Canine Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia (AIHA & IMHA) - The heart starts to heal

Hello everybody, I am so touched by all the sympathy messages from around the world! Thank you all so much, it helped a lot to know you were thinking of us. It is now almost a week since my life has gone on without Kahlu. The hole is still there, but I have started to look forward. I always thought of doing a fundraiser for Meisha's hope in conjunction with an agility trial. Now I am going past the thinking. There is a big trial here in April and I will have a both for information about AIHA and hopefully collect some money. My coaches are kind enough to host a fun trial in Kahlu's honor in July. All proceeds will go to Meisha's hope. I am very exited about all that. Kahlu was my first pure bred dog. I have had three rescues and have raised three puppies for Canadian Guide Dogs for the Blind. I picked Kahlu's breeder out of many, because she is very responsible. She does all the screening, no inbreeding. She picked Kahlu for me to do Agility. But I don't think he came to me for that, although he was very good at it. He came to me to teach me so many lessons. Don't take health or life for granted. My family is my biggest support. my daughters are rocks in crisis and on and on.... Kahlu was also a wonderful therapy dog. His favorite senior died just a few days after Kahlu's diagnosis. Kahlu used to jump on Bill's bed for a good snuggle every time. Bill had both legs amputated. We still say every now and then;Kahlu and Bill went for a run today! I don't want anybody to get discouraged or paranoid because Kahlu lost his battle. He lived almost a year past diagnosis. At least 6 moths of that year were very good, with long walks in the woods and a pretty normal life even with all the medications. Even if I would have known that he would only live an other year, I would not have done anything different. there are no regrets, I did what I could. to only have a dog for 3 1/2 years is of course way to short. but it is always to short, no matter how long they love. All your support has helped me incredibly, during Kahlu's illness and his passing. I am very grateful for that. A new puppy is on the horizon for the Spring. I will make sure to fill you in what is happening in my life. So far I have still been on the board every day. Thinking of you and wishing you all the best, Brigitte

Brigitte BC Canada

Brigitte, Kahlu was so lucky to have you as his Mom. What a wonderful tribute to Kahlu you are doing to raise money for Meisha's Hope. I make donations all during the year in the hopes that one day nobody will have to experience the heartbreak of losing their animal to this awful disease. It also helps me celebrate the memory of my dear girl. I am glad you can remember the good times with Kahlu instead of getting lost in the awful parts. These special dogs will always have a place in our hearts until they are by our sides again. Hugs Penny

Penny Lytle Creek Calif

Wow Brigitte....you are impressive. Doing a fund raiser and getting a new puppy will help you and keep Kahlu's memory alive at the same time. Please let us know when you get your new puppy and how the fundraiser goes. Beyond that, I can only hope you continue to find peace and know that as special a dog as Kahlu was, you are an equally special owner.

Darren Long Beach

Thank you for the inspirational message. What a wonderful thing you are doing in Kahlu's memory. You and Kahlu have been Tootsie's and my inspiration for the past 8 months. Tootsie is on medication and doing well but we never know the future. We are enjoying having Tootsie for whatever time we will have together. I enjoyed seeing Kahlu's pictures of the agility contests. Barb and Tootsie

Barb Ohio

Brigitte, You continue to be an inspiration for all of us - thank you. Good luck with your endeavors and keep us posted on your new beginnings. Best wishes for a successful fund raiser and for a healthy new puppy when the time is right for you. Chris & Alex

Chris Pa

Brigitte, Kahlu would indeed be proud of his mum. It's great what you have planned in his memory and I'm sure he'll be watching over you as you proceed ahead. Penny hit the nail right on the head when she said that Kahlu was lucky to have you as his mom. Prayers, best wishes, and a big ole Thank-You coming your way. Johnny & Tessy

Johnny

Dear Brigitte You are indeed an amazing person, as well as an amazing dog owner - there is one lucky puppy out there waiting to be the chosen one. You are an inspiration to me, with Riley. Thank you Silka

Silka Melbourne Australia

Very sorry to read about the loss of Kahlu. You are a great inspiration to everyone and a wonderful and amazing owner. My sincere condolences on this very sad time for you, and I wish you all the best for better times when you get a new and healthy pup. Julie (who lost Ssruffy at 9 months of age to this awful disease)

Julie Australia

Brigitte, As many have said you are an inspiration. This 69 year old man would like to stretch his arms out to you and give you a big HUG. You will never know just how much you and Kahlu meant to us during the awful early stages of this disease. You were indeed our guiding light and gave us hope. This past week everytime I look at Cooper and my thoughts revert to Kahlu.He will always be in our prayers Ron & Cooper

Ron Florida

Brigitte -- You are so wonderful, and Kahlu was so lucky to have you love him and care for him. They say the Good Lord only gives a person what He thinks the person can bear -- you are incredibly strong. Please take care, and thank you for organizing the fundraiser for Meisha's Hope. As Penny said, we give in hope that veterinary science will find the "right" treatment for IMHA so that someday, a diagnosis of this disease will not cause the devastation that it does now.

Brenda VA

Dear Brigitte, How nice to get your update, I am glad you are starting to heal. The fundraiser and the booth are great ways to honour Kahlu's memory and raise awareness about AIHA / IMHA. I know to this day, when my friend's and family ask about Millie's illness, they can never comprehend just how devastating and complicated it can be to manage and live with a dog suffering from IMHA. Which is why your support and the support of so many others on this forum helps me to live with Millie's illness. I'm sure your new puppy will bring you so much joy when it arrives in spring. That is certainly going to be an exciting time! Best wishes for the fundraising and for the future. Samantha & Millie.

Samantha Geelong

Time will heal a broken heart. Peace

Mardi Northern Calif

Brigitte You are a very strong courageous woman Brigitte and that emanated from you into Kahlu and made him feel content and secure at all times even when he was so ill. Good luck with the trials and if there's a way to donate online let me know and I will do it in Kahlu's memory. Take great care Kathleen and Nollaig

Kathleen North Ayrshire

Brigitte, I spoke with Josh today, he's unable to post. He wanted to pass along his love and condolences for you and Kahlu. We're all thinking of you. melissa and tiggs

melissa slc

I really like the way you said that kahlu chose you... i believe it to be true and feel the same way about charlie. Im so happy you are putting your energy towards something good, kahlu would be proud of you carol

Carol

Brigitte, I just want you to know how much I admire and draw from your strength. You are an amazing person and will be a great mom for the new baby. Let us know how he/she is...Kelly

Kelly Redding

This thread was discussed between 13/01/2010 and 15/01/2010

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