Our Sophie

Poodlemaniac · 11-30-2006, 04:29 PM

Last Sunday we laid to rest our toy poodle Sophie. She died of complications from AIHA. My wife's heart and mine are still hurting. I never thought a small little dog like her could have such an effect on me. I've had dogs all my life but Sophie was the cream of the crop. Talk about a personality! In reality I know we'll get better but at this point I just can't see that happening. She was a rescued puppy mill dog. We got her when she was 8. She'd had never been taught to play and we had to teach her what toys were. She didn't even know what a dog bone treat was. We had her for almost 4 years. I remember the day she wagged her tail for the first time...it was about a month after we'd gotten her. You would have thought we had won the lottery. Our house seems so empty and quiet. I still look for her next to at dinner. She would wait so patiently so a small morsel to suddenly appear and fall to the floor. I just never knew it would be possible to love an animal this much. I'm sure we'll get another toy and maybe two this time. Her spirit is within us but it's just the pain of not having her that hurts the most. I know time will heal and at least it makes me feel a little better by putting down these words. Thanks for reading.

Andy

Curbside Prophet · 11-30-2006, 05:07 PM

Ok, so I just learned it's not a good idea to read more than 1 memorial post at a time because now I have to explain to my co-workers that my watery eyes are because of ficticious allergies. I'm so sorry to hear about Sophie. I hope your memories of her will comfort your pain. Thanks for sharing.

Sawyer · 11-30-2006, 10:56 PM

Andy, it is so hard to lose our dogs. We all know going in that we will outlive them but when it happens it is never the less shocking and heartbreaking. I think you should feel blessed that you had the opportunity to know her and the fact that you would take in an older dog says a lot about you and your wife. Your babe had the opportunity to end her life knowing love and kindness. I hope you will continue to look towards the older dogs again in the future knowing what joy Sophie brought you. Thanks for sharing. And please keep in mind that Sophie's life was not in vain - you are the person you are partly because of her

Trixy · 12-01-2006, 04:49 AM

So sorry for your loss it's hard sometimes :-)

BriMac35 · 12-01-2006, 08:34 AM

I"m sorry for your loss . My wife and I just lost our chow a month ago and we know what your going through . It's hard to believe how bad it hurts . But just think about the great life you gave her in her and think of all the great memories . Again I can't say how sorry I am for you .

pupskersandhutch · 12-02-2006, 03:15 PM

I'm sorry that you lost your pet that can be so frustrating!!! It almost feels like a part of you died. Don't worry she's in good hands cause as the movie says" All Dog's go to Heaven". Well hope that you can find a pup that would love to be in your dog loving arms I'm sorry!!!

LOVe MEGs

Erin · 12-02-2006, 03:50 PM

Andy, I know just what you're going thru as I had to have my StBernard, Erin, put down almost 2 weeks ago. Today would have been her 8th birthday and I am so depressed. Animals are our children. It takes a special kind of person to be able to love their pets like the people on this board. You are in my prayers and God Bless.
Gloria

atldoglover · 12-04-2006, 04:25 PM

I am truly sorry for your loss. Do you mind me asking, what is AIHA?

Poodlemaniac · 12-04-2006, 09:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by atldoglover

I am truly sorry for your loss. Do you mind me asking, what is AIHA?

It is autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA), also known as immune-mediated hemolytic anemia (IMHA). Basically the body is eating up the red blood cells faster than the bone marrow can produce them. Blood Transfusions and antibiotics are the usual treatment along with Predisone. It can take up to 7 months before the pet is fully cured and the disease has about a 50% survival rate. Add to that the possibility of blood clots, seizures and stroke and you can see that this is a very bad disease. Plus there's no way to test for it and it usually comes on overnight. Our Sophie was tearing about the bed the night before and in the morning she was basically just overly tired and didn't want to get up. A simple blood test determined that she had AIHI. I wouldn't wish this on my worst enemy's pet. I would give anything to have Sophie back. Each day gets a little better but I don't think our hearts will ever be fully healed. She was one special member of our family.

Andy