Maine member... she died last night in my arms

[Sage7398]

I was at this site aug. 9th looking for answers to symtoms my 8 year old female was having. I made an appt. first thing the next morning for 5:30pm that day. We never made it. Come to find out, she had dialated cardiomyopathy. She never showed any symptoms until the day before she died. From what I was able to find here, I thought it was a brain tumor. I did more research last night and came across a site that described her symtoms...mild collapse and the back legs having sudden pain and paralysis.I am beating myself up for not taking her to the emergency vet hospital after the incident. I didn't know how serious it was. It only lasted a few seconds and she got up and shook and had a drink of water and layed down. I let her sleep in the bed with me that night. I cooked her scrambled eggs for breakfast and spoiled her with a little piece of baked chicken for lunch.
When it was time to go I grabbed her leash and that always sets her into a circle spin and hopping.
She was so excited about going for a ride. She hopped up in the car and I went back in the house to get my keys and I came out and she had fallen butt first off the seat and couldn't get up and she was moaning like a human. I immediatly opened the door, got down on my knees and gently picked her up out of the car. She lost her urine and I knew that wasn't good. She was limp and she moaned 3 more times and was gone. I am devistated.

 

[Louise501]

Oh I am so sorry, what a terrible shock for you. I hope in time your loss becomes easier to bear. May it be a little comfort to you that she didn't suffer and that you were with her at the end.

 

[Sage7398]

Thanks

I'm trying to find another dog to replace her now. I'm friends with Second change boxer rescue here in Maine and I've contacted some local breeders.
I can't stop crying. she's having a private creamation and I'll have her ashed in a nice ern and a placque with a paw print and a place for a picture. All the members here are so supportive of one another. Thanks again

 

[carver1102]

i don't have any words for you that can help the hurt. just know my thoughts and prayers are with you, and that she is at the bridge waiting for you. my deepest apologies. godspeed sweet angel

 

[tesster]

I am so sorry for your devastating loss. Your plans sound like a beautiful tribute to your loving companion and friend. I wish you peace during this very difficult time.

 

[Jackson2005]

I am so sorry

 

[Hagrid's Mom]

So sorry for your loss. Don't know if this information will help you cope. I had a dalmation with a dilated cardiomyopathy. He started with a frothing cough. Once diagnosed by cardiac echo he was on many, many different medications. They caused him to be lethargic, loss of appetite, stomach upset. He was okay part of the time, comfortable most of the time. But he was not able to run and play like he used to. He lasted another year. Every morning I would look at him and pause to see if he was still breathing. By the end he was on 22 pills a day(spread out over 3 times a day) to keep him comfortable. He had multiple trips to the vet when his lungs would fill up. He had lost so much weight he didn't look like himself. We did what we thought was best at the time. Bottom line, given the choice again I would not put him through it. Again, so sorry for your loss. Maybe knowing that she didn't have to go through the incredibly uncomfortable illness helps you.

 

[tastubbs]

That is very sad loss. I hope you don't beat your self up about it anymore. I am just sorry it was so traumatic for you. Obviously, you were paying attention to your dogs health and taking steps to address it. I am glad that you are looking into rescue (I have 2) and hope that providing a home for another dog will give you some peace.

 

[Sage7398]

To Hagrids Mom

Thanks to you and everyone who posted a reply.Your words did give me some comfort. My memories of her are happy and not of her suffering and having to go what your dalmation had to. I know in time that the picture of her last moments won't be in my head all the time. Everytime I turn around I think I hear her or I'm looking for her laying in the sun on the front lawn or before I get out of any chair as she was always close to me. My office is at my house so we were together all day. She loved to go in the canoe with me. All the neighbors here on the pond say they will miss her. I "rescued" a 10 week old female brindle last night. She'd been sick for two weeks, spend 4 days at the vets and has some open spots on her leg. It's unfortuante that some folks have good intentions when they breed, but don't have the know how or the facilities to take care of the puppies properly as was the case here. Now I can focus my "sage" energy on "Daisy" and get her well and healthy. I'm sure I'll be back many times. My next stop on the site is "training" and "puppies". This site is wonderful.

 

[Lola's mum]

Reading your post brought a tear to my eye. How terrible for you.