For The Love of a Dog
I posted this picture and story about Milkshake on Instagram last July, but in case you missed it here it is again…
“The love from this old dog has taught me so much: It knows no end, it has no limit and it will always be there. She’s my senior rescue (13) and she has congestive heart failure. We’ve known about her heart since July 2014 and she’s still with me. I don’t think her heart has finished teaching me yet.”
I have the hardest time writing about her on this blog. Somehow if I write about it here, it will make it come true. I’m not rational when it comes to her. We’ve known about her condition for over a year now. She saw a cardiologist (did you know there was such a thing for dogs?) in July of 2014 who told us she had 4 months. Maybe it was because he was the bearer of bad news, but neither Milkshake, my husband or I liked him so we’ve kept Milkshake under our local vet’s care. Just like people who have this disease, she’s been on lots of medications but she takes them without complaint.
This week her heart has been racing (A-Fib, a secondary condition) and we’ve added 2 more medications to her routine. She’s wearing down because of the heart rate and we’re hoping the medications help. I know as pet owners we take the good times with the hard times and we do it so willingly because of the unconditional love they give us. She’s not in pain but she is exhausted. I refuse to give in before it’s time. Say a prayer her heart can last a bit longer. Writing about it here won’t change a thing, but if you say a little prayer for her it might help.
Hugs,
Anne
70 Comments
Linda
Praying for Milkshake….
Pat Godkin
Dear Anne: our pets can be our heart and soul, just look into those eyes.
Thinking of Milkshake, your husband and you.
Libby
My prayers are to Milkshake, you and your family. I feel our pets are heaven sent. Hugs…………………..
Doreen
As a tremendous lover of animals, especially dogs, prayers are being sent your way for all of you especially Milkshake. The unconditional love of a dog is unrivaled. No matter how our day has been or what kind of day they have had they greet us with a happy tail! God Bless.
Jeanne
Prayers for you and Milkshake, you will know when the time is right. I pray that you will not have to make that decision. Our pets own our hearts.
Lisa Smith
Oh Anne, I’m so sorry to hear that Milkshake’s heart is wearing down. It is truly such a joyful gift to love and be loved by a rescue pet. Bless your heart for giving her such wonderful, loving senior years. I read your post and the accompanying comments with tears in my eyes and a lump in my throat… We are truly blessed when we experience the trusting love of a rescue pet. I will keep Milkshake in my prayers. May you find peace in the knowledge that you’ve given her the best senior life that she could possibly ever have. Hugs, Lisa
patty delia
praying for Milkshake and your family. Times like these are hard but we survive them because of all the wonderful memories we have. Keep strong and find comfort in the love you have shared with your fur baby.
Gale
I will pray for sweet milkshake and you as well. I understand your pain, we had to make that sad decision early March, nearly a year already. Milkshake was certainly lucky to have found you and your family. Hugs
Anita
Praying for milkshake. My cat had an eye injury that was so bad the vet said the eye would most likely have to be removed. Two ladies from my church prayed with me for him & we saw a miracle. Moses eye was a gelatinous mess, then in a few days we could see the green color & a few more days & it was completely normal! Nothing is too hard for God!
Patircia Akers
My heart goes out to you and your husband for this beautiful little soul…and yes, somehow I do believe dogs have souls. How can they not when they are so darn loving to we humans. When I read your email, I had just finished bawling over our Belle who we lost two years ago….we just loved that girl so much. She was a rescue, about nine years old and so neglected. We spent so much money and time to give her a good last years of life and will never regret it. They do have a way of getting deep inside your hearts, especially when they are the only ones in your hearts. I will pray for you Milkshake…she deserves all we have to give for her as she gives you so much of herself.
hugs, the Akers xoxoxo
Kathleen
Sending prayers for Milkshake. I so understand your situation. My dog was sick for so long as she came in to her senior years. I had her 14 years before having to make the decision to send her on. That came when she was too weak to stand on her legs. I stayed with her as she crossed over. So sad but I couldn’t let her go alone.
Anne at Walden Woods
What a blessing you have been to Milkshake – sharing your love with her has given her the courage and strength to stay with you and to return her love and thanks for all you have done to make her days so happy. Many prayers for her safe, comfortable and loving journey. She will always remain in your heart with love.
Karla
Ann, prayers for little Milkshake. Out pets are more than pets, they are family. We had a Scottie for about 15 years, and lost him this past fall, but the memories of his antics and such, never to be forgotten.
Hugs, Karla
Carole S
Prayers for comfort for you and Milkshake. Our little furry friends are precious beyond words.
Nancy
Anne, I am in tears reading this, as I well know the pain of saying goodbye to a dearly loved furry family member. I pray that the new meds give you more time with your sweet Milkshake. She knows she is dearly loved, and she loves you so much, too. I can see it in her eyes.
Eighteen months ago, we said goodbye to our kitty Oscar. He had many health problems and after a long and wonderful life, those problems caught up with him. Those last few days were so difficult, but Oscar knew he was so loved and cared for. Like our Oscar, Milkshake will let you know when it is time. Until then, continue to hope, enjoy every moment with her and know she will always live in your heart.
Miss Jean
Sending prayers and love to you all – especially sweet Milkshake!
Joan B
Sending prayers for Milkshake–we, too, have gone through similar tough times with our animals. And now, with a loved person too. Often harder on us than we realize.
Betty
My prayers are with you and Milkshake. When he crosses the Rainbow Bridge he will get to know Shadow, Bear, Charlie, Duke and all of our fur babies that have gone ahead. It hurts and nothing will change that. I will pray that Milkshake does not have pain until he is ready to go.
Karen D Martin
So sorry about sweet Milkshake. She is lucky to have such caring and loving parents.
Patti Levine
Prayers going out for all of you for peace and comfort.