Kennedy's momma

Thanks to all of you for your beautiful words and kind thoughts. I still have some bad moments, so it really does help to know there are wonderful people who understand and empathize. I wish none of us had to go through the loss, but if we didn't love our precious pets so much, we wouldn't grieve for them so deeply. I'm not ready for another dog yet; I know so many need homes--even Yorkies--so I will adopt again. Everyone says I'll know when the time and dog are right. Not yet. Thank you again and hugs for all who also mourning.

Thank you so much! Although Kennedy got a decent report at her wellness check in December, I felt uneasy. I knew her CHF and renal function could suddenly cause issues (I already had two-legged family members and a friend who had similar experiences). On some level, I guess I knew she probably had weeks or months, not years. Still very hard. Rescue pets are THE best! I hope your Arlie is well!

I'm so very sorry for the loss of your two precious pups! How awful it must have been as you raced home. I agree with KayC, though; I'm sure they were overcome by the smoke. It's wonderful that you found Piper who was clearly in need of a loving home! My precious Kennedy (who I lost on March 3) was rescued from a puppy mill. She was also used as a breeder, and it is a horrific life for any dog. I had her for five years, not nearly long enough, but she was a princess here--loved and adored! I know Piper is, too. I am heartbroken by the loss of my baby girl but, like you, I've had dogs all of my life and I hate feeling so alone. Your story about finding Piper has given me a ray of hope that I may be able to find, love and help another furbaby. Take care, Debbie

I lost Kennedy, my precious Yorkie, on March 3. She was rescued from a puppy mill in 2009, and I adopted her a few months later. Although the mill said she was four at that time, she may have been several years older. Our vet wasn't sure until close to the end when he said she must be 12 or 13. She'd had congestive heart failure for the past two years. Last fall, her kidney function started to fail so the vet put her on Omega 3 and tests her blood every three months. She was also losing her eyesight. I was uneasy because I hated to think of losing her. She was with me through several major losses. I called her "my angel on four paws." With her, I never felt alone. Then, she got sick toward the end of February. The vet put her on an antibiotic; she got better for a few days but then became listless. On March 2, we saw the vet. He did blood work and she was in renal failure. He gave her 2 weeks to possibly 2 months, although he felt 2 months was optimistic. I desperately wanted to be optimistic, too! He was afraid to do the subcutaneous fluids because of her heart failure and possibility of overwhelming her lungs with fluid, but we tried another antibiotic and I brought her home. Late the next day, she started having trouble breathing. I had the sick sensation that it was near the end so I called a friend and neighbor to take us to the vet. When we got there, the vet was shocked because Kennedy's lungs were filled with fluid when they'd been clear only 24 hours earlier. Her lungs, heart and kidneys all seemed to be shutting down so I had to make the difficult decision to let her go. I don't doubt that I did the right thing, but I am lost without her. My friends and co-workers have been very kind and supportive, I feel lost without her. Instead of being my angel on four paws, she is my angel princess in Heaven with the rest of the family. I've had many other dogs, loved them all, and grieved for their passings--but the loss of Kennedy seems worst of all.

Hello Macy's mom, I am so sorry you lost your precious furbaby. Losing a beloved family member is devastating and pets are family! I believe I know how you are feeling since I just lost my own precious Kennedy on March 3. She was rescued from a puppy mill, so I only had her for five years. The vet was unsure of her age; the mill said she was 4 when they released her, but it's more likely she was 7 or 8 which means she was 12 or 13 when she passed. She saw me through several losses over the past few years, and I never felt alone as long as she was with me. I feel that same raw pain and anguish at her loss. When I picked up her bed, several dog treats fell out. They're still there, and I wish so badly that she was there, too. I hope it helps to know you aren't alone in your grief. Hugs.