Goodbye Dear Friend

[BK001]

At about 1 am, my husband and I were awakend by the most blood-curdling scream from Luca, our little Yorkie. Both of us thought that maybe the other had stepped on him in the dark while taking a trip to the bathroom. Not so. He was listless, had thrown up and defecated and just laid in one spot. Totally out of behavior. We were afraid to move him so we got up and discussed what to do, while I manned the Internet to see if our Vet (in Leesburg) has emergency hours. They do not.

Another scream -- unlike any I had ever heard from a dog. After calling several places, I found Buffalo Ridge Animal Hospital on 466 (fortunately less than a mile from where we live) and called. Thankfully someone answered the phone and suggested we bring Luca in right away. We were there within 20 minutes. After an examination and blood tests, the vet, Dr. Meghan Richey, told us he was in shock and his systems were shutting down. She said he was badly anemic (not diet related) and his white blood count was the lowest she has seen. She said he has an auto-immune disease that was attacking his body. She said there is no cure and since he is over 15 years old, the prognosis is not good.

So at 2:30am we made the very painful decision to let him go. We were afraid the the end might be near but had no way to anticipate this soon nor how painful losing him would be.

We just returned home and the silence in the house is deafening. Although I can't stop crying, I take comfort that Luca had a very good life, we loved him and he us, we will miss him and we will be eternally grateful that aside from tonight, he lived relatively pain free.

I do want to add my thanks to the compassion shown by Dr. Richey, the emergency Veterinarian at Buffalo Ridge Animal Hospital.

Rest in Peace Luca.

[Parker]

I wish every pet could have such a loving family. God Bless.

[FenneyGuy]

Sorry for your loss.

[Debfrommaine]

Terribly sad time, thoughts and prayers are with you. Your pup was very lucky to have such a wonderful family. Dog Bless.

[Madelaine Amee]

Our thoughts are with you at this sad time.

[Taltarzac725]

At about 1 am, my husband and I were awakend by the most blood-curdling scream from Luca, our little Yorkie. Both of us thought that maybe the other had stepped on him in the dark while taking a trip to the bathroom. Not so. He was listless, had thrown up and defecated and just laid in one spot. Totally out of behavior. We were afraid to move him so we got up and discussed what to do, while I manned the Internet to see if our Vet (in Leesburg) has emergency hours. They do not.

Another scream -- unlike any I had ever heard from a dog. After calling several places, I found Buffalo Ridge Animal Hospital on 466 (fortunately less than a mile from where we live) and called. Thankfully someone answered the phone and suggested we bring Luca in right away. We were there within 20 minutes. After an examination and blood tests, the vet, Dr. Meghan Richey, told us he was in shock and his systems were shutting down. She said he was badly anemic (not diet related) and his white blood count was the lowest she has seen. She said he has an auto-immune disease that was attacking his body. She said there is no cure and since he is over 15 years old, the prognosis is not good.

So at 2:30am we made the very painful decision to let him go. We were afraid the the end might be near but had no way to anticipate this soon nor how painful losing him would be.

We just returned home and the silence in the house is deafening. Although I can't stop crying, I take comfort that Luca had a very good life, we loved him and he us, we will miss him and we will be eternally grateful that aside from tonight, he lived relatively pain free.

I do want to add my thanks to the compassion shown by Dr. Richey, the emergency Veterinarian at Buffalo Ridge Animal Hospital.

Rest in Peace Luca.

So sorry to hear that. Buffalo Ridge helped with the hard fight we had with Sport's heart murmur and so many people on Talk of the Villages were also so supportive. Eventually had to give up the battle for Sport as well. And then got Beau-- a look a like -- five days later from Max's Pet Connection. They are at Pet Smart every Saturday 10- 2 with adoptable pooches.

[graciegirl]

I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your dear Luca.

[Jayhawk]

.....

[JSR22]

At about 1 am, my husband and I were awakend by the most blood-curdling scream from Luca, our little Yorkie. Both of us thought that maybe the other had stepped on him in the dark while taking a trip to the bathroom. Not so. He was listless, had thrown up and defecated and just laid in one spot. Totally out of behavior. We were afraid to move him so we got up and discussed what to do, while I manned the Internet to see if our Vet (in Leesburg) has emergency hours. They do not.

Another scream -- unlike any I had ever heard from a dog. After calling several places, I found Buffalo Ridge Animal Hospital on 466 (fortunately less than a mile from where we live) and called. Thankfully someone answered the phone and suggested we bring Luca in right away. We were there within 20 minutes. After an examination and blood tests, the vet, Dr. Meghan Richey, told us he was in shock and his systems were shutting down. She said he was badly anemic (not diet related) and his white blood count was the lowest she has seen. She said he has an auto-immune disease that was attacking his body. She said there is no cure and since he is over 15 years old, the prognosis is not good.

So at 2:30am we made the very painful decision to let him go. We were afraid the the end might be near but had no way to anticipate this soon nor how painful losing him would be.

We just returned home and the silence in the house is deafening. Although I can't stop crying, I take comfort that Luca had a very good life, we loved him and he us, we will miss him and we will be eternally grateful that aside from tonight, he lived relatively pain free.

I do want to add my thanks to the compassion shown by Dr. Richey, the emergency Veterinarian at Buffalo Ridge Animal Hospital.

Rest in Peace Luca.

I am so sorry that Luca has crossed the Rainbow Bridge. I know the pain for you is terrible. I know from losing many dogs over the years. It will take a while but you will be able to smile thinking of good memories.

[ajbrown]

Us animal lovers understand the pain you are feeling, so sorry for your loss. Take comfort for the life you gave Luca.

[Ingenuity]

My heart aches that you went through that. Thank goodness he was blessed with such loving pet parents.

[Sgroemm]

So sorry for your loss. I lost my beloved Jax in May and it still breaks my heart. One tiny thing that helped me, suggested by the vet tech...Pick a star in tonight's sky and name it for your Luca. Every night look for the star and know he is safe, chasing balls, squeaking toys in heaven. Tell him you love him and know he is watching over you now. It is said that dogs don't live as long as humans because they quickly learn how to love unconditionally....it takes us much longer to learn that lesson, hence the longer life. Prayers for peace in your heart.

[dewilson58]

So Sorry.

[Henryk]

At about 1 am, my husband and I were awakend by the most blood-curdling scream from Luca, our little Yorkie. Both of us thought that maybe the other had stepped on him in the dark while taking a trip to the bathroom. Not so. He was listless, had thrown up and defecated and just laid in one spot. Totally out of behavior. We were afraid to move him so we got up and discussed what to do, while I manned the Internet to see if our Vet (in Leesburg) has emergency hours. They do not.

Another scream -- unlike any I had ever heard from a dog. After calling several places, I found Buffalo Ridge Animal Hospital on 466 (fortunately less than a mile from where we live) and called. Thankfully someone answered the phone and suggested we bring Luca in right away. We were there within 20 minutes. After an examination and blood tests, the vet, Dr. Meghan Richey, told us he was in shock and his systems were shutting down. She said he was badly anemic (not diet related) and his white blood count was the lowest she has seen. She said he has an auto-immune disease that was attacking his body. She said there is no cure and since he is over 15 years old, the prognosis is not good.

So at 2:30am we made the very painful decision to let him go. We were afraid the the end might be near but had no way to anticipate this soon nor how painful losing him would be.

We just returned home and the silence in the house is deafening. Although I can't stop crying, I take comfort that Luca had a very good life, we loved him and he us, we will miss him and we will be eternally grateful that aside from tonight, he lived relatively pain free.

I do want to add my thanks to the compassion shown by Dr. Richey, the emergency Veterinarian at Buffalo Ridge Animal Hospital.

Rest in Peace Luca.

My heart aches for you. You'll always remember him and the good times. I pray for your comfort and peace.

[Mrs. Robinson]

Very warm wishes to you during this very sad time.
The good times and memories will always make you smile.

Please consider, when the time is right, to give all your puppy love to another deserving dog, and hopefully save a life in Luca's memory.

[pooh]

I’m so sorry....my deepest condolences.

[CFrance]

Poor Luca, and poor you for having to "do the right thing" for Luca. It's never easy. I'm so sorry for you and Luca. Thought are with you.

[Madelaine Amee]

So sorry for your loss. I lost my beloved Jax in May and it still breaks my heart. One tiny thing that helped me, suggested by the vet tech...Pick a star in tonight's sky and name it for your Luca. Every night look for the star and know he is safe, chasing balls, squeaking toys in heaven. Tell him you love him and know he is watching over you now. It is said that dogs don't live as long as humans because they quickly learn how to love unconditionally....it takes us much longer to learn that lesson, hence the longer life. Prayers for peace in your heart.

What a truly great piece of advise your Vet gave you, thank you for sharing. I will be out there tonight looking for my beautiful Samantha!:)

[Nucky]

BK001, our collective hearts are broken for you and your husband. There are no words that anyone can offer now to stop the pain all others can do is let you know that we understand and are willing to help by relating our stories. We wish Peace to You and Your Husband. The kindest words we got were, our hearts bleed for you. These words explain our feelings exactly. Take Care.

[BoatRatKat]

My condolences to you and your husband. Take comfort in knowing your little Luca was very loved and had a wonderful life with you both. Take care.

[CFrance]

What a truly great piece of advise your Vet gave you, thank you for sharing. I will be out there tonight looking for my beautiful Samantha!:)
And Bear, and Fletcher, Soames, Drewby, Rex, Agbert, Queenie, Spikes, Dodger, Mitzelflick, Clarabelle... so many tears, so many stars.

[angiefox10]

My heart is breaking for your loss. I wish I had the words to make it better, but I do not. Our pets give us so very much, and when they have to leave us, they leave such a huge hole in our heats.

I wish I could tell you the pain will go away, but it will not. It will lessen and you will be able to enjoy the memories of the antics of Luca, but it will always hurt a little when you think of him. That's because the love they give us is without conditions.

Luca was a lucky boy, to have you as is owners. People who loved him as much as you did. He lived a good life. He was a lucky boy.

I hope one day you will consider giving another lucky dog a piece of your heart, just as you did Luca.

I think Luca would want that.

Sending love.

[GeoGeo]

So sorry for your loss. We understand what you are going through. They are a part of our families....just like a child.

[kcrazorbackfan]

So very sorry to hear about Luca; it's so hard to lose something that gives you unconditional love.

[Trayderjoe]

I too am sorry for your loss. Of course it is a painful time, but when you are ready, you will think more of the good times you had with Luca and the joy you brought to each other.

[BK001]

Thank you all for your kind words and messages. It does help thinking about the positives and all the years of pleasure and comfort we got from our little boy. To think that we were not in the market for a dog when he came into our lives and in very short order, we could not imagine not ever having him. The only thing that really bothers me is that it all was so fast -- from seemingly healthy to the finality. I have questioned myself over the past couple of days -- should I have fought to keep him alive at any cost? By cost I am not referring to money. But then I remember his piercing scream and the Emergency Vet's face when I asked what our alternatives are. So in the end logically I know we made the best decision. I guess it's just my emotions on steroids.

But thank you again, I really appreciate the kindness shown by so many in this community.

[CFrance]

Thank you all for your kind words and messages. It does help thinking about the positives and all the years of pleasure and comfort we got from our little boy. To think that we were not in the market for a dog when he came into our lives and in very short order, we could not imagine not ever having him. The only thing that really bothers me is that it all was so fast -- from seemingly healthy to the finality. I have questioned myself over the past couple of days -- should I have fought to keep him alive at any cost? By cost I am not referring to money. But then I remember his piercing scream and the Emergency Vet's face when I asked what our alternatives are. So in the end logically I know we made the best decision. I guess it's just my emotions on steroids.

But thank you again, I really appreciate the kindness shown by so many in this community.
At all cost... that's so difficult. I remember one of our cats suddenly beginning a piercing howl at the bottom of the steps one morning. I rushed her to the vet, still howling. Turns out she had an embolism, or something similar in her lung. My main thought was to stop the physical pain asap and deal with my emotional pain later.

They couldn't have done much for her but wait, and the prognosis was not good. Fine one day; gone from us the next.

I think you made the right decision for your little one, but it is certainly difficult. Try not to beat yourself up over it. It's hard enough dealing with the loss.

[Henryk]

Thank you all for your kind words and messages. It does help thinking about the positives and all the years of pleasure and comfort we got from our little boy. To think that we were not in the market for a dog when he came into our lives and in very short order, we could not imagine not ever having him. The only thing that really bothers me is that it all was so fast -- from seemingly healthy to the finality. I have questioned myself over the past couple of days -- should I have fought to keep him alive at any cost? By cost I am not referring to money. But then I remember his piercing scream and the Emergency Vet's face when I asked what our alternatives are. So in the end logically I know we made the best decision. I guess it's just my emotions on steroids.

But thank you again, I really appreciate the kindness shown by so many in this community.

I don't think you need worry about the cost. Console yourself with the knowledge that you did the right thing. It's never easy, but it's right. Bless you.

[Nucky]

Thank you all for your kind words and messages. It does help thinking about the positives and all the years of pleasure and comfort we got from our little boy. To think that we were not in the market for a dog when he came into our lives and in very short order, we could not imagine not ever having him. The only thing that really bothers me is that it all was so fast -- from seemingly healthy to the finality. I have questioned myself over the past couple of days -- should I have fought to keep him alive at any cost? By cost I am not referring to money. But then I remember his piercing scream and the Emergency Vet's face when I asked what our alternatives are. So in the end logically I know we made the best decision. I guess it's just my emotions on steroids.

But thank you again, I really appreciate the kindness shown by so many in this community.

We had the same thoughts afterward. Now that some time has passed for us I am certain the correct decision was made and I am sure you will feel the same way shortly. You sure did give your pup :eclipsee_gold_cup: a cool name. Take Care.

[Bjeanj]

It took me 3 days to read your post, as I was pretty sure what it would be about. My heart breaks for you.