Monday, November 30, 2009

A Long Hard Night

Many of you know that my sweet Dixie has been sick lately.  We’ve made several trips to the vet.  On our last trip, the vet was concerned that Dixie might have a brain tumor.  Turns out, she was right.
Sunday morning, I was awakened by a yelp from Dixie.  I got up quick enough to see her fall to the floor in the midst of a seizure.  After several hours to recover, Vol Fan carried her outside.  She was able to stand and to walk a little bit.
Later in the afternoon, she had another seizure.  She never regained her ability to stand after that one.  Vol Fan and I spent most of the day lying on the floor beside her pillow, doing what we could to comfort her.
Around midnight, I fell asleep on the floor beside her.  She woke me around 2:30, having another seizure.  After that, her breathing became very labored. 
By 3:00, I started talking to her.  Telling her that Bear and Haley were waiting on her, wanting to run and play.  Telling her about all the squirrels she could chase.
Her breaths grew further and further apart.  With each one, I thought it was the last.  Finally, at 3:30, she took her last one.2008-7-6 004
Dixie
There never was a more loyal friend.
Rest in peace, my sweet girl.

18 comments:

Linda said...

I am so sorry for your loss. A pet is always faithful!

Nelson's Mama said...

I am so sorry!!

We lost our sweet Sheltie on the
6th of this month - it is heartbreaking.

T said...

My heart is breaking and I'm sobbing my eyes out for you and Vol Fan.

She was a beloved member of your family and I wish I could hug you right now, in person.

imom said...

I'm so sorry Woody. Losing a pet is losing a memeber of the family.

Unknown said...

You made me cry! I am SO VERY SORRY!
We went through the same thing with our white boxer last November. She is now creamated and in a beautiful wooden box on top of our mantle.
My heart aches for yours!

Busy Bee Suz said...

Oh, poor Dixie. I hate that she had to go through sickness and pain at the end....may she run free with the others and have as much fun as she deserves.
Hugs to your family. Suz

Mental P Mama said...

I am so, so sorry. What a blessing though that you were right there with her.

Big Hair Envy said...

It's not easy to type through my tears. Losing a pet is losing a family member. May all of the wonderful memories comfort you during this difficult time. ((hugs)) from VA....you are in my thoughts and prayers. May Dixie rest in peace, and frolic with those who have gone before her.

Lori said...

There are no words except to say that I am sorry. I know how painful it is to lose a member of your family like this. Sending you lots of hugs and love, XX Lori

Desert Survivor said...

So sorry. She is lucky to have had you right there beside her at the end.

Kensi said...

I am so sorry for your loss. I'm sure she was grateful to have you by her side...

Betsy Banks Adams said...

Oh --this made me cry, Woody.. I'm so very very sorry. But obviously Dixie is much better off and out-of-pain now. I know you and VolFan will miss her so.. You'll have to keep her alive by talking about her and remembering her in your memories.

Hugs,
Betsy

TheVinylVillager said...

aww I am so sorry...are you all ok?

Noe Noe Girl...A Queen of all Trades. said...

Woody, my hearts breaks reading this. I am so sorry for your loss.
I know you will miss Dixie. She was your baby. Keeping you and Volfan in my prayers.
<><

Caution/Lisa said...

I'm sorry, Woody. Sorry that you had to lose her, sorry that her life included such yuckiness near the end, sorry that dogs can't go on forever.

I'll be praying for you because I know your grief is very, very real.

Snooty Primadona said...

OMG! I just totally burst into tears and I'm so sorry. We went through this with our precious Lulu and it just hurts so bad. When my precious cat Pepper was attacked by dogs & they separated her spine, I kept her in bed with me all night until I could take her to the vet the next day. As it turned out, she had been in total shock so she was never aware of what was going on.

All I know is that Dixie you knew how much you guys loved her and she loved you ten times more, my friend. Still, we always miss them.

I'm completely blubbering & crying now. My whole heart is with you now...

Clippy Mat said...

what a beautiful dog. She must have been a wonderful pet for you to love her so much.
It's good that you got to spend her last moments with her. :-)

Unknown said...

Oh Woody, my heart is breaking and the tears are flowing. I've walked that same walk, and nothing hurts as much as losing your best friend. Mega (((((hugs))))