14 yr old dies two days after ACTH - Tia and Tippi have both passed

[gatorgirl_bama]

Hi, I'm Donna. I got my first shih tzu, Tippi, November 29, 1997. I bought her from a breeder in Mississippi (shame on me and I know this now) and was told she was 8 weeks old. When I received her AKC Registration paperwork, the birth date was October 31, 1997. That would have made her 29 days old when I got her. None the less, she has been "our child" for almost 16 years. My husband, children and I could not love her more. She has had bladder stone surgery twice, tendon surgery on her front left paw (sliced it open on a broken bottle at the neighbors house) and surgery on her back left leg (jumped off the bed wrong). We have spent countless dollars on this baby and would do all over again if needed.

She had her first and only litter, five girls, on April 7, 1999. AKC registered litter. It was a hard delivery and I had to help her get each baby out of their birth sack. I had her fixed after this. She was a great mom and the babies were beautiful and healthy. Well, as great a mom as she was, she kept taking one puppy away from the litter and putting her under my bed. This happened several times so I moved her and the babies into my bathroom. She moved the same puppy away again several times. There didn’t seem to be anything wrong with the baby so I started bottle feeding her and got her fat and happy. My mother-in-law took two babies when they were about five weeks old and Tippi started feeding the other puppy. I named her Tia. Two friends took the other two puppies at 8 weeks. I kept Tia, the reason for this post.

Tia was absolutely beautiful. I always said she should have been a show baby (AKC Dog Shows!) because she had the face of an angel and I told her so! The face of an angel…

Monday, September 13, 2010, I took them both in to have their bloodwork for their annual dental cleaning. The next morning I dropped them off at the vet’s office and went back home. Within a couple hours the vet called and said we have a problem with Tia’s bloodwork. I said no, you mean Tippi. He again said Tia and I said NO, Tippi has always been the sick one, Tia has NEVER been sick a day in her life. When he finally convinced me that Tia was indeed sick, I fell apart. Auto Immune Hemolytic Anemia. She was put on medication and monitored with follow-up bloodwork. I researched and read everything I could and I cried a thousand tears.

Last Christmas she got a cough that wouldn’t go away. I called and they said it was kennel cough, but didn’t want me to bring her in. I picked up her medication and gave it to her as prescribed. The cough didn’t go away so he gave her another round of antibiotics. Still they didn’t see her in the office and the cough got worse and she began to pant really bad. I contacted another vet and made an appointment. They examined Tia and took x-rays, enlarged heart with fluid around it. She was put on medication and she started getting better. Two months ago the cough was back so I took her in for a checkup. They changed her meds and told me they suspected she had cushing disease and set up an appointment for her to be tested. Again, I researched and read everything I could about Cushings Disease. I said, ok, no cure but can be managed with medication. We can do this. Friday, August 9, 2013, I took her to the office and left her to be tested and went back that afternoon to get her. Tia’s vet was out of town, which I didn’t know, so the other vet in the office came out to talk to me. She said it was Cushings and a bad case at that. They said they ordered her prescription from a compounding pharmacy and would call me when it came in. The next day she was panting more than usual. I tried to keep her calm and gave her lots of water.

Sunday, I called the office and the second vet said to bring her in. She died on the way to the office. We buried her, but I am at a loss for words (doesn’t look like it, but I am). Monday her vet called me to discuss the results of the test and “our plan” for Tia. HELLO? Did the second vet not even tell Tia’s vet what had happened…no. I had to tell her. She said it sounded like a blood clot. I just don’t understand how Tia could be fine Friday and dead Sunday. I mean I know she was sick but, I never imagined she would die that soon…

Help me understand this, please.

[mcdavis]

I'm no expert on Cushings so I can't really help with understanding, however I did want to tell you how very sorry I am that you have lost your little angel.

[Roxee's Dad]

Oh my goodness, I am so very sorry :(

I don't think we will ever know what really happened. Could it have been a reaction to the ACTH stimulant test? A blood clot would seem unusual as there was no surgery, but then I don't know how one could be sure.

Rest in peace sweet Tia.....

[addy]

I am so sorry. Please accept my sincere condolences. I'm not sure what it would mean for a vet to say "a bad case of Cushings" unless Tia's cortisol was sky high on the ACTH test.

I dont know if we can know what caused such a sudden death. Maybe it was her heart, another organ failed, I think we would never know.

It hurts so to lose our pups and then to have it happen so suddenly after she had just been to the vet's, goodness, that is so darn hard to wrap your head around and I am so very sorry you have to go through this.

[Budsters Mom]

I am very sorry for your loss. My heart goes out to you! We don't always know what causes these babies to die suddenly. Tia knows how much she is loved and have joined our other fur babies over the rainbow bridge. Run free sweet Tia, run free!

[scoora]

I am so very sorry to hear about the loss of your sweet girl Tia.
I know how you are feeling. It is so heartbreaking.
My thoughts and prayers are with you.

[doxiesrock912]

I am so sorry about your loss of Tia.
Panting is indeed a symptom associated with heart trouble.

Despite having Tia treated for the fluid issue, I'm going to guess that this was a symptom of something to do with her heart and that it may have happened again.

My best friend recently went through this with her Pekingese, Gidgit. Sadly, Gidgit passed away quickly as well.

[molly muffin]

Oh my gosh, my sincerest condolences.

It does sound like there was something else going on than cushings and I'm like Addy in that I don't know what they mean by a "bad case" of cushings. The only way that would be is if she had it for a very long time and if her organs were all affected and, you would have known if that was the case as you would have had lots of water drinking and peeing and ravenous hunger. No this sounds like something else, maybe her heart, but there is no way to know for sure.

I know that your heart is breaking for Tia. Just remember how much she is loved now and forever and she'll live on in your hearts.

Again, I am so sorry.
hugs,
Sharlene and Molly muffin

[goldengirl88]

I am so sorry for the loss of your sweet Tia. Another member of our group has a baby named Tia who also crossed the bridge. I just wanted to comment on the coughing situation. You dog may have had Cushings for sometime and you were unaware. The coughing coming from a heart problem, could have been caused by the Cushings as it affects the organs and muscles and your heart is a muscle. My dog develop a heart murmur that she never had before also. It was caught early thank God. It could have been organ failure or it could have been a clot. Cushings dogs can develop clots, some are very tiny in the lungs. I hope you are surrounded by your family and that you have a support system to get thru this. God Bless you and Tia. Your other babies name is Tippi well my dog is Tipper- small world. Blessings
Patti

[Squirt's Mom]

Dear Donna,

I know your heart is just shattered. We are never ready to lose a baby and when it happens like this, it is just that much more difficult to deal with. Like others have said, I do not believe this was Cushing's related nor do I understand what a "bad case" of Cushing's would be in your vet's mind. A "bad case" would have sent a good parent like you running to their office to find out why Tia looked so old, was peeing and drinking every 10 minutes, eating everything under the sun, panting like crazy, had a big pot belly, no energy, lameness in the back legs and massive hair loss on her back end. Cushing's just doesn't get "bad" without very obvious signs.

Another thought is the AIHA is sometimes treated with corticosteroids which would cause a form of Cushing's called Iatrogenic, which is cured by weaning the pup off the steroids and does not require treatment beyond that. This could be why your vet thought Tia had Cushing's - because the drug would have caused her to have the same signs and test positive even tho it wasn't true Cushing's but due to the steroids. Your vet should have been aware of this if Tia was on corticosteroids for the AIHA. It may be that she could not do without them.

When your heart is up to it and if you would like, you can post the test results and her medical history here and we will try to help you decipher what may, may, have happened. We are not vets and without a necropsy (animal autopsy) you may never really know the answer but we can help you look at things if that would help you. I doubt it was the result of anything in the Cushing's test though if her heart was already weak and compromised, the stress may have been too much if she was one who didn't handle vet visits well. If she had a clot, the increased heart rate may have caused it to break loose. But this is all speculation on my part.

For now, let us hold you in our arms and let our tears fall with yours for the loss of your sweet baby girl. I have no doubt that she left this old Earth on the wings of your love and that she is looking down on you with all that love held tightly in her heart to be given back to you each and every day until you once again hold her in your arms. Please feel free to share your life with Tia in the In Loving Memory section where you can start a tribute thread in her name. Even tho we joined you at the conclusion of your journey, Tia will be remembered and honored here as part of our family always. We are here for you anytime you wish to talk, to vent, to cry - we understand the pain you are feeling today and will help you bear that pain if possible.

Our deepest sympathies,
Leslie, Squirt, Trinket, Brick, Sophie, and our Angels, Ruby, Crystal, Tasha, and Josie


I ONLY WANTED YOU

They say memories are golden
well maybe that is true
I never wanted memories,
I only wanted you.

A million times I needed you,
a million times I cried.
If love alone could have saved you
you never would have died.

In life I loved you dearly,
In death I love you still.
In my heart you hold a place
no one could ever fill.

If tears could build a stairway
and heartache make a lane,
I'd walk the path to heaven
and bring you back again.

Our family chain is broken,
and nothing seems the same.
But as God calls us one by one,
the chain will link again.

--- Anonymous ---

[Robert]

So sorry for your loss. I lost a maltese named tammy aug 9 2013. She was diagnosed with aiha in jan 2013 after she just sat down while doing her favourite thing walking And wouldn't move. She went on steroids and her bloods went back to normal and she was beingvweaned off roids. She had an allergic skin reaction which normally only happens after high doses over long time. She was highly sensitive. She went on DMSO for skin. She also had tumour on spleen. She was then diagnosed with cardiomyopathy in June 2013 and put on pills for that. Saturday before she left she had vet check where breathing and heart rate were improving. From Tuesday on though her breathing just got faster and faster and I had to let her go on thevthursday. There was little fluid but her heart just couldn't work well enough for her to breathe properly. Long winded but just trying to say aiha and heart and tumours can turn nasty real quick. Tammy fought so hard and I will never forget at the vet Saturday when the vet was saying all was ok tam gave me this look that turned my stomach - I'm sure she had decided it was her time.

[gatorgirl_bama]

Sorry it has taken so long to get back here. Thank you all so much for your thoughts and prayers. Robert, I am so sorry for your loss and I know how feel. This last week has been one of the hardest weeks of my life. I'm back at work and most people here don't understand why I feel like I do and why I'm not "over" it already.
I remember the other office vet saying to me the day Tia died that she was a very sick little girl. If she was so sick, why do the Cushings test? Why put her through that? Couldn't they tell from the blood work that she was sick?
I have Tia's blood work, but I'm waiting on the Cushings test results. I'll post as soon as I get them.

[Roxee's Dad]

Oh Donna,
Some people have no idea or have not had the wonderful experience of being owned by a dog or cat. We fully feel your pain. Still years later, a day doesn't go by that I don't think about my Roxee girl.

[gatorgirl_bama]

Thank you John.
Tia was deathly afraid of lighting and thunder storms and hated for her feet to get wet. We had a storm about three nights ago and I was thinking (crying) to myself that I won't be able to hold her during another storm. The next morning, I let Tippi out and noticed over Tia's grave was a piece of canvas and there was a lawn chair beside it. When I went back inside, my husband, with tears in his eyes said, I couldn't let her lay out there by herself.
This is so hard...

[Roxee's Dad]

Ohhhh.. that was wonderful. Yes, it is very difficult, especially when we don't know why or what we could have done differently or even if it were to make a difference. My Roxee was a Shih Tzu too and I always have a very special place in my heart for Shi's. I still have her littermate sister and she just turned 18 last month. I hold every moment very precious.

Big (((HUGS))) I do hope that time and wonderful memories will help to comfort you.

[nvmybostons]

Oh Donna...
How sorry I am for your sudden loss of your dear Tia. My heart breaks for you and how you must be feeling.

Yesterday I found Canine Cushings forum and wrote to them regarding my own love, Jigsaw concerning her ups and downs, along with my own emotional roller coaster ride. What a wonderful support group we have here. I hope all the support helps you in some way.

We are so blessed to have and to have had our little sweet ones with us. Sharing your life with Tia you have made some beautiful memories, hold on to those memories and it will give you the strength you need to get through this challenging time.

Take Care and God Bless,

Jen & Jigsaw

[gatorgirl_bama]

John and Jen,
Thank y'all so much. It does help to get to chat with people that actually know what I'm going through.

I do take comfort in that I still have two shih tzus. How lucky I was to have the love of three absolutely beautiful and loving babies. Tippi will be 16 on Oct. 31st. She's my best girl ever and Tia was my best "babygirl" ever. That's what I always told them. And then there's Tank. He just turned two Aug. 18th. He seems to miss Tia the most and he still searches for her.

I know my days with Miss Tippi are numbered and I dread that day. She seems to be lost at times and when she goes outside, like she doesn't quite know what she's supposed to do.

I just have to pray a lot more these days and hope for the best.
Again, I really appreciate how wonderful everyone is here and I'm so glad I found y'all!

Donna

[scoora]

Donna, That was so touching what your husband did.
It is very hard. We all know how you are feeling. Everyone here is so helpful and loving and really care about each other.
Big Hugs

[molly muffin]

oh my. I just read about Tia and the storm and your husband and burst into tears. Tia was loved so much and I know she loved you back just as much too. What a special bond you all shared together and what a great family. I am sure that Tank is missing her something awful too. It is absolutely one of the hardest things, it is just as devastating as loosing any beloved member of a family. Same thing.
The love shared is the lasting gift from Tia. It will live on as long as she is remembered. Forever.

hugs,
Sharlene and Molly Muffin

[Squirt's Mom]

Donna, you go give your hubby a big ole hug from me right this minute. That is probably the sweetest thing I have heard in a long time. Like Sharlene, I started crying envisioning him sitting there with his baby girl so she wouldn't be afraid in the storm. Hold each other close, love on those babies, and know your sweet Tia is watching over you all with such pride.

Hugs,
Leslie and the gang

[Budsters Mom]

Donna,
That is probably the sweetest, most touching story ever.:p You babies are blessed to have the two of you. Are you interested in renting your hubby out? Just a thought;) big hugs,

[knitbunnie]

I am so sorry that your dear Tia has crossed the bridge. It's so darned painful, and I am also sorry that you and your husband are suffering from it, too.

[doxiesrock912]

Awww Donna,
that sounds like something my fiance would do.
I'm crying@

[Simba's Mom]

So sorry to hear about your Tia, what a loving family you two are, and how heart broken you must be...Donna, i am so glad you have your husbands support, makes it a little bit easier....there are so many of us cush moms and dads hurting right now, lots of new angels in Heaven....take care, we are here for you both, I bet my Simba greeted your Tia, he left me in July.....

[gatorgirl_bama]

All,

You all are an amazing bunch and I'm so thankful that I found this site. I'm at work reading, typing and crying. Everyone here knows when they walk by my office and I'm crying, just keep going!

When Tia's vet first mentioned she thought Tia might have cushings, I had never heard of it. I went home and started researching and reading everything I could about it. Reading the posts here, I think back and remember things about Tia and think, why the heck didn't I do something earlier. The vet didn't seem really concerned at the time, so I never imagined that we would only have four more months left with her.

It's been almost two weeks since we lost her but it feels like I held her this morning. I can remember her smell and I'll turn around to see her, but she's not there...I miss her much.

I do want to thank everyone and I really appreciate all your kind words of wisdom. It really means so much to be able to vent to people that know and understand what I'm going through. Love you all.

Donna, Sam, Miss Tippi and Tank Poole

[doxiesrock912]

Donna,

that's what we're here for <3

[gatorgirl_bama]

Well, I finally got a copy of Tia's cushing's test. I have no idea what is means so maybe one of you do.

Aug. 9, 2013
10:39 am
CORT 6.6 ug/dL

Aug. 9, 2013
1:21 pm
CORT >30.0 ug/dL
acth stim (cush selected)
>22 ug/dL - In the presence of supporting clinical signs, results are consistent with Cushing's Syndrome

That's it. Any ideas?

Donna

[gatorgirl_bama]

I went through Tia's blood work when she was diagnosed with AIHA. Just wondering if maybe she was misdiagnosed then...

09/14/2010
Total Protein 8.6 (5.0-7.4) g/dL
Globulin 4.3 (1.6-3.6) g/dL
AST (SGOT) 74 (15-66) U/L
Alkaline Phosphatase 221 (5-131) U/L
Total Bilirubin 0.7 (0.1-0.3) mg/dL
Magnesium 2.6 (1.5-2.5) mEg/L
CPK 1128 (59-895) U/L

MCHC 38.7 (30-38) g/dl
Platelet Count 526 (170-400) 10³/ L
Monocytes 1120 (0-840)

She was given doxycycline and prednisone

09/28/2010
Total Protein 8.0 (5.0-7.4) g/dL
Globulin 4.3 (1.6-3.6) g/dL
ALT (SGPT) 437 (12-118) U/L
Alkaline Phosphatase 3974 (5-131) U/L VERIFIED BY REPEAT ANALYSIS
GGTP 69 (1-12) U/L
Calcium 11.7 (8.9-11.4) mg/dL
Cholesterol 360 (92-324) mg/dL
Triglycerides 563 (29-291) mg/dL

Platelet Count 560 (170-400) 10³/ L

12/07/2010
Total Protein 8.0 (5.0-7.4) g/dL
Globulin 4.0 (1.6-3.6) g/dL
Alkaline Phosphatase 257 (5-131) U/L
Potassium 6.2 (3.6-5.5) mEq/L

Platelet Count 631 (170-400) 10³/ L

09/22/2011
Total Protein 8.4 (5.0-7.4) g/dL
Globulin 4.0 (1.6-3.6) g/dL
AST (SGOT) 67 (15-66) U/L
Alkaline Phosphatase 610 (5-131) U/L
GGTP 15 (1-12) U/L
Phosphorus 6.7 (2.5-6.0) mg/dL
Glucose 41 (70-138) mg/dL
CPK 1047 (59-895) U/L

Platelet Count 677 (170-400) 10³/ L
Monocytes 860 (0-840)


CAN’T FIND COPY OF 2012


04/18/2013
PLT 882 (148-484) K/µL
MPV 7.4 (8.7-13.2) fL
PDW 8.4 (9.1-19.4) fL
PCT 0.65 (0.14-0.46) %

ALKP 1590 (23-212) U/L

She had x-rays taken and there was a spot visible. Vet said it could be on the lungs or the kidneys, but would have to have and ultrasound done to tell exactly where it was. Will keep an eye on it.

She was given Benazepril 5mg and Lasix 12.5mg

07/19/2013
Added Temaril-P and Doxycycline 50mg

07/25/2013
WBC 20.40 (5.05-16.76) K/µL
NEU 17.43 (2.95-11.64) K/µL
MONO 1.40 (0.16-1.12) K/µL
EOS 0.04 (0.06-1.23) K/µL
PLT 942 (148-484) K/µL
MPV 7.5 (8.7-13.2) fL
PDW 8.8 (9.1-19.4) fL
PCT 0.71 (0.14-0.46) %

BUN 52 (7-27) mg/dL
ALT 225 (10-100) U/L
ALKP 1838 (23-212) U/L

Given Baytril 68mg and Capstar-Blue

Made appointment for the Cushings test…

[Squirt's Mom]

I can't help with the labs but we do have members who understand much more than I. The ACTH is consistent with Cushing's but Cushing's is so hard to diagnose one test is seldom enough to confirm a diagnosis - especially when something else is or has recently been going on. It is possible that the anemia or something else was causing the cortisol to be elevated and yet not be Cushing's.

Hopefully one of our members with a better understanding of labs will be along to talk with you about the rest of them.

Hugs,
Leslie and the gang

[gatorgirl_bama]

14 year old Shih Tzu dies two days after Cushings Disease test (test results posted, please review)

[Squirt's Mom]

Hi Donna,

I merged your post this morning with Tia's original thread. We like to keep everything about each pup in one thread so it is easier to keep up with the history.

Your new post is titled "Need to Change Title"....do you mean you want this thread title changed? If so, what would you like for it to say and I will get it changed for you.

As for the test results you posted, there are others who understand a bit about these labs and I am hoping they will notice your posts and respond soon.

Hugs,
Leslie and the gang

[gatorgirl_bama]

Leslie,
I just wanted to add (test results posted) to my current title. That way maybe someone will see and help with the results... Thanks.

Donna

[Squirt's Mom]

I have changed the title to reflect your question as to why this happened and to reflect that labs are posted. Due to space constraints, I had to make a few other changes for this to fit in the space. ;)

[gatorgirl_bama]

Could someone please take a look at Tia's test results and let me know what y'all think. I know it's after the fact, but I just need to know. I know it's only been two weeks but I'm not taking this very well. I cry myself to sleep every night, I get up crying and she is all I can think about during the day. Will it get any easier?

[labblab]

Dear Donna,

I am so sorry that you've gotten no responses re: Tia's lab values, but I suspect it's because nobody who has had a chance to review them feels knowledgeable enough to comment. I know that I fall in that category, myself :o. Over time, I have learned certain familiar abnormalities that can be associated with Cushing's. But Tia has had a whole host of lab abnormalities during these past three years that I am just not capable of assessing. As Leslie has said, her ACTH results are most certainly consistent with Cushing's. But other illnesses can also return a "false positive" on the ACTH test. So whether or not that was a genuine finding or instead a reflection of some other issue that ended up being catastrophic for her, I just don't think we can ever know.

The shock and pain of her death is hard enough. But I know that the uncertainty as to the cause is haunting you right now. I wish I had some words to ease that pain for you. But from my own experience, I don't think that is possible. I am such a rational person: I always search for answers, believing that the answers will settle my worries. But honestly, Donna, even if you knew exactly what it was that went wrong that day, I don't know that your grief or your loss would be any less. You did everything that was within your power and your own knowledge to do. The past is written. Knowing how the story ends, I know you'd do anything in your power to change it. But now your mission is to move forward, one tiny step at a time. We cannot lift your pain from your heart, but we can walk beside you every step of the way, letting you know you are not alone and that we understand how deeply this hurts.

So even if nobody can tell you anything more about those labs, please do not stop writing to us. We are here to help in other ways, and we will stay right by your side. I promise.

Sending many hugs,
Marianne

[doxiesrock912]

Donna,

I certainly don't have the knowledge to comment and wouldn't want to steer you wrong. I also understand that you need answers, but sometimes situations are so complicated and there is no explanation that will suffice.

Tia knew you love and you did all that you could for her. Please take comfort that she's no longer sick or in pain.

[molly muffin]

Donna,
I wish I could say for sure what those tests show as a definitive answer, but I can't. It does however, appear that there was more to this than any cushings diagnosis. WBC elevated, could have been some sort of infection. There was a spike in the ALKP within about a 2 week period back a couple year ago, not sure what that was about, but to go from in the hundereds to over 3000 was indicative of something major and it seems that her results were just off after that.
So, as far as what I think, as just a lay person, would be that cushings might have been a possibility but without an ultrasound showing specifics, I wouldn't have even been sure of that diagnosis with the other elevations being what they are.
I don't think without anything like that (an ultrasound) that you will ever know what the reason was.
What you do know and what you can hold on to, was that she was loved greatly and in return she loved greatly. That she was a light in your life and now that light lives on in your heart.

hugs,
Sharlene and Molly Muffin

[gatorgirl_bama]

Sharlene,
Thanks for the response. I did see the extreme spike in her ALKP. She had been on doxycycline and prednisone for two weeks prior to this bloodwork. The first bloodwork was when she was diagnosed with AIHA. After the second bloodwork, the vet said she was doing great...

Anyway, I guess its water under the bridge now. I'm just sorry I let her suffer but I trusted that he knew what he was doing. I have since changed vets and Miss Tippi and Tank are doing great.

I miss Tia more every day and cry myself to sleep every night. The one good thing about all this is, that she's not suffering anymore.

I posted pictures of her on here. She was a beauty with the face of an angel.

Much love to you all,
Donna

[Squirt's Mom]

aw, sweetie, I do not believe for one second that you "let her suffer". I know many folks who would have put Tia to sleep the second they heard she had AIHA rather than treat as you did. You did all you could to give her the best possible life in spite of her challenges. I have a feeling the AIHA played a big role in what happened that Sunday and that nothing could have been done no matter how quickly she was seen. You did all you could, honey, and I know your sweet Tia is grateful.

[gatorgirl_bama]

You are so right Leslie. Even my husband said I was being selfish by not "ending her suffering". But, I always said until there are more bad days than good, I wouldn't put her down. Up until the last two days, she had so many good days, good months. She did have a great life. The girls went every where with us. I can count on one hand the nights I spent away from her in all her 14 years.

Our daughter is getting married next year and her "sisters" were supposed to be in the wedding! For wedding gifts they've asked that everyone make a donation to the Tacoma, WA animal shelters in honor of Topper, her baby that crossed the rainbow bridge last year, and Tia.

Much love,
Donna

[labblab]

Our daughter is getting married next year and her "sisters" were supposed to be in the wedding! For wedding gifts they've asked that everyone make a donation to the Tacoma, WA animal shelters in honor of Topper, her baby that crossed the rainbow bridge last year, and Tia.

That is so incredibly sweet! Tia and Topper are part of a circle of love that never ends. And now, in their honor, the love flows onward to other babies in need. There could be no gift more perfect, and bless your daughter and her husband-to-be for their generosity.

Super big hugs to all your family,
Marianne

[knitbunnie]

Tia's pictures are wonderful. Such a pretty girl:)

[doxiesrock912]

That's a wonderful idea!

[spdd]

That's a great idea. I'll pass that along to my upcoming brides. They will probably go for it as soooo many have pups.

[gatorgirl_bama]

I thought it was pretty awesome too. A wonderful tribute to our special little girls. After Topper died last year, she rescued a male poodle and a male shih tzu.

much love and prayers to y'all and to all our cush babies.
Donna

[Squirt's Mom]

What a beautiful, loving expression! I know your sweet Tia is very proud of you all.

[gatorgirl_bama]

My emotions surge as I write this to my Tia.

It’s been one month now and I live with a deep ache in my heart. I would shorten my life on earth to have you back in my arms. I feel so much guilt and have so many regrets since you died.

People tell me I should get another dog. I’m sure I will, but I don’t think I could ever love another like I did you. I cry every time I think of you and I think of you every day. You looked at me with those beautiful deep brown eyes with such love and devotion. You waited for me to come home at the door whenever I left. You always had a kiss for me. We laughed together, cried together, walked together, planted flowers together and even slept together. My heart aches for you. I know that there will be a day when I don’t cry when I think of you. When I see another baby that looks like you, I won’t feel that pain in my heart. I have so many cherished memories of you that could never be truly expressed through mere words. I will be forever grateful that I was the lucky one to share life on earth with you. One of the most precious gifts from heaven is exactly what you were. You were my best friend and you will be in my heart until the end of time.

I know that you are at peace now. No more pain and sickness. I pray your beautiful spirit is at rest in heaven, and that when it’s time for me to go, I will see you again. I can never say thank you enough for all that you have given me. I will never forget you and I will always love you.

[goldengirl88]

Just read this and it is heartbreaking, but beautiful. So sorry you are going thru this, and hoping it gets better for you. Blessings
Patti

[molly muffin]

I'll share in your tears. What a precious little girl and what a wonderful bond you two shared.

Hugs,
Sharlene and molly muffin

[Christine]

I am so sorry for your lost. I just found out recently my dog has cushings. Few months ago I lost my little girl dog to hemolytic anemia. There is not a day I do not think about her. I know what you are going through. It does get easier day by day,

[gatorgirl_bama]

Christine,
Tia started with the autoimmune hemolytic anemia, then enlarged heart and then the cushings. Through it all she was the most loving little girl that God ever gave me. Even when she didn't feel good, and I could tell, she would still try to play. She never showed any signs of being sick except the cough. She was my angel and God know I miss her more than I could ever put into words. I still have two other shih tzus at home and God knows I love them, but it was different with Tia. She was my heart and soul.

[goldengirl88]

If I could please ask a question. What signs were present with the Hemolytic Anemia? Were there things on the blood panel that were abnormal? Do you know what they were? Thank you and God Bless you.
Patti

[gatorgirl_bama]

Patti,
There were no signs what so ever. Tia was always her happy energetic self and that's why when the vet said there was a problem with her blood work in 2010, I said you're mistaken. I posted her blood work on page three here. All the blood work up to her cushings test when she died. I trusted our vet and had never even looked at the blood work until this year when she started showing signs of being sick. I requested copies so I could take them to the new vet.

Donna

[goldengirl88]

Donna;
Thank you for your reply. I am so sorry you had to suffer this loss. God Bless you and your baby in heaven.
Patti

[gatorgirl_bama]

I know nothing can be done for my precious Tia now, but I keep reading over and over about everyone's experiences with cushings (and crying) and don't understand why out of the two vets Tia saw, they couldn't help her. Was it maybe that they had no experience with cushings pups. I've read how other vet's have tried this and that and finally get your babies' condition under control, well, as best as possible. I don't understand, looking at Tia's blood work now and seeing how bad it was, why they couldn't help her.

I guess y'all can tell I'm still not handling this very well. Tomorrow will be 5 weeks and my feelings are as raw as the day she died. I just feel helpless and I still have two other babies to raise. What if I let this happen to another one?

Miss Tippi will be 16 next month and I don't want her out of my sight. She can be sleeping and I hover over her to make she she is still breathing. Every odd sound she or Tank (2yo) makes, I'm grabbing them up like it could be them next. My husband thinks I lost my mind. And to tell the truth, I feel like it some times.Tia's death has consumed my every waking (and the little sleep I get) moment. I get up in the middle of the night and go out to her grave and beg for her forgiveness. I do blame myself for her death. After 14 years, I should have known she was sick before any signs, I just should have known. The one thing that her death has done, is make me more aware of the other two.

I do want to thank all of y'all for your words of encouragement. I know I haven't said it enough, but I do thank y'all. Y'all have helped me keep what little bit of sanity I have left just by being here for me. Not many people I know understand how I'm feeling or what I'm going through like y'all do.

Donna and Angel Tia

[LtlBtyRam]

I am sorry for the loss of your beloved Tia. I know these words probably don't help you much. My pups are everything to me. I saw you mentioned Tacoma WA in one of your posts. I live in the area. I would love support you in any way I can. If you are interested in meeting please send me a private message.
Angela

[gatorgirl_bama]

Angela,
Thank you for your kind words. I miss her so much that sometimes I feel like I can't breath. Tomorrow will be six weeks and I'm no better than when I first lost her.
My daughter lives in Tacoma, I live in Alabama, but thank you so much for the offer. No one here, where I live, seems to understand how I feel. I have no one to talk to about her.
I hope your baby is doing good.
Donna

[mcdavis]

Donna,
I am so very sorry for the loss of your beautiful Tia and also for the unanswered questions. I can't help you to understand the tests / results but from everything you have written I know that you did (and still do) everything possible to give Tia (and your other pups) a wonderful life. Please try not to blame yourself - you did everything you could, and so much more than a lot of people.
Your husband sounds amazing too.

[Squirt's Mom]

Hi Donna,

One of my friend's dad went to see his doc for his yearly check up. Since he was quite elderly, the doctor gave him a thorough going over and pronounced him one of the healthiest old coots he'd ever examined. My friend's dad walked out of the clinic and fell dead in the parking lot from a massive heart attack.

My dad's dental partner for decades went to see his family doc and while talking with him after his exam, suffered a major stroke which ended his medical practice and any normalcy in his life for good. My dad's partner was always as healthy as a horse, in fact he rarely found any compassion for anyone who was sick, telling them if they would do such and such like him, they wouldn't get sick. In less than a minute, major illness took everything from him.

We have a tendency to think doctors, for both humans and animals, should be able to detect things like this in advance - certainly when the person is right in front of them! - but that isn't always true. So many things are never tested for until there are signs/symptoms that testing is needed and sometimes there are no signs or they come too late to be able to do anything about the condition, OR the condition simply cannot be tested for based on our knowledge so far. Aneurisms come to mind - unless there is compelling reason to suspect one, we aren't tested to see if an aneurism is sitting in our head or chest...but if there is one present, it is a ticking time bomb that will explode at some time. Sometimes the testing presents a picture so confusing that the time it takes to make sense of them is too long and the conditions don't wait for the docs to understand.

From what we know about Tia's case, I think she probably falls in that last category - they knew something was wrong but none of the pieces quickly fit into a known puzzle; they didn't neatly slide into place presenting a clear picture of X condition/illness. Before they could get more pieces to help complete the picture, the condition/illness took her life. If the timing had been a tad bit different, Tia may well have presented with this in front of the vet during her exam like when my dad's partner's stroke happened. Nothing could be done for my dad's partner even tho his doctor was right by his side - and I think the same would have been true for Tia; nothing would have prevented this even if she had been on the vet's exam table when it happened.

And you certainly have nothing to feel guilty about, honey. My friend still blames himself to this day for his dad's death because he didn't take off work and go with him - a part of him is convinced if he had been there, the heart attack would not have occurred. But he could have no more prevented what happened to his dad than you could have prevented what happened to Tia.

You are a good mom, you gave your all to Tia and continue to do the same for your other babies. And in the final analysis, that is all that matters - that we loved to our fullest, that we did our very best on their behalf...and you did.

At five weeks, the wound is still so very raw so your pain is completely normal. Losing someone we love so suddenly then to never know why is a very heavy burden, I know only too well. My daughter was here one day and gone the next - and we have no answer why, none. A part of me knows it is my fault; I failed to do something or did something I shouldn't have. But another part of me knows that is only my love for her and my pain over the loss of her talking - I want to know why this had to happen yet I never will as long as my feet walk this Earth. The only comfort I can find in this is a part of my belief structure - I believe that when we leave this life we will have complete understanding, full disclosure of all the questions that plagued us while here. When you and I cross through that Veil, we will have our answers as to what happened to our baby girls and we will have that deep peace that comes from the knowing we so badly desire today.

Keep talking to us, honey. We are here, we are listening, we understand, and we are holding you in our arms 'til you can stand on your own again...and you will stand on your own again, I promise.
Hugs,
Leslie and the gang

[gatorgirl_bama]

I got out the photo albums and had a really good cry last night. All Tia's baby pictures...needless to say my eyes were really swollen this morning! She was as beautiful the day she left me as she was the day she was born. I miss her so much. I wish the tears and pain would ease up...

[molly muffin]

Hi Donna, sending you some great big hugs. I wish we could take away the pain and the grief. We can't but we do have broad shoulders. :)

Awww, that is always so hard when you see the baby pictures and then their life journey pictures and remember that they aren't with us any longer. My Tasha has been gone for many, many years and I get teary still when I look at her pictures. You always miss them. They move into your heart and there is nothing that will ever remove them. They might scoot over and make room for others to come in, but they don't go anywhere.

Tia was beautiful and full of life and fun and happiness. Just look at the pictures you have posted and all of us know that to be true. You were lucky to have her and she was lucky to have you. It's a bond of sharing and giving and it hurts for that other half to be missing.

hugs,
Sharlene and Molly Muffin

[molly muffin]

Oh Donna I just saw you say that Tippi isn't doing good :( I'm really sorry. Tia will watch over her.
Sending you lots of hugs and love.
hugs,
Sharlene and Molly Muffin

[gatorgirl_bama]

Thank you Sharlene and everyone here for just being here, for being an outlet I can come to and cry about losing Tia and not be judged about it. I wish so much I had found you all sooner, but with Tia not being diagnosed until it was to late and losing her so soon after didn't give me time to really learn about Cushings or get to ask all the questions that I so needed answers to. But just to be able to come and cry with y'all is a Godsend.

Now I really do need more prayers. This time it's for Tippi. I took her to the doctor yesterday. No mention of Cushings, thank God, but very enlarged heart and lots of fluid. The lymph nodes in her neck were the size of grapes. Lots of arthiritis in her back legs. She's almost 16 and I don't think I will put her through any test. I can't risk losing her this soon after Tia. They gave her 4 different pills and I'll take her back in 4 weeks for a followup.

My husband said that we were not going to let her suffer if it comes down to that. I just asks for everyone to please pray for her and for me. I really don't think I could handle losing Tippi now as I am still so raw from Losing my baby girl Tia.

I pray for all our Cush babies, past and present. I don't want any of you to feel the heart ache I feel for my Tia.

Much love to you all.

Donna and Angel Tia

[goldengirl88]

Donna:
My heart just breaks for you. I am praying you Tippi does well on the medication. Is it congestive heart failure she is suffering from? God Bless you as I know how I would feel in this position. Just let it out we are all here for you. Blessings
Patti

[gatorgirl_bama]

Thank you Patti. Y'all know I've cried everyday for my baby girl and I've basically thought of no one except myself. Today when I got Tia's onesies and pull ups out for Tippi of course I cried like a baby, but when my husband saw them and what I was having to do, he broke down.
We only had Tia for four months after we found out about her heart. I know our time is limited with Miss Tippi, I feel it in my heart. Sammy told me that I wasn't going to let her suffer if she got any worse. I know I was selfish with Tia because I didn't want to let her go. I'm praying for strength to not make Miss Tippi suffer and I'll be able let her go and still keep my sanity too.
I lost my mother to cervical cancer June 2009.Ten months later I lost my brother to throat cancer. I've had a tough few years and I'm really going to need some extra prayers to get through this.
I know you all have so much on your own plates dealing with your cush babies, please say an extra prayer for Miss Tippi if you can.
Sending so much love to you all.
Donna

[doxiesrock912]

Oh Donna,
We're right here with you. Prayers for Tippi!!!!!!

[molly muffin]

Donna that is a rough few years that you have had. I cannot imagine how hard it has been and continues to be with the loss of Tia and now worrying about Tippi.

You just do the best you can. Make sure she has a good quality of life and spend all the time you can with her. We are all saying prayers for you and your hubby and Tippi. Some times it just all seems like too much, but we go on for the ones who are still here.

Sending you great big hugs!
Sharlene and Molly Muffin

[molly muffin]

Thinking of you and Tia and Tippi today.

hugs,
Sharlene and Molly Muffin

[LtlBtyRam]

Prayers for you and your hubby of of course your sweet beloved Tippi.
Angela

[gatorgirl_bama]

Thank y'all for the prayers. Tippi is so restless that we're not getting much sleep! Tia didn't get like that until a few nights before she passed away. This is so heartbreaking watching how bad she feels, but then there are moments that she is jumping (well she kinda hops) around trying to play. She she barks, it chocks her so she starts the coughing. Never ending...

I was wondering if anyone has heard from Julie and Hannah. When I first found this site, Hannah's story is the first I read, from beginning to end. And then it just stopped. I think about them and pray Hannah is doing good.

Anyway, I hope everyone and their babies are doing good.

Much love,
Donna

[molly muffin]

Hi Donna,

I don't think we have heard from Julie and Hannah for a bit. I posted on her thread not long ago and I too home everything is going okay for them. Hannah is another adorable one :)

Oh I do hope that Tippie can find some rest tonight. It is so hard when they are restless because we are too. My Hubs says that I stay awake more with Molly than I would with a 2 year old child. Well, not sure if that is true, but it says a lot about how we all are with them. We worry and we can't help it.

Keeping you all in my heart and prayers.
hugs,
Sharlene and Molly Muffin

[scoora]

Donna, It breaks my heart to hear about Tippi. I pray she is feeling better. I know how you're heart aches missing Tia.
Lots of love and big hugs to you.

[spdd]

Just getting caught up on how things are with you.

Lots of hugs going your way.

[gatorgirl_bama]

Good morning y'all. I hope everyone is doing well (as well as can be expected in our circumstances). I think about y'all often and I cry for your babies as much as I do for my Tia. God knows I miss her, but when I talk to her these days, I'm trying not to blame myself. It's hard not to because I still do feel it deep inside, but I try not to say it.

Vicki, trying to keep up with Miss Tippi, I haven't had a chance to get to the post office with Scoop's picture. It is beautiful and I hope you love it as much as I do Tia's.

Tippi's cough seems to be getting better and she didn't wear her pull up last night and didn't pee in the bed! Whoop whoop!! I was changing sheets every night there for a while. Tia's pull up and onesies sure came in handy. It broke my heart to get the out and use them on Tippi, only cause they were Tia's and I could still see her wearing them. But believe me they work! My little old lady sure doesn't like to have the onesie on, but it keeps the pull ups on! She's been going to daycare with Tank so they can take her out during the day. She sure can soak a pull up!

Guess I gotta go get ready for work. Just know y'all are in my prayers every day and every night and I thank each of you for all the words of encouragement and all your advice.

Much love,
Donna, Angel Tia and Tippi

[lulusmom]

Hi Donna,

Guilt and regrets are part of the natural progression of our grief and unfortunately, logic seems to escape us when the pain of our loss is so raw. We've all been there and we all know that the fact that you are here with us speaks volumes about what a great mom you are...... and there is little doubt in our minds that the decisions you made were always in Tia's best interest. God knows we all want "do overs" because unlike hindsight, the moments of our decisions are never 20/20. We are not all knowing and we can only do the best we can with the facts and understanding we have at the time of every decision we make in life. I bet Tia thinks her mom is pretty darn awesome and you need to start believing that too.

I have a very senior girl who is incontinent but only when she is in a deep sleep and hasn't been out to relieve herself for a while. It's not every day but often enough to start considering diapers. Can you tell me what brand of pull ons you get and where you purchased the onsies? Any chance you could post a picture of the onsies? I was going to PM you but thought other members might be experiencing the same problem and will benefit from your response. Thanks.

[gatorgirl_bama]

Morning Glynda.

I can't post attachments here, but I have a couple of pictures of Tia on her onesies in her photo album. I think I tried everything until I found something that worked!

PetSmart or most larger pet stores sell the diapers with the hole already cut out for the hinny, but they are so expensive, 12 for $15. I also bought the velcro panties $20 for 2 pairs. The panties used mini pads. That's what I bought first but it didn't work for Tia because she peed a lot at once.

I had some of my grandson's old pull ups and thought I'd try them. I cut a hole in one side and it worked great until she pulled them off! I put the panties over the pull ups, but she still managed to get them off too. I figured since she wears sweaters and doesn't take them off, I'd try a onesie. I bought 12 months (Tia weighed about 15/16 pounds) and turned them around to where the snaps are on the top. I left the middle snap open, snapping the others around her tail. Presto! The ones that have the neckline that overlaps didn't stay on her as well as the ones that either snap or looked like regular tops. I think you can see what I talking about in the pictures. She wasn't a happy camper about wearing them to begin with, but she got used to them! If you have any questions, just message me.

Donna

[lulusmom]

Hi Donna,

Who would have thought to use human onsies with the snaps on the back? You're a genious. My old gal weighs 15 pounds but should be 20 so the 12 month size should work for her too. I was going to buy her some doggie onsies thermal pajamas so I may be able to kill two birds with one stone with buying the human onsies. I'm taking my mom to Walmart today so I'll be putting this on my shopping list. Thanks for getting back to me.

[molly muffin]

Brillant!

hugs,
Sharlene and Molly Muffin

[spdd]

She may not be a happy camper... but she sure is cute in the onesies.

[scoora]

Hi Donna,
That's OK. I understand about the picture. You take care of Miss Tippi. I'm so glad to hear she is feeling better.
Sending love, hugs and prayers your way.

[gatorgirl_bama]

Hi everyone.
Just wanted to stop by and see how all the babies are doing and let y'all know that I say a prayer for each of you every night. It's been a hard two months for me and just the mention of Tia's name sends me right over the edge.

Miss Tippi's cough is much better. She's a little stiff these days and some times can't get up the one step to the house so we have to pick her up and carry her in. Maybe she's just fooling us and just wants us to carry her cause some days she just hops right in the door! She'll be 16 is two weeks. I think we'll have a Halloween birthday party for her this year and I'll post pictures!

Tank is doing good. He goes to Tia's grave and just walks around it, kinda like her knows she's there. It's strange the things they do.

Gotta go but sending much love to you all.
Donna and Angel Tia

[molly muffin]

So glad to hear from you Donna and to hear that Tippi is still doing a-okay and fighting the good fight. :)

I do wonder, my molly has a tendency to want to be picked up for the stairs too (sometimes! :) ) like when she is sleepy, or when she is on the steps she is currently having a bit of physiological issues with. (she is currently scared of them as she missed a step once and got stuck) She is only 10 1/2. Other times she too can bounce right up and down like you wouldn't believe.

Tank obviously sense that Tia is there and just knows. So he wants to be there too, or maybe say hi in his own way. Dogs are very smart and sensitive to all sorts of things I think.

Anyway, I'm really glad to hear from you and do drop in when you can! I know it is still hard, how could it not be. :(

hugs,
Sharlene and Molly Muffin

[gatorgirl_bama]

Thank you Leslie. She's a feisty old lady! Can't believe she'll be 16 in ten days. I remember bringing her home and she was such a tiny thing. She has always been the most protective dog ever for a 15 pounder!!

I hope Molly is doing good. It's painful to watch our babies suffer even the slightest bit and not be able to tell us they hurt.

Much love,
Donna

[goldengirl88]

Donna:
That is wonderful that Tippi will be 16 in a short few weeks. I hope and pray that I can get on here someday and say Tipper is going to be 16, I would be thrilled to do that!. God Bless you both.
Patti

[gatorgirl_bama]

Seven days, and Miss Tippi will be 16. My Halloween baby is my real witch!! Tia would have loved to steal the pupcakes as she always did!

I'm going to make this birthday a big big deal. You never know when it will be their last. I'm so glad I got the pictures of Tia having her pupcake on her 14th birthday. I wouldn't trade cleaning that mess up for anything.

Hope all is well with everyone's babies. I do think about and pray for y'all.

Much love,
Donna

[molly muffin]

Gosh, 16, time flies doesn't it. :)
We'll be wanting some pictures of that pupcake now :) LOL
I bet Tia had a great time with hers and making that mess! What fun!!! hahahaha

hugs,
Sharlene and Molly Muffin

[scoora]

How's Miss Tippi doing?
Hope she is well and will enjoy her birthday.
Loving hugs to you.

[goldengirl88]

Hope this finds you and Tippi well. Time flies by so quickly. You have a beautiful cuddly puppy, then next thing you know your beloved puppy is 16. I wish I could go back all those years, I would never had left the vets give Tipper steroids. WE are both suffering terribly with this disease now. I hope Tippi comes on here and celebrates 17. Blessings
Patti

[scoora]

Donna,
Thinking of you, Tia and Miss Tippi.
Big hugs!

[goldengirl88]

Donna;
Just checking in on you and Miss Tippi today. We are to get 70's weather today so it will be a nice change. Blessings
Patti

[gatorgirl_bama]

Well, Miss Tippi turned sweet 16 yesterday. We took pictures of her and her party, but she was not a happy camper about the pictures! The only thing missing was our sweet angel. It broke my heart having a party without Tia, but 16 is a BIG milestone and we had to do it.

Go take a look at the picture and have a great day everyone.

Praying for all the cush babies and their families.
Donna

[goldengirl88]

HAPPY BELATED BIRTHDAY WISHES TIPPI. I HOPE NEXT YEAR WE HEAR ABOUT YOUR 17TH CELEBRATION. WISHING YOU ALL GOOD BLESSINGS
Patti

[molly muffin]

Happy Birthday Tippi :)

Love the pictures!!

hugs,
Sharlene and Molly Muffin

[Harley PoMMom]

Happy Birthday, Tippi!!

[scoora]

Happy sweet 16th Birthday Miss Tippi!!
Love the pictures.
I'm glad she had a wonderful birthday.

[gatorgirl_bama]

Hello everyone. I hope all is well. It is COLD here, well, cold for Alabama. 45° yesterday and 50° today. Miss Tippi and I sure don't like it, but Tank loves to go out and play.

I've been missing Tia like crazy lately. Monday was three months since I lost her and then all the talk about the holidays doesn't help. And, I ordered Tippi's dress for my daughter's wedding and really cried about that. Yep, the dogs are going to the wedding. Boys in their black and purple tux and Tippi in her purple dress. Broke my heart ordering it not just because Tia won't be there, but praying Miss Tippi will. She'll be 17 then.

Well, I've got to go fix dinner. I just wanted everyone to know I'm always thinking about and praying for y'all.

Much love,
Donna and Angel Tia

[goldengirl88]

Donna:
God Bless your heart, I am praying Tippi makes it to the wedding. I know you are sad that Tia won't be there, and that is heartbreaking. I hope you get thru it all without a hitch and I know Tippi will be the best dressed girl at the event. Blessings
Patti

[molly muffin]

Donna so glad to hear from you.
Oh I do hope Tippi will be there for the wedding. I know you'll really miss Tia too on that special day.
Take pictures! :)
Stay warm!
hugs,
sharlene and molly muffin

[doxiesrock912]

Happy Birthday Tippi!
A wedding with dressed up furlets :) I can't wait to see those pictures!

[scoora]

Hi Donna,
I am looking forward to pictures of Miss Tippi and the boys all dressed up. That is so sweet that they are going to the wedding.

I think of you, Tia and Miss Tippi often. I'm sorry to hear you are having a tough time but I know what you mean.
Lots of hugs.

[goldengirl88]

I can't wait to see these pictures with everyone all dressed up. This will be a great occasion. Blessings
Patti

[gatorgirl_bama]

Hi everyone.

The wedding is still 11 months away. My daughter is a control freak and everything is planned and will be done on a schedule. But I know the old lady (Tippi) won't be happy about wearing a frilly dress! It was in the 40's this morning so I got her sweater out and had to man handle her to get it on her. She prefers to be naked!

I hope everyone is doing good. Y'all are always in my prayers.

Donna and Tia, my precious angel

[molly muffin]

Hi Donna, great to hear from you. Well, now Miss Tippi must be doing quite fine to be able to put up a battle over the sweater. LOL I can just see that. Guess you won? LOL

oh every girl wants their wedding to be perfect and will plan and plan until every t is crossed and every i dotted. I think Tippi will be in that dress, frills and all. :) LOL

hugs,
Sharlene and Molly Muffin

[molly muffin]

Happy Thanksgiving Donna, Tippy and clan. :)
I know this holiday is going to be rough without Tia, but I hope that this message finds you doing well and Tippi full of vim and vigor.
hugs,
Sharlene and Molly Muffin

[goldengirl88]

Donna:
Thinking of you and Tippi, and hoping you had a good Thnaksgiving. Blessings
Patti

[gatorgirl_bama]

Morning everyone.
Hope all is well with y'all. Miss Tippi is doing good. She loves the cooler weather. We had a great Thanksgiving. My son and his family came Wednesday night and left Sunday night. We stayed pretty busy the entire time so not a lot of time to think. Yesterday was pretty bad for me, I cried all day, and this morning doesn't look any better. I'm so dreading putting up a tree this year as my precious Tia always laid under it. She did make a beautiful present. Every year like clock work if you look for her when there was a Christmas tree up, she was under it. How will I ever get through this? Dear God I have prayed to please take some of this hurt and pain away. Even just a little, but it seems to be worse. I find myself yelling at Tippi and Tank and then begging forgiveness. I feel like a horrible person for taking my frustration out on them. I feel so angry sometimes that I just want to scream. I want her back so bad, just to hold her and tell her how much I love her and miss her. I feel like my heart has been ripped out. Everyday I get up and go to her grave and talk to her and every night before I go to bed and I still feel like I died with her.

I know I'm rambling on and on here, but I don't have anyone to talk to about her. And everyone looks at me like I'm crazy when they see me cry for her. 14 years was not enough for her. I know she lived a long life and I know she loved me, but I miss her so damned much...

[labblab]

There is no such thing as "rambling" here -- every word that is written is important and meaningful :o. So you keep on writing to and with us, whenever you wish!

I think it is natural for the pain of loss to be felt most keenly on special occasions from which our loved ones are absent. We are flooded with feelings and memories from earlier, better times. If only we could turn back the clock, just for an hour! So this first Christmas without Tia is especially hard. If you are like me, you are mourning her and you are mourning your special rituals. There has been no time to prepare, or get used to a different kind of celebration. Nor do you feel like celebrating at all.

For me, the only saving grace is that I have the idea (probably crazy!) that spirits return to the places and people they love the most. I can never know whether that is true, but I do keep my own memories alive by repeating some of the rituals. And so I still proceed with little celebrations in honor and in loving memory (like I still put little bells on the bottom of the Christmas tree every year even though it has been over thirty years since my beloved kitties were here to bat at them and make them ring!). The celebrations are bittersweet, but over time, the tears are finally balanced by the sweet memories and in my mind's eye, my loved ones return to me. For many other people, though, it is too hard to repeat the rituals and there is more comfort to forging new ones.

But this all takes time, and now the holiday season -- without Tia -- is already upon you. So please know that it is OK to keep writing here, about anything. It is our privilege that you wish to share your thoughts and your sorrow with us. And I hope that you will be able to find a way to forgive yourself for any of the things that happened with Tia. The pain you are carrying now is only because you love her so much, and not a punishment. I don't believe that any deity would punish us for loving one another with all our hearts.

Sending many, many hugs your way. And hoping you will keep on writing to us...
Marianne

[labblab]

And I just wanted to let you and everyone else know that we also have a "group thread" started elsewhere where we all can share thoughts and memories and joy and sorrow during this holiday season re: loved ones who have been lost to us:

http://www.k9cushings.com/forum/showthread.php?t=3790

[goldengirl88]

I was glad to see that Miss Tippi is still doing well and hope you had a good Thanksgiving. Blessings
Patti

[molly muffin]

First suck. First Thanksgiving, First Christmas without them. Emotions seem to range from incredibly angry that they are gone to overwhelming sadness that they are gone.

We get that, as most of us have been through it too at one time or another.
I love that you chat with her. I'm sure she is listening too, well in between playing of course because now she doesn't have any pain or problems.

Thinking of you and Tia and gang.

Hugs!
Sharlene and Molly Muffin

[gatorgirl_bama]

Merry Christmas everyone. I pray all is well with y'all. It's been a hard couple of weeks for me. I couldn't bring myself to put up a tree this year. I looked around for one, but just couldn't do it. I miss her so much.

[molly muffin]

Sending you huge hugs. I am sure that you are missing her so very much. :-(

How is miss tippi doing?

You know that around here we understand.

Hugs
Sharlene

[gatorgirl_bama]

Thank you Sharlene.
Miss Tippi isn't doing good. Her coughing is getting worse. She always loved the cool weather, it made her frisky! Now when she goes out to do her business, she'll hop around (literately hops like a bunny). But her coughing get really bad so I have to pick her up and carry her inside. My husband says to him her back legs look like they aren't working right. I don't know...

Anyway, I do hope you all had a wonderful holiday and will have a great new year. I'm praying for the best...

Much love,
Donna

[molly muffin]

Oh dear, sorry to hear that Miss Tippi isn't doing so well. The cold air can affect them a lot if they have any heart issues, so that can be tricky in the winter. I know they love to play and run around though when it is colder out and a bit of snow can get them really going into play mode. It can be a delicate balancing act.

I hope that 2014 will be better one for you also. :)

hugs,
Sharlene and Molly Muffin

[elaine]

oh...that poem is so beautiful. i cried. a lot!

[gatorgirl_bama]

Yes it is. I read it often and have shed many many tears. Tia was my heart, the air I breath and I miss her so.

I wish I had found this forum long ago, maybe I could have saved Tia. But I'm so glad I did find you all. It's my release, my saving grace, my place I can go and cry and not be judged. Thank you all so much for being here to lend an ear just to listen and that big shoulder for me to lean on over the last few months. Thank you all for the wealth of information you have given me. I don't say it enough, but thank you all.

Much much much love and prayers.
Donna and my precious angel, Tia

[molly muffin]

Awwww Donna! Huge hugs to you and much love. You're going to survive this, but it does hurt something awful.

And of course we all worry for Miss Tippi too.

hugs
Sharlene and Molly Muffin

[gatorgirl_bama]

I had a big scare yesterday when I got home from work. My husband had been home around 2:00 and let everyone out to do their business and then went hunting. I got home around 5:30 and let tank out again and went to get Miss Tippi. Of course she was in the bedroom laying beside Tia's spot, but last night she was shaking so bad she couldn't get up. I grabbed her up put a sweater on her and wrapped her in a blanket. It was so bad that she was shaking me too so I got the big heating pad out and wrapped her in it and held her until she finally stopped. She must have gotten a chill because once she warmed up she was fine, except for the coughing.

Dogs will be the death of me! Please keep her in your prayers and I will do the same for y'all.

Much love,
Donna

[molly muffin]

Oh gosh, I wonder if she was out too long or was too over active when she was outside.

That must have been terrifying. How is she doing today?

hugs,
Sharlene and Molly Muffin

[gatorgirl_bama]

When Tippi goes out, she does her business and comes back in and it really wasn't that cold out Friday night. I'm not sure what happened, but it scared the heck out of me. She's been fine since. She's still coughing really bad, like she's choking. She was taking 12.5 mg of Lasix. We're giving her 10 mg twice a day now, but that doesn't seem to be helping her. I'm taking her in to the vet tomorrow morning. She (and me) was up much of the night.

Thank you for asking Sharlene. I hope Molly is doing good.

Much love,
Donna

[labblab]

Oh Donna, I am so sorry you are having this scare with Tippi. All fingers are crossed for you girls, and please let us know what you find out at the vet's tomorrow, OK?

Marianne

[gatorgirl_bama]

Well, my heart has been shattered for the second time this year. Four months and 19 day after I lost my precious Tia, I have lost my Miss Tippi. Congestive heart failure. I am devastated...

[Renee]

Oh goodness. I am so very sorry to read that you've lost Tippi. It's never, ever easy.

Sail on Tippi.

[goldengirl88]

Oh my God I am so sorry. You have had so much heartache it is not fair. I hope Tippi is pain free and running and having fun with the other babies that have crossed the bridge. I truly feel your pain. Blessings
Patti

[molly muffin]

Oh Donna. I can't stop crying. My heart breaks for you and the loss this year of both Tia and Miss Tippi. I am so very, very sorry and my sincerest condolences to you and your family.
This is so hard and seems too much for any one person to have to bear.
Sending you much love.
hugs,
Sharlene

[doxiesrock912]

Donna,

I am so sorry!
Tippi is pain free running to meet many other beloved dogs from this forum.
My sincere condolences to you and your family.

[Roxee's Dad]

I am so very sorry for your loss, Tippi knew she was special and loved so much. Rest in peace sweetie, tonight you are amongst our newest and brightest stars in the night sky....

Give all our cush angels a smooch from us.....

[scoora]

Oh Donna,
I am so very sorry to hear about Miss Tippi. I'm so sorry. My heart aches. I know how hard it is and now both your girls. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Sending you love and big hugs.

[Budsters Mom]

I am so sorry to hear about Tippi's passing. Tia was waiting for Tippi at he rainbow bridge. They are together once again. Run free sweet Tippi, Run free! Xxxx

[gatorgirl_bama]

I slept most of yesterday. I didn't want to think what I had done taking her in just "to be evaluated". She was my first Tzu, our matriarch, my brown eyed girl. She had the most beautiful brown human looking eyes ever. When she looked at me and took her last breath yesterday, she took the other part of my shattered heart with her. So freaking glad 2013 is almost over.

RIP Tippi Toes, you were the best girl in the world.

[beaglemom3]

I am so sorry to read about your loss. My deepest condolences.

[flynnandian]

i'm sorry about your loss too. i also lost my flynn yesterday.

[Trish]

Oh no, this is so not fear to lose both your babies and my heart is breaking for you. RIP Tippi, I am sure you are with Tia by now and romping around in reunion. My condolences on the loss of Tippi. BIG HUGS.

[molly muffin]

Thinking of you today Donna.

hugs,
Sharlene and Molly Muffin

[Cooper is missed]

I am so very sad to hear you've lost another best friend. I can't even imagine what you are going through. I lost Cooper in September and just now feel like I might be dealing with it better but if I lost another dog I would be devastated. I hope the new year brings happier times for you and your family. Again I'm so sorry for your loss.

[gatorgirl_bama]

It's been one week since Miss Tippi left us to be with Tia. Sammy and I both just walk around in a daze. We we watching tv last night and he just broke down. It was pretty bad. Please keep us in your prayers.

Praying for you all and your babies.

Much love,
Donna

[labblab]

Dear Donna,

I just want to send a big hug to you and Sammy. I will never forget the dark days after my sweet boy died, and I cannot imagine having to suffer through two losses so near to one another. I wish there was something to say to ease your pain, but I know that words really don't help. But please know I am thinking of you.

And this gloomy freezing weather sure doesn't help, does it...:(. We are all going to be so cold tonight here in the SE. Makes it seem even harder to feel any warmth or joy. But please hang in there, and have faith that one day will come when you start to feel a bit more settled. That day will come, I promise you. But I surely understand that today is not yet that day.

Sending many hugs westward to you,
Marianne

[molly muffin]

Sending you lots of hugs, love and strength to somehow get through this.

hugs,
Sharlene and molly muffin

[roscoe]

Hi donna, my thoughts are wiv u at this terribly difficult time. I'm new to forum and cant really offer any advise but wanted to send u my wishes.

Sad but wot a lovely poem :(

[roscoe]

I ONLY WANTED YOU*

They say memories are golden
well maybe that is true
I never wanted memories,
I only wanted you.

A million times I needed you,
a million times I cried.
If love alone could have saved you
you never would have died.

In life I loved you dearly,
In death I love you still.
In my heart you hold a place
no one could ever fill.

If tears could build a stairway
and heartache make a lane,
I'd walk the path to heaven
and bring you back again.

Our family chain is broken,
and nothing seems the same.
But as God calls us one by one,
the chain will link again.

--- Anonymous ---

Jus reposting the poem as realised after posting was many posts ago..... so this makes sense.

Your girls will be together now. Words wont ease ur pain I kno. (Big hugz) x

[mcdavis]

I'm so dreadfully sorry to hear about the loss of Miss Tippi - my condolences and prayers to you and your family. I really don't know what to say, as nothing can take away the pain that you must be feeling, but know that we are thinking of you all.

[gatorgirl_bama]

It's been a rough 10 days around here. A couple nights ago we were sitting watching tv and my husband broke down terribly. Miss Tippi always laid at our feet on a blanket or up in the recliner with Sammy. He had to get up and go outside for a while. Tank is no better. He has become more clingy and whiny. I know he doesn't understand. I don't understand either. 2014 please show me some love...

[goldengirl88]

Sorry you are having such a bad time. I truly know how you must feel. Keep being strong, as Tippi would not want you feeling badly. This disease ahs to be the worst thing in the world to deal with. Blessings
Patti

[molly muffin]

It is so very unfair Donna. Every bit of it. Losing one is horrible, losing them both, well I'd be outside a lot too. :(

[goldengirl88]

Thinking of you and your sweet babies that have crossed over the bridge. Hoping you can make it thru this, I know what a struggle you are going thru. Blessings
Patti

[gatorgirl_bama]

I would seriously love to have a Cushing baby get together. You all are so great. Those of you that still have babies with this horrible disease are always trying to make those of us that have lost our babies feel so much better. And those of you, like myself, that have lost your babies, wipe away those tears and give encouragement that we will be able to go on.

And God knows I love Tank, but every time I pick him up and hold him, I cry for my girls. Bless his heart, he will start licking my tears away. I feel sorry for him because he doesn't understand why they aren't here. God forbid something happen to him, I would be posting from the looney bend!

Love you guys.
Donna

[molly muffin]

Donna,

I am sure Tank is devastated and lonely. He wouldn't understand what has happened, just that his girls are gone and now he is alone. I know that you feel the same exact way.

Wouldn't that be nice if we all lived close enough to pop in somewhere and meet for a tea. :)

Sending you mucho love and hugs
Sharlene and Molly Muffin

[doxiesrock912]

How sweet that Tank is comforting you when he's missing the girls too. That made me smile:)

Growing up, we had a Himalayan cat and a poodle. If I was upset, both would sit on either side of me on the couch just keeping me company. It was so sweet.

[gatorgirl_bama]

You all know what to say to put a smile on my face. As temporary as it may be and through all the tears, at least I'm getting there. I love you all.

Donna

[doxiesrock912]

Donna,
We've all been where you are.
More times than I can count since I've lived with animals all of my life.
As I type this, I'm sharing my bed with a cat :-)

[drmvz]

Donna,
Read through your thread this morning. Tia and Tippi are with my Banzai (past 7 weeks have been the most difficult of my life, I feel your grief and loss)
I know one thing...Tank is very lucky to have you:)
I hope 2014 brings you some peace.
Dr. Mike

[gatorgirl_bama]

I'm having a problem with Tank now. We came home the other day and he had pulled a small hole in the carpet. I put a rug over it and several days passed and came home to a bigger hole in the carpet down to the padding. Then another day he pulled the padding up to the concrete slab and eat some and threw up later that night. He is literately moving the rug and eating the carpet. WTH???

I know that sometimes I'm so upset about the girls that I feel like I want to scream, really just start screaming and release some anger, some hurt, just get it out and maybe feel some better. Is this his release maybe? His way of getting through the "where are my girls" feeling?

Anyway, if anyone has experienced anything like this, I'd like to hear about it.

Much love to you all.
Donna

[molly muffin]

It sounds like he might be acting out because he is missing the girls.
Have you tried any interaction with him and friends or familys dogs? Maybe he just needs to be able to play with another dog sometimes, or interact at some level? He's always had Tia and Tippi, so it's a huge change for him too I imagine.

We all react in our way and this might be Tanks way of telling you how unhappy, depressed he is.

hugs
Sharlene and Molly Muffin

[gatorgirl_bama]

Sharlene,

I thought so. Tank always went to daycare Monday-Friday and the girls stayed home. After Tia died I didn't want Tippi to be home alone so I started taking him only once a week. Sammy and I couldn't believe the difference in how Tippi took to Tank then. Before, the girls had nothing to do with him, but then Tippi started letting him lay with her and eat and drink with her. Just amazing how they really are like fur-less children!

I went with a friend to look at pure bred shih tzus from a breeder that was closing. Sammy told me to get one if I wanted but I wasn't sure the time was right. I felt like I was betraying the girls.

The lady had several breeds, mixed and pure. I was looking at a few and this one little girl kept jumping at me. Every time I would go to pick up a puppy, she would try to push them out of the way. The lady said she was a shih tzu and I said no, that is a yorkie mix. She demanded that this puppy was pure shih tzu.

The puppy was pitiful, but she was pulling at my heart strings. She was older than all the others and I kept thinking what would happen to her if I didn't take her??? So, I did. I had to give her a good bath when we got home cause she smelled terrible and was scratching horribly from the bumps all over her. I took her to the vet on Monday and she had scarpotic mange, respiratory and ear infections. AND the vet said she was NOT a pure bred shih tzu, that he thought she was a shorkie!

Well, we've got her looking and feeling better. Thank God. Tank has beat her up several, several times!!! She is bigger than him but they seem to get along good. I think she is helping him not to miss the girls so much. He still has his moments where he searches the house for them and it breaks my heart watching him. He's getting better. I still feel like I'm betraying them every time I hold her and I cry and ask forgiveness. But I just tell the girl that their brother needed her. Tanzee is her name.

Take care.
Donna

[KennyJ]

Ok, I cried reading this. I am so very sorry.

[molly muffin]

Errrr hmmmm.. and you know we will want to see a picture of Tanzee! I am actually Very happy that Tanzee found you and insisted that you bring her home. I think that Tank especially needed her and I think that you and Sammy do too.

Sometimes, the sound of the dogs playing together and little feet scampering all over the house, can make you smile and remember fondly, Tia and Tippi doing the same thing in their younger years. Maybe they guided Tanzee to you, who knows. Anything is possible in this world and if Tanzee opens a window on light and sunshine and smiles in your world, then she has truly been a gift.

I still want to see a picture of her! LOL Shorki, gosh, that just sound truly lovely. Yorkie and shih tzu. Mine is a shih tzu/lhasso.

hugs Donna, I'm happy for you and I bet that Tia and Tippi are happy for you and Tank too.
Sharlene and Molly Muffin

[gatorgirl_bama]

I posted pictures of our new girl Tanzee.

[molly muffin]

She is so beautiful! Just too cute and precious to describe even. How is Tank now? Is he better having her there with him? They look so cute sleeping together.

How are you doing? I know this is a big adjustment for you too.

hugs,
Sharlene and Molly Muffin

[Heatherdo]

I am so very sorry to hear about your sweet little girl. I hope you can find some peace soon.

Heather

[gatorgirl_bama]

Thank you Dr. Mike, KennyJ and Heather.

Heather,
I actually lost 2 within 4 months of each other. One had Cushing disease and the other congestive heart failure. It has been ruff around here.

Sharlene,
Tank is Tank! He has always been our spoiled little boy, all 5 pounds of him! After I lost Tia, I didn't want him or Tippi out of my sight. Then Tippi got sicker and Sammy said we need to go ahead and look for another. I was in denial and after all, I had a bridesmaid dress that she was going to wear. But I looked and looked and looked cause Tank couldn't be alone. None touched my heart until I saw that stinky, itchy, dirty little girl and I knew Tia had sent me there for a reason.

I've cussed and cried about the breeder and the conditions that she must have lived in. Can you believe I actually have CKC Registration papers for her. Pure Bred Shih Tzu. Even my vet laughed!

I've begged forgiveness from my girls and tried not to love her. I said she is for Tank and I'll take care of her, but I can't let her into my heart. That didn't last. She is the sweetest thing and when she looks at me, I can see the appreciation and love in her little eyes. She is a combination of both my girl. She has the sweetness and neediness that Tia had and her eyes, they are Tippi's eyes.

We're slowly getting there. I still cry everyday and I still miss them terribly. Sammy takes such loving care of their graves. Tank has Tanzee to play with and he seems to love her. He still looks for the girls and it breaks my heart to watch him. But, we're getting there.

I do know that wishing for a cure for Cushings disease or any other canine (or cat) disease for that matter is a shot in the dark. I just hope and pray that anyone that has a precious baby living with this disease, that they too find this site. Y'all have kept me sane when I thought that was the impossible, gave me a place to come and share my feelings, cry, laugh, learn. My saving grace.

And if there are any typos, please overlook them, cause I'm crying again!

Much much love to you all,
Donna

[doxiesrock912]

Donna,
You have nothing to feel guilty for. Tia and Tipping are grateful for your love and they surely understand the need for companionship.

I'm sure that they would be proud that you've rescued another.
Please lavish Tanzee with love, she needs it too and I'm glad that Tank has accepted her into your family.

[molly muffin]

Awww, Donna, of course you let her into your heart, how could you not. You rescued her from a horrid situation. I think that Tia and Tippi would have welcomed her into their home too. She isn't JUST for Tank, she is a healing gift for you and Sammy too. Tank just Knew that this was what was needed.
I'm so glad you went to that breeder (HA! what a thing to call themselves) and safed Tanzee.

huggers
Sharlene and Molly Muffin

[gatorgirl_bama]

Tanzee went to the groomers for the first time yesterday. They said she did great and she looks good too. We can see more of the shih tzu in her face now. She's really going to have to wear her sweaters since getting her hair cut off. We're in Lower Alabama (LA as we like to call it!) and expecting ice and maybe snow today and tomorrow. We won't know how it act with snow. All we are used to is beach sand!

Going to post haircut pics. Have a great day everyone.

Donna

[molly muffin]

Oh wow a new hair cut! I bet she is cute.
YUK snow and ice in lower Alabama! That just seems weird.
How often does that happen?

hugs,
Sharlene and Molly Muffin

[scoora]

Donna,
That is so wonderful that you rescued Tanzee.
How old is she?
I know how you were feeling about betraying the girls. I had thoughts like that going through my head when I thought about getting Archie and Gus. I am sure you have made a little girl very happy to have a new family to love her.
Wishing you all the best.
Hugs

[gatorgirl_bama]

Tanzee just turned 7 months. I'm going to have her spayed soon cause crazy Tank is trying to hump her, although he's been neutered. He's frisky!

She's such a sweetheart. Her CKC papers say she is pure bred shih tzu, but she looks like she is yorkie too, and God only know what else. I know she's got something else cause Sammy has allergies and sometimes his eyes itch and swell when he's holding her. I just give him an allergy pill!!!

I hope your babies get to feeling better soon.

Much love,
Donna

[doxiesrock912]

Donna,

if you can hold off with the spay until Tanzee is 1 year old. There is new evidence that spaying too early can have a negative impact later on in life.

http://healthypets.mercola.com/sites/healthypets/archive/2011/02/17/dangers-of-early-pet-spaying-or-neutering.aspx

[goldengirl88]

Donna:
It is great you have taken in a little one again. I hope everything is going well with Tanzee. You deserve it after all you have been through. Thank you for praying for my wonderful Tipper, this has been a hard journey so far. I hate the day I ever learned of Cushings. God Bless you all
Patti

[gatorgirl_bama]

Valerie,
I was thinking that I should wait at least until after her first heat to have her spayed. When I took her to the vest for the first time, he said he really didn't think she was as old as I was told. So she may or may not be 7 months yet.

Patti,
I think of your wonderful Tipper often. We sometimes call Miss Tippi "Tipper". We had lots of names for our girls and they were so smart and new we were talking to or about them. I miss them so much.

I actually messaged the breeder about Tanzee after I took her to the vet. Just to let her know how bad her condition was and what he said about her not being pure bred. She messaged me back and told me she got a black pure bred triple coat female shih tzu from her friend for me and to bring Tanzee back and take the other dog. I'm like, is she for real? Sammy said to tell her "hell no she will never get Tanzee back. We would never send her back to the hell she was living in".

Anyway, lots of love and prayers for everyone's babies.
Donna

[molly muffin]

oh my gawd, what is that woman thinking! Bring Tanzee back!!!!! Shocking.
I don't think you can count on anything that person says about age, breed, anything. She hasn't a clue.
Tanzee is, cute, a puppy and happy. Everything else is just clothes on the pup. :)
Hope you guys are keeping warm down there! It looks awful in the south. We expect that kind of winter stuff up here in Canada and have salt and sand and stuff for the roads. No so much down your way though. Stay safe!

huggers,
Sharlene and molly muffin

[goldengirl88]

Donna:
This woman must be crazed in the head to think you would ever return Tanzee to that environment . She should be reported and never allowed to have dogs again yet alone ask for one back, what nerve. Hope all is going well with her and Tank. They look so cute in the pics. sleeping together. Blessings
Patti

[gatorgirl_bama]

She didn't think anything was wrong with Tanzee's condition and that I was just being mean to her. She threatened to have her attorney call me. I never received that call. And that tells me what????

Tank is doing much better the last week. He'll still kick her butt over his toys (and hers!) and treats. I guess since the girls didn't play with him or his toys, he thinks all toys are his. But, we're working on that.

I know one thing, Tanzee doesn't like frozen grass! Scared to death to go outside now! We don't get a lot of snow and ice in Lower Alabama, so she didn't know what to think about it!! I told Sammy I was going to order her some booties!!

Take care everyone.
Donna

[goldengirl88]

Donna:
That is too funny about the frozen grass. Of course people that treat dogs like crap think there is nothing wrong with what they do. She should be reported to animal welfare. She has no attorney or you would have heard from. She is probably using one of her scare tactics as she has more than likely done this before. Hope the babies are well. Blessings
Patti

[molly muffin]

Well, Pffffttt on that woman. Just let a lawyer call you. I'd say "honey, bring it on, because I'd love to see you in court with vet and groomer right there beside me" pfftttt indeed. Tanzee has an advocate in her mummy now and that is all there is to that! grrrrrrrr :) :) :)

hmm, let me think, nope, I don't like walking on frozen grass either. I agree with Tanzee. :) :)

Have a fabulous weekend Donna!
hugs,
Sharlene and Molly Muffin

[gatorgirl_bama]

OMG, Tanzee is in heat. Poor Tank is beside himself!!!

[goldengirl88]

Yikes, I guess you were not expecting this! Poor Tank he must be going crazy. Blessings
Patti

[molly muffin]

Oh my goodness. Well that is a new twist on the day. LOL

Hang in there!
hugs,
Sharlene and Molly Muffin

[doxiesrock912]

Oh no! Let the games begin :-)
Good luck keeping them apart. Poor Tanzee, being in heat isn't fun. Daisy didn't like the mess. I think she felt bad, as if she had an accident in the house.

[gatorgirl_bama]

Well, we made through the night. She is wearing a pullup and Tia's onesie. She doesn't know what to think about that! She must not feel well. Kinda felt like she was running a fever so she laid in Sammy lap most of the afternoon and night until bed time. And Tank...he can't figure out how to get those clothes off her!!! This should make for a great couple of weeks!

Y'all are in my prayers.
Donna

[goldengirl88]

Poor little baby she has been thru so much. I hope she has not problems going on with this heat cycle. She probably wonders whats up with all the clothes on!! Blessings
Patti

[gatorgirl_bama]

Sammy just called...she's out of the onesie and the pullup is destroyed and its all over the living room! Oh what fun.

[Meg_Elizabeth]

Hang in there Donna. Xoxo

-Meg & Abby

[molly muffin]

Oh wow. Donna. Hugs? This is going to be quite the adventure. LOL So, got some of that silver extra durable tape??? :D:D

Stay strong!
Sharlene and Molly Muffin

[gatorgirl_bama]

Thanks ladies! Sharlene you gave me a laugh this morning. Sammy actually calls that tape "hundred mile an hour tape". But no, I didn't duct tape her into the pullup!! I got out one of Tia's washable panties with velcro and mini pads. She wore them late yesterday and all night so let's just cross my fingers that she keeps them on today.

Much love to you all,
Donna

[goldengirl88]

Donna:
I guess good old duct tape fixes everything! Hope all is working out for all of you today. Blessings
Patti

[molly muffin]

Ha Donna. I've heard the tape called hundred mile an hour too. I don't know, Tanzee seems pretty determined, might need something that goes by the name hundred mile an hour. hahahahaha
How are things going today?

hugs,
Sharlene and Molly muffin

[gatorgirl_bama]

Yea she kept them on yesterday and all night! It's just a pain when she needs to go outside to take them off and put them back on and so on! Hopefully this is the last time she will go into heat!

Love and prayers to you all,
Donna

[molly muffin]

Sending you big hugs Donna and a little extra strength today.

hugs,
Sharlene and Molly Muffin

[doxiesrock912]

Donna,
my niece once made a functional wallet out of duct tape. It had pockets for cards, her license, and a place for coins. Really amazing what you can create with that stuff!

[gatorgirl_bama]

Sweet sweet Valerie you have no idea how I needed to read that. I have cried for two days now as yesterday was 6 months without my precious Tia. I almost fell out of my chair laughing trying to image what this "duck tape wallet" must have looked like! Thank you for giving me a ray of sunshine on such a gloomy day. :)

[doxiesrock912]

Laughter is the best medicine. :)

Actually, it was really cool! I need an all-inclusive checkbook wallet. Otherwise, I might have asked her to make me one.

There are so many patterns on duct tape now that I'd consider it more decorative than functional.

The tape that my niece used was grey with sparkles :) She accented it with purple thread where needed and cut out a bat for added decoration. Apparently you can sew through duct tape too. Who knew?

If you have an A.C Moore or Michael's Crafts store, they have booklets of duct tape projects. No, I'm not joking.

[gatorgirl_bama]

I'm still trying to process this sparkly duct tape wallet! And now I find out there is a duct take project booklet. This booklet is a must have for Sammy. When we were first married, we had a Craftsman riding lawn mower that you had to drive the truck to to jump the lawn mower off to crank it (too cheap to buy a battery or maybe to broke???), wire wrapped around the hood to hold it down, only one blade worked and, you guessed it, a duct tape seat. His ass was wet every time he cut grass, but hey, it still cut grass!!!

On Valentine's Day, our Assistant Administrator's husband passed away. Hell of a way to spend Valentines Day. Anyway, Sunday Sammy and I went over to visit with her and bring some food. I knew she had a shih tzu named Maddie but Sammy didn't. When we got there her son let us in and Sandra and Maddie came out and met us in the living room. Maddie immediately went to Sammy. He picked her up and buried his face into her and just cried. We see a lot of shih tzus with the same coloring as Tippi, but Maddie's facial features were so much like Tippi's that it broke his heart. He said is was just like looking into Tippi's eyes again. The day of the funeral I picked Maddie up and kept her at our house because of the commotion that would be going on at their house. Sammy said is was almost unbearable to be there with her. When we took her home late yesterday afternoon, he told Sandra we were the new baby sitter for Maddie!

I love this forum...bless you all, bless your babies and have a great rest of the week.

Sending y'all love and prayers,
Donna and my angels

[doxiesrock912]

Awwww! Sammy sounds wonderful! I can visualize him crying which makes me sad. My father is the same way with our pets and the half assed way of making things work. I swear that Daisy loves him more than she loves me.

Your poor admin! How sad!

There are many duct tape books.

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_ss_i_1_10?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=duct+tape+crafts&sprefix=duct+tape+%2Caps%2C265


One of my favorite sayings goes something like this "Silence is golden, but duct tape is silver" and it's over the smiley faces mouth :-)

[gatorgirl_bama]

It's been two months since we said goodbye to Mama Tippi and I watched her close her beautiful brown eyes for the last time. It's been a long sad 6 1/2 months between the two girls. Yesterday morning I re-read Tia's thread from start to finish. I don't know why I do this to myself. I cried more tears than I think I've ever cried.

I went to Tia's memory page this morning like I always do to say good morning and re-read what I wrote yesterday. Apparently reading her thread yesterday affected me more than I thought because I don't even remember writing most of it.

I do know one thing, and this may sound like I'm a crazy person. I don't physically know any of y'all, but mentally I feel like y'all are my best friends and at times, the only friends I have because I can come here, even though my girls are gone, I can still come here and cry on all your shoulders.

Getting Tanzee was so good for Tank and probably me and Sammy too. I love her dearly, but I just don't feel for her like I did the girls. Will I ever? I feel horrible for saying that. She needed saving and at the time, so did Tank, and that's why I got her. I had the girls for 12 and 14 years before I ever even thought about bringing another into our home. They were our lives, and then I saw Tank. I didn't want a boy, but for a few weeks, he was on my mind night and day. I went grocery shopping one Sunday and can home with him. Sammy tried to be mad at me, but once he held him, he couldn't!

I keep searching rescue sites and thinking when I see the right one, I'll feel it. Deep inside, I'll feel it and I'll know.

Love and prayers to you all,
Donna

[addy]

Things take time and each relationship is different. It does not reflect negatively on you that feelings and attachments will take time or be different.

My relationship with my oldest grandchild will never be the same as our youngest grandchild, the bond is so different. The times when she was growing up were different. It does not mean I dont love and cherish the youngest. The relationship is just different.

And so it will be will our pups.:):):)

[mcdavis]

As Addy says each relationship is different, and it takes time. Sometimes it's an immediate attraction and sometimes it's a slow burn, plus grief also affects your feelings and emotions. So, one day you may feel the same, or you may feel different but both are right.
Take Care

[goldengirl88]

Donna:
Myheart goes out to you, and hope God gives you the strength to get thru this trying time. Blessings
Patti

[gatorgirl_bama]

I know I need to give myself time to heal especially since I lost both girls so close to one another. It was a double whammy. And I'm to the point now, that I don't give a rat's ass what people think or say about me still crying for the girls. Like that old song goes, "It's my party and I'll cry if I want to". Today is my birthday and I might sit at my desk and cry all freaking day!!

I know I've said it before that when Tanzee looks at me, I can see the love and appreciation in her eyes. She just doesn't like to cuddle like Tia did. She'll lay in my lap for a while but she just not that lovey dovey type and I miss that.

Lots of love and prayer to you all.
Donna

[goldengirl88]

Donna:
Happy Birthday first of all, and secondly I believe if you have to cry, just do it and let it out no matter who likes it. Keeping all that inside is worse . I feel for you in this situation, I know you are hurting badly. Hoping you can find some joy on your birthday. Blessings
Patti

[molly muffin]

Happy Birthday Donna. I know the girls are watching over you today and always. I can't imagine losing two so close together.

My molly isn't a lap dog either. She tolerates it for moments only, but then she'll lay up right next to me, stretch out, roll over for a belly rub and stay there, falling asleep. I know that to her this is a special thing to do. Just like every morning, she wants on the bed to roll around where I slept and get that scent on her. It's her special thing and I think you and Tanzee just have to find that special thing that will be your connection. Once you find that, it will be fine. It won't be the same as Tia or Tippi, they each had their own special thing. That is okay and has it should be.

hugs Donna,
Sharlene and molly muffin

[drmvz]

Happy Birthday Donna from Mike and Angel Banzai :)

[goldengirl88]

Donna:
Hope you are having a better day today. Just wanted to let you know I am thinking of you. Blessings
Patti

[gatorgirl_bama]

I am Patti. Thank you for asking.

I guess I get crazy around birthdays, holidays, any day really! For over 16 years, they were a part of every aspect of my life and I'm just having trouble letting go and moving on. I know I'll get there eventually and I do have some good days. But, when the bad days hit me, they knock me down and it takes a while to get back up again.

Take care and you all are in my prayers.
Donna

[goldengirl88]

Donna:
Glad to hear you are having a better day. I know exactly what you mean, I get those really bad times to. Take care. Blessings
Patti

[molly muffin]

One day you'll find that the days you feel knocked down aren't quite as many that the tears aren't quite a frequent. You know, it's grief, 16 years is a long time, it takes whatever time it takes. As I was mentioning to someone else on here, don't pressure yourself. It is what it is and it's natural. If you think, well, it's been awhile I should be better, then you worry and feel sad that you don't feel better, so don't knock yourself around, just let it all come about as it should.

hugs and love
Sharlene and molly muffin

[gatorgirl_bama]

I've read Addy's words of love for her Zoe, her heartache, agony, pain, guilt, and it's like I'm reading my own story. I have cried many tears for my Tia and begged forgiveness for not being able to save her, for not knowing exactly what happen to her the morning she died.

They, whoever "they" are, say it gets easier with time. They ask why do you still cry when you look at her pictures or speak her name, just suck it up, it was just a dog. It's been over seven months since I lost my little angel and no it's not any easier. She was my heart and soul. She was the air I breathed. She was everything in the world to me and this hole in my heart, the part she took with her that horrible morning, well it won't ever mend.

Then I think of my sweet Tippi and what I did to her. Congestive heart failure and she has no quality of life left the vet told me that morning. Shouldn't I have tried harder to save her, to make her better? I think about her good days, how she loved to go outside when it was cool weather. She'd get frisky, but it would make her cough so bad that I'd have to bring her in. Should I have waited a little longer instead of taking her that day? Some times I feel like a horrible person because lately I've been thinking, did I do it because she was just that sick, or was it because if I couldn't have Tia then why should Sammy have Tippi. Sometimes I feel like I murdered her. I loved her, she was my first little girl.

Losing my girls has definitely made me a nut case...

[molly muffin]

Losing one is incredibly heart breaking, losing two can definitely is unimaginable and yet you have. The pain must be awful.

I don't think though that you murdered your girls. Don't even think that in your head.

I think you loved them and did the best you could for them and when it was too much for them, you knew it. You hurt, but you knew that it was too much for their bodies to bear. There is no way to prepare for you what you know will happen though. In your case, you didn't even have much time to try to wrap your head around it. For your heart there was never a hope that it would be ready to say goodbye.

I know you are trying and that some days are worse than others. I think this is naturally and I don't doubt that Sammy is going through the same thing in his way too.

I hope that you both can take a moment of each day, acknowledge the pain and loss and then do something special with your current babies. Just one thing, each day for each of the 4, the ones no longer here and the ones that are. That is all that you can do really.

love and hugs
Sharlene and Molly Muffin

[addy]

No, you are not crazy at all. I cant even imagine the pain of losing two girls. Society places strict standards on us. I remember when my father died, people telling it has been three months I should be fine by now. Losing Zoe is harder than losing my Dad because I was not a constant caregiver making all the decisions for my dad as I was Zoe.

And that is where the grief lies, the guilt, the what ifs, if only I had done this or that, because we are intrusted with total responsibility for a living being that we are totally in love with so simply and uncomplicated really.


When you lose someone who was your whole life, it hurts so much and depending what else is happening in your life, circumstances can make it hurt even more.

I thought I was prepared to lose Zoe, gosh I dont know how many times we thought it was over. I knew it would hurt. I've been on this forum four years next month. I have witnessed the pain and anquish of others. Still nothing prepared me for this depth of pain.


And I would venture, nothing prepared you either. Nothing can.

I can only offer you hugs and love and tell you I care.

[goldengirl88]

Addy:
I totally get it all. I was thinking the very thing you said the other day. I thought I do everything for Tipper, where will I be if something happens. She is not just my world, she is my universe. You put your heart and soul into caring for their every need, you ignore things going on with yourself to take care of them. You spend any amount of money to help them in any way possible, and neglect things you need yourself in order that their life is better. The sacrifices are self imposed as everyone on here knows what it is to have such a deep and never ending love for their babies. We leave no stone unturned in a quest to some how win this battle.Yes dear Addy I know the pain you are in, and wish I could help, my heart breaks when I read I read your posts as I think to myself I too will walk in your shoes one day. Take care of yourself Addy and know I think of you every day. Blessings
Patti

[gatorgirl_bama]

Just wanted to say I was thinking about all of you...

Much love,
Donna

[addy]

Hi Donna,

I just stopped by to let you know we are thinking about you as well. I know there are times I just cant find words to write here on the forum so I wonder if you find it hard as well but just need to hear an understanding voice.

So sending much love and hugs because I know it does not get easier with time the pain just changes somehow and somtimes we just need a hug.

I'm all for asking for hugs when I need one:):):)

[molly muffin]

Thinking of you too Donna and the girls and your boy and your hubby.

wish you all would have a peaceful day.

hugs
Sharlene and molly muffin

[gatorgirl_bama]

Addy you are so right in that it doesn't get better with time. I hear that time and time again from people and I want to just scream "what the hell is wrong with you people". Then I think, "is it just me? Did I just love my girls too much"? I don't know what that means because they were a part of our family for 14 1/2 and 16 years. I basically lost two of my children.

Tia's birthday is Monday and I'm already freaking out about it and I know I'll cry all day at work. My baby girl would have been 15. It's been almost eight months and I still can't speak her name without crying.

In six months, October, I have my daughters wedding and it should be the happiest time of our lives, but it will definitely be bittersweet. She's getting married on Miss Tippi's birthday. And Tippi and Tia were supposed to be bridesmaids. It that the craziest thing?! It would be to most people, but Tippi and Tia were Sebrina's sisters and that's what sisters do.

I seriously need prayers today. Sammy and I are headed to West Florida Hospital this morning. He's having a temporary Spinal Cord Stimulator put in for nerve damage in this leg and foot. If all goes well, it will be removed next Thursday and he'll have surgery to implant a permanent one.

Anyway, thank you Addy and Sharlene for thinking about me. I do think about and pray for you all.

Much love and prayers,
Donna

[goldengirl88]

Donna:
I think of you all the time, and know what you are saying. I wish this awful disease had a cure. Blessings
Patti

[molly muffin]

Oh Donna, I do hope that all goes well and works for Sammy and then he can have the permanent one put in.
You guys have a safe drive down to Florida.

I am sure monday will be more awful than normal with the birthday and all.

Of course, you do not have anyone or thing in your life for that long and then not mourn them and miss them for always.

I think, I hope that what happens is that the grief changes over time and years so that the pain is not quite awful and sharp, like a knife to the heart that takes your breath away.

sending big hugs your way
Sharlene and molly muffin

[Iraklis]

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QRvRsPxe9jQ/UYjjqs1UKRI/AAAAAAAAt4I/RI8NcrRT6lA/s1600/Soul+Would+have+no+Rainbow+if+the+eyes+had+no+tear s.jpg

[gatorgirl_bama]

Thank you all. Iraklis, that is beautiful.

Well, for the most part, the procedure went good...then the muscle spasms started before we left the hospital. I actually thought he was going to break the rails off the bed. This went on for a good hour and a half before the doctor called back for some muscle relaxers. Finally got him home yesterday afternoon and settled in, but he is still having them, tho not as bad. If you've never had spasms, it feels like someone is twisting and wringing you out like a wet dishcloth. I know that sounds crazy, but that's how they felt when I had them a few years ago.

It's going to be a rough week with Sammy's back and Tia's birthday, I'll probably be crazy by the next weekend. Wish me luck.

Much love to you all.

Donna

[molly muffin]

Oh gads. Poor Sammy. I still get muscle spasms in my back from an injury when I was 18. I do feel for him. I know when mine first started, it could drop me to the floor when one hit. bham. Now they aren't as bad, but I do find that sitting in one position too long can trigger them, or stress, where you tense up. The very best thing that has helped me is yoga type stretches. Even my husband does yoga stretching for his back and it helps. So he might want to check out some positions that when it is better and up to it can help to stretch out the back muscles a bit. Until then, nothing wrong with muscle relaxers. :) :)

Take care, hang in there both of you!
hugs
Sharlene and molly muffin

[gatorgirl_bama]

Fifteen years ago today Miss Tippi had five beautiful little girls. Today would have been my Tia's 15th birthday, her first of many she will spend away from me.

Happy birthday my little angel. Mama loves you.

[goldengirl88]

Donna
I am so sorry this is a sad time for you missing your sweet baby. I think of you often. Blessings
Patti

[molly muffin]

Awww Donna. So sad when these dates come around. Happy Birthday Tia.

hugs and love
Sharlene and molly muffin

[Harley PoMMom]

Happy 15th Birthday, sweet Tia, and loving hugs to you, Donna.

[Iraklis]

Tia...you lived a full and happy life...i am sure you would want your mama to do the same...wouldn't you?

Happy birthday Tia!

[gatorgirl_bama]

The last two days have been hell. I honestly felt like I couldn't breath. I went to work and at one point yesterday I thought I was going to pass out. I'm sure it was just a panic attack.

I put some birthday balloons out at her grave. Made me feel better. The others are scare of them when they go outside!

Thank you all for the kind words. Sending much love your way.
Donna

[goldengirl88]

Donna:
I am just heart broken for you. I know the deep love you shared with these babies. I wish I could help you in some way. Blessings
Patti

[gatorgirl_bama]

Good morning everyone. Sammy's surgery went great yesterday, except for those awful muscle spasms again. They told me as soon as they woke him up, the spasms started. We got to the hospital at 6:15 am and didn't get to leave until 6:00 pm. They kept him until the spasms pretty much stopped. He's very sore this morning, and grumpy.

It's a bit chilly and has been raining all night. Most all of my back yard is under water. We needed some rain, but not this much!

Have a great weekend. Sending love to you all.
Donna

[goldengirl88]

Donna:
It is great to get some good news from you, I think of you often and wonder how you are. Hope things continue to improve for Sammy. Blessings
Patti

[Iraklis]

It was raining here too past couple of days...

Glad to hear some good news from you!

Sending love to you too! :)

[gatorgirl_bama]

Good morning all.

The rain finally stopped but the spasms continue. I thought I was going to have to take him back to the hospital. He's running a low grade fever and hurting bad. I'm praying for some relief for him. I do know how these things cause agony.

It's supposed to be a beautiful weekend. I hope y'all have a wonderful weekend and Easter.

Sending love to you all.
Donna

[molly muffin]

Oh dear, I do hope those spasms will stop. They hurt like the dickens. :(

I hope you have a lovely Easter too Donna, you and Sammy and the furkids and rest of the family.

hugs
Sharlene and molly muffin

[goldengirl88]

Donna:
Thank you so much for your kind words. I know how hard your life has become, and I feel for you. I am hoping those spasms quit as they hurt, I know I have had some in the past. Blessings
Patti

[gatorgirl_bama]

Happy Easter everyone. Sending lots of love and prayers to you all.

Donna

[molly muffin]

Happy Easter Donna, Sammy and gang :)

hugs
sharlene and molly muffin

[goldengirl88]

Hi Donna:
Just thinking of you this morning. Hoping the muscle spasms have gone away. I also hope you were able to enjoy some part of your Easter. You have had a tough road, and I commend you for the strength you have shown. Blessings
Patti

[gatorgirl_bama]

Thank you Ladies. He's not have as many spasms, but when they do come on, they are severe. He slept in the recliner last night. Still can't lay flat without a spasm going on. He fell Sunday afternoon in the living room. I'm praying he will feel better SOON!

Hope everyone had a wonderful holiday. All the babies and families are in my prayers.

Much love to you all.
Donna

[goldengirl88]

Hi Donna:
Hang in there you are tuff, and I know how hard it is getting thru the day. I pray for you, and that you are able to go on after so much heartache. Blessings
Patti

[molly muffin]

Oh gosh, that is awful, those spasms. Poor Sammy. :( I hope he feels better soon too.

hugs
Sharlene and molly muffin

[goldengirl88]

Donna:
Just thinking of you and hope you have a good day. Blessings
Patti

[gatorgirl_bama]

Good morning all.

Sammy is a clean freak and a stickler for the perfectly manicured yard. I am not allowed to mow the grass or use the weed eater. He plants all the flowers, trees, etc. I blame the Army!! But, then again, my house is always clean and I don't have to do it!! Oh, I do have to wash clothes, darn!!! Anyway, he actually paid a guy to cut and weed eat our yard yesterday!!! I was shocked. He did, however, supervise. I bet that guy will never come back again!! He is in there just a cleaning away this morning. And I'm letting him. Guess the spasms are getting better.

Gotta get ready for work. Much love and prayers to you all.
Donna

[goldengirl88]

Donna:
Please could you send Sammy over here? We really need that at this house!!

[gatorgirl_bama]

I've thought about hiring him out! "Husband for Rent"!!!

[goldengirl88]

I'll go for that one Donna, but he must be returnable!!

[molly muffin]

Hope you guys are staying safe and out of the paths of the storms!

Take care
hugs
Sharlene and molly muffin

[gatorgirl_bama]

Thanks Sharlene. It's stormed all night and still going at it this morning. Thankfully these two babies aren't scared of the thunder and lighting like the girls were. I got up thinking I wouldn't have gotten any sleep if the girls were here. Tippi would just lay there and shake, but Tia was all over the bed, on top of my head with her tongue hanging completely out panting uncontrollably. And we would have to sleep with the lamp on so she couldn't see the lighting! She hated getting her paws wet, so to even get her to go out to tee tee, I had to physically pick her up and take her to the middle of the yard. It's crazy, but I do miss all that. I miss my girls.

Sending much love to you all,
Donna

[goldengirl88]

Hi Donna:
Hope this finds you safe down there. My Tipper is off the charts in a storm. I have to get something from the vet today. I cannot do this anymore. It is too stressful on her and I. Hope your bad weather is done. Stay safe. Blessings
Patti

[Squirt's Mom]

SO GLAD to hear from you this morning, Donna! I have been worried about and Marianne - both of you in the path of these storms. Please stay safe til this system is passed, honey.

[gatorgirl_bama]

Tanzee is getting spayed this morning.

[labblab]

Oh Donna, we'll be waiting right alongside you! Please keep us updated, OK? Even though this is a standard procedure, I know you'll be worrying and we're right here for you to talk to.

Marianne

[molly muffin]

Hope Tanzee does well with the spaying. I was a nervous wreck when Molly got spayed. :)

hugs
Sharlene and molly muffin

[gatorgirl_bama]

She made it through just fine. Sammy picked her up yesterday afternoon and said she looked like death. He must have called me 5 or 6 times before I made it home! She won't eat or drink, she won't stand up, she won't go tee tee, she's whining, she's sleeping, etc. I told him she just had major surgery and she's going to be sore and groggy.

She did sleep good last night (I didn't!!) and ate a little bit this morning. She stood up and walked a little in the yard and peed.

Tank is so sweet to her. It's like he knows she doesn't feel good. He kept taking toys to her last night and just laying then on her. This morning he took the blanket off his bed and pulled it over to her and laid beside her and played. Makes me wonder why most people can't show half this much compassion toward others?

Have a great week everyone. Much love and prayers coming to y'all.

Donna