Today we had to say good-bye to our sweet Baby. It’s hard to believe that just last night she was rolling on her back and stealing squeaky toys from MBGiant Toby. Around 4am I heard a strange sound… it was Baby crying. She couldn’t get comfortable, she was breathing as if she had run a race and she cried every time she tried to lay her head down. Once, I found her out back laying on her side crying. This had never happened before. Her pain was intense. We always said we would never let her suffer, so we knew it was time to let her go. The hardest part was waiting for our vet to open at 8. It was a long 4 hours. We gave her a double dose of pain meds and lots of love. I had to go to work, so Roger took her in. Our vet is so kind and loving in farewells. That really helps. Her pain gave us the gift of having an easy time making the decision and feeling good about releasing her. I’m sure as days go on I will miss her terribly, but right now the release from pain is a happy thing.
I do wonder if someday I’ll be looking in the eyes of another furbaby and see her spirit shining through. I’m very open to afterlife concepts so it’s interesting to imagine the possibilities. I can see her happy, flopping her ears and running through a meadow.
I want to thank this wonderful community for all the support you’ve been. I don’t know if I’ll decide to continue to stay in touch, but I really admire the dedication you have to helping all the new tripods get through a difficult time.
We’re very grateful for the almost 5 months extra we had with Baby. For those of you starting this journey – Baby happened to keep within the low end of statistics, but there are many examples of many tripawds living much longer. We grieve together when we need to, but there is a lot to celebrate. I’ll have Baby put in a good word for you all!
Love and best of luck to all!
Judy
Oh no! I’m so sorry to read this. This must have been such a shock. I’m shocked to read it!
But I’m glad that you have peace in knowing that you absolutely did the right thing for her! It’s so hard to see them in pain.
Five months might not sound like a lot to someone just getting into this whole cancer craziness – but it is a lot, isn’t it?? The “extra” time with our special fur kids is incredible. There can never be an amount that is “enough” so we make the most of what we get and we are better off for it.
Thinking of you and your pack at this tough time.
Run pain free, Baby! Please have a good game of chase with Abby.
Jackie
Judy, I’m sorry. When we wrote back and forth the other day and you indicated that Baby wasn’t her old self, I worried about her. I guess I feel I had a bit of a head’s up then, but it doesn’t matter. We’re never ready.
I know it may be hard to check back in, but I hope you will. You can give this community so much. You’re a wonderful dog parent and you went through amputation with a mastiff. Lots of big dog folks could benefit from your wisdom.
I also have been think about you and will continue to do so. I hope you and Roger and Toby remember all the good that Baby brought and feel her warm love. She’s there in your heart.
Shari
Oh, Judy, I am so, so sorry to hear this. It was always evident in your posts how very much you loved Baby.
I, too, hope that you will continue to drop by this site. Your experience with a giant breed tripawd is invaluable to new members to the community. But, also because you are such a nice person and I would hate to lose touch with you. You are one of those rare people who always had kind words and you just jumped right into this site and made yourself a member of the family.
Please give Toby a kiss on the head and tell him to give mom and dad some extra special kisses and slobbers. I wish you peace and comfort during this sad time.
Lisa
Hi Judy, I am relatively new to the community but I wanted to tell you how sorry I am to read about your Baby. I feel the same way about my Rizzo. If there is any sign of suffering that is it. He let you know and in a way that is a blessing that you definitely knew it was the right time. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family now and will be in the future. May you feel comfort knowing that Baby is whole and pain free now and at peace.
All my best to you and your family.
Suzie and Rizzo
I’m very sorry to hear of Baby’s passing. Sending comforting thoughts to you, Roger & Toby.
Oh Judy!
I’m just devastated! What a shock! Baby was such a wonderful and beautiful girl. We are so going to miss her.
I know it is of little comfort but knowing she made your decision for you is a blessing in some ways.
I’m so sorry. If there is anything we can do for you, please know we are here.
Ge’Lena
I am so sorry to hear about your loss Judy. Making that ultimate decision for our beautiful fur babies is the toughest gift we can give them.
Your Baby was clearly very well loved. Extra time, no matter how short, is worth its wait in gold even though it is never enough.
Thinking of you at this difficult time.
Karen
I am so sorry Baby’s journey came to an end today. It sounds like you are at peace with your decision, that is a blessing that will help you over the coming days and weeks.
While I too hope you visit here, I completely understand if you choose not to. It has to be right to stay, it has to be good for you to stay.
Baby will always be with you.
Karen and Spirit Maggie
I am so sorry to hear about Baby. Everything can change in an instant. Keep your pack in my thoughts during this difficult time.
I too understnd you may not stay in touch. For some reason, it helps me.
Heather & Spirit Shadow
Judy, I am so sorry to hear about Baby’s death.
I, too, find it hard to believe that such a beautiful spirit will be no more. After Sammy died, I also wondered whether I might see his beautiful eyes in another’s face. When we went to pick out MB Wrigley, I searched every little face for signs of Sammy and waited for that feeling of recognition. While I experienced no such epiphany, I am tickled to see that Wrigley exhibits many Sammy-like characteristics. Is it possible that he has a little Sammy in him? I think so, but in the end it doesn’t matter — I love him just for being Wrigley and I know that loving Sammy made me ready to love Wrigley, too.
I hope your many happy memories sustain you during your grief. In whatever form, Baby’s spirit lives on because of your love for her.
Beth, Spirit Smilin’ Sammy and MB Wiggly Wrigley
Wow, this is so hard to believe. She did SO well and we were hoping she would go on for a long, long time. Judy, our hearts go out to you, we are very, very sorry. Thank you for all you did to help others here at Tripawds, please take comfort in knowing that Baby’s story will continue to inspire others for a long, long time.
judy, we’re so sorry that baby’s time with you has ended. you bravely released her from her broken body, a selfless act of love. hoping your wonderful memories of this beautiful girl will eventually replace the sadness and tears you now have. love never ends.
charon & spirit gayle
I’m so sorry for your loss. But grateful you had the time with her that you did. Lots and lots of love.
xo
I’m so, so sorry for your loss. I’ll keep you and your family in my thoughts and prayers and I hope you find peace.
My heart is aching for you Judy! I’m so sorry to hear about Baby. You are so right that heaven received a beautiful, sweet angel. Thank goodness the edges of a broken heart become less sharp over time. Please know you have our warmest thoughts during this time! xoxo Sue
I am so sorry to hear that your journed with Baby has ended. May you take comfort in all of the wonderful times you have shared.
Judy, so very, very sad to hear of Baby’s passing. She was a lovely girl. You and your family are in my thoughts.
I am so so sorry. My thoughts are with you.