well-wishes and suggestions. After much testing, discussing and research of other options, we eventually made the decision that, as difficult as it is, we had to put Jane to sleep. We tested everything. It was definitely a spinal injury. Her pain came and went, but her spine was so compromised in so many places, that it looked like a matter of when, not if, it would be injured again. She never regained any movement in her back legs and lost all control of her bladder and bowels. That was what finally put me over the line. She was in obvious discomfort and was peeing and defecating on herself. We discussed wheelchairs, but there were many reasons that it wasn't the right decision for Jane. We thought about waiting a few days, but it wouldn't have been the right thing to do.

We spoke to three different vets and all basically brought us to the same conclusion. Now it's done. The vet cried, we cried, but Jane went quickly.

I'm sorry for anyone else who has had to make such a decision, or who may in the future.

[fastdogs]

sorry it came to that, but the decision you made was for her, and I'm sure she'd have chosen that herself if she could. It is never easy, and you will second guess yourself, it's all part of the grieving process. I've had a bad couple of years with my dogs, most recently the loss of a 14 year old that I hand raised as a pup. They always occupy a place in your heart, no matter how long they've been gone from your life.
vickie

[sbctwin]

I am so sorry for your loss, Aly. You did the best for Jane. Just think of all the fun times you had with her and what the last year of her life was like. SHE WAS LOVED. She could not have asked for anything else. You made it possible for her to know that human parents were kind. My Kallie girl, Katrina and Tobydog are at rainbow bridge, welcoming Jane.

[Pax]

RIP Jane.

[deidre]

Aly, I am so sorry for your loss. My heart goes out to you and BF and your Chihuahua.

I couldn't read through all of the messages yet because I could feel my heart beating faster and faster. I was faced with making the same decision about our beloved 8 year old rottie Mahogany, over 5 years ago and surprisingly, it is still hard for me to talk about without getting emotional.

You gave Jane a better life and let her know that she was loved. You gave her a safe environment to heal, to be happy, and to know that we humans are not all like those "others that treated her with such cruelty".

Ariel (my 5 year old Rottie) sends you her love and a big sloppy kiss.

[sundial]

I'm Still Here

Friend, please don't mourn for me
I'm still here, though you don't see.
I'm right by your side each night and day
and within your heart I long to stay.

My body is gone but I'm always near.
I'm everything you feel, see or hear.
My spirit is free, but I'll never depart
as long as you keep me alive in your heart.

I'll never wander out of your sight-
I'm the brightest star on a summer night.
I'll never be beyond your reach-
I'm the warm moist sand when you're at the beach.

I'm the colorful leaves when fall comes around
and the pure white snow that blankets the ground.
I'm the beautiful flowers of which you're so fond,
The clear cool water in a quiet pond.

I'm the first bright blossom you'll see in the spring,
The first warm raindrop that April will bring.
I'm the first ray of light when the sun starts to shine,
and you'll see that the face in the moon is mine.

When you start thinking there's no one to love you,
you can talk to me through the Lord above you.
I'll whisper my answer through the leaves on the trees,
and you'll feel my presence in the soft summer breeze.

I'm the hot salty tears that flow when you weep
and the beautiful dreams that come while you sleep.
I'm the smile you see on a baby's face.
Just look for me, friend, I'm everyplace!

Author Unknown

[Ninabike]

Aly, I'm so sorry. I don't even know what to say. Like deidre said above, I can't read through all the posts. {{{{{{Aly, BF and Chihuahua}}}}}}

[Veronica]

Darn! I was hoping you'd have a better ending to your tale. I too found it hard to read the posts. We lost our Rottie 4 years ago this month. I'm so sorry. But you did the right thing for her.

V.

[Wahine]

Hugs to you and your family.

I know what you went through. It was when my sweet Tyson started losing control of his bladder that I made the decision to have him put down. It was so terribly heartbreaking but it was our last act of mercy, he was not functioning well.

Take care. I'm thinking about you and Jane.

[mtbdarby]

((Aly)) So sorry to hear of the loss of Jane. I went through the same thing recently too - seems like a lot of furbabies have gone to the bridge from this board in the last few months.:(

Grieve away and cherish the good times you had. I still talk to Xena every day even though I can't be with her.

[ccnyc]

Aly,
I'm so sorry for your loss. You did everything you could. Jane was obviously very well loved and I'm sure she knew it. FWIW, I had to make similar decisions as you with my Kazootie cat nine years ago, and it does get easier to deal with over the years, but I still think of her (good thoughts) daily and still miss her presence.

Carol

[crazycanuck]

i'm sorry to hear about your fur kid :(


(((aly))

c

[elk]

:( so so sorry, Aly.

I hope you don't waste a single second feeling guilty...Jane wouldn't like it!!!

[malaholic]

I am so sorry Aly. You gave Jane a home where she was truly loved and as the pain that you are feeling now fades may you always remember the joy and love that Jane brought to you in return.

[LBTC]

Jane will know the other TE furkids at the Rainbow Bridge by their energy, and she will have one heck of a pack to hang with. Yogi, Ted, Norton, Giro have greeted her and shown her around. She's whole and perfect again, and she'll wait for you the many years until you are reunited. She knows you did the right thing and she loves you.

Hugs and butterflies,
~T~

[aly]

You are all so wonderful and caring. It's been a long day (and there's still some time to go). Bronco, the little guy, is confused but tries to cheer us up. We're going to pick up our weekend Aussie hoping for a little distraction. He won't let us be sad. Our house is too quiet all of the sudden and it has helped us to be around other dogs and dog lovers. Yesterday we went to our dogpark and visited with some of Jane's friends (and their owners). We'll probably go over there again today.

I'm sorry to hear that so many of you have gone through the same thing. It is hard, but I guess it's part of loving your pet and being a responsible owner. It does help to know that other people have made the decision we did. It was so difficult, but we know it was the right thing.

Despite the last few days, the good stuff far outweighs the bad- and I'm sure we'll be welcoming another needy dog in after a little while. For now, we'll just try to think about all the good Jane brought to us.

[Zen]

The vet cried, we cried, but Jane went quickly.


and so did I.
I can't think of anything more difficult to have to do. you are not alone, many of us have lost our animal companions within the past year.
She had a good home for her last year and as others have said, she was much loved.



Despite the last few days, the good stuff far outweighs the bad- and I'm sure we'll be welcoming another needy dog in after a little while.

I bet you will, and there are so many out there.
I became a foster for a rescue group and of course ended up adopting one .

[OakLeaf]

Oh aly I'm so sad for you. I know you made the right decision and it seems you know it too.

There are some good pet loss resources online - one that's helped me all four times has been Rainbows Bridge (http://www.rainbowsbridge.com/). There are a lot of readings, places to share your stories and pictures, and a Monday candlelighting ceremony that you can participate in.

If it helps, here is a story that was just in the London Independent yesterday, written by a vet about mourning his dog. Dog gone (http://news.independent.co.uk/uk/this_britain/article3113157.ece)

Take good care - be gentle with yourself - know that it takes some time - know that we are thinking about you and that Jane still loves you.

[maillotpois]

Aly - a big hug to you and your family. Jane was lucky to have such a wonderful loving home.

[snowtulip]

Aly, i'm sorry for your loss.

[Biker Jo]

Aly, my thoughts and prayers are with you.

Jo

[bmccasland]

Aly, another voice sorry to hear the news. Branwen is at the Bridge to welcome Jane. She'll have lots of TE fur friends to play with. Having an ill cat, that I'm still not sure she'll actually recover, I can feel your pain.

Enjoy the weekend with Bronco and your Aussie.

[Brandi]

My tears are for you and your loss! She had a good home for a year and that means a lot!
There was a dog on my street who spent 7 years in a home that never gave him any attention. He was never alloud to come in and lived in a yard full of dog sh*t. They threw food on the ground not even in a bowl. He had no shelter except for an old car. He had a another dog who had been living longer in those conditions. He seemed very mean which I think was the point to the treatment. He was a gaurd dog. Well another nieghbor and I couldn't stand it anymore and we called animal regs on them. This is a family who own's a business here in town. It''s not like they had no money to care for them. They found the one dog not able to stand up anymore and was in terrible shape. But the other younger one was saved. The older dog was put out of her pain (thank goodness). Well the nighbor that i had done this with took the younger dog into her home with her 3 other golden labs. He spent the next year of he's life really living it up! And it turns out he was not a mean dog at all! He just wanted attention and love! He was about 7 they figured. But after a year he started having hip problems that were due from the years of living outside. and they got so bad he had to be put down. I was sad but the fact that I know he was pampered for a year gave me some comfort. It was a hard dission turning our neighbors in like that. You worry about retaliation and what not. They are banned from having any animals for a while not sure how long. Turns out they really didn't care that we did that. I think they should have been punished more. Oh they were fined I think it was $500.00 and a 5 year suspension from owning any animal.I hope your girl is running around with Bart right now and saying how wonderful it was to be loved!

[aly]

I'm feeling better. Bronco and Oliver are keeping me very distracted (Oliver won't stop terrorizing the poor kitties). So is my BF (keeping me distracted that is, not terrorizing the kitties). He has been cruising the rescue pages and has all sorts of ideas. There are just so many homeless dogs- it's heartbreaking.

bmccasland- I hope she gets better- I'll send some thoughts her way.
Sundial- thank you for the pm and the poem!
Oakleaf- The article is so perfect. I passed it on to my BF and some other friends.

To all of you whose fur-babies met Jane at the Rainbow Bridge- I'm sorry for your losses as well, but rest assured that Jane is now driving them all nuts with her awkward doggie social skills, never-ending kisses and compulsive chasing!

hugs to all of you!

[OakLeaf]

rest assured that Jane is now driving them all nuts with her awkward doggie social skills, never-ending kisses and compulsive chasing!

She should get along with Measle just fine :) We are scattering his ashes on Sunday, almost two years late (it's a long story). Hang in there.

[Zen]

There are just so many homeless dogs- it's heartbreaking.


Yes, and so many of the dogs we get at the rescue are not spayed or neutered:(

Brandi-There was a dog like that next to my house in West Virginia, so heartbreaking to see a dog chained to a tree. but it was West Virginia and they're a bit behind when it comes to animal welfare

[Dogmama]

I truly appreciate everyone's well-wishes and suggestions. After much testing, discussing and research of other options, we eventually made the decision that, as difficult as it is, we had to put Jane to sleep. We tested everything. It was definitely a spinal injury. Her pain came and went, but her spine was so compromised in so many places, that it looked like a matter of when, not if, it would be injured again. She never regained any movement in her back legs and lost all control of her bladder and bowels. That was what finally put me over the line. She was in obvious discomfort and was peeing and defecating on herself. We discussed wheelchairs, but there were many reasons that it wasn't the right decision for Jane. We thought about waiting a few days, but it wouldn't have been the right thing to do.

We spoke to three different vets and all basically brought us to the same conclusion. Now it's done. The vet cried, we cried, but Jane went quickly.

I'm sorry for anyone else who has had to make such a decision, or who may in the future.

I went through this with my German Shepherd. When she lost movement, I put her to sleep. Quality of life is more important than quantity for dogs.

Here is what I believe. There is some little kid in Heaven that really needed a pup. God looked down, saw your baby with a big heart and lots of love, but a physical body that was suffering. God gave you the right decision. Now, the little kid is very happy and your pup is playing happily. You'll see them when you pass on.

I'm not particularly religious, but this little fantasy gets me through these times.

(((((((HUGS)))))))

[sundial]

I like to create a living memorial for my girls when they pass. I usually plant a dogwood.

[bmccasland]

I like to create a living memorial for my girls when they pass. I usually plant a dogwood.

Does that mean I ought to plant an acacia (cat claw?) for Erin? Need a soft plant for kitties, ***** Willows won't grow here (south Louisiana). Sorry for the slight hijack. Am a bit blue at the moment. Hope Jane likes kitties.

[surgtech1956]

I am so sorry.

[aly]

"Here is what I believe. There is some little kid in Heaven that really needed a pup. God looked down, saw your baby with a big heart and lots of love, but a physical body that was suffering. God gave you the right decision. Now, the little kid is very happy and your pup is playing happily. You'll see them when you pass on."

That is so perfect dogmama, thank you.

Sundial- I think a living memorial is a great idea. We'll do that.
Bmccasland- Jane will be thrilled to meet Erin. Erin may not as thrilled to meet Jane (our kitties just barely tolerated her!), but Jane is easily put in her place.

We're going to meet some dogs today- our house feels empty. We're meeting a German Shepherd and a Shepherd mix. I love the rotties, but the rottie rescue only has one that might fit our household right now (we have a large bird and two cats), the other rescues don't have any that are cat friendly. We'll meet her next week. It seems very quick, but it also feels really good.