Canine Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia (AIHA & IMHA) - yesterday was Sways birthday + i adopted again

I haven't posted here as frequently as i'd like to since everything that happened w/ Sways passing but i do drop in from time to time to see how our pups are doing... Just wanted to let everyone know that i'm thinking of them and wishing the best always for their dogs that are going through and battling these difficult conditions. I wanted to thank everyone again for all the different kinds of support that was given to me throughout the last 2 and a half years. I also wanted to mention that yesterday would have been Sways 9th birthday and that I am hanging in there and overall. As i'm sure all of you know, it is such a drastic adjustment to lose someone you love with genuinely your whole entire heart. I can speak like this to ya'll because you understand that when we say our pets are family, it actually rings true as all truth. I also wanted to let you guys know that i adopted again last year, and wanted to introduce her to the board per say... as i feel like i know all of you on some level or another. It was a random and quick thing, as i was doing that triathlon and on rescue websites figuring out who i was donating money to. I passed her picture on the site and was touched, so i filled out an application for her not thinking i would get her, but felt like i wanted to do it anyways just so i had done my part... Well sure enough, they emailed me the next day saying they loved my app and i was approved for her pending a home check. her name is Neola and she is a pit bull-basenji mix -- and of course i miss Sway daily like i will for the rest of my life, but she is everything good in me and i hope that benefits Neola and any other dog i take on in the future. here is both Sway & Neola's first pictures... this is what i saw on the rescue site that reminded me of Sway and started this whole process of looking into adoption- http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4001/4326082602_8477267665_o.jpg this is Neola @yosemite- http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2705/4325346001_77c1e8d449_o.jpg @yosemite- http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4043/4325346063_34b93fe3d2_o.jpg w/ her kong football- http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4052/4325346077_677116e62f_o.jpg josh, neola, always sway

Josh California

Josh, That is awesome. Sway is all that is good in you. I like that. May you have some awesome memories ahead with Neola. Some great looking dogs. It is tough to lose a family member that thinks of you as the "greatest man on earth" and that you love as you say, with your entire heart. May Neola comfort you and may you continue to find peace. -Darren, missing Macy a whole lot

Darren Long Beach

Josh, I am so happy you found Neola or did she find you? What a sweet girl, no wonder she stole your heart. Neola will never replace Sway, but she will have her own place in your big heart and be a big part of your life. I still have a hard time looking at pictures of Kahlu. I am fine most of the time, but then out of the blue it hits me. Remember that I always told you to look after yourself? Well, I only realized now, how stressful the whole AIHA ordeal was on me. During the year of this fight I had some health issues that the doctors just could not figure out. Mysteriously all the symptoms have now disappeared. I suspect it was all stress related. I have my daughters Standard Poodle living with us right now and it is so nice to feed a dog and NOT give him any medication. Don't get me wrong, I would do it all over again, even thought the outcome was not good. Kahlu still had an other good 6 months at least, before it hit him the second time. A new puppy is on the horizon for us. I know already that I will train it to show me his gums every morning. I wish you and Neola all the best, a happy, healthy and long life! With a big Canadian bear hug, Brigitte

Brigitte BC Canada

Awww Josh, I think of Sway so often. I really believe that these special critters are "sent" to us by God. Neola is a blessed dog to have been adopted with you. Sue & Ren

Susie delaware

Josh, Thank you for sharing the pics of your babies with us. They are both good looking dogs, and while Sway will forever be a part of your heart and I am so impressed with you for sharing even more of it with another pup. May you have an amazing time with Neola. I love her name by the way....Kelly

Kelly Redding

That is such a thoughtfull, great thing you did. She's beautiful! How did you decide on the name? I love it. She has no idea yet how her world will change from being with you. She sure is lucky and I bet you're already spoiling her! I'm sure you'll both find the love and comfort in each other like you had with Sway. Maybe Sway gave you a sign from beyond and led you to the profile. Hope that you both have a healthy long life together and hopefully we'll get to se some more pictures of Neola as she grows. :) Take care and give her some HUGE hugs from Tessy & I.

Johnny

Josh, What a beautiful girl. I am sure Sway is watching from the bridge and is so happy that you have rescued Neola. I am not surprised your application was approved so quickly. If they knew 1/10th of all you went through with Sway and for Sway they would not have needed you to fill out any forms. Our special dogs that have been lost too soon will always have a very special place in our hearts. I think they actually make our hearts a little bigger so we are able to offer another piece to the dogs that follow after them. May you have many many happy years with your little girl. Hugs Penny and the canine crew from the creek.

Penny Lytle Creek Calif

Josh, Congrats on the addition of Neola, she is stunning. Happy Birthday to precious Sway at The Bridge...I'm sure she is running happily, and constantly keeping watch over you and Neola. blessings, Julie

Julie IL

Josh: Like you after losing Drago I was crushed. Then I saw a picture on Petfinder.com of a goofy looking pit puppy. She was a rescue case (beaten and starved) but had a look that just called out to me. She is the total opposite of Drago, but I love her just the same. She will never replace Drago but she has won my heart. Good luck and much happiness. Sue and Tofka and like you Drago look down on the two of us

Sue K PA

Josh, Its nice to hear from you. Neola is so cute and so lucky to have a Dad like you. I am sure Sway would be very happy with your new addition. Samantha & Madison

Samantha Perth

Josh, i'm sure Sway sent Neola your way i am so happy she is yours. I will never forget your beautiful tribute to Sway on youtube it touched my heart so deeply. I miss Belle everyday of my life it's been 7 months without her. I too adopted 2 babies one was not enough to fill the empty void she left in my heart. Congratulations on your new addition Josh, i wish you, your family and beautiful Neola a long, happy, and healthy life together. Know that Sway is looking over you from above. Effie.

Effie Melbourne Australia

Hi Josh Neola is sooooo pretty and I love her markings. The photos are all really good and I especially like the one with the Kong football as you can really see her coloring. She is one lucky dog, to have been adopted buy such a caring person and I know she will never replace Sway but your heart is so big you can love them both and probably have room for a few more:) Thanks for the update, as we think of you often. Cheryl & Ginger

Cheryl & Ginger Pineville pa

Josh, Congratulations on opening your heart to your new love Neola. Oh how lucky she is to have found you. Josh, you and Sway have truly touched so many of us here as we have dealt with this terrible disease. The best of everything to you and Neola and please keep in touch. Ron & Cooper

Ron Florida

Josh, I have loved seeing Neola's pics, she reminds me of Tiggs :) You are a great dad, and Sway is so proud of you from her view from above at the Bridge...I'm sure she had a great birthday, running without pain, smiling at all of the great things you are doing! melissa and tiggs

melissa slc

Josh, I've always said that the highest compliment you can give your pet who's passed is to get another pup. You enjoyed the experience so much the first time that you want to do it all over again. Good for you. Lucky Neola!!

Jane MN

Josh, Congratulations on your newest addition to your family! Neola is beautiful and so lucky that you opened up your heart and adopted her! You just know that Sway is looking down and giving 4 paws up for you and Neola. Sway knows you will always love her but your heart is so big, that you have plenty of room to spread that love back to Sway and to Neola. Linda

Linda Sapphire

Josh - I love Neola's coloring - and her face is beautiful - You'll have many happy years together. I know how you feel about thinking of our babies as part of the family. They are our children... our babies. Wishing all good things for you and Neola. You'll always have Sway in your heart -

Lisa TX

Josh, I just finished watching the tribute for Sway and I want you to know that I think your an amazing person. The love you felt for Sway was so incredible apparent that I sat and cried for what you have lost. I think that Neola is going to be very happy to be in such a caring home. May you have many wonderful years with her..Kelly

Kelly Redding

I hope you and Neola have many happy times together. I thought your tribute to Sway on You tube was the most moving thing I have seen.

Julie Australia

Josh, Just checked out your Youtube tribute. Brought me to tears...especially what you wrote at the end. This has been such a devastating loss to me and seeing your love for Sway made me feel like I can relate to you even though I don't know you. I am sure you were crushed as I am now. I commend you on your willingness to open your heart up again. Just really impressed..... -Darren

Darren Long Beach

I wondered what you had been up to! Congrats on Neola. What a beautiful puppy. Sway is looking out for you and your new pup. I still think my dog Oliver had something to do with us getting a rescue pup, Butters, only a few months after Oliver passed. They may leave us physically, but will remain always in our hearts. Congrats and good luck to you and Neola. Take care.

Mardi Northern Calif

Hi Josh, Congratulations on adopting Neola - she is a real beauty. I hope that you can soothe each other's hearts. I am sure that Sway is happy for you as well. Take care, Aden

Aden Jerusalem

Hi Josh, Congratulations on Neola's adoption! She sure is a beautiful girl. You are both so lucky to have found each other. I wish you many happy and healthy years together, as Sway lives on in your heart forever. Samantha & Millie.

Samantha Geelong Australia

Lovely news Josh...and what a gorgeous name Neola.I looked it up and it says of Greek origin meaning youthful...may she have a long healthy life...I don't have to wish her a happy one cos that's a given if she's got you. Sway will be so pleased for you both... Kathleen and Nollaig

Kathleen North Ayrshire

Josh, I'm so happy for you! And for Neola - she's a lucky, lucky puppy to have gotten you for her dad. She's adorable. I'm sure Sway is watching from the bridge and smiling. Elizabeth

Elizabeth Baltimore

Neola is beautiful! I hope you two have many happy healthy years together.

Steve VA

Josh, Congratulations! Neola is one lucky pup! May you and Neola enjoy many happy years together! Thank you for sharing her pictures. She is gorgeous. Your tribute to Sway is so beautiful. I have had several dogs in my life and every one will always be in my heart. Barb and Tootsie

Barb Ohio

Josh, Congrats on the new addition! Neola is a doll! While she will never take the place of your Sweet Brave Sway, she will find her very own piece of your heart to fill with joy, love, and companionship. From the looks of the pix, I'd say she has already found her spot. She is one lucky gal. I have no doubt Sway "arranged" that meeting between you and Neola. My aiha boy Jacob passed in January 2008. He was still in remission from aiha but ended up with kidney/liver failure, likely due to the long-term pred. My non-aiha boy Rocky passed away just three weeks ago. He was 14yrs old, not bad for a 100lb boy. He had many "old age" issues that ultimately caused uncontrolled pain so we had to say goodbye. I find great comfort in knowing my boys are once again together but miss both of them like crazy. In time, I will follow suit and adopt another pup. I have a soft spot for pits/pit mixes. I find it horrific that so many people give them a bad rap. My Jacob was a lab/pit mix and he was the biggest sweetest baby and my personal snuggle boy, just as I picture Sway was with you. Well, I hope my boy found Sway at the Bridge. He always had a thing for the Pretty Girls. :) Once again....CONGRATS! Enjoy your girl!!! Teresa(and my Angel Boys Jacob and Rocky)

Teresa va

Josh: Wonderful to hear from you and thrilled to hear you've been adopted by a new girl! She is truly beautiful and I'm sure Sway is looking down on you both with love and joy! Rita, Mike and Sheba

Rita IA

Josh -- I am so glad that you and Neola found each other. And those pictures of Sway and Neola just touched my heart -- such beautiful girls with expressive eyes. I wish you and Neola long healthy lives together with Angel Sway watching over you. She'll always be with you.

Brenda VA

Hi Josh I am relatively new to this forum, but I had read your story with Sway from the archives, and cried over it - Sway was indeed a brave dog, with an amazing owner. I just want to pass on my very best wishes to you and its fantastic you have adopted Neola - kind of reminds me of a country song, Leona! :) Sounds like a match made in heaven. Beautiful pictures too. Silka

Silka Melbourne Australia

Josh, Congratulations, You and Neola are so very lucky to have each other ;)Have fun, lots and lots of fun!! Take Care Jess, Keiko and Hushi!

jess bc

So happy that you now have Neola. I am sure Sway is looking down from heaven and approves. Thanks for sharing the pix. She is beautiful!

leslie ca

Josh, I am so happy to hear your news! Beautiful Sway was so fortunate to have such a loving, supportive dad like you, and Neola is truly blessed to have you in her life. I know that Sway will forever remain in your heart and you will miss her every day. I believe Sway left her paw print of unconditional love on you and that is why you have been able to make room in your heart for a special little girl like Neola. My best wishes for a full, happy, and healthy life for you and Neola. Take care, Karen

Karen NC

Hi Josh, it was wonderful to read that you opened your heart to another dog, congratulations! Neola just won the doggie lottery getting you as a dad.

Wendi Ohio

Neola is beautiful. May she bring you much love and happiness. Lucy

lucy ny

Josh, when I saw your Sway and Neola side by side all I could think of was they are both your "HEART" dogs. Beautiful Neola has been very lucky to find a person like you that gives your all to your fur family. Dolores

Dolores Wi

This thread was discussed between 02/02/2010 and 18/02/2010

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