Monday, July 11, 2011

Hard News

When I took a blog-break at the beginning of June, I expected to be back for the first of July.  As July approached, though I was nowhere near caught up with other things, I still intended to post on July 1.  Then life took a sad turn.

Those of you who have been with me a while followed my dear Brandi through our attempts to save her ulcerated eye.  We saved the eye, although she lost much of the vision in it.  On Wednesday, June 29, her other eye ulcerated suddenly.  By Thursday she was totally and permanently blind.  Our options were to remove her eyes, which were causing her significant pain, or have her put to sleep.

Even though she also suffered from arthritis and partial hearing loss, we weren't ready  to accept the second option, so we scheduled the surgery for Tuesday - after the holiday weekend.  By Saturday we knew we'd made a mistake.  Watching our dear old girl stumbling around in the dark told us what we didn't want to know.  It was time. 

Sadly, she still had to wait until the vet's office re-opened on Tuesday, so we spent her last three days trying to make her comfortable and saying goodbye.  She left us Tuesday morning.  The empty place she left in our lives cannot be measured.





I'm attending the PSWA conference later this week, followed by hosting out of town guests, so I probably won't get back to regular blogging/blog following until the end of July.  Just wanted you to know I'm still here. 

Have a kind thought for our Brandi.  She's gone to join Chance at the Rainbow Bridge.

11 comments:

GigglesandGuns said...

Linda - I am so sorry about Brandi. I know how difficult this is for all of you. Take care.

Shellie said...

I am so sorry, Linda. Reading this brought tears to my eyes as I remembered losing my own beloved companion fifteen years ago. Pets are like family. In fact, I lost my dog and my mom about three months apart. I remember telling people it hurts the same. I still miss them both. Blessings to you.

Maria Zannini said...

Brandi looks beautiful in that picture and that's the way I'll always think of her. I'm glad you posted.

{{hugs}} She was lucky to have such a terrific mom.

Jemi Fraser said...

I'm so sorry Linda. Poor little Brandi - but you did the right things for her. She knew she was loved. Take care. *hugs*

Stacy McKitrick said...

I'm so sorry for your loss. I know the decision was tough, but it was the right one. You gave her a good life and she knew it.

Dru said...

{{{Hugs}}}

Linda Leszczuk said...

Thanks you all for the kind words. They (and you) are very much appreciated.

MaryC said...

Linda, I've been fighting bronchitis for the last 3 weeks so I haven't checked in anywhere. Today I came by to see what you were up to and read this.

I'm sitting here with tears streaming down my face. Three years ago I wouldn't have understood at all, but then we adopted our rescue dog and he changed our lives. I'm so so sorry for your loss. I know you made the right choice - out of love - but that doesn't make it any easier. I'll be holding you in my thoughts and prayers.

Robert Guthrie said...

We put down our 14-yr-old English lab yesterday. I picture Brandi and Magic sharing a sofa and a never-ending bowl of treats.

Linda Leszczuk said...

MaryC - Sorry to hear you've been ill. Hope you're feeling better.

Brandi was a rescue dog, as all our dogs have been. Still trying to get used to being in the house without her. Thank you for your kind words.

Linda Leszczuk said...

Robert - please accept my deepest sympathies on the loss of your Magic. I like the image of the sofa and the never-ending bowl of treats. Thanks.