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Canine Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia (AIHA & IMHA) - Of Loss and Hope
| Today is the fourth anniversary of our saying goodbye to our sweet beagle, Wiley. IMHA struck her on 12 May 2005, and after a week long fight, which included some kind of "event" that rendered her unable to walk, we decided to let her go. It was, and still is, the hardest decision my husband and I ever made, and although we still sometimes go through that "what if" exercise, we know we made the right decision. We also know that we'll be together again someday with our sweet girl. As hard as the grief is -- and yes it's still there -- we are grateful to the Lord for entrusting us with her care for ten years. She enriched our lives in so many ways. I want to thank Joanne, for creating this forum, and all the members, for their many kindnesses and insights, because I still don't know what I would have done without it. I didn't find the forum until after we lost Wiley, and the "what if" often involves me thinking of the different decisions I would have made if I'd had the benefit of the experiences of others here. But the biggest benefit of the forum is that it is a place where people understand what everyone is going through. We can share our fears, dreams, diagnoses, treatments, grief, and hope. Comfort is here through the worst of times and the best of times. When I think about random acts of kindness, I think about the kindness and helpfulness of everyone here. I also want to thank Joanne for creating the Meisha's Hope Fund to find a way to a cure and for providing a way to turn grief and sadness into hope. When you lose a pet, there's usually no funeral, no obituary in the paper. You want to say something; you want people to know; you want some way to memorialize your beloved pet in a way that has meaning for you and for others. Some people create websites, some put shrines in pet cemeteries, but oftentimes these don't quite work. The Meisha's Hope Fund offered a way for us to help find a cure and an opportunity to give Wiley's life and death greater meaning. She was such a special beagle who loved life, and everyone who got to know her recognized she was no ordinary dog. Now our donations make her even more special, because we're reaching out to help others in her name. Nothing can bring her back to us in this life, but she lives on in our hearts forever and in the Meisha's Hope Fund to find a cure. I hope she likes that. We do. Thanks to everyone for being here. |
| Brenda VA |
| Dear Brenda, A very big hug to you as you remember Wiley. Take care, Aden |
| Aden Jerusalem |
| Hi Brenda I know how you feel. When I lost Lily in 2006, she was 22 months old, it all happened so quickly -just three days after diagnosis - I had never felt grief like it (even compared with losing family members). I have lived with a permanent "what if" especially after a locum vet said "I could have saved her" about a month after she passed. Then when Billy was diagnosed last May, I tried everything in my power to save him, but still I failed - he was 3, and I still "what if". I still shed tears for my lost furbabies but I also laugh at their funny little antics. When I encountered this AIHA for the first time, I had no support or understanding of what was happening, but with Billy I found Meisha's Hope and all the love,support and advice anyone would need during this difficult journey. For this I also thank you all from the bottom of my heart. Steph |
| Steph Gloucestershire UK |
| Dear Brenda and Family Wylie sounds like such a very special dog and she still is truly making a difference in this world even after she is gone through your words of comfort, support, donations and encouragement to those who are now going through what she already has. We appreciate everything you have done in Wylies memory and may Wylies sprit continue to encourage you to help others. Remembering Wylie and keeping your family in our thoughts and prayers. Cheryl & Ginger |
| Cheryl & Ginger Pineville PA |
| Brenda, I am sure Wiley keeps an eye on you and your husband and waits for the day you are all reunited and is aware of what you have done in her memory. It was 3 years ago yesterday that we got the awful diagnosis of AIHA. Fortunately I found this site and Joanne's site right away. It was people posting like you who helped us through our awful nightmare. We too continue to make donations to Meisha's Hope in Salome's memory in the hopes that someday they will either prevent this or find a way to manage it better. Penny |
| Penny Lytle Creek Ca |
| Dear Brenda, Your post was a beautiful way to remember your Wiley on this sad anniversary. She must have been a very special dog. I wish I could have had the pleasure of meeting her. Since I lost my Sunny last August after a three month battle with IMHA, I too have donated to the Meisha's hope fund in hopes that his life and tragic death will have meaning and that someday this site will no longer be needed. My prayers are with you as you remember your girl, Leslie |
| Leslie Oceanside |
| Sending hugs to you guys. Am sure Wiley is smiling down from the rainbow bridge knowing his memory will help out some other doggies some day with a cure. We too contribute to Meisha's Hope. Joanne is such a wonderful person and so are you for turning your loss into hope for others. |
| leslie ca |
This thread was discussed between 20/05/2009 and 22/05/2009
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