Canine Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia (AIHA & IMHA) - Our Brinnie is now with the angels

Thanks to all of you dear hearts for the love and support. Unfortunately, Brinnie's system started crashing and she was in lots of pain (they gave her pain meds of course), but she developed an ulcer or more, her PCV dropped WAY down, the ER vets felt her liver was damaged, among other things so we had to make the decision to let her go. It was AWFUL, but I knew in my heart it was the humane thing to do for her. She brought us so much joy that I didn't want her to constantly suffer and her body to continue to destroy itself and have her be in pain anymore. I love her too much for that. I will miss her personality which was so strong! She was stubborn, but loving, SMART as a whip, and she proved that you can teach an old dog new tricks when she became pals with a kitten we rescued even though she was not exposed to them with her former owner (she was a rescue). She had a way of moving her eyebrows up and down so expressively it made you laugh. I told her to go and be happy and painfree and run with the other animals in Heaven. I know she will be waiting for me. Thanks again to all of you. I plan on keeping updated on your babies and hope for the best. Christina

Christina Nashville

Christina, I'm so terribly sorry for your loss. When I didn't see any response earlier I was starting to really get worried. I've never had to make a tough decision like this so I can't claim to know what you are going through now. Just know that you did all you could for Brinnie and ultimately doG has other plans for her. She was a rescue and I'm sure you probably showed her a whole other side of life she never knew could exist. My deepest sympathies and condolences to you and your family. Run fast and pain free Brinnie. Johnny & Tessy

Johnny

Oh My Goodness - My heart breaks for you. I'll be thinking of you and Brinnie. Hold her close in your heart. She loved you and you did your very best for her. She knows that and loves you for it.

Lisa TX

Dear Christina, I am so very sorry. You have wonderful memories of your special girl and she will always be a part of you. Your broken heart will heal in time, With sincere condolences, Brigitte

Brigitte BC Canada

dear christina. i'm so sorry for the loss of your brinnie.losing a friend is one of the hardest things in the world.please accept my heartfelt condolences. best wishes. john.

john teessde england

I am so sorry to hear about your loss. Just remeber that all dogs go to heaven. I hope that helps a little. God Bless Leah and Lola

Leah Austin

Christina I am so very sorry to hear of the death of your dear Brinnie. 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 thier dogs to AIHA/IMHA and contains many resources that will be helpful to you during this most very difficult time. My deepest sympathies to you on your loss.

Joanne MN

Christina, I am so sorry for your loss. I know how painful it is to have to let them go when you have tried so hard. Brinnie is now pain free at the bridge meeting up with a lot of very fine dogs. You were strong enough to let her go even though it would break your heart. That is what being a good doggie Mom is all about. I hope the happier memories of better times will help heal you. Sharing in your sorrow Penny

Penny Lytle Creek Calif

Dearest Christina, Just want to send you my love and to say your little angel Brinnie is now in heaven with my darling girl Holly who I had to let go 4 weeks ago may they run free, with no more pain until we meet them again. God Bless Diane

Diane Luton.England

Christina, I am so very sorry to hear of your loss. You are so strong for making the decision you did. The tears are streaming down my face thinking of your loss. I haven't had to be that strong, yet. With hemangiosarcomas (Toqua's diagnosis) we may faced with a similar end, fairly soon. While it is the hardest decision for any dog owner to make, the fact that you did what was best for her speaks bounds. You were lucky to have each other for however long or short a time, and she will be waiting at the Bridge for you. You will see your dear friend again!! Just know that she is healthy and happy now. My deepest sympathies to you and your family at this time. Take care. Let the happy times you shared with Brinnie bring a smile to your face during this dark time. Jess & Toqua

Jessi BC

I am so sorry to hear of your loss of Brinnie. May she rest in peace.

Mardi Northern Calif

Dear Christina, I am so very sorry for your loss of sweet Brinnie. You did everything you could for her, and in then end, you have made the right decision for her - no more pain for your baby. Please accept our sincere condolences. Thinking of you, Sam & Millie.

Samantha Geelong

Dear Christina Please accept my deepest condolences in the loss of Brinnie. Someone had once sent me this poem and I think it may bring you some comfort during this difficult time. Sending my hugs and prayers Cheryl & Ginger PUT ME TO REST (author unknown) Time to let me go my friend, Because my life no-one can mend, It's better to let me go this way, Than watch me suffer night and day. I'm happy to go, my time has come, My quality of life is no longer fun, I've been so ill, so it's not a bad thing, To let me go forever resting. Stay with me till I drift away, Fast asleep forever I pray, To relieve me from suffering and pain, What more can I ask from my best friend. Don't be sad, I'll be free from pain, Never to be ill ever again, I know you'll miss me being there, But all the memories you have to share. Thank you for being my best friend, And all my needs that you did tend, Try not to be sad, try not to cry, Now is the time to say goodbye Put me to rest.

Cheryl & Ginger Pineville PA

Dear Christina -- I am sorry to read that you lost your dear Brinnie to IMHA. I just checked into the bulletin board and read all the posts, and it was so clear how much you loved her and gave her the opportunity to fight this horrible disease. Like you and many others, my husband and I also had to make the decision to let our dear beagle, Wiley, go when she was losing her fight against IMHA. It is the hardest decision to make, but as you said, it was better to let her go than to make her struggle and suffer. I hope your memories of your wonderful life together comfort you. Also, you were a wonderful dog mom to Brinnie -- you rescued her from an unhappy life; you gave her a wonderful life; you tried to save her life; and you protected her finally from suffering through the end of her life. Please take care and let us know how you're doing. The people here are incredibly helpful in providing comfort as you grieve.

Brenda VA

Dear Christina, I am heartbroken for you - I dont think I will ever get used to these posts - please accept my heartfelt condolences on the loss of Brinnie - well its not a loss really, her physical presence will be missed, but her life will be much remembered - I can see by your post that you have some wonderful memories. Best wishes to you - as Brenda said you were a great mother to Brinnie, you rescued her, and in her own way, she rescued you as well. Take care Silka

Silka Melbourne Australia

Christina, I am so very sorry for you. As Silka wrote, I don't think I will ever get used to these posts either. To know the pain you are going through is to know a feeling of extreme sadness. Take pride in your efforts and may you find peace sooner than later. My heart goes out to you and your family. -Darren

Darren Long Beach

How sad to read about Brinnie, I haven't checked in for a while and didn't expect to read that. Our thoughts are with you and I hope as time passes the horror and shock of this condition is replaced by the happy memories you have. Sue and Archie

Sue Cambridgeshire UK

Christina, I'm sorry to hear about Brinnie. You did everything you possibly could for her. You are both in our thoughts and prayers. Chris & Alex

Chris Pa

My condolences on Brinnie! I'm so sorry to hear about this. She was diagnosed around the same time as Riley so this hits home for me.

Jennifer

Dear Christina, i'm so very sorry for your loss so many of us know exactly how you feel. Rest free beautiful Angel Brinnie you are now in Heaven with all our precious Angels. Effie.

Effie Melbourne Australia

I am so sorry for your loss, you are in my thoughts and prayers.

tina oh

This thread was discussed between 30/03/2010 and 01/04/2010

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