Canine Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia (AIHA & IMHA) - Bully...

I am sad to report our almost-12 year old Schnauzer Bully lost his two (or three) week fight with IMHA this morning. we made the decision to let him go after his condition worsened this weekend. He wouldn't eat, he was wasting away, he had to be carried outside...it was heartbreaking. His final red count was 10, up a bit from 8 on friday but the vet thought he was much worse...more jaundiced, weaker, and more dehydrated. she thought the count was up a teeny bit because of the dehydration. Bully simply didn't respond to any of the protocols. We considered trying to keep him going with more transfusions but his recovery chances were getting slimmer by the day. We decided it was best to give him some much needed rest...he was a hollow shell of the crazy, loving, nutty schnauzer who blessed our lives for a dozen years. We are beyond heartbroken but we have two other dogs and Bully gave us so much love and joy. It was the best 12 years of our lives. Thanks to everyone who advised and supported me here these past 2 weeks. it meant more to me than i can say. I wish I had a better outcome to share with you all. More, I wish this awful disease would stop randomly claiming the lives and emotions of so many great animals and the people who love them. Here's hoping any of you struggling now can win this battle. Meantime, our big guy is running free and we'll see him on the other side.

Mitch Goldman Cape Elizabeth ME USA

Mitch, I know how heartbroken you are right now but you were strong enough to let Bully go when you knew he needed to go. That has to be one of the hardest loving gestures anyone has to do. I hope the memories of the happy 12 years you had with him will help ease some of the pain in time. Take care Penny

Penny Lytle Creek Calif

I know it is hard now but you did the right thing. I have been through it and Drago let me know when it was time to give up the fight. It doesn't get easier but you learn to live with the loss. My sympathies. Sue

Sue K PA

Sorry to hear of your loss Mitch. It was a hard fight and you did all you could. Bully is running free now and you'll see him again someday. My thoughts and prayers are with you during these hard times. Johnny & Tessy

Jonathan

I am so sorry to hear about Bully, you did everything possible Laurie To Mitch Remember Me Remember me when flowers bloom Early in the spring Remember me on sunny days In the fun that summer brings Remember me in the fall As you walk through the leaves of gold And in the wintertime, remember me In the stories that are told. But most of all remember Each day, right from the start I will be forever near For I live within your heart Author unkown

Laurie CA

mitch- i am so sorry to hear this news about bully... my thoughts are with you guys josh

josh california

Dear Mitch, I am so brokenhearted to hear about Bully. 12 is really a young age for a tenacious Schnauzer. On behalf of GIANT, the 15 year old forum for Giant Schnauzer owners around the world, I send our deepest sympathy to your family in this time of great loss. Many of our families own Miniature Schnauzers as well and they call them their "Pocket Giants." I have known many of the Giants now awaiting Bully at the Rainbow Bridge to play and I can assure you that he will be in good "paws." Please accept my deepest condolences. patrice

Patrice NYS

Mitch, We mourn with you. Sue & Tim

Susie Delaware

Dear Mitch and Family: I am truly sorry for the loss of your Bully. You did everything you could possible do to save him and had the courage to let him go when he was ready. Unfortunately there is no way around the pain we feel when our pets or anyone we love dies. You can't go over it or under it, or around it...Going through it is what will help you heal. In time you will be able to look back on the great times you had with Bully over the last 12 and your tears will be replace with your happy memories. Cheryl & Ginger

Cheryl & Ginger Pineville PA

Mitch, I am so very sorry for your loss. May God give you peace and comfort. Karen

Karen NC

Thinking of you at this sad time. RIP Bully x

Samantha Perth Australia

Mitch, Out thoughts and prayers are with you in the loss of Bully. You will think of those best 12 years of your life all the time with Bully, and he will also remember the best 12 years of his life with you. Linda

Linda Sapphire

Mitch, I was so crushed to read this news today, I'm thinking of you and your family, and of course, sweet Bully. Prayers and hugs, melissa and tiggs

melissa slc

Dear Mitch, I am so sorry, please accept my deepest condolensces. It is the hardest thing in the world to do what you did for Bully. My thoughts and prayers are with you, Christine

Christine

We are so sorry for your loss. You will have no problem keeping this special boy in your heart for ever. You and your family are in my thoughts. Brigitte

Brigitte BC Canada

My condolences in your time of sorrow. I have been there and know your pain. Again, Soooo Sorry for your loss.

Sue K PA

Mitch - I was so sad to read your note yesterday and am so very sorry that Bully could not beat this. I hope in time you gain comfort from your memories of twelve very good years together and knowing that, at the end, you were able to do what was best for him. Take care of yourself and, again, I'm so sorry for your loss. Bonnie

Bonnie Chicago

Mitch, I cried when I read your beautiful post about Bully. It is so heartbreaking to make these tough decisions, but it is the act of ultimate love. Having been down this path just a few months ago, I can tell you, at least for me, happy memories are beginning to replace heart-wrenching loss. You never forget them -- these special dogs like Bully will always have a place in our hearts. Sharon

Sharon CT

Dear Mitch, Thank you for sharing Bully's story with us. I'm so very sorry for your loss. It sounds like you did all you could for him before you had to say goodbye. Hug your other two dogs tight. Run free, Bully boy Leslie

Leslie

This thread was discussed between 16/03/2009 and 17/03/2009

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