Canine Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia (AIHA & IMHA) - Riley

This was not in the plan for today, and my heart is aching, and I am crying as I write to let you know, that together with my vets, I made the decision to let Riley go. The results came back today, probably not as low as some of you have known, but progressively on the downturn. I had always asked my vet to be honest with me and today she was, she felt that it would be hard to turn Riley around - and suggested medications would be very hard on his system, and I did not wish to increase the cortisone, nor the azathioprine to the level that was suggested to try to start a turnaround. I guess Riley was relapsing. His PCV had not been as low as 19 before. My neighbour came in, and together we took Riley for one last walk as we left for the surgery - this in itself was a huge struggle for Riley, and we took turns to carry him. He wagged his little tail when my daughter arrived. Its not goodbye Riley - you are in my heart, always and forever. Lastly, I wish to thank you all for your incredible support and heartwarming words when they were needed, not just to me, but to everyone who posted here. I feel close to many of you. Special thanks to Brigitte who invited me here, and who has had her own loss - I hope to learn from you still. Very special thanks to Patrice, who has helped me with a great deal of her personal time, and email, and amazing support. Love from Silka and Riley's friend, Bonnie, who has been missing him for the past four months. XXXXX

Silka Melbourne Australia

Silka, I'm at a loss for words. This is truly turning into a bad couple of weeks. I honestly thought that Riley was on the road to recovery and reading this just blew my mind! You have my deepest sympathies and condolences. My heart is wish you during this tough period. Run fast and free Riley Johnny & Tessy

Johnny

Dear Silka, I am so sad and speechless... on the bright side, i can just see Kahlu meeting Riley at the Rainbow Bridge! He loves all dogs and I know they will have a blast, since they have energy in abundance. A good friend sent me this poem when i lost Kahlu, I think you will like it: A butterfly lights beside us Like a sunbeam. And for a brief moment its glory and beauty belongs to our world, But then it flies on again and though we wish it could have stayed we feel so lucky to have seen it. Sending you a big Canadian bear hug, Brigitte

Brigitte BC Canada

Oh, Silka, I'm so, so sorry! Know that I'm thinking of you and Riley, who is running now healthy and free of pain or discomfort. Hang in there. I'm sending long-distance hugs to you and your family. Elizabeth

Elizabeth Baltimore

Silka, I am grieved to hear this news. I had a wish, a request, that Riley make it through this. Sometimes the things we want most slip through our hands like sand. Do not stand at my grave and weep, I am not there, I do not sleep. I am in a thousand winds that blow, I am the softly falling snow. I am the gentle showers of rain, I am the fields of ripening grain. I am in the morning hush, I am in the graceful rush Of beautiful birds in circling flight, I am the starshine of the night. I am in the flowers that bloom, I am in a quiet room. I am in the birds that sing, I am in each lovely thing. Do not stand at my grave and cry, I am not there. I do not die. my best patrice

Patrice NYS

Dear Silka, I am so deeply sorry for your loss. I had hoped that Riley could turn this around, especially when you got a specialist on board. My heart is aching for you, and I am crying over your loss of such a special little dog. Little Riley is at peace - no more suffering. What an amazing decision you made for him today. I have nothing but respect for you. Darling Riley, running free at the Bridge with Azi and Kahlu. Our thoughts are with you and your daughter at this difficult time. Samantha & Millie.

Samantha Geelong

I am so sorry Silka. All of our pups are playing together for eternity. You made a very, very difficult decision. I know, I've been there. My heart goes out to you. Peace Riley....

Mardi Northern Calif

Silka, I am so sorry. You did all that you could for Riley and you were strong enough to decide that the fight was going to be too much for Riley. Even though it would break your heart you did what you felt was best for him. Your dear boy is at the bridge free from all ills playing with a lot of brave dogs and will wait there until you are reunited. Penny

Penny Lytle Creek Calif

Oh Silka, i am so very sorry for your loss you have made the bravest decision today. Rest in peace 'Riley boy'. My deepest sympathy to you and your family, another precious angel playing over the rainbow bridge. Effie xo.

Effie Melbourne Australia

What an incredible shock,oh Silka I am so so sorry.This has indeed been a terrible start to the new year for many of these dogs and their owners...what a courageous decision you made. This disease is truly a horrible, frightening one. Take great care of yourself. Run free brave Riley... Kathleen and Nollaig

Kathleen North Ayrshire

Thank you all, your words mean a great deal to me at this time. Brigitte and Patrice, your poems were used by my daughters and I tonight as we paid tribute and mourned the physical loss of Riles, my best friend. We have to admire all of these brave dogs. I wish Riley had been a "success story" also, but in my heart and mind, he is just that. Silka

Silka Melbourne Australia

Silka, I am so very sorry to hear of the loss of your most beloved Riley. When you feel up to it, I hope you will visit the loss and 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 a lot of info and resources that will be very helpful to you during these most difficult days. Even though Riley did not get the opportunity to appear on the Success Stories page at the Meisha's Hope Web site, he was indeed a Success Story. He fought the fight hard and bravely and that made him a Success Story. Once again my deepest sympathies to you on your loss. Riley may be gone from this earth physically but he will ALWAYS live in your heart.

Joanne MN

Dear Silka and Family Please accept my heartfelt condolences in the loss of your Riley. I commend your courage in having the strength to say good-bye, knowing how hard it would be for you and your family, you did what was best for Riley. Riley gave a good fight, but sometimes they can't be cured, no matter how hard we try. Godspeed Riley Cheryl & Ginger

Cheryl & Ginger Pinevile pa

Silka, YOu did everything you could for Riley, I am so saddened to hear of Rileys passing, My heartfelt condolences to you and your family. Laurie and Wylie

Laurie CA

Dear Silka, You are in my thoughts and prayers. Riley is now healthy again at the Rainbow Bridge. Barb & Tootsie

Barb Ohio

Dear Silka, I am so sorry. I really hoped Riley would make it, and I know how hard it is to let go. Riley was a success story, and you both fought with everything you had. He is playing at the bridge with my dear Kent and the many other brave AIHA dogs. My deepest condolensces, Christine

Christine Florida

Silka, I echo what everyone else on the board has said. Not quite sure I can say anything special to help ease the pain. I respect you very much, you made a very difficult decision. I just hope that you find peace. That you know he will be waiting for you. And that he is as healthy as he has ever been now. My heartfelt condolences.... Darren & Macy

Darren Long Beach

Silka, Words cannot express the sorrow I feel at the thought of you losing your beloved Riley. I honestly thought that you would be one of the success stories. Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you at this really rough time...Kelly

Kelly Redding

Silka, I'm so sorry you had to say good-bye to Riley. I am so choked up looking at the postings today and the last few days, I just don't even know what to say.... Christina

Christina BC

So many heartbreaking losses lately, Silka, thank you for sharing your Riley with us, we're all heartbroken. I'm so sorry, it's just never easy. Riley was loved and he crossed full of love and light. melissa and tiggs

melissa slc

Silka, I am so sorry you have made the decision to let Riley go. It is the hardest thing anyone can possibly do. With 18 months on from making having to make this heartwrenching decision as well I now realise it was for the best. I have spoken to a few vets about it and realise now how hard IMHA is to beat. Some dogs can never go off immuo-suppresent drugs ever and it takes such an awful toll on them. Riley put up a very brave battle but sometimes we have to do what is best for them. I hope that time will ease your pain as it has for me and that in the future you will look back and realise that sometimes what is so hard to live with now really is for the best. I hope you continue with the Board as it will help you come to terms with what happened and you will be able to help others new to this. My thoughts are with you at this awful time. Julie.

Julie Australia

Silka - I'm so very sad to read your post. Thank you so much for all your inspiration and the hope you've shared. It's so clear you gave Riley all you could to get him better - He knows that. He'll be in your heart always. I'm sending you a hug. I'm so sorry for your loss.

Lisa TX

Silka & family, Please know that you are in our prayers as you go through this very difficult mourning of Riley. He will always know how much you loved him and that you did everything possible for him. The dogs who've shared our lives. In subtle ways they let us know their spirit still survives. Old habits still make us think we hear a barking at the door. Or step back when we drop a tasty morsel on the floor. Our feet still go around the place the food dish used to be, And, coming home at night, we miss them terribly. And although time may bring new friends and a new food dish to fill, That one place in our hearts belongs to them... and always will. Please take care, Linda

Linda Sapphire

Dear Silka, I am very sorry to hear about Riley's passing. Bless you for the care that you gave him and I wish you comforting memories of Riley. Take care, Aden

Aden Jerusalem

I am so sad and shocked to hear about Riley. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Take care of yourself! Jaime

jaime Parker

Silka: We are so very sorry to hear about Riley. Please know that you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. Rita, Mike and Sheba

Rita IA

I was so sad while i read your post...it has definatley been a sad couple of weeks. Riley will always be in your heart! smile and remember him everyday with joy! doodle hugs carol and charlie

Carol VANCOUVER WA

SILKA SO SORRY ABOUT RILEY SOUNDS LIKE WHAT I WENT THROUGH. I THINK BY HAVING ALL OF YOU AS MY SUPPORTERS IS HELPING ME MORE THAN MY FAMILY. I KNOW IT IS THE HARDEST THING IN THE WORLD TO PUT THEM TO SLEEP AND BELIEVE ME I DID NOT WANT TO DO IT I NEVER CRIED SO MUCH BEFORE. WELL MAY YOUR RILEY AND MY BUDDY BE PLAYING TOGETHER UP IN HEAVEN WE LOVE YOU GUYS XXXXOOOO AND SILKA THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT LUCY

LUCY NY

Dear Silka, I am so very sorry for your loss of Riley ((Hugs)) Jess, Keiko and Hushi

Jess BC Canada

This thread was discussed between 14/01/2010 and 19/01/2010

Canine Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia (AIHA & IMHA) forum index

This thread is from the Vetnet archive. The live Vetnet forum is active now.