Canine Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia (AIHA & IMHA) - My Beautiful Cody is gone.........

Thru endless tears and a broken heart,I'm sorry to say my boy has passed. Cody had been improving, as some of you know from our last post. Yesterday we were playing ball in the backyard, and than 3:00 this morning he started bleeding from his stomach area thru his skin....he had been shaved on his belly 6 months ago to do his ultra-sound...the hair never grew back....and blood literally started pouring out of him....we rushed him to the 24 hr. Hospital here, and they said his skin had gotten like tissue paper from the meds...they couldn't stop the bleeding and wouldn't be able to stitch him. The diabetes he developed thru his AIHA treatments complicated EVERYTHING!! He also had developed cataracts on both eyes and was starting to lose some vision...when playing ball he couldn't catch it anymore......This is the 4th dog I've had to put to sleep in 2 years.....Harley and Shadow were older and succumbed to cancer, but my rescue puppy Halow had Parvo, and now Cody. I know he's safe now and we don't have to worry that he'd bleed to death...Thank God I was standing right next to him when this started and he didn't suffer a horrible death, had we not been home. Thank you everyone for your caring and wonderful information....for alittle while there I did have hope for Cody...I love him with all my heart and soul, and will see him again someday...........Tammy and Cody

Tammy/Cody N.J.

Tammy, I am so sorry to read that Cody has passed, and that it was such a scary night for you. My deepest sympathies to you during this time. Please know that your Cody is now out of pain. You will see your dear friend again. You are in our thoughts! Jessi

Jessi BC

Tammy, My heartfelt condolences to you and your family. Times like this are so hard to understand. Cody was fortunate to have had you for his Mom and I know you will see him again. You are in our prayers. Barb and Tootsie

Barb Ohio

As some of you know,Cody was only 2 1/2 yrs. old......he was a beautiful golden shepherd/chow mix, but looked like a shepherd. He was the sweetest, kindest, most gentle soul...we believe he had this rotten disease since he was 2 months old...cause unknown...maybe vaccines or rabies shot, don't know. What I do know is he fought VERY HARD, and was a courageous, wonderful best friend thru all of this.......you know, he never complained........right now, my pain is unbearable, as unfortunately, some of you can relate to........May GOD Bless you and your amazing fur-babies always, Tammy

Tammy/Cody N.J.

Dear Tammy, I am so sorry you lost your buddy Cody at such a young age. Of course I don't know exactly how you feel, but I have a pretty good idea. What helped me, was focusing on something positive. I started to involve my Agility group in fundraising for Meisha's Hope and educating people about AIHA/IMHA. Sometimes I still get a lump in my throat when I talk about Kahlu, but it feels good to let people know about this rare condition. Check out the loss and grief link on Meisha's Hope when you are ready. It also helped me to do some reading there. Time will heal your broken heart and the great memories of Cody's short life will be with you always. With sincere condolences, Brigitte & the poodle boys

Brigitte BC Canada

Dear Tammy It was very distressing to read your post this morning!!! I am new to this discussion group and your email made me cry. I am so very sorry for your tragic loss. What a dreadful way to lose your boy. Thank goodness you were home and with him! You did the right thing for Cody, and I am sure he was comforted by your presence. Losing a special pet, is hard at the best of times. To lose one so young, and so suddenly is especially difficult. Please know that our thoughts are with you right now. Hang in there, I know the pain seems unbearable right now, but it will ease over time. Hugs to you and your family. MAUREEN AND MERCEDES

Maureen BC Canada

Tammy, What a frightening end to what has been a long and brave battle both Cody and you fought together...and it was fate that you were with him when this last event occured.Your presence would have removed any fear and loneliness that Cody would have faced without you...always remember you were there for him without fail since the day you rescued him. I agree with Brigitte in that in time you need to channel the grief and anger into something positive otherwise it could destroy you and stop you enjoying the wonderful memories that I'm sure you have with Cody. However everything is too raw at the moment and you just need to give yourself time to take in and accept what was an unexpected and abrupt ending to a hard fought illness. Run free dear Cody...and may your spirit comfort and take care of your Mom who misses you so. Take great care Tammy Kathleen and Nollaig

Kathleen North Ayrshire

Tammy, a friend sent this to me this morning. Maybe you have already seen it, but it made me think of you and Cody. Best wishes, Brigitte & the poodle boys A Dog's Purpose? (From a 6-year-old). Being a veterinarian, I had been called to examine a ten-year-old Irish Wolfhound named Belker. The dog's owners, Ron, his wife Lisa, and their little boy Shane, were all very attached to Belker, and they were hoping for a miracle. I examined Belker and found he was dying of cancer. I told the family we couldn't do anything for Belker, and offered to perform the euthanasia procedure for the old dog in their home. As we made arrangements, Ron and Lisa told me they thought it would be good for six-year-old Shane to observe the procedure. They felt as though Shane might learn something from the experience. The next day, I felt the familiar catch in my throat as Belker's family surrounded him. Shane seemed so calm, petting the old dog for the last time, that I wondered if he understood what was going on. Within a few minutes, Belker slipped peacefully away. The little boy seemed to accept Belker's transition without any difficulty or confusion. We sat together for a while after Belker's Death, wondering aloud about the sad fact that animal lives are shorter than human lives. Shane, who had been listening quietly, piped up, ''I know why.'' Startled, we all turned to him. What came out of his mouth next stunned me. I'd never heard a more comforting explanation. It has changed the way I try to live. He said,' People are born so that they can learn how to live a good life -- like loving everybody all the time and being nice, right?'' The Six-year-old continued,' Well, dogs already know how to do that, so they don't have to stay as long.''

Brigitte BC Canada

Tammy, I am so sorry to hear about your Cody. I lost my Riley as well this week, so I'm sure these two new angels are learning the ropes at the Bridge together! Take care of yourself during this tough time. Brigitte, I love your story. I'd read it before but had completely forgotten it. Jennifer

Jennifer

Tammy, I am deeply saddened to hear this news. I too thought things were heading in the right direction for you and Cody. He was so young and didn't deserve to leave this early. My deepest sympathies and condolences to you and your family. Cody has lots of new friends at the bridge to play with and keep him company until the day you are reunited. Run Free Cody. Johnny & Tessy

Johnny

Dear Tammy, I am so very sorry to hear about your loss of darling Cody. He definitely was a fighter, and you were both blessed to have each other - even if it was for such a short time. Cody knows you did everything to help him, and I hope you find comfort in that. No more pain for Cody - he is running free at the Bridge with all the other dogs taken too soon by this awful disease. Please accept my deepest condolences on your loss, Sam & Millie.

Samantha Geelong Australia

Tammy, I am so sorry for you....I can only say that my heart is with you. You are a fighter as was your boy Cody. These types of losses are just so sad. I don't know what else to say except that I am so very sorry for your loss. Sincerely, Darren

Darren Long Beach

Tammy Please accept my condolences in the loss of Cody. I was so very sorry to read that Cody had gone to the rainbow bridge. I had been following Cody's courageous battle since the beginning and was very encourage that he began to show some improvement however Cody had been fighting a few major battles with the diabetes and AIHA and now he will no longer be suffering and off all his med's and running pain free at the bridge. You gave Cody such a wonderful life and were with him for a final goodbye and I don't think any dog could ask for anything more. R.I.P Cody Cheryl & Ginger "A Loan From God" God promised at the birth of time, A special friend to give, His time on earth is short, He said, So love him while he lives. It may be for eight or ten years, Or only two or three, But will you, till I call him back, Take care of him for Me? A wagging tail and cold wet nose, And silken velvet ears, A heart as big as all outdoors, To love you through the years. His puppy ways will gladden you, And antics bring a smile, As guardian or friend he will, Be loyal all the while. He'll bring his charms to grace your life, And though his stay be brief, When he's gone the memories, Are solace for your grief. I cannot promise he will stay, Since all from earth return, But lessons only a dog can teach, I want you each to learn. I've looked the whole world over, In search of guardians true, And from the folk that crowd life's land, I have chosen you. Whatever love you give to him, Returns in triple measure, Follow his lead and gain a life, Brim full of simple pleasures. Enjoy each day as it comes, Allow your heart to guide, Be loyal and steadfast in love, As the dog there by your side. Now will you give him all your love, Nor think the labor vain, Nor hate me when I come to call, To take him back again? I fancy each of us would say, Dear Lord, thy will be done, For all the joys this dog shall bring, The risk of grief we'll run. We'll shelter him with tenderness, We'll love him while we may, And for the happiness we've known, Forever grateful stay. But should the angels call for him, Much sooner than we've planned, We'll brave the bitter grief that comes, And try to understand. If by our love we've managed, God's wishes to achieve, In memory of him that we have loved, And to help us while we grieve;

Cheryl & Ginger Pinevile Pa

I am so very sorry for your loss of your friend Cody. My thoughts are with you.

Mardi Northern Calif

Dear Tammy - My deepest sympathy for your loss. You took care of your dearest Cody as well as you could and provided him with the best care he could have. You were there at the end and did what was very best for him. He knew that and he loves you still - You'll see him around - and you'll always feel him in your heart. You and Cody are both in my thoughts. Find Peace.

Lisa TX

Dear Tammy I would like to add my heartfelt condolences to all the others here, on the sad loss of dear Cody. Heartbreaking, but obviously lucky to have had you in his life taking care of him as well as you did. Im so sorry. Silka

Silka Melbourne Australia

Tammy, Please accept my deepest sympathies on the loss of your most beloved Cody. 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 very difficult days. Once again, my deepest sympathies on your loss. Be assured you are in my thoughts and prayers.

Joanne MN

Tammy, Your post brought tears to my eyes. I am so sorry for your losses both of Cody and your other dogs. I hope your memory of playing ball with Cody yesterday over rides the awfulness of todays events. You have been there for all your dogs and gone through so much more than a lot of owners would have gotten on board for. I think these special dogs are sent to us so that they may know absolute love and caring for their sometimes too short visit here on earth. Sharing in your sadness Hugs Penny

Penny Lytle Creek Calif

dear tammy. our deepest sympathy to you in your grief, at the loss of you lovely pal cody.as the pain lessens,the memories grow stronger. best wishes.john & amy

john & amy teesside uk

I am so sorry to hear about Cody.Our thoughts are with you. Lots of love, Corrie and Joey.xx

corrie marney Dagenham Essex

Dear Tammy -- I am so sorry to hear you lost your dear Cody to IMHA. It sounds like this young boy fought hard with you, and it also sounds like your last moments with him were were very difficult as he was bleeding badly. I am glad that you had those last moments playing ball, and that you were with him when he passed. You'll treasure those moments, because you'll take comfort knowing that the last thing he knew when he left this life was that you loved him and did all you could to give him a wonderful life and to save him from IMHA. It sounds as if you have lost several dear dogs in a short time, and I cannot imagine how hard Cody's passing is for you after these earlier losses. Please take care and let us know how you are doing. The wonderful people on this forum have been so important to me since I lost my dog to IMHA nearly five years ago. People here understand what you have been through as you and Cody fought IMHA, and they know the pain of the grief when the battle is over. My thoughts and prayers are with you. I hope you find peace knowing that Cody is at peace and that he is always with you in your heart.

Brenda VA

Dear Tammy,So sorry to hear your sad news,I know your darling Cody is now at peace my little girl went down a similar road when I lost her on the 26th Feb,rainbow bridge has so many angels arriving right now may they live life to the full there until we meet our darling friends againxx Diane

Diane Luton

Tammy, I am so very sorry for your loss of Cody. I know he will be running free and happy at Rainbow Bridge. ((Hugs)) Jess, Keiko and Hushi

Jess BC

I am so very sorry about your loss. I lost my beloved shipoo, Mickey, 2 months ago to IMHA. I know the pain you are going through. I was devastated. I came home from work on a Thursday and he couldn't move. He was fine on Wed. I took him to the vet and on Friday they told me their was nothing they could do for him. So I put him to sleep at 2:00 pm. He was 7 years old. I am still having a very difficult time with it. My deep sorrow, Kathy

Kathy Pittsburgh

Kathy, I am so very sorry to hear of the death of your most beloved Mickey to IMHA about 2 months ago. 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 very difficult days. Once again, my deepest sympathies to you on your loss.

Joanne MN

This thread was discussed between 18/04/2010 and 14/05/2010

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