Canine Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia (AIHA & IMHA) - Sheba is at the Bridge

We just wanted to let everyone know that we helped Sheba go to the Bridge on Friday, May 27th. Unfortunately her degenerative myelopathy had gotten much worse and we feared that if we waited much longer she would totally lose the use of her back legs. And that was the last thing we wanted. We feared waking up one day or coming home from work to find her panicked because she couldn't get up. She was such a dignified, independent spirit and we could tell this was taking a huge toll on her. While we are heartbroken, we know in our hearts it was the right thing to do. Three years ago when Sheba was diagnosed with IMHA, I sat on the floor in our bedroom in the spot where she slept at that time and sobbed and begged God to give us more time. I told Him two years hadn't been enough and I would love to have three more but if one was all He was willing to give us, I would take it. He saw fit to give us three more years. We are forever grateful. I wrote here once that even if we had known what we would face when we adopted Sheba five years ago at the age of 9, we would do it all over again, without any hesitation, and we still feel that way. We gave a beautiful, dignified, independent little soul a chance at five great years. She enriched our lives far more than we ever probably enriched hers. Sheba was spoiled, treasured, loved. Every night before bed (and sometimes during the day!) I told her that she was the bestest dog ever. Ever was, ever is, ever will be. To us she truly was. Today we have no doubt that Sheba is in good company, waiting patiently at the Bridge for the day we join her. As I told her often that last week, for her time will pass in the blink of an eye, for us it will seem like forever. So, thank you everyone for your support over the last three years, it has been most appreciated. We will continue to check in and we will keep all of you and your beloved fur kids in our thoughts and prayers. Rita, Mike and (angel) Sheba

Rita IA

Dear Rita and Mike I am so sorry for the loss of your beloved Sheba. Our babies never stay with us long enough. When they have conditions as serious as hers it was time to give her your final loving act by releasing her. One thing is for certain … our pets leave their paw prints on our hearts forever. The love of a pet is unconditional which is why the feelings of loss are so intense. And although sometimes it seems like our grief will last forever and we will never smile again, keep this thought close to your heart. One day, each of us will be reunited with our loving companions at the Bridge!!! Sheba had a wonderful life with your family! Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers. Cheryl & Ginger

Cheryl & Ginger Pinevile PA

Rita & Mike, Sheba was so blessed to have such loving parents. I am glad you had the extra years with your girl but as you know we are still never ready to say goodbye. She is indeed in good company at the bridge and will play there happily until you are reunited. Penny

Penny Lytle Creek Calif

Rita, I am so sorry to hear of Shebas passing, I really related to you as Sheba and Wylie were the same age and diagnosed at time. Your gave her such a beautiful 5 years. I take a lot of comfort in your words as Wylies buddy 14 year old Jake is having similar problems with his back legs and I have to think of his dignity and a decision looming soon. Laurie and Wylie Remember Me Remember me when flowers bloom Early in the spring Remember me on sunny days In the fun that summer brings Remember me in the fall As you walk through the leaves of gold And in the wintertime, remember me In the stories that are told. But most of all remember Each day, right from the start I will be forever near For I live within your heart Author Unknown

Laurie CA

Dear Barb, Please accept my sincere condolences on the loss of Sheba. She will always have a special place in your heart and I know that you had wonderful times together, memories that will always stay with you. With sympathy, Brigitte

Brigitte BC

I am so sorry, of course it is Rita not Barb.

Brigitte BC

Rita, My very deepest sympathies to you and Mike on the loss of your most beloved Sheba. Be assured you both are in my thoughts and prayers during these most very difficult days.

Joanne MN

So sad to read of your loss. Adjusting is hard, but I'm sure with your outlook, you will make the journey through grief with a larger capacity to love even more freely than before. Sheba was blessed to have you as her owner and friend! Blessings and Prayers, Cindi & Tori girl

Cindi Panama City Beach

We just wanted to thank everyone for the kind words and for your thoughts and prayers. Not a day goes by that we don't find ourselves talking to Sheba or reminiscing about some silly thing she would do. The house seems very big and empty and quiet now and so we know that in time we will look for another dog who needs a loving home. In the meantime we will keep everyone here in our thoughts and prayers. Rita, Mike and (angel) Sheba

Rita IA

Rita, I'm so sorry for you loss...I recently lost my hopper. Sheba is with him at the rainbow bridge playing their tails off. My prayers are with you. Amy

Amy Panama City

(((((((RITA))))))) This just breaks my heart reading this! I'm so so sorry for your loss but take comfort in knowing that Sheba is very likely hanging with and playing with all our special furbabies that were lost to this disease. There's a special place at the bridge for our loved ones. It's such a hard decision to make but you showed ultimate love for her for what you did. My sympathies and condolences. HUGS HUGS HUGS Johnny & Tessy

Johnny

Rita, I am so sorry for your loss. Your post hit home in that you prayed for 3 more years but would take one. Sheba gave you more than you could ever give her. So well put and I believe she was one lucky dog. Like Johnny said, there is a special place at the bridge for our loved ones since they were so special. -Darren

Rita Long Beach

Dear Rita, I am very sorry to hear that Sheba is at the Bridge and I send condolences to you. She took your deep love and caring with her. I wish you strength, peace, and comforting memories of your girl. Take care, Aden

Aden Jerusalem

Rita and Mike - I was so saddened to read your message and I'm so sorry for your loss. Your love for Sheba was always so clear and I know that won't change. You have been a tremendous support to many people here, including me and Murray - I will always be grateful to you for sharing your experience and information. I hope you know now that we are supporting you in your sadness and remembering Sheba. All the best, Bonnie

Bonnie Chicago

Dear Rita and Mike, I am so very sorry for your loss of darling Sheba. You treasured those 'extra' years with Sheba after her IMHA diagnosis - and made the most of every day with her. Sheba is an inspiration, but more so to all those senior dogs fighting IMHA - including my Millie. Run free sweet Sheba. Our thoughts are with you both, Sam & Millie.

Samantha Geelong

This thread was discussed between 05/06/2011 and 27/06/2011

Canine Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia (AIHA & IMHA) forum index

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