Canine Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia (AIHA & IMHA) - A sweet tribute for those who have crossed

Hello to our dear friends here, I haven't posted much lately, but not a day goes by where I don't think about everyone's sweet pups and how IMHA has changed our lives forever. Tiggs is doing so well, my heart is so happy that he's in remission and so happy looking that no one can believe the struggles he's been through with IMHA and ITP. On June 8th, we lost our beloved senior dog Winnie, age 14.5. Tiggs has spent his whole life with her, and we were so worried that her loss might cause a traumatic relapse. Tiggs spent Winnie's last day with her, we took just the two of them to McDonalds for cheeseburgers and ice cream, and we cuddled on the back deck in the sunlight. The vet came to our home, and under dappled sunlight with a gentle breeze, we helped our sweet Winn cross the bridge. Tiggs was with her both before and after she crossed. It was as beautiful and gentle as it could be, and our hearts are broken, the hole is huge. Winnie did live a long, full life, having been my first rescue dog as a grown up, I adopted her when I was 21 years old from the Humane Society in Colorado where I was living at the time. Tiggs was also adopted from the same place when Winnie was 8 years old. Life seems to move on, whether we are emotionally ready or not, and the hole our furkids leave is unimaginable. As many of you sadly know, some days you just cry at the drop of the hat because a memory, a smell, an experience calls your lost furkid to mind. We ordered this beautiful stepping stone mosaic from an artist on Etsy and I wanted to share this with you because I see Winn each and every day now in our garden. Tiggs had the most peculiar reaction to the stone when we placed it in the yard, he stared, whined, then layed down in front of it. My husband, the skeptical scientest was absolutely speechless. I hope that some of you might find this a nice way to remember your loved ones. Karen, the artist, does incredible work: http://tinyurl.com/2a24pwy My thoughts are always here, even if I am not always on the board, our best, melissa and tiggs (and honey and beans the foster dog)

Melissa slc

Dear Melissa, I would like to send you my sincere condolences on the loss of Winnie. She was a big part of a very important time in your life. I am so glad Tiggs is doing fine. I think of him a lot. He was such an inspiration when Kahlu fought his battle. I love the stepping stones, thank you for sharing! Best wishes and a big Canadian bear hug for Tiggs, Brigitte & the poodle boys

Brigitte BC Canada

Dear Melissa, You have my heartfelt sympathy on the loss of Winnie. She was such a lucky dog to have found you for her Mom. It is wonderful that Tiggs is doing well. You have been an inspiration to us during Tootsie's fight of the last year. Tootsie is also doing well. We also have a senior dog (13.5 year old standard poodle)and I know how precious they are. Give Tiggs a big hug from Barb and Tootsie

Barb Ohio

Melissa, Thank you for sharing. I know it doesn't matter how long we have them it still hurts so much to say goodbye. The stone is beautiful and your story reminds me of when my sister had an oil painting made of our Salome. Our boy Caleb sat in front of it and whimpered and barked as if he could get a response if he tried hard enough. I am glad that Tiggs is doing so well and I am sure when you are ready he will have a new playmate to share his days with. Take care Penny

Penny Lytle Creek Calif

Melissa, I too am very sorry to hear of your loss of Winnie. All of our furkids weave their way into our hearts, and 14.5 years for you represents most of your adult life. You are greatly admired for helping so many of us here at the forum and especially for your help and support when our Cooper was fighting the IMHA demons. I am confident that the pain of loosing Winnie will subside in time and you will find it in your heart to rescue another wonderful dog to be Tiggs companion. Ron and Cooper

Ron Florida

Thank you all so much for your kind words and thoughts. Fortunately for Tiggs, we live in a crazy dog household (occupational hazard of working in Animal Welfare and rescue), so he has another canine sister Honey who has been keeping him happy and active and we have a foster dog named Beans, who is a sweet senior. I think they all support each other and are great companions to one another. Dogs are just amazing, arent' they? I love that one quote, "Dogs are not our whole life, but they make our lives whole." I can't remember who said it, but that is so true. Though in my life, they kind of are my whole life :) Best wishes to our friends here, melissa and tiggs

melissa slc

Melissa, I think you pretty much summed up everything perfectly. Dogs are incredible animals and give so much more back to us and teach us so much more than we teach them. I am sorry to hear about Winnie. I can imagine it may be easier to know that she lived a long life but then again, that is more time to share the bond. I believe that dogs just cram so much more love and excitement into everyday because their lives are so much shorter. They just shape us and develop us in so many ways. Winnie...R.I.P. -Darren

Darren Long Beach

Aw Melissa, I'm so sorry for your loss. I'm sure Winnie was extra special and I'm just so happy to know she got to share her life with you all. Sounds like a memorable crossing over for her and I'm glad she got to do it in the presence of the ones she loved. I'm glad Tiggs took it alright and didn't have any problems. Also good to hear he's responding so well. Is he off meds now? GREAT IDEA...the garden stone! I'm going to have to keep this in mind. Such a wonderfull way to remember the loved ones! "Dogs are not our whole life, but they make our lives whole." Nice...I'm stealing this from you! :) Hugs to your crew. Johnny & Tessy

Johnny

Dear Melissa Winnie was one lucky dog to have been rescued and loved by you and your family, may she run free with all those other doggies. I too am glad Tiggsy is doing fine - I love hearing about dogs in remission - one day hopefully they will find a cure for all this stuff. Best wishes from me Silka

Silka Melbourne Australia

Melisa, I am so sorry to hear of Winnies passing, you gave her such a loving fulfilled life. I am so glad to hear Tiggs is doing okay Take care laurie and Wylie

Laurie CA

This thread was discussed between 28/06/2010 and 02/07/2010

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