Canine Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia (AIHA & IMHA) - Nancy is Gone

My Dear Friends, I am sad to tell you, my most Precious Nancy Marie Haden is gone... she is at the bridge... She hadn't eaten in almost 2 days. No water yesterday either. I have been giving her water with a syringe. Yesterday her PCV was down to 13.9, two weeks ago, before her first transfusion, it was down to 13.0. We planned for the transfusion first thing this morning.. What made us decide to let her go, was also the fact that she has such a hard time with medications, she always did. We were all hoping after 5 weeks we would see some sign of her stablizing, but she just couldn't get better. She hardly ate 3 decent meals in the last 2 months. I know I could have kept transfusing her forever, but I just couldn't do that to her.. She was starting to hate the vets office and she always loved it there. I just knew this would end up the same as it did for my 1st AIHA dog.... at the bridge... So at 11:30AM Central Time, September 3, I unwillingly gave her back to God. Nancy just went to sleep peacefully and I don't think I will ever stop crying... Nancy will be cremated tomorrow at the doctors private crematorium at the office. Her favorite vet tech will do it....She is wrapped in her favorite blanket...and I am just devastated. I have a giant hole in my heart, I miss her so much already... Nancy is survived by her Mom and Dad, (me and Gary), her 3 doggie house-mates, Frankie & Joey (dachshunds) and Sammy (a Papillon), her Grandpa, a grownup brother and sister and grandkids, all who were able to come over to say goodbye.. Nancy would have been only 8 at Christmas. Soon, I will set up a webpage for Nancy illness, treatment and death. Just unbelieveable that God would give me TWO AIHA dogs and then take them from me.. He must need them in heaven... AnnaMarie and Gary http://www.nancyfrankiejoey.com

AnnaMarie Illinois

AnnaMarie, I'm so sorry that you had to lose Nancy, your second to AIHA. My heart goes out to you and your family. Just know in your heart that both you and Nancy did everything you could to try and beat this horrible disease. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this sad time. Kim and Spencer

Kim Ny

I am so, so sorry about Nancy. Thinking of you.

Courtney SLO

Nancy, I am saddened to hear of the loss of Nancy. My thoughts and prayers will be with you during this difficult time. Layla & Tipsi

Layla Raleigh

I am so sorry to hear of your loss. May the memories of Nancy will comfort you.

Kim CT

Can see from your website that your dachshunds, like mine, are your 'kids'. I often refer to them as boys/girls in dog suits as they are so clever and personable. When we lose one it hits us to our core. There is nothing quite as devasating. Those of us who have doxies, many like you having gone through the back surgeries and other maladies but wouldn't trade them for anything. I hope Nancy is being greeted and welcomed to heaven by my Hotsie, Jetta, Jaida, Shuggi and Jenny....little dachshund angels always in our hearts. Jan

jan philly

i am sorry about your loss :( hope NANCY is at peace

josh california

Dear AnnaMarie and Family: I was so sorry to read about the loss of your beloved Nancy. My heart goes out to your and your family during this difficult time. I am sure Nancy knew how very much your loved her and did everything you could for her. May Nancy's spirit live in your heart forever. Cheryl & Ginger

Cheryl & Ginger Pineville pa

So very sorry to read of your loss. The decision to let them go is so very difficult to make. I too had to make this very same decison. But y ou do it with their welfare at heart and how much more can you put them through when they don't respond to treatment. Sincere thoughts are with you.

Julie Australia

AnnaMarie & family, We are so sorry to hear of the loss of Nancy and please know that our prayers and thoughts are with you during this sad time. I also hope that Nancy is being greeted in heaven by our previous two doxies, Becky & Molly. Take care, Linda

Linda Sapphire

Dear AnnaMarie and Gary -- I am so sorry to hear that your sweet Nancy lost her fight against IMHA. Even though my husband and I know the pain of losing one dog to IMHA, I know we cannot really imagine what it is like for you to have lost two dear dogs to this damned disease. Someone on this forum once posted a comment that the Lord sends to those what he thinks their hearts can bear, and you and Gary must have great strength as individuals and together as a pair. My thoughts and prayers go out to you. Please know that you did all that you could do to help Nancy, and she knows that. And she knew of your love for her until her last breath. The grief is terrible, but you know that memories of your wonderful life together will always be a comfort. As painful as it is to lose them, we need to rejoice that these wonderful dogs graced our lives with love and joy -- if only for a short while. And just think, Nancy is happy and healthy again with your other dear IMHA dog and with the many other dogs on this forum who lost their fight, including our dear sweet, feisty beagle girl, Wiley. My heart goes out to you. Please take care and let us know how you are doing. Brenda

Brenda VA

AnnaMarie and Gary, I am so sorry that you have lost your little girl Nancy. It does seem extremely cruel to ever have to deal with this disease more than once but maybe you were chosen because you would show them so much love in their shortened time here on earth. Penny

Penny hydra@tstonramp.com

I am so very sorry that Nancy has left for the Bridge. Your loss is indeed heaven's gain. I think she has met my Stormie by now. I can't imagine 2 dogs with the same disease. Again, I am so very sorry. Thank you for being such a good Mom to Nancy. Mrs. Gates

Mrs. Gates Michigan

I am so sorry to hear of your loss. She is now at peace with no more dreaded needles or medication. Maybe her and Drago can go for a run.

Sue PA

Prayers and tears for you, your family and Nancy. Nancy is free now. You gave her the gift of life and loved her to the max and she knows that. There is no way to ease the initial gut wrenching pain, but know that we are all here for you, and Nancy had lots of tail wagging and kisses from her friends waiting on the Bridge. They too have a special bond through us and will wait for us in that special place. May God grant you some comfort at this difficult time. sharon and angel Brandy

sharon pa

I'm so sorry for your loss and that you have had to deal with this horrible illness yet a second time with the same outcome. Please take care of yourselves. deb and Duck

Debbie BC Canada

AnnaMarie, When I saw your post this morning my heart just sank. I know that since my Barkley became ill with this evil disease I have suffered what almost seems like Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, looking at every dog I see that I know has a higher statistical average of getting IMHA and wanting to go to the owner and say "Oh, please...hold your baby close, wrap your protective arms around them and don't let this happen to them!" It's become like IMHA paranoia for me. So I can't imagine what it has been like for you and Gary and your family to have that fear and dread become a reality. My heart just breaks for you. And once a dog and their person join us here in Nightmaresville it seems they become part of our family...we cheer at their victories and agonize at their pains and losses. And so we do with Nancy and with you. It seems that we are entrusted with the gift of an innocent creature's heart and soul that needs someone to know them so completely that they will also know when the time comes to free them from their physical being and have the ability to do so. You have done your jobs with great care and tenderness and conscience and now Nancy's heart and soul will forever be yours because you were willing to be her earthly guardian. Those, I believe, are the gifts of true love. Words seem so impotent to touch such pain...perhaps holding her heart and soul close in your heart's tender arms can help. We will all miss the Nancy you have shared with us. Cheryl (and always Barkley)

Cheryl Medford

AnnaMarie, I'm so sorry to hear about Nancy. You and your family will be in my thoughts and prayers. Hang in there. Elizabeth

Elizabeth Baltimore

AnnaMarie, Nancy gave such a good fight, I'm so sorry she didn't make it. She was so brave, and she had such a great family that did everything possible for her. I am happy she is no longer suffering, but so sad that she isn't here with you. Our thoughts and love are with you guys. melissa and tiggs

melissa slc

So, so sorry to read that Nancy did not make it. Thoughts & prayers for you. The love that you gave Nancy and that Nancy gave you will never be gone. May you find healing for the hole in your heart.

Ronda So Cal

I am so sorry, AnnaMarie, that you had to let your Nancy go. May she rest in peace. Our thoughts and prayers are with you, Christine and Kent

Christine Fl

AnnaMarie I am so sorry to hear that Nancy has gone to the bridge. I kept hoping and praying that she would pull through. Please know that you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. Rita and Sheba

Rita IA

Thank you all, I am afraid I will never stop crying. This pain is so intense. I do hope my Nancy is at peace...we miss her so much. When I finish her website memorial, I will post it.. right now, I am just having trouble trying to write all my muddled thoughts. AnnaMarie

AnnaMarie Illinois

My heart and tears are with you and your family. I know your heart is broken as mine is as I watch my dearest Buddy go through the same thing. My heart and prayers are with you. May you all find peace and know that your love is the most precious gift.

Phyllis Florida

AnnaMarie and family, I am in tears for you as I read your message. I am truly sorry to hear about Nancy. All of us on this forum all are in complete comprehension of how you feel from going through this terrible disease ourselves. Some of us lost the battle, some still going through it and some with miraculous victories. I was on the metro going to work this morning just thinking about this disease and how it has taken our little family members from us in such a cruel way. We will never understand why God would let this happen, and then again...God is God and we're not. He gaves us our little angels for a season and a reason. Our lives are enriched and will never be the same, and for that we are grateful to Him.

Chrissie Washington D.C.

This thread was discussed between 03/09/2008 and 08/09/2008

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