Canine Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia (AIHA & IMHA) - Goodbye Toby

We had to say goodbye to Toby today. I can't stop crying. His spleen burst and he was bleeding internally. I knew something was wrong when he refused to drink or eat all day today. Then he was unable to stand up and hold his head up. When it was time for him to leave, he let me know. I am going to miss his annoying bark and chasing his tail till he falls over, and treeing squirrels and raccoons. This disease is so wicked. It takes the dogs before their time. Toby was 11 but acted like a puppy. For a terrier, he was in the prime of life. Goodbye, Toby. You were loved by all who knew you. Mary

Mary Indiana

Mary, I am so sorry to hear about your Toby. I know this is so hard for you. And, yes, for a terrier, that is a very young age. You will be in my prayers. This disease is such a heartbreaker. Take care of yourself. Sue

Sue Moorpark

Mary, I am so sorry to read your news. Know that you tried your best to save Toby and unfortunately that is not always possible. Toby is now at the rainow bridge with a lot of our dogs healthy and carefree once more until you meet again. I hope in the days that come you can remember his funnier times with a smile instead of sadness. Sharing in your sadness Penny

Penny Lytle Creek Calif

Mary, I am very sorry to hear about Toby. Please try and be strong by knowing you did all you could for him. Steve

Steve Va

Mary, I am so sorry to hear about your Toby. Know of my thoughts and prayers... Ann Marie

Ann Marie FL

Dear Mary -- I am sorry to hear that you lost your dear Toby to this damned disease. Please know that you did all that you could for him to help him fight, and you made the best decisions you could. Your memories of your loving life together will be a great comfort as you grieve. Please take care and let us know how you're doing.

Brenda VA

I am so very sorry that Toby has gone on ahead. We hurt so bad when our furry kids have to leave. You are not alone as many of us have traveled this unwanted road. Please take care of yourself and remember all the memories. Someone once said to me: "don't cry because it's over, laugh because it was". Almost impossible to do for quite some time after losing a furkid...for me it's been 6 years and I still talk to/with Stormie every day but the pain does lessen...for me it never goes away but Stormie is well now and so is Toby. Take care.

Mrs. Gates Michigan

Thank you for your comforting notes. A couple of hours after we released Toby there was a big thunder storm. It was appropriate and fit my mood. Then afterward my neighbor, who loved Toby too, called and told me to quick look out my window. There was a beautiful rainbow. Upon closer look, we noticed it was a double rainbow. Stan says there was a dog coming down on one rainbow and Toby going back up on the 2nd one. Mary

Mary Indiana

Mary, I am so very sorry to hear of the loss of your most beloved Toby. When you feel up to it, I hope you will visit the Loss & Grief page at the Meisha's Hope AIHA/IMHA Web site: http://www.cloudnet.com/~jdickson/loss.htm This page was written with input from those who have lost their dogs to AIHA/IMHA and contains many resources that will be very helpful to you during these most difficult days. Please know you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.

Joanne MN

Mary I am so sorry you had to let Toby go - I lost my little Sadie (cocker spaniel) on 5/10/08 to this horrible disease. She was only 3 and it has been one of the roughest months of my life - I miss her so much. I did find this poem and it brought a small amount of comfort - hopefully it will bring some to you. You and Toby are both in my prayers Sherie Last Night I stood by your bed last night; I came to have a peep. I could see that you were crying you found it hard to sleep. I whined to you softly as you brushed away a tear, "It's me, I haven't left you, I'm well, I'm fine, I'm here." I was close to you at breakfast, I watched you pour the tea, You were thinking of the many times your hands reached down to me. I was with you at the shops today; your arms were getting sore. I longed to take your parcels, I wish I could do more. I was with you at my grave today; you tend it with such care. I want to reassure you, that I'm not lying there. I walked with you towards the house, as you fumbled for your key. I gently put my paw on you; I smiled and said, "It's me." You looked so very tired, and sank into a chair. I tried so hard to let you know, that I was standing there. It's possible for me to be near you every day. To say to you with certainty, "I never went away." You sat there very quietly, then smiled, I think you knew... In the stillness of that evening, I was very close to you. The day is over...I smile and watch you yawning And say, "Goodnight, God bless, I'll see you in the morning." And when the time is right for you to cross the brief divide, I'll rush across to greet you and we'll stand, side by side. I have so many things to show you, there is so much for you to see. Be patient, live your journey out...then come home to be with me. — Author Unknown -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Get trade secrets for amazing burgers. Watch "Cooking with Tyler Florence" on AOL Food.

Sherie Saranac

Thank you for your poem. That was really nice. Mary

Mary Indiana

Mary I am so sorry to hear about Toby. I truly know how you feel and my heart and thoughts are with you. This is the most horrible disease, most of us have not even heard of it until it strikes. know that you did everything that you could for him and that he knew and loved you. Let that rainbow be a sign to let you know that Toby has been met and shown to the rainbow bridge and that they are taking care of him for you. Thinking of you. Sue.

Sue UK

I am so sorry to hear about Toby. Know that Toby is free of pain and illness and he loves you as you love him. Thoughts & prayers with you and your family.

Ronda So Cal

Mary, Our thoughts and prayers are with you in the loss of Toby. Just remember he is still chasing his tail and hunting squirrels and raccoons and having fun, you just cannot see him, but I believe at Rainbow Bridge all the furry ones are having fun. Linda

Linda Sapphire

Sue,I'm so sorry to hear about Toby. My thoughts and prayers are with you all Tricia

Tricia UK

I am so sorry t hear about your Toby. I cry with each death I read of. Maybe someday there will be a cure, or even better, a preetion for this horrible disease.

Sandra Texas

This thread was discussed between 06/06/2008 and 10/06/2008

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