Guest Snazzy_Chloe Posted January 12, 2012 Share Posted January 12, 2012 (edited) We decided to send Marissa to the Bridge tonight. She had had a sarcoma tumor removed from her upper left ribcage in Sept 2010, and we had follow up X-Rays taken at monthly intervals after that until this spring and then stopped when there was no new growth shown. This fall we had the yearly dental done when she had 7 teeth extracted and the sutures did not hold thru the night so she lost some blood. The next morning, back to the vet, they added packing in the gums and re-sutured and she was good after that. She lost 6-7 lbs during that time as she went without food and water for 3 days but we nursed her back to eating again and fed her a lot of broth and Ensure plus which brought her weight back up to almost normal again in 2-3 weeks. Then we noticed a new tumor starting to appear in her left ribcage again which the vet said was inoperable as it was into the muscles as well as the soft tissue. This was October so we have watched the timor grow and then a mass appear in her belly area that spread her rib cage so that her bones stuck out of her sides. her belly grew so large that it interferred with her rear legs when walking, she had pain pills because of the back and rib pain which helped but she no longer liked walking very far. Her balance was going, her eyesight was going, and her ears were somewhat selective hearing. I think her nose still worked pretty well as she was still perky eared around pee spots. Anyway - she was 13+ years old, and really I felt that after the first operation we hoped that we would have another year with her that we did get to enjoy with her, which was a blessing. Her passing was swift and easy to watch - we were lucky because we had lots of time to prepare ourselves for this, its never easy. We could have waited another week or two or maybe three - it is hard to know - as she still had some spirit left in her and she was very stoic. I just figured she had had enough, watching her struggle to stand up, and then stagger around while trying to get to the water bowl, and her breathing was becomming more labored. The vet said that mass on her diaphram and stomach would grow larger until she would basically starve herself to death. I didn't want to get to that point, but her muscle mass had started shrinking away and we thought it was time to end her future suffering if nothing else. Anyway, we adopted her as a 7 year old broodie gal in 2005 - she had a slightly lame rear hock that had previously been broken and not mended properly so although she could run she didn't run a lot. She had had two litters of pups we found out later and I think because of this she was very gentle and she would let anyone that wanted to - handle her, rub her, give her shots, etc. She only barked on 3 occasions, when we first got her and she saw some spooky bushes moving and was afraid - and they was very loud, very low frequency, very deep throaty, scary woof that came out of her (Hell it scared me-at first - till I found out what she was woofing at). And that was that, she never barked again- maybe she wasn't frightened again. Well, she was Thunderphobic, but we never did get her cured of thunder and lightning although we tried just about everything. I will tell you her main love of her new life was freedom, the freedom to go anywhere in the house that she wanted and when she wanted. She was very independent and would sleep in any room in the house, even if there was no dog bed, or no one was in the room - often she would go and plop down and stretch out to be as at long as she could get and then go to sleep. We thought she was anti-social at first, but pretty soon she was sleeping in another room where she could keep one eye on our goings; after awhile she would follow us around and sleep where we were. Couldn't stand to be caged up, or barracaded with baby gates in a room so we gave her the run of the house and she was good - with no damage to our belongings. In the middle of the night, she would often get up, walk to another room and then we would hear her plop down on either a dog bed or the floor. She loved our walks, especially when we would take walks in the woods so she could explore some new sights and scents, and she loved to ride in the car - I think just to be included as a part of the family, because she normally just stretched out and went to sleep in the back seat. She loved to stretch out on the chaise lounge, in the shade by the lake and take a snooze where she could keep track of new scents blowing off of the water. Lastly, she was great with my grandkids and other peoples kids who sometimes hugged her before we could stop them. She never snarled, snapped or bit anyone; although I did see her lip raise once or twice when she was interacting with other dogs. She stayed with several grey sitters when we were on vacation or had other obligations when we couldn't be at home with her and she blended in well with their families as well. She was just a great, gentle creature that had a long life, a lot of heart that we had the privilige of being adopted into our family for 6 over years. Now she can run fast and pain free with all the other angels. (Inc. our Angels: Skippy-IG, Lancer-Afgan, Skippy-whippit, and Chloe the black grey) Edited January 12, 2012 by Snazzy_Chloe Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Houndtime Posted January 12, 2012 Share Posted January 12, 2012 I am so very sorry for your loss. Take comfort in knowing that your sweet dog is at peace, pain free and running once again with the wind. I do hate cancer. It is the thief who robs us, everyday, of those we love. 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...
Remolacha Posted January 12, 2012 Share Posted January 12, 2012 I am so sorry Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
spottydog Posted January 12, 2012 Share Posted January 12, 2012 Thank you for the lovely tribute. What a lovely hound. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest RNJaney09 Posted January 12, 2012 Share Posted January 12, 2012 Sounds like you made the right choice. I'm so sorry for your loss, she sounded like a wonderful gal. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
queenwinniesmom Posted January 12, 2012 Share Posted January 12, 2012 What a lovely silver face! I'm so sorry you lost your precious Marissa. Quote Nancy, Mom to Evangelina and Kiva Missing Lacey, Patsy, Buster, my heart dog Nick, Winnie, Pollyanna, Tess, my precious Lydia, Calvin Lee, my angel butterfly Laila, and kitties Lily, Sam and Simon My Etsy shop: http://www.etsy.com/shop/Catsburgandhoundtown Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
greyhead Posted January 12, 2012 Share Posted January 12, 2012 Wow. That was one touching tribute. Thank you for sharing Marissa's story and photos with us, for giving her a wonderful life suited to her nature, and for supporting her health status at every stage. I am so very sorry for your loss. Quote Mary with Jumper Jack (2/17/11) and angels Shane (PA's Busta Rime, 12/10/02 - 10/14/16) and Spencer (Dutch Laser, 11/25/00 - 3/29/13). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest IrskasMom Posted January 12, 2012 Share Posted January 12, 2012 I am so sorry :f_pink Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BertnLil Posted January 12, 2012 Share Posted January 12, 2012 I'm so sorry. Quote Pam with Sockem the GH, Birdie the JRT, Osorno the chocolate lab, and Shelby the shepherd mix. Missing Clarice (1991-2007) and Lily (2004-2012), always in our hearts. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fliggie Posted January 12, 2012 Share Posted January 12, 2012 She is beautiful. :f_white I'm so sorry. Quote My Photojournal Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest cficare Posted January 12, 2012 Share Posted January 12, 2012 sounds like you and Marissa were a match that was good for you both. A wonderful tribute to a wonderful dog . Thank you for sharing....I dread the days when I may have to make the (right) decision as you did. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FiveRoooooers Posted January 12, 2012 Share Posted January 12, 2012 Beautiful tribute to your beautiful friend. I'm so sorry for your loss. Godspeed Marissa Quote Old Dogs are the Best Dogs. Thank you, campers. Current enrollees: Punkin. AnnIE Oooh M 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...
Guest greybookends Posted January 12, 2012 Share Posted January 12, 2012 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Batmom Posted January 12, 2012 Share Posted January 12, 2012 I'm so sorry she had to leave you. Godspeed, lovely 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...
Fostr_Mom Posted January 12, 2012 Share Posted January 12, 2012 Beautiful girl, run free. My condolences on your loss. Quote <p>Mom to Kyle (Diehard Kyle) & Angel Gracie (KB's Sankey) Foster Mom for AFG Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheFullHouse Posted January 12, 2012 Share Posted January 12, 2012 What a beauty. I'm so sorry for your loss. 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...
Feisty49 Posted January 12, 2012 Share Posted January 12, 2012 Your words were so well written about sweet Marissa that I could feel her joy at being loved and free in your home. Marissa and your family were both so lucky in having found one another. She will be missed, but I hope it brings you comfort when you remember how much she loved being your girl. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
racindog Posted January 12, 2012 Share Posted January 12, 2012 Oh such a sweet, lovely, and above all loving lady. A beautiful tribute. I hope she finds my bridge broodie Aggie as I'm sure they'd have a greyt time. My deepest sympathy. :f_pink :f_pink Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest patgam Posted January 12, 2012 Share Posted January 12, 2012 Run free pretty Marissa. I am so sorry for your loss. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest budsmom Posted January 12, 2012 Share Posted January 12, 2012 What a beautiful girl. I'm so very sorry. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest PiagetsMom Posted January 12, 2012 Share Posted January 12, 2012 Marissa was a beautiful girl......I'm so sorry Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
greytpups Posted January 12, 2012 Share Posted January 12, 2012 A very moving tribute...she had such a wonderful life with you. I'm so sorry for your loss. Quote Jan with precious pups Emmy (Stormin J Flag) and Simon (Nitro Si) and Abbey Field. Missing my angels: Bailey Buffetbobleclair 11/11/98-17/12/09; Ben Task Rapid Wave 5/5/02-2/11/15; Brooke Glo's Destroyer 7/09/06-21/06/16 and Katie Crazykatiebug 12/11/06 -21/08/21. My blog about grief The reality is that you will grieve forever. You will not get over the loss of a loved one; you will learn to live with it. You will rebuild yourself around the loss you have suffered. You will be whole again but you will never be the same. Nor should you be the same, nor would you want to. ― Elisabeth Kübler-Ross Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sabrina Posted January 12, 2012 Share Posted January 12, 2012 Sorry for you loss of Marissa Quote Caroline, Mom to Daphne (49B-50215) and Penny (41D-55779)Remembering Bridge Angels Margo and Sabrina Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
4greyhounds Posted January 12, 2012 Share Posted January 12, 2012 I am very Sorry! 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...
maryz Posted January 12, 2012 Share Posted January 12, 2012 What a sweet face. My condolences on her passing. Quote Mary, mom to kitty Rebel.Always missing Sherri (SO DELICIOUS) (12/6/2005-8/29/2018) kitties Marley (4/2000-12/3/2015) and Beady (4/1998-2/24/2006) and Dalmatian Daisy (7/25/1984-5/13/1999). The democracy will cease to exist when you take away from those who are willing to work and give to those who would not - Thomas Jefferson Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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