Guest LindsaySF Posted March 20, 2011 Share Posted March 20, 2011 It is with a heavy heart that I post this news. WAG's long-term foster dog, Becky, also known as Piggy or Piglet because of her curly little tail, has gone to the bridge. Piglet came to WAG on a hauler from Oklahoma in August 2008, she was only 15 months old. She was limping and had a pressure sore on her leg, and after spiking a fever was rushed to the emergency vet. It was later discovered that she had fluid on all of her joints, and joint taps gave us the diagnosis of Immune-Mediated Poly-arthritis (IMPA). Piglet had been treated for heartworm infection in OK, and had also received 9 vaccinations in one day, right after being spayed. This triggered an immune reaction where her immune system was attacking her own joints. This was extremely painful for Piglet, there was crackling in her joints, bone growth caused them to be knobby and pronounced, and her mobility was compromised. These photos might look familiar to some of you. For Piglet's 2nd birthday WAG bought her a bicycle stroller, so she could go on walks around the neighborhood. Last April 2010, her foster parents traveled to Greyhounds in Gettysburg for the first time. Fun was had by all. Piglet celebrated her 3rd birthday at the Battlefield Harley Davidson dinner. This photo of Piglet was taken on 1/15/11. Her foster parents adopted Piglet that day, and made her a permanent member of their wonderful family. Piggy finally had her forever home. Several immunosuppressive treatments were tried for Piggy, including Leflunomide, Azathioprine, and Prednisone. Every time a tapering down of medications was tried, the IMPA flared back up. It was kept somewhat at bay, but unfortunately those medications affected her liver. In January 2011 her liver values indicated liver failure, and she was given an estimated 3 weeks to survive. Piggy didn't accept that, and she was a happy little girl for an additional 6 weeks, until she finally lost her battle last week. Piglet's foster mom, Rebecca, wrote this lovely tribute that I would like to share with you all. Piglet's journey on earth has come to an end. The side effects from the needed medications for the erosive poly-arthritis have taken a final toll on her. Caring for her has been a true labor of love, and she will always have a special place in my heart. I will cherish the memories of the things she enjoyed most in her short life, playing with toys, basking in the sun and riding in her 'chariot'. My family and I would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to WAG for supporting her since the moment she was carried off the hauler on August 19, 2008. The cost of her veterinary care has been extraordinary, but Piglet has received the very best care with Dr. Perry, and was also seen by several other specialists over the past two years. We would like to thank everyone who made financial contributions for her care, sent pajamas, coats, medications and toys, some of whom we've never even met. We were also very appreciative when our pastor friend Kate came to the house last spring to give Piglet a special blessing. The outpouring of care and concern for her from the greyhound community and beyond truly warms my heart. Based on her condition when she arrived at 15 months old, it's likely she never had the beautifully muscled greyhound body that is built for speed. While she had a lot of spirit, the disease made running virtually impossible as it crippled her body and significantly reduced her mobility. So it is my eternal hope that as she drew her last breath with us, her body began to heal and her strength could finally match her spirit and enable her body to do what it was meant to do ~ run like the wind until her heart's content. Rebecca We will always remember Piggy from these happy photos. Doing what she loved: Destroying toys, Eating, and Basking in the sun. Run free Piglet. We are all honored to have known you. ~Lindsay~ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest mcsheltie Posted March 20, 2011 Share Posted March 20, 2011 Run free Piglet... you are a true inspiration. I wish I could be like her in the face of such adversity. Bless you all for taking such good care of her. The world has lost a superstar. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
heartdogs Posted March 20, 2011 Share Posted March 20, 2011 A beautiful Tribute to such a special girl. Hugs to all who cared for her. Run pain free sweet Piglet. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sambuca Posted March 20, 2011 Share Posted March 20, 2011 I'm so sorry. She sounds wonderful. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FiveRoooooers Posted March 20, 2011 Share Posted March 20, 2011 I am so sorry. My heart breaks for all of you who loved and cared for Piglet. What a moving tribute to such a special girl. Run fast and free, Piggy. Quote Old Dogs are the Best Dogs. Thank you, campers. Current enrollees: Punkin. AnnIE Oooh M, Ebbie, HollyBeeBop (Betty Crocker). Angels: Pal . Segugio. Sorella (TPGIT). LadyBug. Zeke-aroni. MiMi Sizzle Pants. Gracie. Seamie . (Foster)Sweet. Andy. PaddyALVIN!Mayhem. Bosco. Bruno. Dottie B. Trevor Double-Heart. Bea. Cletus, KLTO. Aiden 1-4. Upon reflection, our lives are often referenced in parts defined by the all-too-short lives of our dogs. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Batmom Posted March 20, 2011 Share Posted March 20, 2011 I'm so sorry. My heart goes out to her parents, and all who loved her. Godspeed, precious, gallant, amazing little girl. 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...
mychip1 Posted March 20, 2011 Share Posted March 20, 2011 What a wonderful tribute....And to all of you who loved her and cared her - particularly her foster family who adopted her so that she went to the bridge as the member of a loving family, bless you all for what you gave this beautiful little girl. Quote Robin, EZ (Tribal Track), JJ (What a Story), Dustin (E's Full House) and our beautiful Jack (Mana Black Jack) and Lily (Chip's Little Miss Lily) both at the BridgeThe WFUBCC honors our beautiful friends at the bridge. Godspeed sweet angels. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest greymama002 Posted March 20, 2011 Share Posted March 20, 2011 Run like the wind, sweet angel. Deepest sympathy to all who love you so. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
robinw Posted March 20, 2011 Share Posted March 20, 2011 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...
Houndtime Posted March 20, 2011 Share Posted March 20, 2011 I am so sorry for the loss of such a precious girl. Take comfort in knowing that Piglet is at peace, pain free and running once again with the wind. 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...
maggiespet Posted March 20, 2011 Share Posted March 20, 2011 Condolences to all who helped and loved this little girl. GodSpeed Piglet. Quote http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g240/mtbucket/siggies/Everyday-2.jpgJane - forever servant to the whims and wishes of Maggie (L's Magnolia of JCKC) and Sam the mutt pup.[/b] She's classy, sassy and a bit smart assy. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cully Posted March 20, 2011 Share Posted March 20, 2011 Run free sweet baby. Quote waiting at the bridge Connie Van Teddy & Jojo, Cobra Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shawna Posted March 20, 2011 Share Posted March 20, 2011 Run free, godspeed sweet Piglet. Know that your parents loved you and will miss you. Quote Missing Hiro, Tank, and Tractor Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GreyPoopon Posted March 20, 2011 Share Posted March 20, 2011 Poor little muffin. My heart goes out to her family. Godspeed Piglet. Quote Standard Poodle Daisy (12/13) Missing Cora (RL Nevada 5/99-10/09), Piper (Cee Bar Easy 2/99-1/10), Tally (Thunder La La 9/99-3/10), Edie (Daring Reva 9/99-10/12), Dixie (Kiowa Secret Sue 11/01-1/13), Jessie (P's Real Time 11/98-3/13), token boy Graham (Zydeco Dancer 9/00-5/13), Cal (Back Already 12/99-11/13), Betsy (Back Kick Beth 11/98-12/13), Standard Poodles Minnie (1/99-1/14) + Perry (9/98-2/14), Annie (Do Marcia 9/03-10/14), Pink (Miss Pinky Baker 1/02-6/15), Poppy (Cmon Err Not 8/05-1/16), Kat (Jax Candy 5/05-5/17), Ivy (Jax Isis 10/07-7/21), Hildy (Braska Hildy 7/10-12/22), Opal (Jax Opal 7/08-4/23). Toodles (BL Toodles 7/09-4/24) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PrairieProf Posted March 20, 2011 Share Posted March 20, 2011 So very sad. What a sweet brave baby, and her face looks so familiar to me. May you be running wherever you are, Piglet. Quote With Cocoa (DC Chocolatedrop), missing B for Beth (2006-2015)And kitties C.J., Klara, Bernadette, John-Boy, & Sinbad Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest boondog Posted March 20, 2011 Share Posted March 20, 2011 I'm so very sorry. Godspeed, precious Piglet. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Remolacha Posted March 20, 2011 Share Posted March 20, 2011 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest FullMetalFrank Posted March 20, 2011 Share Posted March 20, 2011 Oh, my... tears are flowing here. I fell in love with that beautiful girl when you first posted pics and her story. Oddly enough, I became ill last year and found out that I have rheumatoid arthritis. I have been on some of the meds that Piglet took. I am so sorry that her condition took her from her forever family, that just breaks my heart. But, I know in my heart that she is healed and strong again, and is running with all of the beautiful hounds at the Bridge. Godspeed, beautiful Becky... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest greybookends Posted March 20, 2011 Share Posted March 20, 2011 (edited) Run like the wind sweet piglet! Edited March 20, 2011 by greybookends Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fliggie Posted March 20, 2011 Share Posted March 20, 2011 Rest in Peace, sweetie. Quote My Photojournal Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest IrskasMom Posted March 20, 2011 Share Posted March 20, 2011 I am so very sorry Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
45MPHK9 Posted March 20, 2011 Share Posted March 20, 2011 Godspeed, Piglet. Quote Tricia with Kyle, our senior mutt dog Always missing Murray Maldives, Bee Wiseman, River, Hopper, Kaia, and Holly Oaks Holly“You don't need a weatherman to know which way the wind blows.“ -Bob Dylan Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dante2zoe Posted March 20, 2011 Share Posted March 20, 2011 My deepest sympathies to those who knew and loved her. I, too, read and followed her story. I so wish she was able to stay longer. Quote Cindy with Miss Fancypants, Paris Bueller, Zeke, and Angus Dante (Dg's Boyd), Zoe (In a While), Brady (Devilish Effect), Goose (BG Shotgun), Maverick (BG ShoMe), Maggie (All Trades Jax), Sherman (LNB Herman Bad) and Indy (BYB whippet) forever in my heart The flame that burns the brightest, burns the fastest and leaves the biggest shadow Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest jettcricket Posted March 20, 2011 Share Posted March 20, 2011 I'm so sorry for the loss of this most special baby girl.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Charlies_Dad Posted March 20, 2011 Share Posted March 20, 2011 That is a girl who truly earned her wings. I am sorry for Rebecca and her family that she lost such a beautiful spirit so young. Run free Piglet, run free sweetie... Quote Kyle with Stewie ('Super C Ledoux, Super C Sampson x Sing It Blondie) and forever missing my three angels, Jack ('Roy Jack', Greys Flambeau x Miss Cobblepot) and Charlie ('CTR Midas Touch', Leo's Midas x Hallo Argentina) and Shelby ('Shari's Hooty', Flying Viper x Shari Carusi) running free across the bridge. Gus an coinnich sinn a'rithist my boys and little girl. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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