Buddy-beginning to end

It's nearly four months since Buddy died and it's time to give him a place on this new board.

Buddy was a mini poodle who came into our lives by accident, we had gone to the petshop to buy dogfood and there he was all alone in a cage....well the rest is history.

For the first few years he was my husbands dog as I already had a a elderly Australian/Silkie named Buster who didn't like to share. I don't remember if it was when Buster passed away when it changed but Buddy soon became my shadow.

At around 9yo Buddy had a really bad attack of pancreatitis and was hospitalized with a very poor outlook. I had noticed he had been drinking and peeing more over the previous months and his weight was up around 7kg (normal about 5.5kg). Buddy's weight had dropped dramatically in such a short time that he was only 3.5kg and diagnosed as diabetic. Buddy wouldn't eat for the vet and was limp and lethargic and I had been warned that he probably wouldn't make it. The only time he would even move was when I came into the room and I managed to get him to eat a little.

Over the next week I went to the vets every two hours to feed and comfort him (I had to leave so that he would sleep on the vets advice). Amazingly Buddy pulled through and then the panic about giving injections set in. It was only a week or so and we were giving the injections without any problem and Buddy gained weight and did really well for the next four years.

Our lives had changed and we had trouble going away or taking holidays due to the commitment of giving food and injections every 12 hours but it was soon our new way of life. Then at a routine vet check Buddy who had been drinking and peeing a lot more and had very poor coat was tested and discovered his thyroid hormone was low and put on medication. His diabetes was still well controlled at that time but then it all changed and his BG was all over the place. After more testing we were given the diagnosis of pituitary cushings and sent to a specialist because the local vet hadn't used trilostane and we were told it was our best option with his other problems.

We started the trilo and within a few weeks the BG was back in line and our ACTH numbers were dropping. It was only a couple of months and we started getting non stimulatory ACTH numbers and took several 7 days breaks from the trilo before resuming at lower doses. One moring Buddy just collapsed and after rushing him to the vet it was discovered his cortisol was so low he was condisred addisons. Surprisingly his BG was fine and he was given a dexone injection and within a short time was back on his feet. He improved over the next few days and didn't need any other supplements for the low cortisol. We were told he was in remission from cushings and advised it could last a week, month or longer. Well it was over two years and regular ACTH tests showed the cortisol numbers were still low enough so we never restarted the trilo. Buddy's thyroid was now into a normal range so we also stopped that medication and apart from the constant antibiotics for UTI and some eye eulcer problems it was just the diabetes being treated.

Buddy turned 15yo and celebrated 6 ½ years living with diabetes and was doing so well that it took me completely by surprise to come home after work and find him dead. I had been home at lunchtime and he was fine and it was only 4 hours later when I found him. We didn't do any investigations as to why because with all the poking and prodding he had gone through over the years it was time to let him be at peace.

If you think I have gone on too long well I haven't even gone into the dental and eye surgeries and constant battles with UTI or talk about him losing his sight and finally his hearing or even managed to tell you how much he meant to me. Words just can't explain how much a part of my life he was. Earth has lost another angel.

Jenny

Jenny,
Thank you so much for posting his complete story....he belongs here. You both have been such an inspiration to me....how can I miss a little doggy that I never met?
I've been meaning to tell you how part of his story came in very handy on Jan. 5/09 so I'll send an email as soon as I can.
Jo-Ann & Lady :)

Jenny,

Buddy "lives" on through all of us...I remember when I first came here and feeling so overwhelmed. And there you and Buddy were, helping me all the way. I remember how much I admired, and still do, your absolute love and dedication to him....his story gave me hope that maybe somehow someway someday I would too be able to handle this one disease. I mean, look at you, handling both!!!

Jenny, I can't tell you how much your strength has reached across all these miles....I can't tell you how much Buddy touched my heart....there just aren't words for that.

I remember the day Buddy died....it was so soon after Scoobie...it was just so impossible to comprehend that all of the sudden he was gone. As Jo-Ann said, how can I too miss a little one I never met? Yet, I do. I miss having Buddy right here.

I know Buddy has angel wings and is a guardian angel to so many, including his mom.

You are a wonderful mom, Jenny....and you are also a wonderful friend. And I am honored, truly, that I got to witness Buddy's story and share him in some way with you.

Love and hugs, Beth, Bailey and always Scooter

Thank you so much, Jenny, for re-posting your wonderful tribute to Buddy. Buddy absolutely should have a place here with us in our new home.

(((hugs)))

And hey! We also really need to see some Buddy pictures in an album or two (and an avatar too) ... so get to it ... asap!!! :D

(and post some other family pics too please!)

Jenny,

Thanks for sharing. What a history! It makes my heart ache. These angels of ours just don't as much time with us as we wish. I'm interested in more pictures as well!
-Susan

Hi Jenny,
Thanks for sharing Buddy's story. It was truely heart warming. I am very sad for your loss.

Thank you for sharing Buddy and his story with us.

Carol, McGill, Atty Cat & Winnie (always)

Jen, it has brought tears to my eyes to again read of Buddy's bravery and your devotion to one another. To think of all that you experienced together -- the good parts and the bad, the healthy days and the frightful days. But EVERY day was filled with love and companionship. What an enormous life spirit was contained in that mini-body! Now that spirit has been released to expand and fill your heart as well as all the places that Buddy loved best. It is not the same. It can never be the same. But what a gift to have spent time together here on earth. And one day, for your spirits to be reunited forever.

Thank you for allowing us to join you here in honoring your brave, sweet Buddy ~
Marianne

Hi Jenny,

Thanks for sharing this with us; I can imagine how tough it was to do that. Whenever I think of Buddy, I remember the story you told about the white feather.

Buddy faced so many struggles in his life and you were there by his side each and every time. You suffered along with him in your own way, rejoicing when he recovered. When the time came, you were both spared further suffering; Buddy simply walked across The Bridge to an eternity free of pain, needles, and discomfort. He sent you that feather to let you know all was well with him now and that he would love you forever.

Hugs,
Leslie and the girls

Dear Jenny,

Thank you for sharing Our Buddy's story. I can't count the number of times you have been here for me these past few years. You and Buddy were such an inspiration to me and so many others that were dealing with both diabetes and cushings. Buddy and you went through so much together and I know how much you love him and miss him. The two of you will always have a special place in my heart. Hugs to you my friend.

Luv,
Lynne and Angel Lady 7/98-3/09