My Winnie is gone

[kayharley]

It was the hardest thing I've ever had to do,

Winnie's been through alot in her 15 years.....eye ulcers, bladder stones, returning eye ulcers and the attacks she endured from Elliott but she was always such a laid-back girl. Not much got her dander up and her personality made everyone in our family love her...even my Mom who was never an animal lover. I knew Mom would sneak table scraps to her even when I told her not to feed the dogs from the table.

At first I thought the coughing was because she had a fixation with fleece toys....she would lick them to death and I assumed small pieces of the fleece were in her esophagus causing the spells and gag reflex. I gave her toys the name "licky-lickies" because she had so many different kinds...the little balls that go in the puzzles, the stuffed bees that go in the puzzle hive. And I made the mistake months ago of taking these fleece toys away from her hoping it would stop the cough but it didn't.

They said it was heart disease and it slowly crept up...at first it was an occassional cough but it became more numerous and prolonged. We tried different drugs and I tried a different vet to see what his opinion was.....heart disease.

The coughing jags became more numerous and I would hear her at night, unable to sleep peacefully. Many times these spells would be prolonged and last for more than 5 minutes.

The day I gave her to God I left our screen door open hoping she would follow the others outside to bask in the sun...it was a beautiful morning and sun was warm. She just laid on the hall floor like she had been doing for weeks.

I guess I am blessed that I had 15 years with her....many lose their beloved pets at a much younger age. But my heart is heavy and I will be mourning her for a long time.

Thank you, fourm members for letting me "talk".

[Will&Grace]

Kayharley, I am so sorry for your loss.... I know how your heart is hurting and I send hugs your way. Please know that I am thinking of you. Peace, Linda

[oscar's mom]

I am so sorry. I know you worked so hard to keep Winnie healthy.

[Scruffys Mom]

You have always been one that I knew loved her dogs. You made sacrafices and gave more than most. They all leave us too early, but yours knew love and that makes it all worth while. Once again, I say, going to heaven makes it easier for us as we know that God has our beloveds well taken care of until we arrive.

[goforette]

I'm so sorry to hear about Winnie - I feel like I've gotten to know her - or your entire group through the forum in some small way. We send our love and wish you comfort

[maggie]

I know how much you cared about Winnie and I can't find the words to express my sorrow.

You will definetely be in my thoughts and prayers.

Maggie

[pkcrossley]

i'm so sorry to hear this. thank you for giving her a wonderful life and for sharing her with us. we all loved her.

[Scully'sMom]

My most heartfelt condolences on the passing of your beloved Winnie. I know that you did everything in your power for her and her love for you will stay with you always. I am so very very sorry for your loss.

[Cairns2]

Sandy,

So very sorry to read of your loss this morning. Sometimes I think the longer we have these dogs the worse it is when we lose them. They become so close to us and are an integral part of our lives. You gave Winnie a beautiful long life. Hope that gives you some comfort. The pain eases over time but it takes a long time. Allow yourself time to grieve. She will always be as close as your heart.

Cynthia

[pookiegirl]

Dear Sandy,

I am so sorry about Winnie. I know you to be a wonderful Cairn parent - Winnie always knew she could count on you and you were there for her through it all.

I will always remember how supportive you were to me after I lost my Zoe. I know your grief and pain is overwhelming. I want you to know I am thinking of you through this very sad time.

Barbara

[shergry]

Soooo sorry for your loss. Your family gets an extra prayer from us. My boy licks his toys too, so you have made me think...thank you. Fifteen years of joy....God is sure having fun with Winnie and all our furry friends.

[katsmac]

Even though her earlthy heart has failed...her spiritual heart will endure and live inside your heart. You will feel it most when you are giving your love to another dog.

[toomanypaws]

Oh Sandy! I am so sorry to read of your loss of precious Winnie. I know she blessed your life for 15 years, but you also blessed her life for those years too. You are the type of cairn mom that many of us stive to be. My thoughts and prayers are w/ you during this time.

[tlwtheq]

Oh my dear, Bless you and your Family. I hope looking back on those

15 years will eventually provide you with comfort.

For now, just stay logged on; we'll be here.

Tara, Mom of the Wilk Pack

[brin145]

Sandy,

I'm so very sorry to hear that Winnie has passed on. I know that you have been all Winnie could have hoped for in a Cairn mom. I feel sure that Winnie is wishing you peace and fond memories of her. We all feel your pain at a time like this and send hugs your way.

Brinda

[LilyGrace25]

I have been viewing and occasionaly posting on this site for about 4 years now. It is obvious from all your postings that you loved Winnie with all your heart and gave her a wonderful life. I don't know what to say but we are all very sorry and and will be thinking of you during this sad, sad time. Take care.

Love, Lynn, Grace, Lily & Molly

[bradl]

I thought maybe the "hug" emoticon would cover for my inability to say anything meaningful, but it seemed too ... animated ... for how I really feel. God bless the seniors for they have taken permanent residence in our hearts.

[jodi0553]

Sandy, I'm so sorry for your loss. I feel like I know you and your furbabies personally from all of your wonderful stories. I'll be thinking of you and your family.

[OzGirl]

I'm so sorry your Winnie is gone, what a terrible loss for you. Please know that I am thinking of you during this sad time.

Janet.

[jimnconnie]

Please accept our condolences on your loss. Hopefully you will be able to take some comfort in knowing that you gave all the love you could to Winnie for those 15 wonderful years she was with you. Now you have her in your heart and your thoughts. God Bless you and Winnie.

[CathyAnn]

Aww, Sandy.....So very sorry to hear your news. Winnie was so lucky to have you for 15 years, and likewise.

You know I have been down this road and it is indeed a hard one. At first, you will dwell on your loss, believe me. But, gradually will start to think more of the good times rather than the bad. These little dogs leave us with such great memories. Such a beautiful breed with true spirits, how could they not.

I know Toto was there waiting for her.

[oscar's mom]

How are Madison and Remy doing? Give them hugs and scritches from all of us.

[Marge]

Sandy, my heart goes out to you. Losing a beloved pet is so difficult. Winnie will always hold a very special place in your heart. Let the good times and good memories with her comfort you. Try to give Madison and Remy extra love. They will help you in your grief.

Marge

[kayharley]

I love you people....it has been hard but your kind words have given me much comfort.

Remy and Maddy are doing good and they feel my sadness....guess that's why they've been on their best behavior.

Again....I thank you all for your compassion and support.

[AllAboutPetey]

Sandy, I'm so sorry about your Winnie. My thoughts are with you.