Canine Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia (AIHA & IMHA) - Cassies Story

It only seems 5 minutes ago when I posted my first story about our beautiful Keeshond, Cassie (Cassies Story Jan. 2008) but how the years fly by. Well, like all stories, at some point they have to end and today our tale came to its ultimate fruition and the times of joy at her recovery (twice), have now turned to unbelivable sadness as her time on this mortal coil has come to an end. She was a fighter our daughter, from the first diagnosis through to her recovery and then the same battle 2 years later when she succombed to this horrible thing yet again. Once more she showed how brave she was to go through yet anouther seemingly endless bout of pills and potions, but helped a lot by the care, love and devotion and a resolute determination to help her fight once more to battle the evils of this ghastly disease from us her adoring two footed parents. This time though it wasn't the AIHA that got hold of her again but an unforseen and ultimately vicious kidney disease that proved too much for her to handle and today was the saddest day of our lives when we had to make that ultimate sacrifice and rid our baby girl of all her pain. I pray to god that I never have to feel like this ever again because the void in our lives and our hearts is the biggest chasm you could imagine and one that, no matter what anybody can say or do, will never be filled. Our only joy is the 9 years of unadulterated joy, happiness, devotion and all the other superlatives you can think of, that Cassie gave to us whilst she was here. From that little puppy of 8 weeks who came bounding down the garden to greet me when Sue brought her home for the first time, to the battles she fought and won over the past few years, to the memories that she left us with today. Please have faith all of you that may read this that this disease can be beaten and trust that some day, someone will find a reason it should blight us and come up with enough research to prevent it ever happening to any of your loved ones ever again. Cassie was our baby, she was our yesterday and our today, but above all she will always be our tomorrow because love does that to you. If you do nothing else but look at this as just another sad story, please remember one thing that has seen us through all this time of anguish. I know they can't speak and I know you all wish they could, I know things happen and you don't know what to do to help them, but wish you could and I know how much you wish you could take all the pain away, but you can't. But there's one thing you can do which they understand. Fill every day with love, understanding, patience and pleasure that he or she brings your way because those are the things that are precious to you and to them throughout the whole of eternity. Cassie, we love you. Sleep tight baby xxx

Steve & Sue Jardine Isle of Wight. UK

Steve and Sue, I am so sorry for your loss. Cassie was so lucky to have such great parents. I lost my dear girl in 2006 to this awful disease as well. It took over a year before I finally was able to think of her with a smile instead of tears. Today it is more like a wistfulness instead of the raw rip your heart out kind of pain I know you must be feeling. I hope that all the love and memories of your Cassie will help mend your broken hearts. Sharing in your sorrow Penny

Penny Lytle Creek Calif

Steve and Sue: We are terribly sorry for your loss. We recently had to help our 3+ year IMHA survivor, Sheba, to the Bridge because her degenerative myelopathy was getting worse. So we understand your pain and the huge void left in your hearts by your Cassie's passing. She sounds like she was a wonderful dog and that you were blessed by her presence in your lives. You should feel proud of the obvious love and devotion you had for Cassie. While they may no longer be here with us physically, we hope you, too, know that our cherished dogs are in our hearts forever. We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers. Rita, Mike and (angel) Sheba

Rita IA

Please accept my heartfelt condolences in the loss of your sweet Cassie. May her spirit be with always until you meet again. Cheryl & Ginger

Cheryl & Ginger Pinevile PA

Dear Steve and Sue, Your loss brought me again to tears for many I have shed since yesterday afternoon when we learned That our baby Chi, 8 yr. Old, 9lb. Shih Tzu, has this terrible disease. We had never heard of AIHA and now It will forever change our lives. Chi spent the night in our vets home; she wanted to monitor him closely as she started the initial course of treatment. I was in shock and didn't comprehend what it would be like not knowing how he was doing through the night and what laid ahead. I've read a lot of info about AIHA, since yesterday and your sharing you baby's journey was so loving and sad. Right now we want just a few more tomorrows with Chi, if he survives this initial crisis. I know we will never want to let him go....we are so sorry for your loss! Jewell and Mark

Jewell Powell Fairhope al

Steve and Sue and I am,so sorry to hear of Cassies passing. My heart goes out ot you and thank you for sharing your heartfelt story. Laurie and Wylie

Laurie CA

Thank you all so much for your kind thoughts they really mean the world. We brought Cassie home today so she's back here where she belongs and with us for evermore. Our thoughts are with you all and your loved ones...keep fighting and keep telling them you love them every day. They understand.

Steve & Sue Isle of Wight. UK

Steve and Sue, I'm so sorry for your loss. Cassie's surrounded by some very special friends now while she waits for you! Run free Cassie. Johnny & Tessy

Johnny

Steve and Sue, Your post said the words of the love, hope, loss, and pain that all of us have felt when facing IMHA and losing our beloved dogs tom this disease. I remember crying, numbness, pain, devastation, and guilt as I worked through the grief of losing our beloved beagle, Wiley, to IMHA six years ago. I felt in a deep, black, hole for a long time, because she was our baby, as your dear Cassie was to you. But I finally came around to the views that you've shared. We tried to always let Wiley know she was loved, and we were willing to do almost anything to save her, short of causing her more suffering. I also came to realize that she was such a happy girl who brought so much love, fun, and joy to our lives, so it was unfair to her memory to always think of her in sadness. We still miss her every day; don't think the pain will ever really go away, bit it's better now. Please take care of yourselves and take comfort in your memories of your wonderful life together.

Brenda VA

This thread was discussed between 13/06/2011 and 23/06/2011

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