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

[MBK]

I am still in disbelief that Alivia is gone. I looked back at my very first post in April 2011, when Alivia was first diagnosed with adrenal tumor related Cushings. I was a mess and had no idea how I would proceed. Addy was the first person to welcome me here (followed soon after by MANY kind, caring, amazing people). So ironic that Zoe passed away just one week after Alivia. Both of them fought so hard and pulled through so many things. Two little, furry white fighters. Addy welcomed me here and Alivia returned the favor by welcoming Zoe at the bridge.

Anyway, looking back at the beginning and the decisions I made, I do feel like I did the best I could for Alivia. I chose not to have adrenal surgery on a small, elderly dog with other health issues and I think that was the right decision for Alivia. In my heart I felt she would not have survived that surgery and I still believe that. I also chose not to specifically treat the Cushing's and I believe that was also right for Ali. She had nearly three years of life after her diagnosis, and most of that was good. There were long periods of time when she had no Cushing's symptoms at all.

Alivia died just 10 days short of her 16th birthday. That was three years longer than both her mother and littermate - neither of whom had prior health issues.

I miss Alivia terribly, but her last couple days were not good. I am relieved that she is now free of pain and in peace. The inscription on her urn says, "Until we meet again at the Rainbow Bridge".

[addy]

Oh Mary Beth, I remember those early days and all the conversations of Dr. Peterson, to treat or not, all of it, both of us discussing our pups issues, back and forth. Right now to me, it seems so long ago.

I believe you always did the right thing for Ali and the fact that she lived for 16 years proves it. You have no second guessing to do though it is a natural part of grieving.

It gives me great comfort that Ali took Zoe under her wing now. Both of them with the most beautiful eyes, turning all the male pups heads.

Zoe lived just shy of 4 years after diagnosis even with all her other health issues. Her IMS kept reminding me of that in a gentle way.
So I remind you of Alivia and how living to 16 years old is no small feat especially with the quality of life Alivia had.

Pangs and waves, the website about grief called it. How grief comes in pangs and waves. It is the hardest part, the dang pangs and waves.

Give Maxwell a cuddle from Koko. Our boys will bring us through the loss of our girls, just like you said.

[molly muffin]

Sometimes it is good to review and see how hard you worked to give Alivia the best life possible. You know you did the best in your heart, but sometimes, it's nice to see the logic that walked side by side with the heart.

Alivia had a life Full of love and fun and adventures and nap times and cuddles, toys and warmth. All the wonderful things that come when a dog as a good life and is well loved.

hugs
Sharlene and Molly Muffin

[MBK]

Addy, you are right, it all seems to have begun FOREVER ago. So many tears since the beginning of it all. The grief does come at unexpected times.

I know that Alivia lived a good long life and could not have been loved any more than she was. Sharlene, you are so right that it is sometimes very hard to align the heart with the mind, but I am hopeful in time it will happen.

Maxwell is being such an angel and is definitely a huge comfort. He has always been a bit of a mamma's boy and loves to snuggle up close to me. He does seem to be sleeping more than usual still. He is going to be 14 years old in August, but he has always been so active and healthy that I tend to forget he is a senior dog, too. He and Ali used to sleep in their beds in the entry way while I was at work. Now he goes upstairs and sleeps in my bed during the day. Apparently he only slept downstairs to be near Ali because the steps had become hard for her to go up and down much. He was being protective of her, I think. Max is getting the extra attention now that he has always deserved.

We are supposed to be getting a huge snowstorm. They are saying between 6 and 12 inches tomorrow evening. I am planning on spending the entire weekend (and possibly Monday, too!) at home, relaxing....at least in between cleaning up and doing some laundry! I think I may have to have a glass or two of ChocoVine, too! Anyone want to join me?

[MBK]

Leslie, I want to thank you again for this: "It's not that we are granted the "right" to decide when it is time for them to end their suffering, it is a responsibility we bear, born out of our deep love for them." That has helped more than I can begin to tell you.

[molly muffin]

Chocovino sounds like just the thing for a cold windy night.

As soon as we get back from the movies. "Wolf of Wallstreet" this evening.
Molly is in charge. Hope the house is still standing when we get back. Party girl that she is.

hugs,
Sharlene and Molly muffin

[addy]

I'm up for some Chocovino, MB. Koko is a mama's boy as well. He and Maxwell can "I want Mama" to their heart's content.

A toast Mary Beth, to good times and bad times, past and future, joy and laughter, heartache and tears. We have had it all dear friend.

Hugs and love to you,

chinck, chinck

[doxiesrock912]

Mary Beth,
Max may be sleeping more due to being depressed that Alivia is gone.
I'm so glad that you're helping each other through this.

[goldengirl88]

Mary Beth:
I too think Max is grieving over Alicia and is depressed. I am sure the amount of time they lived together with you has impacted Max. I am so sorry you are going thru this. Every time I read about someone's baby passing, it reminds me of Tipper's mortality and what this will do to me. My heart goes out to you and Max. Blessings
Patti

[MBK]

Maxwell has never been an "only" dog. Alivia was 2 years old when I got Max and she spoiled him rotten. She cleaned his ears every day and let him have whatever he wanted, even food she was eating! She was always very patient with him and if you didn't know any better, you would have though Max was the alpha. But, if he really pushed his luck and she lost her patience, one little snarl from Alivia would put Max right in his place. So, I know this is very hard on him, too. He is getting lots of extra snuggles and attention to help him (and me) get through the loss of Alivia.

Patti, there were times when Alivia had absolutely no symptoms of Cushing's. During those times, I had to back away from here and just forget about the disease and enjoy her just being a "normal" dog, without being reminded of her mortality. I also didn't want the disease to define Alivia and it never did. Cushing's may have contributed a little to Ali's death, but at age 16, it was not the cause.

We are in the midst of a snowstorm here. We've gotten about 4 inches so far today and it is still coming down. They are predicting 4" to 12" through tomorrow. At this point, I am hoping for the 12", so I have an excuse to stay home tomorrow and hang out with Max!