New to site--Lysodren (Calcinosis cutis)-sweet AnnaBelle has passed away

[BostonLover]

I think the temp was about 30, maybe lower....

She sounded congested from time to time, but everytime I mentioned to vet or IMS, they said her heart sounded strong. I called and left a msg for Dr. Peterson, and I also emailed her. I haven't heard anything back yet. :(

[goldengirl88]

Crystal:
That worries me because off and on I have told the vets and everyone about Tipper sounding congested like underwater kind of. It has to be caused by Cushings as I have heard others say similar things. I was thinking maybe she had heart problems and the cold air made her have a heart attack, but if they said her heart was strong that makes no sense. How long has it been since she saw Dr. Peterson? Blessings
Patti

[BostonLover]

YES! It sounded underwater like...like there was fluid in her chest, and of course everytime she went to the vet or IMS, she sounded fine. It has to be Cushing's related. Her breathing was SO bad a few months ago, and Dr. Peterson said it was allergies/weather, and when it cooled off, she did sound SO much better. In hindsight, the only things I can think of that were different in the last week or so was her gas got EXTREMELY smelly (but we did change her to a grain free diet), and her breath started to smell almost like a rotting tooth (I had planned on having her teeth looked at in Dec, when she was going to go in for ACTH and protein check). Her neck also seemed larger about 2 weeks prior to her passing, but I thought she was gaining weight...now I wonder if it was fluid??? I also knew her cushings was no longer under control on the dose of Lysodren because the fur on her ears was falling off, and her nose was starting to get crusty again. I spoke to Dr. Peterson, and she said we would know soon because she had her ACTH scheduled for this Saturday. :(:(:(:( I wish I would have insisted on getting one sooner, but I trusted the doctor and probably let my baby down. I'm glad she's no longer in pain, but selfishly wish she was still her. :(:(

[Budsters Mom]

Sweet Crystal,
I am so very sorry for your loss. Annabelle has joined our other Cush babies at the rainbow bridge. They will watch out for her now.

Big hugs,
Kathy

[grapey]

You did the best you could for your baby girl. I'm sure she knew that. She was lucky to have you.

[thecoz]

Crystal, I am so sorry to read about Annabelle's passing.

KJ & Cosmo

[molly muffin]

Crystal, it's awful to not know the how and the why of Annabelle's passing. Maybe there was something going on inside gastro wise to cause that nasty gas and breath smell, that none of us knew about.

I know that you tried everything possible though to give her the best life a dog could have from her horrid beginnings. You did an excellent job of that and she was a happy little thing. They bring a special something into our lives and it hurts beyond bearing to lose that.

Sending you really big hugs and much love. It seems to be my day for crying uncontrollably for the ones we have lost.

love,
Sharlene and Molly Muffin

[Bo's Mom]

So sorry to hear about Annabelle. She knows she was truly loved and cared for and will forever be grateful that you were there to do that for her.
RIP Sweet Angel Annabelle...make your paw prints all over the Heavens.

[doxiesrock912]

Crystal,
I know a man who described exactly what you have and the vet confirmed that his dog passed from a heart attack. Definitely sounds the same.

[Trish]

I am so sorry to read this news about Annabelle. I was talking to a friend the other day who's mother had died unexpectedly. She said she was very happy it was quick for her Mum but she has found it so hard as she never really had a chance to say a proper goodbye. So I hope you are taking it easy on yourself. Big Hugs xxxx

[goldengirl88]

Crystal:
I have cried thru all my post today as I truly feel for you losing your baby and for Poppy. I am hoping God gives you the strength to carry on and go forward without precious Annabelle. She is with all the other Cush babies that are in heaven. She is running and playing like she dis as a pup. You will be united with her some day. I hope Dr. Peterson had gotten in touch with you. I noticed that when Tipper is uncontrolled is when she really sounds congested. She is having an uncontrolled spell right now and is a little congested so there is some tie between all this. I am trying to get her dosage stabilized so this stops. Was Annabelle controlled when this happened or not? I am praying for you ansd sweet Annabelle in heaven.
Patti

[addy]

Oh Crystal, there is no "good way " to lose our babies . Annabelle did not suffer and that is important. I am sorry now though, that the suffering is now for you to bear.

Big hugs

[BostonLover]

Thanks so much everyone! Your thoughts and words are very much appreciated. We gave our little AnnaBelle the best life after rescuing her from that puppy mill, and that brings me great peace. I know she is with my Tyson who died on Christmas Eve last year, and I know they are running around like crazy!

[BostonLover]

I'm a wreck today....missing my sweet girl SO much.:( She followed me everywhere I went, and our mornings were such a ritual with breakfast and meds and snuggle time, and I miss it so much. Maybe I'll feel better once I have her back home, which will hopefully be tomorrow, but today is hard.

[goldengirl88]

Crystal:
I am so sorry you are having to feel this way. I know the emptiness must be enormous. I am hoping time will ease the hole in your heart. Has Dr. Peterson ever called you? I don't understand why she would not f in fact she hasn't. Each of us travels this road, and all of us have a different journey, but we all end up in the same place in the end. Some sooner than others. God Bless You and Annabelle running free of pain in heaven.
Patti

[Squirt's Mom]

Our lives become so meshed with theirs it is a shock to our whole lives when they are gone because so much has changed in the blink of an eye. The things we used to do automatically now have no purpose yet we find ourselves doing them over and over anyway. We have built our daily lives around taking care of them and we often feel as if we are lost, not knowing what we are supposed to do. It's almost like waking up in a strange country where we don't know the customs. For so many of us here, it is the same thing caretakers of human loved ones experience when their caretaking has ended. I know exactly what you are feeling; it does get better, we do find ways to fill those empty, seemingly useless, hours. It doesn't feel like it will ever get better today, I know, but until you can believe that yourself, believe that I believe it, ok?

Keep talking, honey. We are here and we do care.
Hugs,
Leslie and the gang

[BostonLover]

Crystal:
I am so sorry you are having to feel this way. I know the emptiness must be enormous. I am hoping time will ease the hole in your heart. Has Dr. Peterson ever called you? I don't understand why she would not f in fact she hasn't. Each of us travels this road, and all of us have a different journey, but we all end up in the same place in the end. Some sooner than others. God Bless You and Annabelle running free of pain in heaven.
Patti

I have not heard a THING from Dr. Peterson!!! I'm so hurt by this, because we saw her SOOO many times, and spent SOOO much money on her services, I feel the least she could do is call me or at least email me back. :(

[Renee]

I am new to this site too, and new to cushings, but I just wanted to let you know, I read through your entire thread, and it was very touching. I am so very sorry your baby has passed, and so suddenly.

[goldengirl88]

Crystal:
I agree I think that is the least that that could be done. I think it is shameful myself. Blessings
Patti

[BostonLover]

Our lives become so meshed with theirs it is a shock to our whole lives when they are gone because so much has changed in the blink of an eye. The things we used to do automatically now have no purpose yet we find ourselves doing them over and over anyway. We have built our daily lives around taking care of them and we often feel as if we are lost, not knowing what we are supposed to do. It's almost like waking up in a strange country where we don't know the customs. For so many of us here, it is the same thing caretakers of human loved ones experience when their caretaking has ended. I know exactly what you are feeling; it does get better, we do find ways to fill those empty, seemingly useless, hours. It doesn't feel like it will ever get better today, I know, but until you can believe that yourself, believe that I believe it, ok?

Keep talking, honey. We are here and we do care.
Hugs,
Leslie and the gang

Thanks Leslie. It's almost surreal to me that she is gone. Sometimes I forget, and then remember and just break down. :(

[BostonLover]

I am new to this site too, and new to cushings, but I just wanted to let you know, I read through your entire thread, and it was very touching. I am so very sorry your baby has passed, and so suddenly.

Thanks so much Renee. I'm sorry that Cushing's has brought you to this site, but you will learn so much. I'm so grateful I found this place.:)

[BostonLover]

I am beyond upset...not just for the loss of my baby girl, but the fact that I have not received a phone call/return email/card ANYTHING from the IMS that treated her for almost 2 years. All the money and time we spent there, and I'm so hurt that Dr. Peterson has not reached out to me, nor has the animal clinic that treated her. :(:(:(:(:(:(:(:(:(:(

[goldengirl88]

Crystal:
I am so sorry. Years ago I had a vet that treated my other dog for 8 years. She got cancer and had to be operated on in the hospital. The day he examined her when she was real sick he said she has some fluid in her abdomen, bring her back tomorrow!!! She has emergency surgery and consequently died. To this day he never acknowledged anything about her, even that she died. It can be a cruel world and to some vets these dogs are just cash cows. I know Tipper's vet is only in it for the money and there are no other vets around me as I am in the country. I know this abut him and have no respect for him whatsoever. I m sorry this is happening as it is truly wrong. How long does it take to write a card or pick up the phone and validate the passing of a someones baby??? Blessings
Patti

[BostonLover]

Crystal:
I am so sorry. Years ago I had a vet that treated my other dog for 8 years. She got cancer and had to be operated on in the hospital. The day he examined her when she was real sick he said she has some fluid in her abdomen, bring her back tomorrow!!! She has emergency surgery and consequently died. To this day he never acknowledged anything about her, even that she died. It can be a cruel world and to some vets these dogs are just cash cows. I know Tipper's vet is only in it for the money and there are no other vets around me as I am in the country. I know this abut him and have no respect for him whatsoever. I m sorry this is happening as it is truly wrong. How long does it take to write a card or pick up the phone and validate the passing of a someones baby??? Blessings
Patti

I know, Patti. I just expected more from Dr. Peterson. She was always so caring to Bells, and called her "her beautiful boston baby":( I guess because I am grieving, I'm a little sensitive. And while I'm on my sensitive "soap box" I'm sick of people not understanding why I'm so upset over "just a dog". My husband and I do not have kids, and will never have kids, that "dog" is my baby. I love my animals with every ounce of being I have, and would put my own life on the line to save them. They are my FAMILY. :(

[addy]

People dont get it :mad::mad:so just come here and vent and laugh and cry and grieve because we do get it.:):):)


I am so sorry Crystal and I am sending you big cyber hugs


(((()))))

when my Zoe was so bad last April and had lost most of her hair my neighbor (who is a dog person so there is no excuse) said "how long are you going to keep that "thing" going:eek::eek: She called my pup a thing because she had no hair:mad::mad::mad: And she has dogs.:mad::mad:

so- just goes to show you, dont even talk to those people. I know that is easy to say because I know it still is hurtful to you.

[molly muffin]

Crystal {{{ HUGS}}}

That is so unbelievably insensitive for the IMS not to contact you at the very Least with a card or something.

It is their loss that some people will never know that joy of having a special relationship with a dog or cat or other animal that gives only unconditional love, they can be quite cruel in their ignorance.

It is the ones that do get it, that will be your rock through this time, whether it be here, or home, family.

Just know that you are welcome to vent, cry, reminisce, whatever you need to do here. This is just devastating for you and your husband. :(

hugs,
Sharlene and Molly Muffin

[BostonLover]

Thanks Sharlene and Addy! As much as it pains me to come to this site, it also brings me relief and some consolation. I still can't believe she passed, and so fast. I can't get the picture out of my head:(

[goldengirl88]

Crystal:
Thinking of you and hoping you are getting thru this ok. I will pray for you and Annebelle in heaven. Blessings
Patti

[BostonLover]

Thanks Patti. :)

[molly muffin]

Awww Crystal. I am sure it is hard to come here sometimes, but on the other hand, it's good to have a place to let it all out and not be considered crazy too. :)

Some day that picture in your mind hopefully will be replaced by all the wonderful memories of Annabelle and what it was that made her so special and unique.

hugs,
Sharlene and Molly Muffin

[Arizona Boston]

Your beautiful baby. She was so lucky to have you for her family. You did everything right and I know she loved you so. Be at peace.
Shelly

[BostonLover]

Thanks. How is Lucy?

Patti-I wanted to let you know that I received a card in the mail that a donation had been made in memory of AnnaBelle by Dr. Peterson to the Animal Care and Assistance Fund at PVS-EC. :) I reached out to her again to thank her and this was her response..

I have wanted to call you but just haven't had the heart to. I just get tears in my eyes thinking about Annebelle and your loss. Without her, the world is not quite as beautiful of a place.

I am truly sorry.

Tracey Peterson, DVM, DACVIM

I was very touched. I wondered why she never reached out to me, and was very upset and hurt, but I understand now.

[goldengirl88]

Hi Crystal:
I am so glad Dr. Peterson reached out to you. I am sure you feel much better now knowing she did not forget you precious Annabelle. I hope things are going well for you and have a Very Merry Christmas and I hope Annabelle in heaven has one too. Blessings
Patti

[Renee]

Grief is a strange thing, and it's hard to know what to say. Some people shut down, while others reach out immediately. I am glad your vet finally reached out to let you know she was thinking of you all.

[BostonLover]

so true Renee. I'm so saddend to see all the loss lately on here. :(:(:(:(:(:(:(

[doxiesrock912]

In retrospect, it must be emotionally draining to be a vet sometimes. I'm glad that she finally reached out to you.

Have a wonderful holiday and know that Annabelle is pain free now.

[Renee]

so true Renee. I'm so saddend to see all the loss lately on here. :(:(:(:(:(:(:(

Yes, it seems there have been quite a few losses. I only found this site a few weeks ago, and already there have been a lot of losses since I've started following people. It's heartbreaking. :(

[molly muffin]

We have good days and bad days on the forum. Some months are worse than others it seems, but we also celebrate each success and treasure the ones lost and the ones who do well. It is however, Never easy, as this is a long journey.

Vets come to mean so much in our lives, whether they are helpful or contrary, they become so entwined together with us and our furbabies problems that it Is hurtful to not hear something if we loose our best buddy, but I guess we have to stop sometimes and remember that just as they are entwined with us, we are with them too. I'm sure that they feel the losses and cry the tears too.

I'm so glad that you did hear from her finally and what she said was so very heartfelt.

super big hugs
Sharlene and Molly Muffin

[goldengirl88]

Crystal:
Thinking of you this holiday season and hoping you have something to bring you some cheer at Christmas. Blessings
Patti

[molly muffin]

Hi Crystal, thinking of you.

hugs,
Sharlene and molly muffin

[BostonLover]

Thanks everyone! Doing better every day. I even looked on the rescue site today for another Boston. My Kaya misses her Annabelle, and wants a friend.

Merry Christmas everyone! <3

[molly muffin]

Crystal, if you Do end up getting Kaya a new friend, then we will want pictures. :)
I'm sure Kaya is missing Annabelle. They feel the grief just like we do. :(

Happy holidays!
hugs,
Sharlene and molly muffin

[goldengirl88]

Crystal:
Merry Christmas, hope you enjoy your holiday. Blessings
Patti

[doxiesrock912]

Merry Christmas Crystal! I'm so glad that you're considering adopting another furlet.

[BostonLover]

I hope everyone had a Merry Christmas! Kaya has not been adjusting well to the death of her friend, and has been self mutilating by eating her legs and scratching herself to death. Went to the vet and got some meds, but everyone agreed, she needs a new friend.

so....on Saturday, we drove to Cleveland and adopted a 3 yr old Pug/Boston mix (a Bugg, lol). He is SO sweet, and they are getting along great. It's so good to see her up and playing and having fun again. This past month all she wanted to do was sleep and be sad.

Added a picture of Pugsley to my profile.

[Bo's Mom]

Aww, congratulations on the addition to your family. I know how tough it is losing our fur animals and even how tough it is on their fur siblings. I never witnessed that until recently when my daughter added a new one to our family and my Little Latte (non-cush) just seemed to snap out of the mopey self he had become since losing our fur Angel Bo in February. I wish you a happy holiday season that brings joy to everyone even of great memories of your sweet little Annabelle.

[BostonLover]

Thanks Belinda! Yeah, when our Tyson died last year, AnnaBelle took it hard, but she was sick, so we contributed the lack of energy and sadness to the Cushing's. But when AnnaBelle died, Kaya just completely changed. She went from a happy girl, to a sad baby, who wouldn't eat, and started eating her legs (she has bald spots now), so it's nice to see her perk up.

[Renee]

YAY for adopting a rescue!!

***running to look at pics now!***

[doxiesrock912]

I'm so glad that you've saved another dog and that Kaya loves him too.

[molly muffin]

Crystal, congratulations on the new addition to your family. Pugsley is adorable!!! What a sweet little face. I hope you have your energy level back, he looks like a hand full. hahahah It's great to hear that Kaya is snapping out of her depression. When they are use to having a friend constantly, it is so hard for them to go to being alone.
I couldn't be more happy for you and it is exactly what I needed to see today on the forum. Thank you for that.

hugs,
Sharlene and Molly Muffin

[goldengirl88]

Crystal:
Congrats on the new baby. Hope you are doing well and everyone is enjoying the new one. Blessings
Patti

[molly muffin]

Thinking of you and Kaya and Pugsley and wishing you a

Happy New Year

may this year be better than the last one.

hugs,
Sharlene and molly muffin

[BostonLover]

thanks everyone! I definitely have my hands full now with 2 wild dogs! ha ha...Pugsley has brought out the puppy in my Kaya. With AnnaBelle sick when we got Kaya, Kaya was very sweet and understood AnnaBelle didn't want to play, so she didn't play either. Pugsley wants to play ball ALL THE TIME, so now Kaya is running and barking and playing. It's fun to have life back in the house. This year starts the new generation of my fur babies.

[BostonLover]

I don't know why I do this to myself....I just re-read this whole topic, and I'm just so upset over the loss of my sweet Bells. When I first joined she was not doing well at all, and we were switching her from Trilo to Lysodren....she passed 5 months later.:(:(:( I can't help but think of what I didn't do, or if I had just noticed something, maybe I could have helped her. With her being a puppy mill rescue, she never, NEVER showed pain. Even with the CC, you would have never known she wasn't feeling well or in pain.... I'm just so sad today over her loss, and feeling cheated that I didn't get more than 4 years with her after we rescued her. :(:(:(

[grapey]

Oh, I so understand. It is NOT FAIR. It's not right. It's obvious you loved her so much and would have done anything for her. You did the best you could with the knowledge you had at the time. We just can't know everything, and hindsight is 20/20. (These are all things I tell myself)

Thinking of you today.

[BostonLover]

Thanks Jen....thinking of you and sweet Elliott as well. :( She was in my dream last night, and I just woke up so sad....I've been crying all day. I just miss her so much, and wish I could have done more for her.

[molly muffin]

It isn't unusual to have a bad day now and then, worse than any others I mean. It just hits us sometimes that they are gone and that we really do not want to them to be. :( That we would rather they bit here with us.
Don't beat yourself up over decisions made in AnnaBelles best interest to try and keep her well and with you as long as possible. If it was 10 years from now and you lost her, you'd still feel the same way I bet. It just is never going to be long enough, whether it is 2 years, 4 years, 7 years or 10 years. :(
I hope tomorrow will be a better day.

Sending you big hugs,
Sharlene and Molly Muffin

[goldengirl88]

Crystal:
I can't hardly tell you not to beat yourself up as I would be doing the same, so I will just say I know how you are feeling. I am so sorry that this happened. This is when we always second guess ourselves. You did the best you could, and what you knew to do, so I hope it brings you some peace of mind. Blessings
Patti

[Arizona Boston]

That's one quality I hate about myself. The second guessing, questioning all my decisions….. I guess it's a bit of human nature. But I have to go back to the way of thinking that everything unfolds just as it should be. You rescued your AnnaBelle and gave her your heart, your home. There can be no wrong.
Sharlene said it well…it's never enough time. And like Jen said…we can't know everything. I guess it's just a reminder to find the happiness we can get out of life and enjoy every day….like our dogs do!
Shelly

[doxiesrock912]

I think of it this way, since the majority of the vets don't know the ins and outs of Cushings and each dog response so differently, how on earth can WE know it all? Not possible dear so you have nothing to feel guilty about. xo

[BostonLover]

Thanks everybody. I did the best I could, and she knew I loved her with my entire being. I just miss her.:(

[molly muffin]

Of course you do!! Your heart hurts.

hugs,
Sharlene and molly muffin

[BostonLover]

Well, soon it will be a year since my sweet Bells passed. I've been so emotional lately, and dreaming of her so much.


I hope all your babies are doing well.

[molly muffin]

{{{{ Crystal}}}} Big hugs to you. It seems unreal that it is almost a year already. Full of character your Annabelle was.
How are Kaya and Pugsley doing?

hugs

[Harley PoMMom]

Loving hugs from me as well.

[Squirt's Mom]

Boy these anniversaries are tough aren't they. This week it has been six months since Squirt had to leave....hard to believe time like this could pass without them by our sides. I know your sweet girl is watching over you, too, sending her love.

Hugs,
Leslie and the gang

[BostonLover]

{{{{ Crystal}}}} Big hugs to you. It seems unreal that it is almost a year already. Full of character your Annabelle was.
How are Kaya and Pugsley doing?

hugs

Aww, thanks!!! I know, I can't believe it either.

Kaya and Pugsley are doing amazing!! We moved across the country from Pittsburgh to Tucson, AZ in July!!! What a crazy trip, but we made it and we LOVE it out here.

[BostonLover]

Boy these anniversaries are tough aren't they. This week it has been six months since Squirt had to leave....hard to believe time like this could pass without them by our sides. I know your sweet girl is watching over you, too, sending her love.

Hugs,
Leslie and the gang

It' so true...I've been so emotional for a month, and then realized the anniversary is coming up, and I swear that's what it is...then I start dreaming about her again-which I love to see her sweet face in my dreams, but I wake up bawling. :(

[molly muffin]

Tucson! Oh my that is a big change. Drat, guess you'll miss our gruesome winter this year. hahaha Nah, I'm just jealous I would love to move somewhere with better winter weather.

That is awesome that Kaya and Pugsley are doing so well. Adapting to their new homes well I guess.

That just goes to show that no matter where you live or how far you travel in life, AnnaBelle will always be a part of you and with you.

big hugs

[jas77450]

Sending hugs to you and Bells.