Canine Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia (AIHA & IMHA) - From Brandi's Mom

My holiday has sucked as most of you know. I go from peaceful to a trigger that causes me to sob uncontrollably. I know this pain takes time to dull as I know it never really goes away. I got Brandi in May 2004 after I lost Cassie to Lymphosarcoma. Just as with Cassie I was incolsolable with grief. It was when I came across Brandi that things eventually started looking up. So with that we found a sweet 8 week old cocker and have named her Sadie. She is such a distraction to my grief but there are and will be times that I just break down. I had such a bond with Brandi, I think even closer than I had with Cassie because when cancer or AIHA/ITP or some STUPID devastating disease takes your loved furbaby it seems the next dog that comes along is so overprotected and the bond develops even deeper. There is no right or wrong time to get another dog. It totally depends on the person and what helps them the best. This is what gets me thru the grief. I must focus on Sadie and keep her safe and then I'll get a trigger or a thought and just break down. Some think I shouldn't have gotten another cocker because they are 30% of aiha dx's. That's a chance I'm gonna have to take because that breed is what suits me, I need cockers, they make me laugh, they totally love unconditionally and are just their own little uniques, sometimes neurotic personalities. I just wanted to let you all know. That's me, It's what I do. Not out of disrespect for Brandi but as a way to honor her that I DO have the will to love and care again no matter what the chance of illness might be. And it's because of Brandi that Sadie will now have to best of care, the best food, a very comfortable life and the care of a very good vet. For you still fighting - fight hard! For those questioning, look in your dogs eyes, into his or her soul and you'll see the answer. And know that your dog absolutely loves and adores you and knows that you are doing everything you can to help. Some work out good, some don't. I can't explain it but I am so happy that it IS beatable as the Success Stories on Meisha's Hope website prove it. Best regard, Teresa

Teresa OK

There is no right or wrong time to get a new pet. However, that love and caring for a new pet can soothe the tremendous grief felt in the loss of Brandi. All I can say is, Sadie is one blessed critter! You have been one dedicated pet owner. Sadie is bound for many, many, many years of love and "spoiling". SUE

Susie Delaware

Teresa, I understand completely. I lost Toby almost 3 weeks ago (hard to believe that much time as gone by already) and am in the process of looking for a new dog or puppy. As you mentioned, for me, it's the best way to honor him. It also helps me to have something positive to think about after so much sadness. Have fun with Sadie and give her all the hugs and kisses she can possibly handle. Karen H.

Karen H. MO

Only puppy breath can heal the hurt... I am speaking from much experience. You did the right thing for you, and that is all that counts. I am sure Brandi is very happy that you have Sadie to love and love you. I so much want and need puppy breath right now...but my yellow lab is old and did not take well to us bringing our young sibe in after we lost Wolfie. So we will wait a while, but the urge is overwhelming at times. I know we would definitely have Aiyanas blessing if we chose to bring another dog in, nothing would make my angel happier. Give Sadie a hug and belly rubs from me... and please get a good sniff of that puppy breath for me. blessings, Julie

Julie IL

I hope sweet Sadie helps you move through your grief, I'm sure that she was sent to you by Brandi! melissa and tiggs

melissa slc

Teresa, I am so happy that you have gotten a new dog! It does not disrespect Brandi or mean that you love her any less. I waited almost two months to get a new dog after my Sunny died of IMHA. I grieved more than I have ever grieved in my life and my new dog, Scooter immediately helped me to heal. She has been medicine for my soul. Hugs and prayers for you, Leslie

Leslie Oceanside

Teresa: I'm glad to hear you have a new dog. While Sadie will never replace Brandi, hopefully she can ease your heart and provide you with many, many years of joy and unconditional love. I think Brandi would be very happy and proud. Rita, Mike and Sheba

Rita IA

Teresa, it's called fuzz therapy :-), and it helped me tremendously after Bronwyn died. We called our breeder 2 days after she died to let her know what had happened and we arranged to get a puppy from the next litter sired by Bronwyn's father. So now we have Amy, Bronnie's half-sister, who looks something like her and who is definitely being taught quirky bad behavior by her sister from the bridge. Enjoy Miss Sadie, snug her often, and send me a whiff of that luscious puppy breath :-) Elizabeth

Elizabeth Baltimore

Teresa, you are so right, there is no right or wrong time to get another dog it is up to the individual and about what makes them happy. For me personally I could not live without the Springer madness and about a week after Holly passed I started to look for a new pup, partly for me and partly for my Ellie who was just so lost without her companion of 6 years. I did wonder when I brought Saffy, a 12 week old ESS home whether I had done the right thing as she was so full of mischief and combined with a 3 year old I certainly had my hands full! 2 months on and I know it was the right thing to do, she has cheered both myself and Ellie up no end and to see them playing tag in the fields and on the beach is a sight which fills my heart. For me, losing Holly was doubly hard as my husband was away with the Army at the time and I had to deal with it almost on my own, though my dad and his partner were visiting as it was my birthday the day before she died. Like you Saffy gave me a focus and though I have my gorgeous daughter I don't quite know how i got through the first awful couple of weeks where I was filled with self blame for not being observant enough. If this is what helps you through the grief then who cares, you're the one dealing with it. Sending you and Sadie lots of love and woofs and licks from my four legged friends! xx

Keri Lynn Wales UK

Teresa, I am happy you have a wonderful new cocker baby to maybe ease your heart some. I know exactly how you feel about choosing another cocker, if I lost my Molly I would be missing that wonderful, sweet total devotion I get from her. I know it is out of LOVE and devotion to your Brandi and Cassie that you let another baby into your heart. I hope you give Sadie a big kiss for me and maybe you can post a link so we can see a pic and celebrate your new baby... I am dying to know what color is she??? Cocker babies are sooooooooo darn CUTE! :) Amy

amy texas

Teresa Congratulations on your new puppy. I am sure Brandi would not mind especially since Sadie brings you so much joy and I don't think Brandi would want you to be so sad. I hope you will continue to be a part of this forum and offer your advice, opinions and support to those that are going through or will go through many of the same things you did with Brandi. Hopefully you can send us a link to some puppy photos of you new furbaby. We wish you and Sadie nothing but the best. Cheryl & Ginger

Cheryl & Ginger Pineville PA

Dear Teresa -- I am glad to hear that you have added a new little cocker to your family, Sadie, and that she is providing comfort to you after the loss of your dear Brandi to IMHA. You don't have to explain yourself to anyone here -- so many of us know personally of the same pain you are suffering, and we know that each of us has to decide how to deal with it. You have to do what works for you and brings you peace as you grieve. When you stop and think about it, what better way to honor a dear dog than to add another dog to your home in her memory. Your decisions after losing your dear Cassie and your dear Brandi make clear that the love of your beautiful dogs meant so much to you, that you wanted another dog to love and to love you. Brandi and Cassie each have special places in your heart that belong only to them.

Brenda VA

I was really surprised when I heard about the high rate of aiha in Cockers. I had one for 18 years and had never heard of this disease. Needless to say I believe your Sadie will be around for a long time. In contrast I lost my lab Shea at only 15 months to aiha, and they are not statisticly on the list. Be happy, enjoy Sadie. You are not replacing your other dogs, just adding to the family. Irene

Irene Arizona

It definitely does help ease the pain I have had a new pupply now for about six months, and I am just now coming to terms with what happened. He is a most lively and healthy little fellow and I don't think I will ever complain about holes in the garden and chewing things up ever again. Just to see a healthy enegetic little guy is therapy for me.

Julie Australia

This thread was discussed between 29/12/2008 and 31/12/2008

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