Guest avadogner Posted March 23, 2012 Share Posted March 23, 2012 (edited) Hi GT Friends, I am so incredibly heartbroken. Ava hasn't been well due to Lumbar Stenosis for a while. I've discussed it in threads here in the past. We were told in August (when she became totally incontinent) that we didn't have much time left. My sassy, stubborn girl fought hard and made it past her 12th birthday two weeks ago. Over the last week, her rear legs became more and more unstable. She has been on pain meds for over a year and they were not controlling her pain well anymore. We tried new meds, more frequent pain med dosings but she just worsened. Tues night I held her for 3hrs calming her until she could have her next dose. I knew then that our time together was ending. Wed morning we went back to the vet again. Poor girl had massive Big D there, was shaking in terrror (she was always scared of the Vet office) and had to carried in and out. Our vet is a close family friend who has been her Dr since we adopted her over 10 yrs ago. He told me it was time which I already knew. I asked him if we could do it at home where she wouldn't be so scared and he agreed. I brought her home and laid her in her favorite bed. I gave her an old fashioned bed bath to get off all the feces she had been laying in in the car. Her grandparents and aunt came by to see her and tell her goodbye. She was relaxed and comfortable in her own environment. After Dr. Hoke's last patient, he came to our house to put her down. My mom took Augie for a long walk so he wouldn't be traumatized. I laid down with her and held her with my DH holding her paw. I told her how much we love her, how special she is to us and thanked her her being my personal therapy dog, seeing me through 6 surgeries and countless days of pain and sickness. I kissed her head and cried into her soft ears as she fell asleep and then a couple minutes later her heart stopped. It was exactly how I wanted her last moments to be. Surrounded by her Mummy and Daddy, loved and cherished. It was such a hard thing to do but Ava needed me to do this for her. I want to say thank you to Dr. Mike Hoke, his staff, Pets at Peace, Jenn and Melony and the other Crazy Grehound Ladies at McGregor Greyhound Welfare Center and our family and friends for all the love, support and help they gave us. Ava was my once in a lifetime heartdog. She deserves a better tribute than this but this is all I can do right now. Soon I will make her a remembrance page with pics of my beautiful, sassy supermodel. She loved dressing up and having her picture taken. I just need a little time to adjust. We are all mourning her including Augie. I am trying to not fall apart for him even though I feel like my heart is missing. Thanks for listening to me go on and on, Alicia Angel Ava and Augie's Mum Edited March 23, 2012 by avadogner Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sambuca Posted March 23, 2012 Share Posted March 23, 2012 I'm so sorry for your loss. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
o_rooly Posted March 23, 2012 Share Posted March 23, 2012 I'm so, so sorry, but so glad to hear that Ava was able to leave for the Bridge surrounded in love. What a dear, sweet, lucky girl. Quote every day a tiny adventure. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
greyhounds1234 Posted March 23, 2012 Share Posted March 23, 2012 Your tribute to her was lovely. I'm so sorry she had to leave you. Quote Mom to BridgeGreys~~STORM 07/99-02/08/11, VICKI 12/15/00-01/12/11, BAY 02/00-10/25/10 and CASHEW 10/99-2/23/10 and cats ~~ IRISH, MUMBLES, MUFFIN, TJ, PUNKIN and Bridge cats SARAH (07/29/97-07/07/06) and BRIE (04/11/96-01/22/12) a very lively Whippet, OLIVIA and JAKE, the Iggy Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hubcitypam Posted March 23, 2012 Share Posted March 23, 2012 I am so very sorry. Run among the stars Ava. That was a wonderful tribute to your heartdog. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BertnLil Posted March 23, 2012 Share Posted March 23, 2012 Oh, no Alicia. 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...
greypuppyluv Posted March 23, 2012 Share Posted March 23, 2012 I'm so sorry your special girl had to leave you. How lucky she was to have found you. Quote Paula & her pups--Paneer (WW Outlook Ladd), Kira & Rhett (the whippets)Forever in my heart...Tinsel (Born's Bounder - 11/9/90-12/18/01), Piper, Chevy, Keno, Zuma, Little One, Phaelin & WinnieGreyhound Adoption Center ~ So Cal rep for Whippet Rescue And Placement For beautiful beaded collars, check out my Facebook page: The Swanky Hound Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest FullMetalFrank Posted March 23, 2012 Share Posted March 23, 2012 Alicia, I can't tell you how sorry I am to hear of Ava's passing. I wish she could have stayed forever; not possible, I know, but sometimes it just seems like it should be. Time will help to heal your hearts; Ava knew she was loved, of that I am sure. Godspeed, pretty girl.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
3greytjoys Posted March 23, 2012 Share Posted March 23, 2012 Alicia, I am so very sorry for your loss of your special Ava... your wonderful heart girl. You were so thoughtful to give her a final gift of being able to relax in her own home surrounded by those she loved most. Godspeed Ava... That was a lovely memorial for your beloved girl. Caring hugs to you, your husband, Augie, and your extended family. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Greydawg Posted March 23, 2012 Share Posted March 23, 2012 Sending you my heartfelt sympathy. Quote Cheryl - "Mom" to RUNNER (Gunnah, born 6/15/2012) and FARGO (Ridin Shotgun, born 8/21/2015). Missing my Grey-Angels HEISMAN (RX Heisman) (3/29/2005-2/1/2016) and ALEX (Bevenly) (4/15/2005-6/7/2018). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Batmom Posted March 23, 2012 Share Posted March 23, 2012 I'm so sorry she had to leave you. Run with the wind, 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...
Guest FastDogsOwnMe Posted March 23, 2012 Share Posted March 23, 2012 Oh no! I'm so terribly sorry Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FiveRoooooers Posted March 23, 2012 Share Posted March 23, 2012 Your tribute to Ava is beautiful and truly captures the bond shared between hearts. I'm so sorry for the pain yours is in right now, that is proof of life and love well lived. Hugs to you and your family, and a special one for Augie. Godspeed Ava, supermodel girl 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...
JackieDog Posted March 23, 2012 Share Posted March 23, 2012 I'm sorry Cathy Quote Suzie aka CBJ Fly Sonic (b. 07 Feb 2015) and missing: Homer aka Atoscocita Homer (05 Oct 2010- 16 Nov 2021) Xena the Galgo aka Xene the Bean (? 2009- 6 Sep 2018) Jackie aka Katie aka Sun Blaze (16 April 2001- 14 April 2014) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FountainLady Posted March 23, 2012 Share Posted March 23, 2012 I'm so very sorry. I hope the pain and emptiness you feel now - will soon be replaced with warm and happy Ava memories .... that will bring smiles to your face, not tears. Quote CORY and CRICKET - Solitary Tremble & CASPER - Pj's Mia Farrow* With CAPT. GUS - Solitary Trigger, RAINY - Peach Rain, PUP - Red Zepher, DOC - CTW Fort Sumpterand MAX - Shiowa's Silver Maxamillion / Afghan .... all waiting at the bridge Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest goofydog Posted March 23, 2012 Share Posted March 23, 2012 Godspeed sweet and sassy Ava. for you Alicia and Daddy. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Trihounds Posted March 23, 2012 Share Posted March 23, 2012 That is a very touching tribute, even if it is all you could write. I am so sorry for your loss of Ava. Quote Doe's Bruciebaby Doe's Bumper Derek Follow my Ironman journeys and life with dogs, cats and busy kids: A long road Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
heartdogs Posted March 23, 2012 Share Posted March 23, 2012 Alica,Hubby, & Augie I am so sorry your sassy friend had to leave. Run pain free Ava you will have many friends at the bridge. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Riverhound Posted March 23, 2012 Share Posted March 23, 2012 :f_pink Quote Masterful Joe and Naughty N Nice Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
XTRAWLD Posted March 23, 2012 Share Posted March 23, 2012 Sorry to hear this news. That story made me teary eyed. Hugs to you. Quote Proudly owned by:10 year old "Ryder" CR Redman Gotcha May 201012.5 year old Angel "Kasey" Goodbye Kasey Gotcha July 2005-Aug 1, 2015 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheFullHouse Posted March 23, 2012 Share Posted March 23, 2012 I'm so very sorry for your loss. Godspeed Ava. 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...
Charlies_Dad Posted March 23, 2012 Share Posted March 23, 2012 Alicia, I am so very sorry you had to say goodbye. You did good by Ava and gave her a nice calm send off and she was surrounded with love. Run free Ava, 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...
Neighsayer Posted March 23, 2012 Share Posted March 23, 2012 I'm so sorry. Hugs! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
misspiggy Posted March 23, 2012 Share Posted March 23, 2012 So sorry That tribute was wonderful, still crying Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
racindog Posted March 23, 2012 Share Posted March 23, 2012 (edited) My heart is breaking for you. So much love surrounds Ava and always has. I am praying for the Good Shepherd to bring you some peace amid the tears in this terrible storm. "For love is as strong as death.... Many waters cannot quench love, nor can the floods drown it. If a man would give for love all the wealth of his house, it would be utterly despised." -Song of Solomon 8:6-7 :f_pink :f_pink Edited March 23, 2012 by racindog Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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