Pippin Posted August 30, 2007 Author Share Posted August 30, 2007 Here's the sequence of what went down this week, from an email I sent my co-workers yesterday (wed, 8/29). I didnt' post here while it was going on, because I'm at a client site and have been so busy I've been lucky to check my email, and almost no time to check message boards. I took my dogs to the dog-sitter on sunday because of leaving for Charlotte on Monday. Monday morning, dee called and told me she had to take Angie to the vet. Angie's my oldest girl, the yellow one in the pictures on my desk. she's the first greyhound I ever adopted, and will be 15 on her birthday in October, if she lasts that long. She's been at the vet since Monday morning, not eating, not able to walk on her own. There are 3 possibilities of what it could be. Brain tumor, stroke, or an illness called Idiopathic Vestibular Disease, that affects the inner ear and gives the dog severe vertigo. Think of it as having been sea-sick since Sunday night. That's what she's going through. There are 2 ways to figure out what she has - do a CT scan, which would involve too much stress for an almost 15-yr old dog, plus they'd need to anesthetize her for that, and she might never wake up from it, or wait and see. The Vestibular thingy goes away on its own after 3-4 days, usually. Doc called me yesterday morning and was thinking we would have to euthanise her. But we decided to watch and wait, in case it's the vestibular thing, and late afternoon yesterday, she was doing a little better, but still can't stand or walk on her own. They've given her IV fluids to keep her hydrated, and she drank a little water on her own, but they can't get her to eat. At this point, she hasn't eaten since sunday morning, and if we don't get some food into her soon, her system will start shutting down on her. I left my vet a voicemail this morning reminding her that I trust her implicitly, and whatever she thinks is best for my girl is what I'll do, but that if she decides that we do need to let her go (if she doesn't eat today, I think we'll have to), to not call me with that news until after 5, when my classes are done. I've been holding it together pretty well, but for some reason all I can think this morning is that my girl's going to leave me, and I'm not there to say goodbye. So if y'all could keep my dog (and me) in your prayers/thoughts, I would really appreciate it. I'm actually glad that I'm at a client site, because it keeps me busy all day. If I were home doing coach classes, I'd have too much time to think about how sick my girl is. Before I went to work yesterday (wed), I spent about an hour in tears, convinced I was going to lose my girl. I told God that all I wanted was what was absolutely best for my Angie-girl, and I called my vet and left a voicemail that said the same thing. I told her that if we needed to let Angie go, all I asked was that she wait until after 5pm to tell me, so I could hold it together for my classes through the day. We talked at 530, and Angie had lost all the progress she had made on Tuesday, and Doc said it was time. Doc & I have a long-standing agreement - when she says it's time, I say ok. She's my expert, and I trust her. So she called Angie's Aunt Dee for me, because I'm out of town and couldn't be there, and Dee was able to go immediately to the vet's office and keep my sweetie company. This is as hard (harder?) on Dee as it is on me, and I am so grateful to have her in my life. Dee visited Angie at the vet every day, and she sent me an email yesterday that said she could see that Angie wanted us to let go. I didn't get the email until afterwards, but I was so grateful to read it, because it confirmed that we made the right decision. I was blessed with the love a spectacular girl for 4 1/2 years, from the time she licked my chin that first time we met, choosing me to be her mama, to the last time I saw her, Monday afternoon, pushing herself to stand up for me so that I would feel ok about leaving town while she wasn't well. I think my stubborn girl needed me to be gone in order for her to let go, if that makes any sense? I have always promised my kids that when it's time, I'll let them go. And I'll always honor that promise. I just wish I could have been there. Quote Mary Semper Fi, Dad - I miss you. Remembering Carla Benoist, a Greyhound/Pibble's bestest friend, Princess Zoe Brick-Butt, the little IG with the huge impact on hearts around the world - Miz Foxy - Greyhound Trish - Batman, the Roman-nosed Gentleman - Profile, the Handsome Man - Hunky the Hunkalicious - Jeany the Beautiful Lady- Zema, the most beautiful girl in the world - Jessie, the lovable nuisance - and my 3 Greys: my Angie-girl, my Casey-girl, and The Majestic Pippin, running forever in my heart. (I will always love you and miss you,my friends) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cello Posted August 30, 2007 Share Posted August 30, 2007 I am so sorry. I hope that the special memories you have of your baby will bring you comfort in the days ahead. Carol Ann Quote Molly Weasley Carpenter-Caro - 6 Year Old Standard Poodle. Gizzy, Specky, Riley Roo & Lady - Our beloved Greyhounds waiting at the Rainbow Bridge. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Madeara Posted August 30, 2007 Share Posted August 30, 2007 What a beautiful girl she was and I am so sorry you could not be with her Quote "To err is human, to forgive, canine" Audrey, Nova, Cosmo and Holden in NY - Darius and Asia you are both irreplaceable and will be forever in my heart Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LBass Posted August 30, 2007 Share Posted August 30, 2007 I'm so very sorry. Quote Lucy with Greyhound Nate and OSH Tinker. With loving memories of MoMo (FTH Chyna Moon), Spirit, Miles the slinky kitty (OSH), Piper "The Perfect" (Oneco Chaplin), Winston, Yoda, Hector, and Claire. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest TBSFlame Posted August 30, 2007 Share Posted August 30, 2007 I am so sorry I know your heart is broken. My Tessie is a half sister. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest jeannejj Posted August 30, 2007 Share Posted August 30, 2007 I am so sorry. Run free, sweet Angela. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Machbragal Posted August 30, 2007 Share Posted August 30, 2007 Oh, I am so sorry. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Burpdog Posted August 30, 2007 Share Posted August 30, 2007 Quote Diane & The Senior Gang Burpdog Biscuits Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
patricia Posted August 30, 2007 Share Posted August 30, 2007 I am so sorry. Godspeed beautiful Angel...My prayers and sympathy are with you. Quote Patti-Mommy of Lady Sophia 7-28-92 - 8-3-04... LaceyLaine 8-2-94-12-5-07... Flash Gordon 7-14-99 - 8-29-09... BrookLynne...Pavé Maria... and 18 Bridge Kids. WATCHING OVER US~SOPHIA~QUEENIE~LACEY LAINE~ CODY ANGELO~FLASH GORDON. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest GriffinsMom Posted August 30, 2007 Share Posted August 30, 2007 I'm so sorry for the loss of your beautiful Angela. Godspeed sweet baby. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
VinnieAndRexsMom Posted August 30, 2007 Share Posted August 30, 2007 I am so sorry for your loss. God bless, Angie... 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 SoulsMom Posted August 30, 2007 Share Posted August 30, 2007 I'm so sorry for your loss. Run free, happy, and whole again sweet Angie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nyGreys Posted August 31, 2007 Share Posted August 31, 2007 I am so very sorry. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest whatahound Posted August 31, 2007 Share Posted August 31, 2007 I am so very sorry for your loss. What a sweet picture. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest K9_Lady Posted August 31, 2007 Share Posted August 31, 2007 I am so very sorry... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NancyB Posted August 31, 2007 Share Posted August 31, 2007 I'm so sorry Quote Nancy with Rocket, Umeko and Sasha Missing Albi, Kassie, Ramm, Ruby, my good boy Marvin and Mickey (BT) NANCY B'S COLLARS Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest MountainHounds Posted August 31, 2007 Share Posted August 31, 2007 Godspeed Angie. for you Mary, I'm so sorry Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest meandmygreys Posted August 31, 2007 Share Posted August 31, 2007 I've asked that her suzy award pj's be donated to another deserving senior, since I never got her measurements taken. my heart is breaking I am so sorry for your loss. Can I make a donation somewhere in her memory. Run free Sweetheart. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest goodtimekid Posted August 31, 2007 Share Posted August 31, 2007 The memories left on our hearts are a constant reminder of the love in theirs. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
4greyhounds Posted August 31, 2007 Share Posted August 31, 2007 I am so Sorry! RUN FREE SWEET GIRL! Quote Darlene Mom to: Aladdin, Sophie ,Pongo, Jasmine, Relic Forever in our Hearts Champ at the Rainbow Bridge. Let a greyhound race into your heart Adopt Bay Area Greyhound Adoptions INC. Naples/ Fort Myers Chapter Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest luluaz Posted August 31, 2007 Share Posted August 31, 2007 I am so sorry- run free sweet baby girl! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pippin Posted September 1, 2007 Author Share Posted September 1, 2007 I've asked that her suzy award pj's be donated to another deserving senior, since I never got her measurements taken. my heart is breaking I am so sorry for your loss. Can I make a donation somewhere in her memory. Run free Sweetheart. Thanks for offering. Please send a donation to Greyt Friends. That's the group that trusted me with the best greyhound friend a gal could ever have. Their website is http://www.greytfriends.org Quote Mary Semper Fi, Dad - I miss you. Remembering Carla Benoist, a Greyhound/Pibble's bestest friend, Princess Zoe Brick-Butt, the little IG with the huge impact on hearts around the world - Miz Foxy - Greyhound Trish - Batman, the Roman-nosed Gentleman - Profile, the Handsome Man - Hunky the Hunkalicious - Jeany the Beautiful Lady- Zema, the most beautiful girl in the world - Jessie, the lovable nuisance - and my 3 Greys: my Angie-girl, my Casey-girl, and The Majestic Pippin, running forever in my heart. (I will always love you and miss you,my friends) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest KyGrey Posted September 1, 2007 Share Posted September 1, 2007 I am so sorry... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Emma1 Posted September 1, 2007 Share Posted September 1, 2007 I am so sorry for your loss. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pippin Posted September 2, 2007 Author Share Posted September 2, 2007 Angie came into my life when I went to Dee's house to adopt a black retired broodmama. As Dee was introducing me to the other dogs, she said "This one's Angela." Angie got off her dog-bed and walked over to me. I knelt down, and she looked deep into my eyes. Then she licked my chin, and went back to her dog-bed where she stayed the rest of the time I was there. I met the dog that I had gone to adopt, and she was wonderful, but she wasn't the one for me. I had already been chosen. Angie chose me when she licked my chin. Because she chose me, I have experienced the adaptability of an "old" dog as she learned new tricks. Because she chose me, I have learned how much love I can feel for another being. Because she chose me, I have experienced the joy of her behavior changing over the years from aloof to affectionate. Because she loved me, she adapted to unstructured routines and routine absences. Because she loved me, she accepted the other dogs I brought into our home, and let them share the space in my heart. Because I loved her, there were new beds at Christmas, and no walks longer than her aging legs could handle. Because I loved her, there were nights spent on the couch with interruptions every few hours. Because I loved her, there were home-cooked meals and special treats, and fewer nights away from home. Because she loved me, she stood up for me, balancing on tired legs to show me she was ok and I could leave on my business trip with a clear conscience. Because I loved her, I let her go. My heart is breaking because I couldn't be there at the end, but it was time to let go, and I had promised her I would, because I loved her. And because I loved her and she loved me, she will run forever in my heart, Because she chose me. -mvy 9/1/07- Quote Mary Semper Fi, Dad - I miss you. Remembering Carla Benoist, a Greyhound/Pibble's bestest friend, Princess Zoe Brick-Butt, the little IG with the huge impact on hearts around the world - Miz Foxy - Greyhound Trish - Batman, the Roman-nosed Gentleman - Profile, the Handsome Man - Hunky the Hunkalicious - Jeany the Beautiful Lady- Zema, the most beautiful girl in the world - Jessie, the lovable nuisance - and my 3 Greys: my Angie-girl, my Casey-girl, and The Majestic Pippin, running forever in my heart. (I will always love you and miss you,my friends) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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