Canine Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia (AIHA & IMHA) - Scared/New adoption?

I can't believe it actually happened. I looked at a pet rescue site and fell in love with a Great Pyranees, 2 yr old in need of a home. I was reading some comfort/ loss poems last night and something "clicked" about having so much love to give and how my Brandy would be proud. I am scared. some of you have had two dogs with AIHA. what if??? I think my husband might kill me because I have just been so grieved since Aug 10 when our sweet Brandy left us. I see some of you have adopted new friends recently. are you scared too? I just can't face a loss, but think I have turned some corner and want to share my love. thanks for listening............ sharon and angel Brandy. God Bless to all the success stories and blessings to all who need healing after their loss.

sharon pa

Sharon, I can understand just how you are feeling, I wonder exactly the same and yes there is always a risk but if you have love to give then it's always the right thing to do, you are not replacing Brandy just opening your heart to another innocent animal in need of a home. Saffy could never replace Holly for me but she has brought some joy back to the house and really helped my other dog Ellie who seemed so depressed at losing her companion. I grieved hard for Holly and some days I still do but I have not once regretted letting Saffy into my home and heart. I think you will know for sure if/when you visit. Thinking of you. Keri xx

Keri Lynn Wales UK

Sharon, The fear of possibly having another AIHA dog is probably something that crosses the mind of anyone who has been through it. It should not stop you from adopting or loving another dog. Life is full of risks no matter what. I was terrified when we adopted our new girl dog because the pound gave her every shot known to mankind and spayed her at the same time. 19 months later no problems have shown up. Is that a guarantee, No, but a life without a dog would be much sadder. I know any dog you choose will know nothing but a life of love. Penny

Penny Lytle Creek Calif

Hi Sharon You know, when we lost Trixie to AIHA, 6 months ago on Oct 24, I said I could never have another one, I could never go through that pain again. Today, we have 2 rescued doggies and they have become the best of friends. I looked at many rescued websites, my heart went out to all of them, I cried and cried when I read their backgrounds. I'll never forget Trixie, she is still the best ever :+) but we have offered our home and ourselves to 2 beauties here and I'm sure Trixie approves. Of course, I have AIHA in the back of my mind, I'm sure all of us who have been through such a dreadful experience, never ever want to go through that again. I try not to dwell on it, once again I am able to give to these lovely doggies, all that I gave to Trixie, who was also a rescue, a lovely life full of love, careing and happiness. Tricia

Tricia UK

Sharon, I think that would be a wonderful gift in honor of Brandy- to give a dog in need a home and love would be a lovely way to remember your sweet angel. Your right, she would be so proud! And it would bring such joy to all of you. Best of luck, and keep us posted if you adopt! melissa and tiggs

melissa slc

While Maggie was fighting AIHA, she became the focus of our attention. Our other lab Knight who is 10 has found it hard without his special mate. I have looked into a couple of Lab Rescue sites here in South Carolina, but I'm just not ready yet to get another Lab. We are still grieving the loss of Maggie, there isn't a day that goes by when she isn't in my thoughts. It is so hard.

Karon SC

Sharon, I cannot express how much I encourage you to adopt a dog. I was grieving so badly for Sunny that after a month my husband was really worried that I was going into a huge depression. He convinced me to start looking for a new dog. We went for several weeks to many shelters before I found the right one. Scooter is the new joy in my life! In the days following adopting her I finally felt like myself again. Eventually I stopped crying and was able to enjoy life again. I still miss Sunny and I know that he was my "soul mate" and that I will never forget him. However, Scooter has brought fun and happiness back into my life. My vet says that Scooter is lucky to have been adopted into my family, but I know the truth. I am blessed to have another dog in my life and I will never take that for granted. Good Luck to you Sharon. Leslie

Leslie Oceanside

Sharon, when we lost Bronwyn, I was absolutely devastated. It came out of nowhere, killed in 36 hours, and she was only a year and a half old. It took a while to fully sink in - and I was a bawling wreck every day for the better part of 2 months. Yet even while I was wondering how many more times I could go through losing a dog, we were looking at getting a puppy. Four months after Bronwyn died, we brought Amy home - and it was cathartic. Getting Amy was exactly the sort of healing I needed. She will never replace Bronwyn (they are sisters), and I wouldn't want her to, because Bronwyn was one of a kind, but having her crazy, loony puppiness in the house was exactly what all of us needed. Yes, I worry about IMHA, especially since Amy and Bronwyn are related, but I can't let it stop me getting other dogs. As much as it stinks to lose them, for any reason, the pain of losing them is nothing compared to the joy they give you, no matter how long they are with you. I think you should go for it - I doubt you'll regret it. Let us know. Elizabeth

Elizabeth Baltimore

God Bless all of you for your support! This is most likely insane but I found out Sweetheart and Frankie are a bonded pair! They are a 2 yr old mom and her 1 yr old son .........Great Pyranees. We are actually considering adopting the pair! They are small for their breed t around 75 lbs each I am waiting for this Thursday as I have an appt with a neurosurgeon about a ganglion cyst in my spine which appeared the day Brandy was diagnosed. I have suffered with back pain ever since July 22. I want it fixed so I can get back to running .......the rescue sponsor family told me these two love to run. We have already bonded. Please pray for all the right answers and I will put this in God's very merciful hands. Could be HE has another gift like Brandy was for me. Best to all Sharon and angel Brandy

sharon pa

Hi Sharon I am keeping my paws crossed things work out with you and your possible new additions. I am so glad you are considering a rescue dog and I am sure Brandy would approve of that as there are thousands of dogs out there that need homes and you can really make a difference in there lives. It is terrific you are considering two dogs as I would never just have one dog again, they are such good company and playmates for each other and I don't feel as bad leaving more than one home when I have to go out. I have 3 75 lbs goldens and walk all three twice a day. I hope and pray the neurosurgeon can alleviate your back pain and you can get back to running. Please keep us posted. Cheryl & Ginger

Cheryl & GInger Pineville PA

Sharon, That is wonderful to consider the pair! Tiggs is pretty inseperable with Winn, our older dog. I think it's great for them to have a buddy, and besides, it's really the same amount of work, doesn't really add too much, and they make each other so happy. Best of luck with your back, I hope it works out for all of you! Let us know when you decide. melissa and tiggs

melissa slc

This thread was discussed between 26/10/2008 and 28/10/2008

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