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

Thanks for all the kind words.

Trish, you actually made me smile, remembering Alivia's Avatar picture. A couple years ago, she somehow hurt her leg and was limping off and on. X-rays were normal so the vet suggested physical therapy 3 times per week. It included walking on an underwater treadmill. Ali cooperated and did what she was supposed to do, but she absolutely HATED it. That picture was taken as we went over the bridge on the way to PT. She recognized the route and that sideways glare was her letting me know that she knew where we were going and was not at all happy about it. The therapy worked and she never had any more problems with her leg. ;) Oh how I will miss those expressions and her beautiful, dark, soulful eyes...

MBK:
I told you this picture so reminds me of my Tipper looks just like her on the side profile. Tipper can give those dirty looks too really well. I hope you are doing well, as I know this has to be extremely difficult. Blessings
Patti

Valerie,

I hope I did the right thing for Max. The first night he had nightmares and whimpered in his sleep. He has been following me everywhere. If I go upstairs, he does...no matter where I go, he is right there. That is not at all like him.

Max is grieving right along with you, Mary Beth. I do think you did the right thing in bringing Ali home so he could see her and say his goodbyes. We did that with Ruby and it did seem to help the other babies accept her passing. If Squirt has to leave via the vet, I plan to do the same as you - bring her home so everyone can say goodbye then return her for the cremation.

There are some links in the In Loving Memory section about grieving dogs that may offer some helpful info for you and Max. Know your family here is by your side always, our tears falling with yours.

Hugs,
Leslie and the gang

Thanks, Leslie.

It is so hard to know what is "right" or "best" or anything. Thankfully, I at least knew I planned to take Alivia to Perfect Pastures. Good thing. Because I was on auto-pilot and not thinking rationally. When they said that the cremation might not be for few days, I actually said that I was going to take Ali back home with me until it was time. Fortunately, my daughter convinced me that was not a good idea. It broke my heart to leave her there...still does. I just can't stop the tears.

dear Mary Beth and Angel. Alivia
Words can not comfort you at this time. I am so sorry for the lose of your precious Alivia. May she know run free. Apollo is greeting her with hugs and licks and will be there for her. Alivia will always be in your heart. Our fur balls are such a part of us.
hugs Sonja and Angel Apollo
We are here to get you through this difficult time.

You absolutely did the right thing for everyone, Mary Beth. Even Patricia McConnell, the animal behaviorist, suggests allowing the other dogs in the family be allowed to see and sniff their friend after passing and allow time to be with them. It truly helps the others.

I am so sorry for the pain in your heart now. We all know it is the price we pay for allowing our beloved pups into our lives but I think we are never prepared for just how painful it really is. Alivia has found sweet rest and is no longer in pain, though I know that doesn't help the hurt for you.


Hugs and love, Mary Beth. Thank you for telling us what happened. We loved her too even though we never were lucky enough to meet her in person, it helps gives us closure too.

Gosh, she was a fighter, I still remember her pancreatitis attack. I even mentioned it to Barbara when Trixie was ill recently.

Mary Beth, you always did the right thing by Ali, even at the last.

love

Animals understand death, just as we grieve they do too. Max needs your company as much as you need his, especially right now. His world has drastically changed too.

Mary Beth, bringing Ali's body back home would not have been a good idea. You would only have had to let her go all over again. I wouldn't wish that on anyone.
HUGS.

I'm glad I gave you a smile, they are probably hard to come by for you at the moment. But I am sure with a bit of time they will slowly creep back in as the sad memories give way to the happier days when she was bright as a button! She is certainly giving you the "look" in that picture, I love the photos that show the dog's personality and it looks like Alivia has that in spades xxxxx

Mary Beth;
Thinking of you and Alivia. God Bless you both. You had a long journey together.Blessings
Patti