Sunday, November 11, 2012

A detour . . .

I titled this post with the word "detour" because that is what has happened here in the past few days --- both to me (Snoodles) and to our doggie!

Some of you long-time followers (notice that I didn't say you were "old" followers; I don't want to get you upset with me!) may remember our rescue pup, Pepper. She has been with us for about thirteen years, and she has the gray muzzle to prove it.


This past week she was diagnosed with CHF, congestive heart failure, advanced stage. Our desire is to keep her comfortable here at home, and balance the needs of her heart with the restrictions of a kidney-challenged diet. She has had a happy life here, roaming the pastures and creeks, and we want this to be her resting place. 

More than once she slipped away into the deep woods to be alone, but we didn't have the courage to let her go, so we brought her back to nurse her and comfort her. She was headed for the rainbow bridge and we asked her to make a detour.  We're hoping for some positive improvement that will show us we made the correct choice. If we don't see it, we'll know it's time to let her sleep. (The doc says she is not in any pain, just tired.)

Anyway, it's been a detour for me, as well. Less time for sewing and quilting. I hope all of you will understand. I'll be back as soon as possible -- hopefully with good news.

Love to all of you, and to your furbabies,



29 comments:

  1. Having only just gone through this I truly do know how you feel, it never gets any easier, my heart goes out to you. Lady was like that for 2 years, it was 2 years of hard work but I am so glad we had that extra time with her. Big Hugs xx

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  2. It is always a difficult decision to have to make when it comes to the end of the time with a beloved pet! I will be thinking and praying for you x

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  3. Oh poor Pepper. When Penny was ill she told me when she was ready to go, I think you see it in their faces, but she was in pain and couldn't walk and deteriorated very quickly. I hope that Pepper gets the rest she needs at home and she will tell you when she's ready. You know her better than anyone else.

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  4. I'm so sorry. This is such a horrible time for all of you. I hope there is a good outcome soon.

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  5. What a sweet girl! So sorry she has CHF! :( She is lucky to have you to watch over her, almost as lucky as you have been to have her in your life I imagine. Take care xxoo

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  6. Aww, I'm so sorry to hear about your dog. We do love them so much. I know just how you feel. I'll be thinking of you and hope he has many good days by your side. Take care.

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  7. Such a sweet face. And what a sad time for you.

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  8. That is just so sad....we've gone through very similar over the years with out dogs too. Home is where they should be; I believe. That's where they and you are happy!! Take care.

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  9. Dear Pepper, you are so beautiful and I'm sad to hear you are not well. Hopefully you get getter and have still long enjoyable time with your family. You are in my thoughts.
    Hugs from Teje & Nero

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  10. I am so sorry. My Chelsea was diagnosed with this and with the right medication stayed with me an addition two years. Hugs to you and your family.

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  11. I just heard from a friend that her vet kept saying her dog was overweight and she should restrict her diet. So she brought the dog to another vet and they diagnosed it as congestive heart failure. The dog was put on meds and stayed with her another 3 or 4 years. But I don't know how advanced the heart failure was.

    Anyway, have hope. I'm glad that you're keeping Miss Pepper happy and comfortable. And showing her lots of love. I'll keep you in my thoughts.

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  12. I will keep your family in my thoughts and heart. I also have a senior dog with a heart condition that loves the country life too. Pepper looks like such a luv.

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  13. We went through this three times this year- and it was devastating each time! Our prayers are with you!

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  14. A good friend is hard to find. Take care of yours.

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  15. Minha querida meus pensamentos e orações para vocês.Beijo GRANNNNDE.

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  16. Pets have a way of loving us unconditionally!

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  17. We sends comforting purrayers for yous, your family and Pepper. Know that what is best for her and you and we will be waiting for yous.
    Kisses
    Nellie and Mommy

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  18. I am sorry that you have to go through this it is always so hard to let a beloved pet go.

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  19. I am so sorry, I know how hard it is.

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  20. Believe me, I totally understand. I can tell your dog is just like a child to you...a member of your family. I had to put my beloved Lab down and I thought I would never make it. Spend all the time you can with your sweetheart. We understand and will be here when you are ready to return. Hugs to you and Pepper.

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  21. I am so sorry to hear this. I have had to make this decision 2 times and will probably have to do it 1 more time for my 18 yr old kitty. You are in my prayers on your detour. Hugs.

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  22. My heart aches for you, Pepper and your family. This is one of the hardest things in life to go through, I'm so sorry for your pain. I hope Pepper's detour lasts a very long time, she's a beautiful lady. She reminds me of our dog Pepper, we had her while we were growing up. She was a small black Shepard mix, she was in my wedding pictures. Please know you'll be in my thoughts and prayers. Toni Anne

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  23. Saw your posting on Madame Samm's blog and had to come here to offer my condolences. We love our sweet pups, don't we? Pepper was lucky to have you to rescue her and to care for her to the end, and you were lucky to have her. My heart goes out to you...

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  24. Hello... newbie here. Just saw your comment on SEW WE QUILT, and had to let you know that I am thinking about your loss, and how sorry I am. Please accept my condolences.
    Cheryl

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