Canine Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia (AIHA & IMHA) - Tears for Clifford

It is with a heavy heart that I let you know that Clifford is being put to sleep in a few hours. He took a turn for the worse, even though his PCV had climbed to 32 and we were discussing weaning him off the prednisone. In just the last 24 hours his kidneys are failing, he has blood clots and internal bleeding. The doctor called with the dreadful prognosis a few hours ago and I am still processing it. He is up at Georgia Vet Specialist in Atlanta and we will be leaving soon to say good-bye and make arrangements for cremation. I thank you all for your prayers and support. In my mind I know it is time and it is the right thing to do, but my heart is broken. Sadly, Janice Clifford's Mom

Janice Newnan

Janice, I am SO sorry. I so feel your pain. Your decision is right..Clifford would agree but that does not help right now. I pray for peace and comfort knowing you are letting Clifford choose rest after a long and valiant fight. Stay connected here in the days to come as you will find comfort during the painful days ahead. Do go to the grief and loss at Meisha's site as there are words of wisdom there to ease your mind as well as book recommendations. Prayers, hugs and tears for Clifford. sharon

sharon pa

Janice, This disease just never ceases to ravage the bodies of those we so much love. It is relentless but fortunately for Clifford so is your love. And that will be the last thing he knows ...until you meet again someday. It hurts so deeply to hold our beloved friends so close in our hearts and then to set them free. It is the hardest and most precious thing we have in life...the alternative would be unthinkable. You have been among the fortunate ones who have come to learn that first hand. We will hold you close in our collective hearts as you hold Clifford close in your arms. Barkley and Cheryl ... and the AIHA family

Cheryl Medford

God bless Clifford,

josh california

Janice, I have tears in my eyes as I type. I am so sorry that you have had to come to this awful choice that some of us have had to make. It is so hard to say goodbye but know in your heart you and Clifford gave it all that you could and as a good Mom you have had to let him go. He will be met at the bridge by a lot of our dogs so don't worry about him, they will keep him busy playing until the day comes that you will meet up again. Sharing in your sorrow Penny

Penny Lytle Creek Calif

Janice, I am so sorry. Someone told me once it is the hardest thing to let them go but a gift to have the choice to end their suffering when a cure isn't meant to be. Your love for Cliff has been very clear throughout your brave fight. Take care, Bonnie

Bonnie Chicago

Janice, Our thoughts will be with you and Clifford during his final moments. It is a very difficult decision to make, but when their bodies can no longer fight, Mom's & Dad's love has to take over to end their pain. In as much as your heart is breaking now remember the good times you spent with Clifford before this disease. That is where Holly spent her week in the Hospital as Georgia Vet Specialists in Atlanta, Dr Langs is her Internist. Take care and again our thoughts and prayers are with you. Linda

Linda Sapphire

Dear Janice -- I am in tears too. Having been in your shoes, I know how hard it is. I am glad you will be there to say goodbye and to send him off with your final words of love. Those final moments will provide comfort to you as you deal with your sadness. Please know that you did all that you could for him and remember all of those wonderful days and years you had together. And know that you'll be together again someday. Please take care and let us know how you're doing.

Brenda VA

Janice and Family Please accept our deepest condolences in the loss of your beloved Clifford. Our hearts ache with yours during this difficult time. Cheryl & Ginger

Cheryl & Ginger Pineville PA

Oh Janice, I am so very very sorry.. You did all you could, yet I know how hard it is... will pray for you as well as all the others... AnnaMarie

AnnaMarie Illinois

So sad to hear about Clifford. I followed your thread from the time I came across this forum when my little guy got IMHA. You did apsolutely everything possible and tried everything. Sincere thoughts go out to you.

Julie Australia

Janice, I'm so sorry to hear your news. Hugs to you and your family at this sad time. deb and Duck

Debbie BC Canada

Janice, God bless you and peace to Clifford. You've been a great mom through his illness. I'm so sorry to hear this news. Leslie and Sunny

Leslie Oceanside

janice, we are so sorry for what you are going through. it sounds like the end will be as kind, loving, and gentle as it can be. clifford knows that he is loved, and he knows that you both fought as hard as you could. with our deepest condolences and love, melissa and tiggs

melissa slc

As I sit here I am sad but comforted by all of the kind messages I am receiving. The morning is not the same without Cliff. I like to take the dogs out early to watch the sunrise. Kurt knows his brother is gone...I can see it, I can feel it. We comforted each other during the night holding his stuffed red Clifford dog. Kurt got to say goodbye and was licking his face as Clifford left us. He laid down next to him after he was gone. The facility was very accomodating to whatever we needed and for however long. I always knew that whichever dog was left behind first would suffer greatly. Kurt will get every ounce of love and attention that was once shared with Cliffie. He has missed out on doing some things he enjoys because Cliff was too sick to come along. It is time to make that up to him and together we will get through this. Thanks for listening. I will continue to keep your beloved pets in my prayers as well. Janice Cliff and Kurt's Mom

Janice Newnan

Janice, I am so saddened to hear hear of your loss. My thoughts are prayers are with you during this difficult time and I wish you nothing but comfort and peace in the upcoming days. Deepest Condolences, Layla & Tipsi

Layla Raleigh

Janice, I'm so sorry to hear about Clifford. I know how hard it is to make that decision, even when you know absolutely that it's the right thing to do. Know that he's healthy now, and that he knows you did everything you could for him. Hang in there - you'll be in my thoughts. Elizabeth

Elizabeth Baltimore

I am so sorry to hear about Clifford, Janice, I feel your pain and grief. Sadly many of us have to go through this, it's so horrible and heart breaking. My thoughts are with you all. Tricia x May I go now? Do you think the time is right? May I say goodbye to pain filled days and endless lonely nights? I've lived my life and done my best, an example tried to be. So can I take that step beyond and set my spirit free? I didn't want to go at first, I fought with all my might. But something seems to draw me now to a warm and loving light. I want to go. I really do. It's difficult to stay. But I will try as best I can to live just one more day. To give you time to care for me and share your love and fears. I know you're sad and afraid, because I see your tears. I'll not be far, I promise that, and hope you'll always know that my spirit will be close to you wherever you may go. Thank you so much for loving me. You know I love you, too. That's why it's hard to say goodbye and end this life with you. So hold me now just one more time and let me hear you say, because you care so much for me, You'll let me go today. **********

Tricia UK

I am so sorry. Prayers are with you & your family. Clifford is well loved and will always be in your heart.

Ronda So Cal

Janice, My sympathies to you and your family in the time of your loss of Clifford. I understand exactly what you are going thru. Please take good care of yourself during this time also. barbara

Barbara GA

i am so sorry to read about this he put up a gallant fight, but sometimes they just can't beat it. my hear breaks for you. May he find my golden retriever, Huntr, also lost to AIHA and have a great play session.

SANDRA Texas

I am so very sorry for your loss of Clifford. Know that you have made a very loving and kind decision.

Courtney SLO

Janice, I am so sorry to hear about Clifford. I lost Cali 9 weeks ago today & it is still painful. We too thought she was getting better, but her health declined rapidly. I had to make the decision to let her go which is never easy. You did all you could for Clifford & just know he is now in a better place. Take care, Dee

Dee WI

This thread was discussed between 19/08/2008 and 23/08/2008

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