Such a Terrible Week

[Kathy Adams]

This week started with us having 12 dogs - each so different - all very much loved. There were 5 that lived outside, Rocco, JC, Colonel, Maybelline and Raven. I have very serious chronic back problems and it got very difficult to care for them - just going out to feed them was difficult some days. They also were escape artists. Even though we had an electic fence, they would find a way to get out and I would have to go fill a hole or mend the fence. Very early Tuesday morning they did just that and I couldn't take it anymore. I had been trying to find a no-kill shelter but none could take large breed dogs because they were so full already. I had to call animal control. They came that afternoon and picked up 4 of the 5. The 5th, Colonel, wouldn't come out from under the house. My husband is a trucker and came home on Wednesday. He took Colonel in on Thursday. He had a long conversation with the supervisor and we learned some wonderful news. This shelter will keep the dogs as long as they have the room and nobody takes them. They will help them with any medical probles, clean them up and make them pretty again. They'll also make sure, if they can't all be in the same pen, that at least they'll be able to see each other. They've been together since they were tiny pups - all but Rocco are litter mates and they were born here. If they do end up running out of room, they will send them to a no-kill shelter south of us that they work with. So my husband and I felt better about what had to be done.

Then there was Chewy. Chewy has been fighting pain from something pressing on the nerve in his neck. He's been on medication (Chewy was almost 11 years old) because surgery was out of the question, both financially and because of his age. After taking Tramadol, Prednisone and an anti-biotic for 3 weeks, he was placed on Rimadyl. It seemed to work at first but eventually he went from 2 a day to 3 to 4, which was as much as he could take. He had a couple of good days early in the week, but went downhill very quickly to the point he cried all night Thursday. We made the decision yesterday to send him to the Rainbow Bridge.

Chewy was such a special dog, so smart and so good. We both miss him terribly already. It's just not the same without that big black dog lying on the floor in whatever room we happen to be in.

Chewy came into our lives when he was just 7 weeks old. I only hope, in all that time, I made him as happy as he made us.

Goodbye, Chewmonster. We love you and miss you so much.

RIP Chewy.

[Mari McAvenia]

So sorry for your troubles. It is so sad when we are parted from our beloved animal-friends. I will say a prayer for all your wonderful doggies and for you. May Chewy rest in blissful peace now.

[Scooby Doo]

É muito triste perder quem se ama, masinfelizmente faz parte dessa vida!
Abraços a todos!

[Debbie Kingery]

Never an easy or comforting decision, but it is the last "unselfish" thing that we can do them. I am sorry for your loss of Chewy and the other babies too. Bif hugs from me and my Pommie kids.

[TMaria]

Kathy, I'm so, so sorry about Chewy. I know how our fur babies enrich our lives and give us so much joy. You did all you could and now he's at peace. You and yours are in my thoughts and my heart. I can't write any more 'cause I'm in tears right now~I truly feel your loss.

[Edna Dinsmore]

Kathy, So sorry to hear about your loss of Chewy. As I read your post, it brought back lots of memories of a situation I went through many years ago. You are an angel by making the decision to do what is humanely correct. I had to make the same decision and hated to do what needed to be done, but I didn't want to see my little fur baby girl suffer in pain. I was with her right up until the end, holding, petting and telling her how much I loved her. You will find comfort in knowing that Chewy knew he was so loved and cared for. You will have lots of memories of Chewy and in time will look back and smile. We are here for you if you need us. Hugs, Edna

[wanda farrow]

I understand this very well, it comes a time where we have to make decision that might hurts us, but in the end we come to terms that this was the best. In your time of sorrow may you find comfort I did. Your memories will come back from time to time but after a while they make you cast a smile, you will always leave a hand print of love and they will all leave a eternal paw print on you, just remember you and your special friend will meet again. your baby will alway live in you so embrace your memories and live on together with friends and family that share those memories too. god bless, cause you are special to them as well they are to you.

[Kathy Adams]

Everyone, thank you so much for your kind words and your support. I know Gary and I made the right decision for Chewy. When the sparkle went out of his eyes I knew he was in too much pain to keep trying and we had to just let him go. The others will find good homes. I was so relieved to hear they would not be put down even if they aren't adopted right away. Still, I know this is going to take a long time to get used to.

Thank you again. Just reading your wishes and knowing you really care helps a great deal.

[Lisbeth Mønsted Larsen]

Very sorry to hear such a sad story yet filled with hope. You have done the right thing for the dogs you had living outside. Lets face it that is not the best life for any dog. Still what choice did you have I am sure you did the best you could 12 dogs is a lot to take care of . I have four sighthounds who live inside with me they can be a handful at times their preydrive is through the roof.I take out every morning for their morning run which is something they enjoy. To see them running at top speed through the fenced in paddoc is sight filled with poetry simply put they are poetry in motion. Three of them are ex-racing greyhounds and then I have one whippet as well. I love my four lads more than words can express. So I know the decicion you made had to be the most difficult one of your lives. Know that you have my full support and understanding through this and know you have my deepest sympathy over the loss of your dogs. Vent when you feel like it and know I will be here to listen should you need it . Lisbeth and the lads.

[Wanda P]

Kathy, what an angel you are to have so many dogs and be ill, you should feel good that they will get all the care they need and will find homes. We are very sorry for your loss of chewy, its never easy. i too will have to make that decisions soon about zena my baby girl, who is going blind, but still plays, how ever it is pretty funny throwing the cushy and she goes into another direction, so we get it and roll to her, she is so happy and loved.
chewy had a good life my friend and will be there one day when you meet again.. now try not to be sad.. i am here if you need a friend ok.. rest and be well friend wandap

[Deb McEnery]

Sorry for your loss. Hope you are feeling better soon.