Alivia was recently diagnosed with Cushing's - Alivia has passed

I have to share a bit of good news with all of you. Today is Alivia's 14th birthday!!! There were many times when I thought she would not make it, especially given her sister and mother both passed away at the age of 13. But, Alivia truly is my miracle dog. She was the last of 4 puppies born. Her mother, Winnie, was small and had a difficult birth and one puppy was lost. Her 2 remaining siblings were born on February 23rd, but Ali waited until after midnight to make her appearance so she has a birth date of her own. She came into the world not breathing, but Winnie's human put his mouth over her tiny mouth and nose and gently breathed for her until she was able to breathe on her own. He said he was terrified she wouldn't make it and so relieved when she was breathing on her own. Six and a half weeks later, I met and fell in love with tiny, sweet Alivia Rose.

I think destiny brought her into my life. I had never had a dog and had never even given any thought to getting a dog. I thought I was strictly a "cat person". I also was not looking for a house, but saw an ad for a house about 2 miles away that really intrigued me. It had a super large dining room and kitchen. I had just bought my house 4 years before and was happy there. But, for some inexplicable reason I was drawn to see that house. My best friend tried to talk me out of it, using reason and logic, but when that didn't work, he gave in and went with me (it was actually just about midway between my house and his). The house was being sold by the owner and we were greeted by a little white dog named Winnie who followed us around the outside of the house with her stick, dropping it our feet and waiting for someone, anyone, to throw it for her. I didn't even know what breed she was. She was so full of life and had such a sparkle in her eyes. I don't remember a whole lot about the house, as we were so focused on the adorable white dog and when that became obvious, Winnie's owner told us she had recently had puppies and that they were in ...the kitchen!

Fate was with us that day, because there were three puppies - a male that was promised to the owner's nephew and 2 adorable females. My friend, Jeff, was immediately interested in one of them with a patch of brown and black fur over one eye (she became his beloved Patches), but I thought the other one was PERFECT! There was something about her eyes that made me start imagining if, having no experience, being a single parent and working full time, I could actually raise a puppy. The owner was also very picky about where the puppies would go to live. He was especially attached to Alivia (who he had named Olivia for vet purposes) since he had literally breathed life into her. He was also adament that they could not leave their mother until they were at least 8 weeks old and not a day sooner. So, for the next week and a half we visited "our" puppies. I took my daughter and her boyfriend (now husband) to see Ali and she fell in love, too. Ray was very accomadating in letting us visit multiple times. I know he was checking us out to see if we were "worthy" before agreeing he would sell them to us. During that time I purchased all the basic supplies and, well, the rest is history! Ali has had my heart from the first day I saw her.

I actually sometimes tell Alivia the story of how she came into my life. She listens intently and tilts her head as if she is taking it all in. ;)

I almost lost her when she was 7 years old due to immune mediated hemalytic anemia, but she fought through that and, after many trips to Ohio, we had her second miracle . The vet specialist there said she did things medically that he could not explain. He used the word "miracle".

Then about a year ago she was diagnosed with cushing's due to a right adrenal tumor. I was devestated. For a few months it was one thing after another and a few times I was sure I'd lose her - severe pancreatitis, a serious skin condition, etc. It was during that time that I "met" all of you. You helped me through it all and once again my little miracle dog rallied. Her most recent blood work was completely normal. She has a local specialist now and she said her only explanation was that she had another "miracle".

I don't take for granted how fortunate I am to still have Alivia in my life. I am thankful for each day with her. My funny, little girl who would run circles around the house at full speed when you told her to go "Faster, faster" now occasionally still gets the glint in her eyes and the pep in her step and goes "Faster, faster". Now, it is limited to circles only around the kitchen, but she does it with gusto and boy does it ever make my heart happy! :D

Time to go frost Alivia's homemade grain free apple carrot birthday cake and celebrate her life!

Oh, Mary Beth,

What a delightful update on our sweet Alivia! I love her story. One would have to be made of stone not to see that the two of you were meant to be together. I think the both of you are miracles - she couldn't have done what she had without you by her side.

Happy 14th Birthday, Alivia!
And many more!

Hugs,
Leslie and the gang

Oh Mary Beth, thank you so much for sharing this story of your sweet Alivia Rose. It brings tears to my eyes to think of Winnie's human bending over her tiny form and breathing life into her newborn lungs. I was in need of hearing about a miracle today, and with Alivia -- we are gifted with a lifetime of miracles. :) :)

I send all my best wishes to you and your baby girl. Even at 14, I know she is your precious baby, and will remain so forever.

Happy, Happy Birthday to our dear Alivia Rose!!!!!!!!!
Marianne

Thank you Leslie and Marianne! Alivia was fortunate to have arrived in the world completely loved. I am forever grateful to Winnie's dad, Ray, for breathing for her until she was able to do it on her own. That takes a special animal lover. He moved away soon after, but continued to keep in touch and sent a Christmas card to Ali with love from her mother, Winnie, every year. The cards stopped when Winnie would have been around 13. I assume she passed away and it became too hard for Ray to continue.

On a happier note, I posted a couple pictures of Alivia with her birthday cake! And, yes, she will ALWAYS be my baby! :D

MB, I hope Alivia has the happiest of birthdays !!!!!

I am so glad you shared your sweet miracle pup with us. I love the story and thank you for telling it to us.

Give many hugs to sweet Ali with the most beautiful eyes and don't forget to give Maxwell a special hug today as well!!:D:D

all my love,
addy
Zoe and Koko send woofs for a happy brithday greeting too:D:D:D

Oh Mary Beth, I am so happy you get to celebrate Alivia's 14th birthday!!! :)

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ALIVIA!!!! :D:):p

Miss Ella is sending her wished also!!! :p

Happy Birthday, sweet Alivia!!!!

Hi Mary Beth and thank you so much for sharing your heart warming story of how you and Alivia came into each others' lives. I must admit that she most definitely seems to be a walking miracle, several times over. :D Happy birthday, dear Alivia, and many, many more.

Hugs,
Glynda

Happy birthday, Alivia! Have fun celebrating!

Thanks for all the birthday wishes for Ali! I gave her extra hugs from each of you. Your thoughts truly are appreciated. I hope all of you are doing well and get a little bit of good news, too. Miracles certainly do happen! :D

I posted a couple of pictures of Ali with her birthday cake!