Canine Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia (AIHA & IMHA) - Riley

I just wanted to let everyone know that Riley went over the bridge today. I had been very upset at his condition over the past few days, but had been holding out hope that it was just the pred side affects that I was seeing. The refusal to eat didn't fit though and we took him to the vet today. Ultimately the ultrasound and xray showed masses all over the liver and one in the lungs. We made the decision to let him go...at his age the obstacles seemed insurmountable and the light has been gone from his eyes for a couple days. He passed peacefully with his mom and dad by his side. We will miss him with all our hearts.

Jennifer

Hi Jennifer, I am so very sorry to read your post and cannot imagine how you must feel. I always look out for your posts as our dogs were diagnosed on the same day. I have no doubt that he will be missed as much as he was treasured. Thinking of you, Sue

Sue Cambridgeshire UK

Dear Jennifer, it is with a lump in my throat that I read your post. I am so sorry you had to let go of Riley. This is the hardest thing we have to do as a dog parent, but also the kindest. End their suffering and let them go. When we had to end Kahlu's life only 3 months ago our 24 year old daughter experienced euthanasia for the first time. I told her, if you really love dogs, better get used to it. It is hard when you love so much. Riley will always have a special place in your heart and your broken heart will heal in time. Accept my sincere condolences and best wishes, Brigitte & the poodle boys

Brigitte BC Canada

Thanks for your words, Brigitte and Sue. It so very hard. I didn't think I'd be able to be there when they put him to sleep but I'm glad I was. It was so peaceful and I'm sure he felt comfort with us there. It's just so surreal around here without the clicking nails on the floor - he was always my shadow.

Jennifer

Dear Jennifer: I am so very sorry about Riley. Ever since my dog was diagnosed three months ago I have spent alot of time reading the posts on this board, silently commiserating with everyone who has had to experience this disease. Unfortunately Sunny died a week ago from complications from the disease and I still cry every day. I too miss the clicking sound on the floor and I miss the jingling of her collar. The hardest thing is coming home to an empty house. Have you ever gone on the website gratefulness.org? I went on there a couple of days ago and lit a candle for Sunny and it actually made me feel a little more at peace. Perhaps you can light a candle for Riley too.

Cheryl New York

Dear Jennifer Please accept my deepest condolences in the loss your Riley. I hope this poem will bring you some comfort. Cheryl & Ginger PUT ME TO REST (author unknow) 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 Pinevile Pa

Jennifer, I am so very sorry that you had to say goodbye to Riley. He will live on in your heart and your memories of better times. It is so hard to let them go but it also shows how much you did care to be able to say good bye when it would hurt so bad. Cheryl, I also mourn the loss of your dear Sunny. It is hard not to smile just writing Sunny's name. It should bring thoughts of happy warm days and I hope the memories of her bring you comfort. I still go to the sight you mentioned occasionally to light candles for my dogs even after almost 4 years. Penny

Penny Lytle Creek Calif

Jennifer, I'm so sorry to hear of your loss. Please know that you did all you could for Riley and he knew how much you loved him. My deepest sympathies and condolences for your loss. Johnny & Tessy

Johnny

Dear Jennifer, I am so sorry to hear about Riley's passing. I know that you wanted very much to give him the right treatments so he would recover good health. I know you did an excellent job. However, some of the conditions that can cause this are tricky. You honored Riley's great love for you by helping ease him from this world without pain. That makes you very special in my eyes. Please accept my deepest condolences, Patrice

Patrice NYS

Dear Jennifer, I am so sorry to hear about Riley's passing. You made such a brave decision to stop his suffering - and you had the chance to say goodbye to your precious boy. May your happy memories of your time with Riley comfort you during this difficult time. We are thinking of you, Sam & Millie.

Samantha Geelong Australia

Dear Jennifer I am so so sorry to read of the passing of Riley, brings back sad memories of losing my Riley earlier this year. It is so hard, and we do what we can to keep them with us, but it most certainly is a balancing act, and very hard to watch them suffer. I am sad for you and how you must be feeling - my sincerest condolences to you - remember the happy times. RIP Riley, run free now. X

Silka Melbourne Australia

Dear Jennifer, I am so terribly sorry to hear of Riley's passing. You are so brave to have made the decision you did. I am positive that Riley knows you went the extra mile to help him, you did everything you could for him. Keep hold of the happy memories, and the bad ones will fade. The day will come when thinking of your beloved friend will bring smiles instead of tears. He is healthy now, reunited with those who passed before him. And one day you, too, will be reunitd with him. My sincerest condolences to you. Take care of yourself. Jessi

Jessi BC

So sorry to hear that Riley has passed. He is at peace now. My thoughts are with you and your family

mardi northern Calif

I am so sorry for your loss, it was the hardest thing I ever had to do on Monday when I had to let my Ekim go. I haven't stopped crying since, please keep in touch maybe we can grieve together.

LUANN PA

Thanks all for your kind and comforting words. It's been two days and it's incredible how much we miss our boy. The house is just not the same without a dog in it. I know it seems soon but we have been entertaining the idea of getting another dog in the near future. I have surprised even myself that we have been thinking about this! We found a wonderful program where dogs are rescued from the shelter, then placed in a prison for three months where they undergo intensive training by the prisoners. It's really a special thing for everyone involved. There is a dog we have our eye on, he will be "paroled" in late May. It will give us some time to mourn the loss of Riley yet something to look forward to.

Jennifer

What a kind person you are Jennifer. I was wondering how you were so it is good to read that although sad you are able to focus on the future and give yourselves time to recover before the lucky dog gets a fresh start. Take care and good luck. Sue and Archie

Sue Cambridgeshire UK

If anyone wants to see a picture it's here: http://www.rpsm.us/Adoptable_Pets/Entries/2010/2/20_Joey.html

Jennifer

Jenifer, What a sweet guy! I am sure he will help to heal your broken heart. He will not replace Riley, but stand on his own and you will continue the journey together. i am sure you have lots of fun together. Best wishes to you, your family and Joey, Brigitte & the poodle boys

Brigitte BC Canada

Joey is such a cutie!! I think Riley would approve, especially since Joey is a rescue dog. You have a chance to make such a difference in Joey's life just like you did for Riley. After one of my Golden's died of cancer I adopted then 5 year old Ginger two weeks later and it was one of the best decisions I have ever made and that was 6 years ago. Keeping our paws crossed for you and Joey. Cheryl & Ginger

Cheryl & Ginger Pineville PA

Jennifer, I am so sorry to hear of Rileys passing. What a fantastic program Joey is in, I hop you do decide on Joey to fill your heart again Laurie and Wylie

Laurie CA

Jennifer, What a cute boy Joey is. Thank you for thinking of rescuing him. He would be an addition in your life not a "replacement". Riley would be happy to see you smile again I am sure. Even though we still had 2 dogs when we lost our AIHA dog Salome and her sister Delilah we went out and adopted Sarah because we needed a girl to keep the boys in line. So it is not always because the house is empty. Penny

Penny Lytle Creek Calif

Jennifer, OMG!! Joey is adorable!! All my dogs, save the most recent one, have been pound puppies. And they have all had issues we were not told about. Despite that we stuck with them and worked through the problems. Never even considered returning them. Sounds like a great program Joey is in. I have seen shows about these programs and they are positive for all involved - human and canine. Glad to hear that you are looking forward. I am sure that is helping you get through the grief. Thanks for sharing the photo of that little cutie. Jessi

Jessi BC

Thanks all, your excitement has lifted my spirits! It is nice to know it is not uncommon to want another canine friend right away. No dog will ever replace Riley, my heart does know that, but I think there is room for Joey. Isn't the prison program cool? I am excited about the training that he is receiving as well as the benefits to the prisoners. I also feel we are getting much more information on him than we ever would get adopting from a shelter or even a rescue (not that those are bad options, we just appreciate this added info). I talked to his foster mom for about 40 minutes today, and she filled me in on what she felt to be some of his "quirks". He is not crazy about the crate, for example. Nothing that concerns me too much, he is a dog, and we all know that dogs have quirks. :)

Jennifer

Dear Jennifer, Sending you loads of love and I know your darling Riley is now with my little girl at the bridge may they never be alone until we meet them again. Diane

Diane England

My heart is broken for the second time this week. The rescue denied our application for Joey, due to a comment I made on the application that we are not big fans of dogs in crates for 9+ hours per day while we're at work. They did not even bother to contact us to talk about it or learn more about us; just sent a very cold email saying we were denied and that we need to research the benefits of crate training. They obviously think we're unfit dog parents. This just sends a knife into my already sensitive heart. They didn't even take the opportunty to find out about us, the love-filled life we provided for Riley for almost 9 years, and all we went through to try to save him. I know maybe this is the universe telling us that this isn't the right dog for us but it still hurts anyway, to have been treated like that, after the week I've had.

Jennifer

Jennifer, First, please accept my condolensces.....I lost my Macy Jan 26th and can still say it is the worst thing that has ever happened to me. Don't ever let anyone tell you Riley was "just a dog" or that "it is too soon to get another one". Your feelings and your relationship with Riley are unique to you and your situation. Second, I am outraged at your last post. I cannot believe what happened. I will personally fight this with you. I have a feeling that many others on this board will do the same. I'll call, I'll write a letter saying what a great dog owner you are, I'll email them....whatever you want, I will do it. Your love for Riley is apparent and the people who are making these decisions should be forced to read your posts and then say that you wouldn't provide this new pup with a great home. I agree with you on the crate training but that is irrelevant. The important issue here is that a new pup is not being given the opportunity to have a very loving owner.....please let me know how I can help. -Darren Feel free to email me if you don't want to post this publicly but I am sure many others here would help you too. I tell my wife that this site has the best people in the world on it and I really believe that.

Darren Long Beach

Jennifer....same as what Darren said! Whatever I can do to help. Johnny & Tessy

Johnny

Jennifer, I am beyond astounded! I know some peoples life styles require crating I guess, ours wouldn't even know what that was. The fact that you were such good doggie parents with Riley should have shown them that you would do everything to get Joey a loving caring home. When we adopted our Sarah the pound people commented on we should be examples of how Parents should be. Maybe because we let them sniff each other to their hearts content and no mention was made of crating even though we work full time. Our dogs do have access to the yard through their doggy door and we haven't caught them watching t.v. or ordering pizza while we are at work. Seriously like Darren said if we can do anything let us know. I am so sorry that you were treated like this. I am sure that there is a dog in your future that will be happy to find it's forever home. Penny

Penny Lytle Creek Calif

Jennifer, I too want to help. I totally believe in crate training, but having a dog shut in a crate for 8-9 hours while away has NOTHING to do with crate training at all. All my dogs have been crate trained for safety reasons (in the car) or at trials and when I can not watch a puppy all the time. They love their little house, because it means we go somewhere exiting or they get to run Agility. I am assuming this organization has a lot of requests, because the dogs come already trained. You have two options really: Let it go or fight it. If you let it go there are lots of other organizations with great dogs in need. If you want to fight it, I am on your side and would write a letter to them, no problem. I struggle too if people think i am not a good dog owner. But in the end people who matter know who you are! Best wishes, Brigitte & the poodle boys

Brigitte BC Canada

Thanks all for your support, it means so much to me! I was just astounded at their answer as well. I have already written them back explaining more and asking them to reconsider. They had issues with the fact that when Riley was new to our home, he spent his days in a safe outdoor kennel in our backyard with a heated doghouse. We felt this was a better option than crating as we are out of the home 9+ hours each day at work, and he hated the crate. We only did this for a short time while he was young and until we felt he was trustworthy in the house. We have not used the kennel with him for years. They seem to feel crate training is the end-all-be-all. I guess that's their perogative but it's sad. I wish they would have been upfront about this as a requirement of adopters on their website. I would not have pursued adoption from them because I will never crate a dog like that while we are at work. If they don't respond, or respond negatively, they will receive a scathing email from me and an invitation to read my posts on this site so they can see what they missed out on. I appreciate all the offers of help - if they say no I am going to take this as a sign that Joey is not the one for us and that another dog is destined for us. We have already started looking at other rescues in case this doesn't pan out. One rescue has 3 dogs we are interested in. Their dogs are kenneled so I doubt they'd have a problem with us.

Jennifer

Dear Jennifer Firstly if there is anything I can do to help email anything I will do it, we brought home our puppy 2 weeks ago and when I had my house visit, the rescue team discussed with us crating, I personally have never used it and do not intend to, I have bought a puppy pen for Honey which configurates into many different designs for enclosure I have found it a godsend, the rescue service have passed it as an enclosed area for my pup. I do not know about the criteria where you are but here in the UK they are quite common, if you need any further information I will gladly pass it to you. Just to add I am so frustrated at the way you have been treated. Lots of Love Diane

Diane luton.England

Jennifer, I can't believe what you are going through with the rescue people. You would think that they would want to spend some time getting to know you. You know interviews or something. Not just fill out a piece of paper and we'll make our decision! They seem to invest so much into these dogs. It is really disappointing to hear that they spend very little time with prospective owners. It is too bad that they don't know what a great home Joey would be going to. I don't think it is right of them to force crate training. I think you outdoor kennel sounds great! Joey would be safe, have everything he needs. I didn't crate Toqua when she was a pup. 10 years later she is not allowed to be inside if we are out. She will still rip up carpet/linoleum, rip down blinds, chew through doors - you name it she has done it. So, when Fin came home to us last year I decided that I would crate him. It was a decision left to me to make, the breeder didn't force it! Crate training works for me because work is a 7 minute walk from home. So I can go home at lunch. The longest I have had to leave him is 4 hours. So, crate training worked for us. But I too would not have done it if I had to be completely away from home for 9+ hours a day. I think they would much rather be outside, in a safe area, which you have, than locked in a crate in the house. Last spring I decided he could graduate from being crated, and took his crate down and packed it away. Well, the poor guy was sooooo out of sorts! He couldn't settle when in the house. So, I had to bring it out and set it back up. I still have the thing set up in the corner of my living room, and he spends a lot of time in it - not locked in it he goes into it on his own to lie down. His little safe place. I have given him the run of the run house a couple times, and each time he has killed my shoes. He has three pairs under his belt!! So, he is not quite ready yet. But he knows when it is time, goes in no problem, and is very relaxed when I get home. NO crying or whining. Just calmly laying in there waiting to be let out. So, I wouldn't speak negatively about crate training, it just isn't the right choice for all people. Again, Jennifer, I am so sorry to hear the hurdle you have hit regarding adopting Joey. I think you are right when you say that it may be a sign. It is just too bad that they invested so little time into getting to know you, and that they are loosing an opportunity for Joey to be placed in a great, loving home. Let us know what happens. Jessi

Jessi BC

Your supportive comments mean so much to me! I have not heard back from the prison rescue lady, and I'm not holding my breath. Even if she were to contact me and say she'd reconsider, this has left such a sour taste in our mouths that I don't think we'd go forward with an adoption from this rescue. All our friends are just aghast that we were denied. Now that the shock has worn off, we have actually been laughing about it, it's just so absurd. My husband and I have been searching Petfinder to see if we can find our next canine friend there. We found several dogs that meet the criteria we are looking for, and it was sooo weird, many of them are at this one rescue about an hour away from us. It was just eerie, it's like we are being strongly guided to this one rescue. There are literally six dogs that have piqued our interest at this one place. I have to think Riley has something to do with coordinating all of this. :) They do a really neat thing where they test the dog's personality and they are assigned one of three colors (basically representing low energy, medium energy and high energy). Once assigned a color, they are broken into one of three personality types within the color. It is supposed to work really well to find a dog that's suited for your life. We filled out an adoption survey with this rescue and they will be contacting us to let us know which of the dogs we are interested in match up with us. If anyone wants to see some pictures, let me know and I'll post the profiles of the dogs we're interested in! :)

Jennifer

Dear Jennifer, I am so very sorry for the loss of your beloved Riley. Thank you for your kind words for Cody....I've been up since 3:00 a.m. when this started, and am in zombie-mode at this point. I feel very badly for your experience trying to adopt Joey....I've adopted 3 rescues in the past 2 years....2 of them are now dead...and the process trying to adopt them was really, really difficult. I too was treated like garbage a few times....and we've spent close to 40 thousand dollars on our dogs to give them the best care when ill. I'm not saying adoption is bad, but the process can be very frustrating. That's why I decided to buy my puppy Chrissy from puppyfind.com. You go to the site, punch in the puppy type you're looking for, and most breeders fly them safely within the U.S. The breeder I dealt with in California was WONDERFUL.......the whole experience from beginning to end was the best I've ever had. Chrissy is the most amazing little lap-girl......after losing my puppy Halow to Parvo (he was a recue too)and my other 2 dogs, I needed a pleasant experience to try to balance out some of the pain. Some people say adoption is the best thing to do, but ALL puppies and dogs need a home and love....Chrissy did too, and I'm blessed to have her. I wish you the very best in finding your new baby, and if I can be of any help please let me know. Also, Chrissy is a gorgeous long-haired white/cream chihuahua that looks like a little golden retreiver puppy....she was $200.00 + $275.00 to fly here. Since we've spent so much on our dogs care and are average working class people, I was really happy that her price was so reasonable. Continental Airlines does a great job taking care of the puppies. Good luck, Tammy/Cody

Tammy/Cody N.J.

Thanks Tammy, I hope you get some rest soon. The first couple nights without Riley were really hard for me, and I didn't sleep much, so I know how you feel. It does get easier, though. Thanks for the info, it sounds like you had a really good experience with how you got Chrissy! She sounds like a beautiful dog! This time around we're pretty set on getting a dog that's approximately 1-1/2 years old. We did the puppy thing with Riley and it was such HARD WORK, especially working full time. I'm keeping my fingers crossed it works out well with the slightly older dog. :)

Jennifer

I had a nice conversation with the adoption coordinator at another rescue this morning. :) This seems to be going much better. She was on vacation but liked our application so much that she contacted us in her time off. She said she was excited to get back so we could continue the process! She's not back until next week but said she would pick this back up the minute she returns. Yay! Meanwhile, I leave you with these pictures of a girl we're very interested in. Her name is Vega. :) http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=31130054&op=1&o=all&view=all&subj=41620042392&aid=-1&oid=41620042392&id=1421326885 http://www.petfinder.com/petdetail/15931347

Jennifer

Jennifer, Vaga is such a beautie!! Love the eyes. Is that the place that Riley was leading you to? Hope things go better with this rescue; sounds like they are already. Good luck with Vaga's adoption. Jessi & Toqua

Jessi BC

Jessi, Thanks! I think she is really pretty, and her eyes show gentleness and love. I can't wait to meet her. Yes, this is the rescue we feel we are being led to. It seems every dog we liked on Petfinder happened to be at this particular rescue. They are extremely organized and responsive, and have treated us with the utmost respect so far. :) How's Toqua doing? I hope she is splashing through puddles every day and continuing to make you laugh. Jennifer

Jennifer

Jennifer, I really hope that the stars align for you and Vaga. I did go and check out the rescue center website. Sounds like an amazing organization. I'm sure Riley is up there helping this happen. :) Toqua is doing great, touch wood. I don't like to say that out loud too much!! Don't want to jinx things. Over this past weekend I really saw her get back to 100%. Her energy is great, she has been wrestling with Fin again. Back to her neurotic Border collie self. Giving us the "roo-roo's" when we get home, even smiling at us. One of her quirks. Sometimes I can get her to do it on command. Too funny. I am really happy that she is doing so well, but at the same time it worries me that we are five weeks in to the 1-2 month prognosis. But, I have to remember that Toqua doesn't know how sick she is or how long the vets gave her. May 3rd marks 10 years of having her as my beloved friend, so I think we will make that - 2 weeks. So, we are just taking it a day at time, and having as much fun as we can each day. Every day she is here and healthy is such a blessing. Hoping that things work out for you with Vaga. Sounds pretty positive so far. Keep us posted!!

Jessi BC

So sorry to hear about Riley.Having lost my precious George to this terrible disease and had my Joey go through it as well I truly understand how you feel. Love to you, Corrie.xx

corrie Dagenham Essex UK

Jennifer Vaga is one very pretty girl with great markings!!! We have our paws crossed that she finds a furever home with you and your family. Cheryl & Ginger

Cheryl & Ginger Pinevile Pa

This thread was discussed between 13/04/2010 and 21/04/2010

Canine Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia (AIHA & IMHA) forum index

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