astrid Posted June 27, 2008 Share Posted June 27, 2008 I'm taking our older dog to the vet today at 4 pm. She's been in a very rapid decline since our heatwave a couple of weeks ago-- rapid weight loss, weakness to the point of collapse in her rear, etc. She's just a darling, and I hate seeing her suffer. She's a family member; we've criss-crossed the United States with her and she's been my dd's only sibling. Molly doesn't remember a time when her canine sister wasn't there, willing to play dress- up or go hiking or be a pillow when she wanted to curl up and read a book. I"m hoping that the vet can pull some miracle out of her bag of tricks, but in my heart of hearts, I think it's time, and I cannot allow her to suffer. Sorry to ramble on, but I feel as though I"m bleeding internally, but I"m trying to be strong for dd. Thanks for listening. Astrid and: VLA Ch. Yuma Lion de la Toison d'Or, CD, DD, TT, CGC, TDI Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1bassoon Posted June 27, 2008 Share Posted June 27, 2008 :grouphug::grouphug: Hugs to you - how tough - Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Denisemomof4 Posted June 27, 2008 Share Posted June 27, 2008 I could never live without animals, but when their time is up it's SOOOOOOOO painful. I'm really sorry. Denise Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Old Dominion Heather Posted June 27, 2008 Share Posted June 27, 2008 Oh, Astrid... I'm so sorry. Praying for you and Molly. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jenny in Atl Posted June 27, 2008 Share Posted June 27, 2008 :grouphug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tutor Posted June 27, 2008 Share Posted June 27, 2008 Oh, I'm so sorry. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RhondaM. Posted June 27, 2008 Share Posted June 27, 2008 I'm so sorry Astrid. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sleepy Posted June 27, 2008 Share Posted June 27, 2008 Oh dear, I'm so sorry. :grouphug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mom2legomaniacs Posted June 27, 2008 Share Posted June 27, 2008 Oh no! I am so so sorry! Prayers for you all dear. :grouphug::grouphug::grouphug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DB in NJ Posted June 27, 2008 Share Posted June 27, 2008 How sad... I've prayed for your family. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
genie Posted June 27, 2008 Share Posted June 27, 2008 My mom had to go through this recently. It's so tough. :grouphug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tammyla Posted June 27, 2008 Share Posted June 27, 2008 :grouphug:hugs & prayers:grouphug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Doran Posted June 27, 2008 Share Posted June 27, 2008 I have stood in your shoes, and I know the pain you're experiencing in having to make this decision -- whether it's today or sometime in the near future. I always believe that interaction with the creatures we love (human or animal) doesn't end when their physical beings give out. We just have to look a little harder, listen a little closer, be more open minded about how communication can occur in order to experience it. Your furry friend will always be with you in some way. I'm sorry. Peace and hugs to you and your family, Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GailV Posted June 27, 2008 Share Posted June 27, 2008 :grouphug: I'm so sorry. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
elegantlion Posted June 27, 2008 Share Posted June 27, 2008 :grouphug: Prayers for you and your family today. :grouphug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rose in BC Posted June 27, 2008 Share Posted June 27, 2008 I know that dogs are very much family members. It's very tough when they get sick and/or old. So sorry you need to go through this. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mamagistra Posted June 27, 2008 Share Posted June 27, 2008 Oh, how very sad! Astrid, I am so sorry to hear this. I pray that you will have nothing but happiness and fond memories in your hearts if she must cross the Rainbow Bridge... :grouphug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DB in NJ Posted June 27, 2008 Share Posted June 27, 2008 Or am I just not seeing it? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brindee Posted June 27, 2008 Share Posted June 27, 2008 :grouphug: I'm sorry! I'm praying for you all! Let us know what happens! :grouphug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nancypants Posted June 27, 2008 Share Posted June 27, 2008 Oh Astrid :grouphug: I'm so sorry. I will pray for your heart because I know it aches deeply over this. More :grouphug: for you my friend! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sugarfoot Posted June 27, 2008 Share Posted June 27, 2008 I've been there more than once, and it's so hard. Sending prayers and good thought your way... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
manylilblessings Posted June 27, 2008 Share Posted June 27, 2008 I'm so sorry... reading your post brings the knot back to my stomach from when we lost our 11yo Golden. Hugs... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
astrid Posted June 27, 2008 Author Share Posted June 27, 2008 This is the email I sent out to our breed club email groups, where Yuma was well-known and well-loved: Through tears, I am composing the email that we've all dreaded writing, the one that lets friends and family know that a treasured family member and constant companion has crossed the Bridge. Today, we helped our darling Yuma, the most amazing dog in the world, over the Rainbow Bridge and into our memories forever. VLA CC Yuma Lion de la Toison d'Or, CD, DD, TT, CGC, TDI accomplished so much in her nine years of life, and all of it with a wagging tail and a smiling face, despite her severely dysplastic hips. In the last few weeks, she started losing control of her hindquarters and losing weight. A particularly virulent form of breast cancer finally proved too much for her to fight, and we helped her to a place where she would be pain-free and forever young. Molly is our only child, and doesn't remember a time when Yuma wasn't there to play dress-up, to curl up with and read to, or to patiently trot around the ring again as Molly learned the ropes of showing in the LeoLet and Junior Handling ring. They say Leos are known as "The Nanny Dog" because of their love of children, and Yuma took this job seriously. Never once, including last night, did she go up to bed with us until we let her into Molly's bedroom so she could sniff her, lick her cheek and see for herself that Molly was safe and sound. For myself, Yuma was my heart dog. She did everything I asked her to do and more, earning a CD in three trials, and becoming the first Leonberger in the U.S. to earn an advanced Draft Dog title. Combined with her Conformation Certificate, Yuma, OFA "severe" rated hips and all, joined an elite group of LCA Leonbergers-- those who have earned a Versatility Advanced title. But so much more than the letters before and after her name, Yuma was an amazing presence in our lives. She taught us so much about making the best of what life throws at you, and not letting any sort of physical limitation hamper your zest for life. Her gentle and kind demeanor was the perfect Leonberger temperament, and what endeared her to everyone whose lives she touched. We will never be the same, but are so grateful for having shared our lives with our darling Yuma. Hug your dogs tightly tonight for us, okay? In LeoLove, The Robitaille Family: Astrid, Ray, Molly, Grandma Sheila, and a very lonely Seelowen Danika Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brindee Posted June 27, 2008 Share Posted June 27, 2008 I'm so sorry she had to go! What a special dog she was! Thankyou for sharing about something so very near and dear to your heart! I will pray for all of you, maybe an extra one for Molly, who is having a hard time right now, I'm sure! :grouphug::grouphug::grouphug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nancypants Posted June 27, 2008 Share Posted June 27, 2008 :grouphug: I'm so sorry Astrid! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SFP Posted June 27, 2008 Share Posted June 27, 2008 Astrid, I'm sorry. You did right by her, though, and I hope you take comfort in that. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lisa at Home Posted June 28, 2008 Share Posted June 28, 2008 :grouphug: :crying: I have such a hard time with every one of these posts.:crying: I'm sorry. ~Lisa Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jennifer in MI Posted June 28, 2008 Share Posted June 28, 2008 Oh Astrid. I'm so sorry. We had to do this same thing two years ago and it still brings me to tears. How is Molly doing? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EKS Posted June 28, 2008 Share Posted June 28, 2008 I'm so sorry. (((astrid))) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
3lilreds in NC Posted June 28, 2008 Share Posted June 28, 2008 :grouphug: I'm so sorry. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
elegantlion Posted June 28, 2008 Share Posted June 28, 2008 I am sorry, please give Molly and yourself a big hug from us. We've been there. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Doran Posted June 28, 2008 Share Posted June 28, 2008 It is a sad time. You were all very fortunate to have had one another. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sadiegirl Posted June 28, 2008 Share Posted June 28, 2008 I'm so sorry....we have been in similar situation but with younger dogs(tumor in a boxer and another dog who had to be put down due to killing a smaller neighborhood dog that taunted her). It is never easy...praying for your family. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Crissy Posted June 28, 2008 Share Posted June 28, 2008 Oh, Astrid. What a terribly difficult day this must have been for you. :grouphug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
*anj* Posted June 28, 2008 Share Posted June 28, 2008 Astrid, She sounds like an extraordinary dog. I'm so sorry for your loss. I know that it hurts to lose a furry companion. I hadn't ever heard of Leonbergers, so I googled to find a photo. She must've been absolutely gorgeous! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ConnieinCO Posted June 28, 2008 Share Posted June 28, 2008 Been there, done that - I am soooooo very sorry. Prayed for your family. Connie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stephanie Posted June 28, 2008 Share Posted June 28, 2008 This is the email I sent out to our breed club email groups, where Yuma was well-known and well-loved: Through tears, I am composing the email that we've all dreaded writing, the one that lets friends and family know that a treasured family member and constant companion has crossed the Bridge. Today, we helped our darling Yuma, the most amazing dog in the world, over the Rainbow Bridge and into our memories forever. VLA CC Yuma Lion de la Toison d'Or, CD, DD, TT, CGC, TDI accomplished so much in her nine years of life, and all of it with a wagging tail and a smiling face, despite her severely dysplastic hips. In the last few weeks, she started losing control of her hindquarters and losing weight. A particularly virulent form of breast cancer finally proved too much for her to fight, and we helped her to a place where she would be pain-free and forever young. Molly is our only child, and doesn't remember a time when Yuma wasn't there to play dress-up, to curl up with and read to, or to patiently trot around the ring again as Molly learned the ropes of showing in the LeoLet and Junior Handling ring. They say Leos are known as "The Nanny Dog" because of their love of children, and Yuma took this job seriously. Never once, including last night, did she go up to bed with us until we let her into Molly's bedroom so she could sniff her, lick her cheek and see for herself that Molly was safe and sound. For myself, Yuma was my heart dog. She did everything I asked her to do and more, earning a CD in three trials, and becoming the first Leonberger in the U.S. to earn an advanced Draft Dog title. Combined with her Conformation Certificate, Yuma, OFA "severe" rated hips and all, joined an elite group of LCA Leonbergers-- those who have earned a Versatility Advanced title. But so much more than the letters before and after her name, Yuma was an amazing presence in our lives. She taught us so much about making the best of what life throws at you, and not letting any sort of physical limitation hamper your zest for life. Her gentle and kind demeanor was the perfect Leonberger temperament, and what endeared her to everyone whose lives she touched. We will never be the same, but are so grateful for having shared our lives with our darling Yuma. Hug your dogs tightly tonight for us, okay? In LeoLove, The Robitaille Family: Astrid, Ray, Molly, Grandma Sheila, and a very lonely Seelowen Danika I'm so sorry. God knew placed here with the perfect family to love her. I'll be praying for y'all.:grouphug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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