Canine Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia (AIHA & IMHA) - My Sweet Maddie

Many of you on here know of my Sweet Maddie (not an AIHA/IMHA dog, we adopted her 7 weeks after the death of our dear Meisha). Around 3 AM this morning Maddie had a stroke. We called the ER vet and they thought it might be just a sizure of some type. I waited until 6 AM and then called my vet on his cell phone. Even though it was his day off, he said to bring her in and he would see her (that's the kind of guy he is). During the time we waited for the appointment David and I talked and we knew Maddie may not come home. After our vet saw Maddie he confirmed what we knew, that being she was in very bad shape with little to no hope for any kind of a recovery. I know I always say there is hope but sometime we just know when it is the end. Our vet confirmed this for us. At about 10 AM (central time) today, our dear sweet Maddie left this world. She like the rest our girls will always live in our hearts. You can see a recent photo of Maddie on the bandanna info page: http://www.cloudnet.com/~jdickson/bandanna.htm She had several health issues but her sudden loss is a real shock to us. Today is the first day in over 36 years there has not been a dog in my house. Please give all your dogs a big hug in my dear Maddie's Memory.

Joanne MN

Very sorry to hear about Maddie. She found a good home with you and I'm sure felt plenty of love.

Steve VA

Joanne- So very sorry to hear about Maddie's passing...I'm grieving with you and for you and for us at the same time... Sway now has another buddy to play with in the sky-

Josh California

Joanne, I'm so devastated to read of Maddie's sudden passing. By your side, Maddie was a real champion for our furkids in honor of her canine sister Meisha, whom she never met, but she helped you carry Meisha's legacy and supported all of us in this battle. Our thoughts are with you and David during this very sad time. Maddie, like Meisha, and all the rest, will now be watching over us at the Bridge. Thank you both for everything you have done for our dear kids. melissa and tiggs

melissa slc

PS. Maddie was absolutely beautiful. She looked magnificent and proud in her bandana.

melissa slc

Joanne Maddie is gone from your life, but never to leave your heart.You will I'm sure adopt another fur baby when the time is right, we dog lovers have enough love in our hearts for lots of these precious darlings. May God comfort you both. Kathleen and Nollaig

Kathleen North Ayrshire

Joanne - I was so saddened to read your news - there's no understanding such an unexpected loss. Through your efforts, you have brought so much knowledge and hope to those of us who never knew of IMHA/AIHA until it hit us like a ton of bricks. So, I hope it can bring you some comfort at this sad time to know that the thoughts and prayers of all of us are with you and your family as you mourn the loss of Maddie. Bonnie

Bonnie Chicago

Dear Joanne, Before I even clicked on this link, I got a lump in my throat. I am so profoundly sorry to hear that Miss Maddie has gone to the bridge. There isnt words that will make your heart feel less heavy right now but I hope it brings you some peace to know that Maddie is in good company with her sis Margo and she finally gets to meet the one and only Meisha. These 3 pretty girls all had such a wonderful life because they had you as their mama. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Just as you have always been there for me and the countless others, know they we are here for you now. I will light an extra candle for your beautiful girl tonight..... ****Rest in Peace Sweet Girl Maddie**** With love, Teresa

Teresa va

Joanne, Please accept my deepest sympathy for your great loss. This was indeed a swift and untimely event. I hope that your emptiness will be filled eventually with wonderful memories of Maddie. my condolences patrice

Patrice NYS

Joanne, I'm so sorry to hear of Maddies passing. What a sad time. You and Maddie are in our thoughts and prayers. Chris & Alex

Chris Pa

Joanne, It is with great sadness to read about your dear Maddie. She has helped you carry the torch for many years and like Meisha will live forever in the hearts and souls of all that has come before this forum. You are indeed an inspiring woman and Maddie has been so blessed to have had you as her mom. Rest in peace sweet Maddie. Ron&Cooper

Ron Florida

Dear Joanne & David Please accept my deepest condolenses in the loss of your Maddie. I once read this in a book and it is so very true. "It is such a shame that our dogs lives are short, too short and we know that going in, we know that we are going to lose a dog and there will be so much sadness, so we live fully in the moment with them, never fail to share in their joy and love them with all our hearts, unfortunately giving our love to our pets often comes with an unbearable price." You and David have given Maddie a great life and she will live in your hearts forever. With sadness, Cheryl & Ginger

Cheryl & Ginger Pineville PA

Joanne, I'm so sad to hear of your loss. It is heartbreaking news. Hugs of comfort from Hubby Tim and myself. Sue & Ren

Susan delaware

Dear Joanne, I am so very sorry about your loss. Please accept my deepest sympathy. Just like Meisha, Maddie leaves a legacy and will never be forgotten. She lives on in your heart. Dogs are not our whole life, but they make our lives whole. Brigitte & Kahlu

Brigitte BC

Joanne: We were very sorry to hear that Maddie passed away today. She was a beautiful girl and will be greatly missed by many. May the wonderful memories of the joy and happiness she brought to you and your family comfort you in the days to come. You will be in our thoughts and prayers. Rita, Mike and Sheba

Rita IA

Hi Joanne, So sorry to hear about your sad loss of Maddie.. RIP Maddie.. Think of you and your family. Samantha & Madison

Samantha Perth Australia

Joanne, My heart is breaking for you and David. I can only imagine how empty your house must feel right now. Fortunately your hearts are still filled with all the love and memories of each of your sweet girls. They have all been so fortunate to have such loving parents. I wish I was closer so I could give you a big hug. Love Penny

Penny Lytle Creek Calif

Dear Joanne and David -- I am sorry to hear that your sweet Maddie has crossed the Bridge so suddenly. As strong as both of you are, I know this hits hard because you loved her so and it happened so suddenly. I am glad that you were with her and her last moments on Earth were enveloped in your love. And you thought of her best interests in the end. I know your memories of your life together will comfort you. Please take care and let us know if there's anything we can do for you.

Brenda VA

Joanne & David, The news of Maddie's passing is very heartbreaking. Maddie is now with Meisha at Rainbow and together they will take care of all up there! Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. Linda

Linda Sapphire

Dear Joanne, My deepest sympathies on the lost of your darling girl Maddie. May your happy memories of your time with Maddie give you comfort at this sad time. I will certainly hug Millie tonight in Maddie's memory. Thinking of you and David, Samantha & Millie.

Samantha Geelong

Joanne, My deepest sympathies .... They are always taken from us much too soon. Godspeed Maddie, run free at the bridge sweet girl. You are all in my prayers. blessings, Julie

Julie IL

Joanne, I'm so sorry for your loss. Know in your heart you did the right thing for maddie. My 15yr old springer had a stroke 3 yrs ago, and it was the hardest thing i have ever done i just could not watch him suffer. I am so thankful that i was there with him, when he passed. I think about him everyday. God bless you! Carol

Carol J Vancouver Wa

I'm so very sorry for your loss Joanne, Maddie is now playing with all our precious angels in heaven. I lost my precious Belle who was 6 to AIHA 5 weeks today after a 9 week battle. Today was the first time i have been able to come to your site after her passing and it breaks my heart to read your news. Sending you all my love and strength. Effie.

effie Australia

Joanne! I too didn't want to click on the link...I am so very sorry for your loss! What a shock! It is just so hard...and so quiet after they go back to their Creator, and ours too! I am sure Maddie and Meisha are having a great time...and Stormie as well as all the other dear babies that have gone on ahead are all waiting... Again, I am so sorry Joanne! Thanks for all you do for us. Take care. Maddie knows how much she is loved...and it sounds like she did not suffer which is a blessing. Mrs. Gates

Mrs. Gates Michigan

Dear Joanne, I am so very sorry to hear about Maddie! You must be stunned by this. Maddie always knew that she was loved and this is the greatest gift we can give to a dog. I wish you peace, strength, and comforting memories of your girl Maddie. Take care of yourself now. A hug to you, Aden

Aden Jerusalem

Dear Joanne. I'm deeply saddened to hear that you lost Maddie. She was a special dog to have you, and you her. My deepest sympathies to you and David during this tough time. She's running and playing at the rainbow bridge with lots of new friends now awaiting the day to meet you again. Thoughts and best wishes, Johnny & Tessy

Johnny Nova Scotia

I'm so very sorry. May good memories help give you peace during this tough time.

Brian Vermont

Oh Joanne, my heart skipped a beat when I saw the new post. I am so terribly sorry for your loss of your sweet Maddie. You have been such a tremendous support to all of us here, now it is your turn to feel the incredible love and support of our online community. May you find some comfort knowing that we are all thinking about you and your family and keeping you in our prayers at this very difficult and sad time. Christina

Christina Campbell River

Joanne, I am so sorry for your sudden loss of Maddie, Please find some comfort, that she had a wonderful life with you and bless you for all of your tireless work and time you have given us Hugs from Laurie and Wylie

Laurie CA

I am new to this site. Two days to be exact. My gosh. It's awesome for those loved ones that make it and incredibly sad for those that don't. I'm crying as I'm writing this. It is wonderful that all of you are reaching out to each other with such care and understanding. My pup has AIHA. Has been diagnosed for 1 month. His PCV is 15 as of today. He has been on biopreparation for 3 days. The other vet prescribed medication is not working. This is all so overwhelming. It has not been a good month. I am so sorry for your loss Joanne. My thoughts are with you.

Mardi California

Dear Joanne, My beloved Shih Tzu Toby most probably had a hemolytic event as a result of onion ingestion, (after collapsing, with a PCV of 20, and requiring a transfusion, 1 week later he was up to 40, which would be rare for autoimmune disease, although the jury is still out, as he is at the end of his prednisone taper). But it is so horrible to have a beloved pet suddenly collapse, as a result of an hemolytic anemia. My heart goes out to you. When Toby first fell ill, one of my sisters said to me, "no matter what happens to him, you need to find a puppy." I contacted the American Shih Tzu organization, to find a good breeder, and today met with him. Toby is getting better, but he will have a little brother or sister in a few months. I believe he will recover, and have another few years with a younger companion. I think the best way to honor our beloved pets is to mourn our loss, but to find another dearly loved little guy to perpetuate his or her memory. Best wishes, and much sympathy, Ann

Ann Ct

Joanne, Our family is thinking of you and your family during this difficult time. Here is a lovely quote that was posted to our Addison's support group a while back... "It came to me that every time I lose a dog they take a piece of my heart with them. And every new dog who comes into my life gifts me with a piece of their heart. If I live long enough, all the components of my heart will be dog, and I will become as generous and loving as they are." ~ Cheryl Zuccaro ~ Warmly, Ella, Jeff, Bella, and Baby Henri Bella, West Highland White Terrier, 3yo, Primary Addison's Disease, diagnosed 04/28/08, maintained on 0.27ml/28-days DOCP and 0.33mg/day prednisone. Henri, West Highland White Terrier, 9-months, Vaccine-induced Hemolytic Anemia, diagnosed 02/26/09, current meds include: AZT and 1mg/every other day prednisone.

Ella Seattle

Joanne, I am so sorry for your loss. Maddie was beautiful. It's wonderful that you adopted her and gave her a home filled with love and special care. I know you will miss her. Take care, Karen

Karen NC

Dear Joanne, I am so sorry for your sudden loss of your dear Maddie. Please accept my deepest condolences. Dear Maddie is at the bridge now, with a great big pack of friends. Godspeed little girl, you left this world too soon and your absence is deeply grieved. Joanne, please take care of yourself well, we are all here for you. Christine and angel Kent

Christine Fl

Joanne, I am so sorry for the loss of your beloved Maddie. Jess, Keiko and Hushi

Jess BC

OH Joanne, I'm so sorry about Maddie's sudden passing. What a shock it must be for you. I'm visualizing all of our dear deceased pets meeting her, along with Meisha, at the Bridge for a joyus reunion. You've been a solid rock of support for everyone on this board and now please let us surround you with our virtual embrace as you navigate these next few weeks. Being a good pet owner certainly takes alot of courage doesn't it? Kindest regards, Jane

Jane MN

Oh Joanne I am so sorry for your sudden loss of Maddie. You have been so supportive in the past to me and so many others, let us carry your weight now. steph

Steph Gloucestershire Uk

Joanne We are so very sorry to hear about Maddie. **cries** Our thoughts and prayers are with you. She is with Meisha now and can tell her all about the time she spent with you and your family.

leslie ca

Joanne, I am very sorry for your loss. Our Schotzie, Meisha, and Maddie are at the bridge. My thoughts & prayers are with you and your family. Dave

Dave CO

Joanne, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. My thoughts are with you and your family. Claudine

Claudine Burlington

This thread was discussed between 29/07/2009 and 15/08/2009

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