Guest Lidia Posted February 3, 2007 Share Posted February 3, 2007 Just a quick note, my hubby wrote this up-- the fourth GReyhound he mentions was not ours but was that of a dear friend, and Blue and Slim considered that one to be part of their extended pack. Lidia Mustang, 1993-2007 January 31, 2007 Today was my birthday. It seems that almost every year something happens to make the day one I can’t stand, despite all the well-wishes. In the past it’s been illnesses, weather, or just timing. This year is was having to send Mustang to the Rainbow Bridge to run free forever. A day to celebrate life should not be used for death. Just over three weeks ago we sent Bluebird. That hurt—a lot. It still does at times. This time it still hurts, but not as much, and for a different reason. Mustang came to us as a Katrina survivor, and only at her end did we come to fully understand what all that meant. Katrina has claimed one more victim, this one a senior greyhound with and iron will that her body couldn’t keep up with. When Mustang came to us, she had been three weeks alone in the toxic sludge that was flooded New Orleans. Iris was forced by the Coast Guard to leave her behind, one of tens of thousands of displaced pets. Mustang was one of the lucky ones that made it. Thousands more didn’t. But the time in that sludge changed her for the worse. She developed a scavenger instinct that stayed with her to the very end, and in fact played a role in her demise. The toxic sludge exposed her to carcinogens that developed into skin hemangia, a benign form of hemangiosarcoma that travels in the blood and manifests itself as blood moles on the skin. A large one of these was surgically removed form her shortly after we got her. Only at the end did we know what it really was, and not just a pigment mole. But there was more. Mustang had been given her normal 3-year rabies vaccine just before the hurricane hit. When she was rescued, she got the vaccine again, just as every other rescued animal did. So she got 6 years of rabies vaccine in three months. That overdose led to her getting vaccinosis, which among other things causes brain damage. Most of the effects are never cataloged by veterinarians since the veterinary and pharmaceutical industry both have a vested financial interest in denying adverse effects of vaccinations and their overuse. In Mustang’s case the overdose was accidental, based in good intentions, and happened from a lack of records. She also battled thyroid, incontinence and kidney failure, and deafness in her final days. Whether these came from age, vaccinosis, or toxic exposure we’ll never know. But her battle was uphill and her days numbered, but the silent killer that actually got her was lurking, waiting. On Saturday, January 27, it struck. That day she ate breakfast as usual, went out, then came back in, and as she sat down she started to pant and whine in pain. She could not get up again unassisted. She was in great pain. We got her to the vet, and a regimen of Prednisone and Tramadol seemed to help some, as did some acupuncture on the following Monday. But at the time the vet found her hindquarters bruised up and swollen, and one thigh was badly swollen. We thought she had taken a bad spill on the sidewalk outside. We were wrong, and that brings us back to the silent killer and the events of tonight. We went out to dinner to celebrate my birthday. When we left, Mustang was asleep on the floor in the middle of the den, away from everything. We were gone for an hour and a half. When we came back we found her panting in panicked pain under the desk on the chair pad. We got her out of there and tried to get her to her feet, but she could no longer put any weight on her hindquarters at all. Her back legs also felt cold. Back to the vet we went, and they stretchered her in. When the vet examined her he found our silent killer—a blood clot in the femoral artery in one leg. She had a thrombosis in the legs, basically a stroke in the body instead of the heart (heart attack) or the brain (stroke). This was the same thing that almost killed Slim in 2003. What we think happened was that somehow she got to her feet, was scavenging, and the clot hit while she was by the desk, she lost her legs and fell, and that’s how we found her. This was probably the second strike by that killer, with the first being back on Saturday after she came back inside from her turnout. A morphine shot at the vet did nothing to cut the pain at all. With her quality of life shot and the constant pain, it was time. She went to the Bridge. Mustang will be cremated and the remains sent to her real owner, Iris. We weren’t her owners, just her rescuers and caretakers. We were hoping to pull a reunion in the summer, but it wasn’t meant to be. Mustang pined for Iris, even as her body failed her, she held out hope in her heart to see her Mama Iris again. It hurts here for a lot of reasons. We can’t help but feel some failure somehow from what happened, part of it because of what she went through despite our efforts, and part of it as a feeling that we couldn’t handle the care she needed at the end. I hate having to put down another greyhound, the second in three weeks and fourth since July. I’m sick of doing it, and I hate myself for doing it, even as I know they all are free of pain and back in full command of their bodies and minds. I hate the death, the misery, the health declines that killed them, be it stroke, cancer, age, or whatever. It’s the loss that’s the price we pay when we love, and it truly sucks. The rational part of us recognize that we did our best and that even if we had done everything possible for her it would not have been enough as she was fighting too many things at once and she was overwhelmed. We also know that she got a second chance with us and that Iris was ever grateful for that. But adopting greyhounds is all about second chances at life and love. Like Bluebird in her cancer, Mustang in her conditions taught us lot about how to work with senior greyhounds and big health problems. We are wiser and better dog owners from her. Two more things have come from this. One is a resolve, to adopt another young girl for Surf and to carry on. We will be doing that this weekend, and like Bluebird did with him, he will pick her for us. Hopefully that will end the sending of our hounds to the Bridge for a long time. The second is some unexpected comfort. As I was leaving the vet after it was all over, a couple came in with their 10-month German Shepherd, a big happy guy who came over to me. I knelt over to pet him and got a loving face baste for my effort. His owner was concerned and asked me if that was okay. I told her “I needed that” and explained about Mustang. That put it all in perspective—the end may be lousy, but the bad at the end is far outweighed by the love that we give each other along that journey of life together. All from a happy puppy with a wet tongue. Run free, Mustang, and wait for Iris, Bell, and George at the Bridge. And thank you for all you’ve taught us. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MauCarden Posted February 3, 2007 Share Posted February 3, 2007 Heartbreaking. Thank you so much for the love and care you gave her. Quote Missing my sweet girl Scout. My snuggler, my chow-hound, my kissy girl. It never thunders at the Bridge, and your food bowl is ALWAYS filled. So strange not living in Atty World. I was a love struck handmaiden to your every whim. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest greybookends Posted February 3, 2007 Share Posted February 3, 2007 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RaineysMom Posted February 3, 2007 Share Posted February 3, 2007 :cry1 thank you for taking such good care of this special girl in such need what a beautiful tribute....the tears are flowing here Quote Kim and Bruce - with Rick (Rick Roufus 6/30/16) and missing my sweet greyhound Angels Rainey (LG's Rainey 10/4/2000 - 3/8/2011), Anubis (RJ's Saint Nick 12/25/2001 - 9/12/12) and Zeke (Hey Who Whiz It 4/6/2009 - 7/20/2020) and Larry (PTL Laroach 2/24/2007 - 8/2/2020) -- and Chester (Lab) (8/31/1990 - 5/3/2005), Captain (Schipperke) (10/12/1992 - 6/13/2005) and Remy (GSP) (?/?/1998 - 1/6/2005) at the bridge"Always do sober what you said you'd do drunk. That will teach you to keep your mouth shut." -- Ernest Hemmingway Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Batmom Posted February 3, 2007 Share Posted February 3, 2007 Run on up to heaven, sweetheart, where there are treats and good food everywhere, and a girl never *has* to scavenge. Hugs to your momma and daddy who are missing you so. Quote Star aka Starz Ovation (Ronco x Oneco Maggie*, litter #48538), Coco aka Low Key (Kiowa Mon Manny x Party Hardy, litter # 59881), and mom in IllinoisWe miss Reko Batman (Trouper Zeke x Marque Louisiana), 11/15/95-6/29/06, Rocco the thistledown whippet, 04/29/93-10/14/08, Reko Zema (Mo Kick x Reko Princess), 8/16/98-4/18/10, the most beautiful girl in the whole USA, my good egg Joseph aka Won by a Nose (Oneco Cufflink x Buy Back), 09/22/2003-03/01/2013, and our gentle sweet Gidget (Digitizer, Dodgem by Design x Sobe Mulberry), 1/29/2006-11/22/2014, gone much too soon. Never forgetting CJC's Buckshot, 1/2/07-10/25/10. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest minnie Posted February 3, 2007 Share Posted February 3, 2007 Run free Mustang! Iam so very sorry! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest benson Posted February 3, 2007 Share Posted February 3, 2007 Godspeed Mustang. I'm very sorry. Thanks for taking care of her. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest kaotic1 Posted February 3, 2007 Share Posted February 3, 2007 Oh I am sooooo sorry... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
VinnieAndRexsMom Posted February 3, 2007 Share Posted February 3, 2007 My heart goes out to you both and to Iris. Mustang is running free now as is Blueird. I hope Surf chooses a wonderful new friend Quote Tonya, mom to May, and my angels Vinnie, Rex, Red, Chase, and Jake. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest sweetgsmom Posted February 3, 2007 Share Posted February 3, 2007 Run free Mustang. I know you will be met at the bridge by many. I really hope there is a special pup at the kennal for Surf. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GreyTzu Posted February 3, 2007 Share Posted February 3, 2007 Quote Wendy and The Whole Wherd. American by birth, Southern by choice. "Do not meddle in the affairs of dragons, for you are crunchy and taste good with ketchup!" ****OxyFresh Vendor ID is 180672239.**** Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Houndtime Posted February 3, 2007 Share Posted February 3, 2007 I am so sorry. Quote Irene Ullmann w/Flying Odin and Mama Mia in Lower Delaware Angels Brandy, John E, American Idol, Paul, Fuzzy and Shine Handcrafted Greyhound and Custom Clocks http://www.houndtime.com Zoom Doggies-Racing Coats for Racing Greyhounds Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest deanna Posted February 3, 2007 Share Posted February 3, 2007 I'm so sorry Lidia. It's so much loss in such a short amount of time. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lilysmom Posted February 3, 2007 Share Posted February 3, 2007 But adopting greyhounds is all about second chances at life and love. This statement says it all!!!!!!!! I am so sorry for all your loses but you know you were blessing in each and every one of your hounds lives. Mustang was fortunate to have survied all she did. You did the best you could. These beloved greyhounds of ours are just never here long enough. Gentle hugs to you and your family. Mustang you will all meet again one day sweety until then enjoy be happy, healthy and whole again..... Quote Praying for all the missing greys! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
robinw Posted February 3, 2007 Share Posted February 3, 2007 i'm so, so sorry Quote Xavi the galgo and Peter the cat. Missing Iker the galgo ?-Feb.9/19, Treasure (USS Treasure) April 12/01-May 6/13, Phoenix (Hallo Top Son) Dec.14/99-June 4/11 and Loca (Reko Swahili) Oct.9/95 - June 1/09, Allen the boss cat, died late November, 2021, age 19. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fourofem Posted February 3, 2007 Share Posted February 3, 2007 I so admire you for taking on a Katrina survivor. She survived through a horrible, horrible event and then got to spend the rest of her life with people who loved her. She's at peace now and not hurting and was a lucky girl to have known you both and Iris. Run free sweet girl. Quote Blair, Stella (DND Heather), Lizzie (M's Deadra), Hitch (Hallo Dominant) and House (Mac's Dr. House) Missing my handsome men Lewis (Vs Lowrider) - 11/11/01 - 3/11/09, Kevin (Dakota's Hi Five) - 1/1/06 - 4/18/11 and my cat, Sparkle Baby - ??/??/96 - 4/23/11 "The gift which I am sending you is called a dog, and is, in fact, the most precious and valuable possession of mankind." (Theodorus Gaza) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest vahoundlover Posted February 3, 2007 Share Posted February 3, 2007 I am so sorry Godspeed Mustang Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Becki Posted February 3, 2007 Share Posted February 3, 2007 :grouphug :grouphug :grouphug Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
iluvgreys Posted February 3, 2007 Share Posted February 3, 2007 Lidia and Mike, I'm so very sorry for your loss of Mustang. She blessed your lives and shared the lessons you needed, before leaving her failing body. Know that Bluebird and all of our beloved Bridge angels were there to greet her with a happy chorus of roo's, as she discovers full health again. May she live on in your hearts forever. Godspeed, sweet girlie... Quote Jeanne with Remington & Scooter the cat....and Beloved Bridge Angels Sandee, Shari, Wells, Derby, Phoenix, Jerry Lee and Finnian.....If tears could build a stairway, and memories a lane, I'd walk right up to heavenand bring you home again. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest tricolorhounds Posted February 3, 2007 Share Posted February 3, 2007 ... run free Mustang run free ... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest KyGrey Posted February 3, 2007 Share Posted February 3, 2007 I am so sorry. That was a beautiful tribute to a very special girl. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest darlene Posted February 3, 2007 Share Posted February 3, 2007 I'm so very sorry! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheFullHouse Posted February 3, 2007 Share Posted February 3, 2007 Oh my gosh, I remember Mustang's story. I'm so sorry for your loss. You gave Mustang the greatest gift of all, a second chance for life and that is the greatest gift of all. Godspeed Mustang, may you be happy and pain free again at the bridge. Quote Judy, mom to Darth Vader, Bandita, And Angel Forever in our hearts, DeeYoGee, Dani, Emmy, Andy, Heart, Saint, Valentino, Arrow, Gee, Bebe, Jilly Bean, Bullitt, Pistol, Junior, Sammie, Joey, Gizmo, Do Bee Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SAVED2 Posted February 3, 2007 Share Posted February 3, 2007 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Greytlady94 Posted February 3, 2007 Share Posted February 3, 2007 I am so sorry.....words are so inadaquate.. Godspeed Mustang. Run with the angels. Quote Greyhound angels at the bridge- Casey, Charlie, Maggie, Molly, Renie, Lucy & Teddy. Beagle angels Peanut and Charlie. And to all the 4 legged Bridge souls who have touched my heart, thank you. When a greyhound looks into you eyes it seems they touch your very soul. "A dog is the only thing on earth that loves you more then he loves himself". Josh Billings Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.