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queenwinniesmom

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Posts posted by queenwinniesmom

    I Am Most Desperate. Has Anyone's Greyhound Had Complications Af

    in Health and Medical discussion

    Posted

    Oh, my gosh, you certainly didn't sound bitchy about an absolutely horrible and unfair situation. You are pushed to your limits as it is, just dealing with the difficult decisions, and the guilt and second guessing (which of course, aren't productive, but are totally normal and to be expected). I know there is not one of us who got through this ordeal without agonizing about what we were going to do, and then doubting that we did indeed do the right thing. Whatever decision you make, and have made, is because you know your girl better than anyone, and love her unconditionally.

     

    That said, I think we also have to deal with not only the terrible realities, but the uncertainty of the hope (or fantasy) that everything will work out perfectly simply because we made the right decisions, and we did so out of love. The only thing I know for sure about osteo is that it's a crapshoot. Sometimes we beat the monster, sometimes we hold it at bay, and sometimes everything we do just isn't enough. In any case, each day is a gift that we must treasure so as not to let any future sadness steal the beauty and joy from the present.

     

    I was lucky and blessed to have Winnie for 3 1/2 precious, and excellent, years after her amp at age 8. Like you, I was wracked with the uncertainty that comes along with the sadness, frustration, and even anger. The times before making any decision were always the hardest---you are thinking of it 24/7. Once you have a plan, you have a purpose. And you just pursue that. Many times, it gets worse, sometimes a LOT worse, before it gets better. But it DOES get better. Sometimes you'll look at your sweet girl and wish with all your heart that she was whole again. We often project our feelings onto animals who probably just want to get on with doing what they want to do. But just remember Dr. Couto's words---The stigma against being handicapped is not recognized in the animal world. And Greyhounds have 3 legs and a spare! :beatheart

     

    We were unable to do chemo because of finances, and because of our own, likely irrational, hesitation. We'd had a heartbreaking experience with our Patsy, starting chemo for lymphoma after several setbacks but with very good prognosis (she'd had her spleen removed successfully), only to have the cancer very quickly spread to her central nervous system. She was only 6, she was supposed to make it, and we ended up having to put her to sleep within months of the diagnosis. Our hearts were broken. With Winnie, we tried diet change (she got a steak every day for 3 years!), pain management (piroxicam), and Artemisinin. I'm not sure what helped---maybe it was just the stubbornness of the old girl, and her refusal to give up. I learned a lot from the Queen. :beatheart

     

    I know everyone's experience, while similar in the big ways, is different. What works for one, might not work for another. But there is so much good info out there (a lot you have seen here) that you can take and use. And there is a lot of support and understanding, which sometimes helps just as much. And please know that there is a lot of white light and "be well" thoughts streaming out to you both!

    Seizure Or Stroke What Should I Do

    in Health and Medical discussion

    Posted

    Is she an older dog? I don't know if anyone mentioned this, but it might be something to consider. Sometimes dogs middle aged and up are more likely to have ideopathic vestibular episodes. Ideopathic because they are not sure of the origen, and vestibular because it's a balance thing. The first time we saw our dog Lacey have one---she was about 9 or 10---we freaked out. Our vet said bring her in because we were a few miles away, and we'd just had to put our little Pit Bull mix to sleep, and were really upset. But when she saw Lacey, she said it was probably that. She'd been on the couch too, and when she got up, she almost fell over. Her head shook a bit, and her eyes looked wonky. It lasted a few minutes as well. There's really not much to do for these episodes if they are brief. I know there are sometimes cases where it goes on for a long time, and the dog won't eat because of the imbalance. That is something we never had to deal with, though Lacey had several more brief episodes before we lost her at 13 to osteo.

    Shadow (J's Canyon) 3/27/05 - 8/20/16

    in Remembrance

    Posted

    "He would like to be honored by his fans remembering to love hard, forgive easily, and take the time to enjoy the “little things” in life like a good walk with friends or a sun spot to bask in."

     

    Wise words to live by from an exceptional dog. I'm so sorry you lost your precious Shadow.

    Well, It Wasn't Arthritis

    in Health and Medical discussion

    Posted

    How sad and stressful for you---I'm so sorry. It sounds like you know your precious boy very well, and his safety and comfort are paramount. Given that this is so important, though devastating, your thoughts about at home euthanasia seem to be the most humane way to proceed. You are right---being in his own bed, spoiled with anything he wants to eat, and not having the stress of a final trip to the vets, is the most loving, unselfish thing you could do for Shadow.

     

    It's so, so hard......sending hugs.

    Sophie (Finleysmonica) 5 January 2005 To 14 August 2016

    in Remembrance

    Posted · Edited by queenwinniesmom

    How devastating to lose your precious Sophie so soon after Sunny. I too understand about losses very close together. It's almost too much for your heart to take. She was incredibly beautiful, as was her brother, and your pictures perfectly captured her sweetness and gentleness. It's clear that you loved each other so much. Sharing your sadness, and sending much sympathy.

    My Lab Mix, Raven (09/06/06 - 08/04/16)

    in Remembrance

    Posted

    You were her angel. You fought for her when she was just a baby, and during her final months. She was loved unconditionally, and it's clear from her lovely pictures that she knew it. I'm so sorry that your heart is broken. It's no wonder that you miss your precious girl so much---she was beautiful inside and out.

    Sunny (Come On Flo) 5 January 2005 - 22 July 2016

    in Remembrance

    Posted

    I have to say that this is one of the most beautiful, heartfelt, eloquent tributes I've ever read! Through your loving words and stunning pictures (some of them literally took my breath away), I feel so close to your exceptional boy, as if I knew and loved him as well. You shared such a deep love and understanding, and were truly blessed that Sunny and your family found each other.

    I'm so sorry that you lost your precious Sunny, but grateful to you for sharing him with us.

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