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(Sorry this is about to get long- prepare yourself)
It has taken me a week to post this, but I feel like I am finally ready. For those who haven't seen my other posts, here is my story. Zane (my 6 yr old male dobe) was diagnosed with DCM in March of this year and passed away June 23rd (sudden death). Phoebe (6 yr old female dobe) was diagnosed with DCM in September and we lost her last Thursday Nov. 24th. They were not from the same litter or breeder. Perhaps bad luck, perhaps they were just so used to doing everything together.
She was doing okay after diagnosis. Heavier breathing than normal, but still a happy girl otherwise. Last week we noticed her coughing a little more than usual, thought maybe it was the cold weather- but I knew in my heart we wouldn't have her with us much longer. Thanksgiving night I was at my husband's family dinner and Phoebe was at my parents house. She was never left alone after diagnosis. They called me to let me know she was not doing well and could tell her lungs were filled with fluid. We were an hour away and rushed home to be with her. When I got there, her breathing was terrible and wheezing badly, but she calmed down and she laid with her head in my lap, resting for about 20 minutes. I will forever cherish those last peaceful moments with her. My mom had decided to give her a Xanax (shh don't tell the vet) before I got there to keep her from panicking from struggling to breath- I think that helped.
After she got up and I could see that she could hardly walk because of her coughing, I knew it was time. After she was diagnosed, I promised myself when she started to suffer, no matter how much it hurt me, I would make that decision for HER and I will forever be proud of myself for making that decision and having no regrets. To know Phoebe was to know how funny she was. Always making us laugh and she did that until her last moment. On the way to the vet, despite not being able to breath, she jumped from the back of the car to the front passenger seat and rode there the whole way. That's my girl- if she's going out, it will be like the queen she always was- silly girl. I was absolutely terrified of the euth process, but ended up being shocked by how peaceful it was. She gave me a final kiss, then let me know just by looking at me that she had enough.
She left this earth Thanksgiving night around 11:50pm- the exact day and hour we lost our family dog, Kelly seven years ago. This leads me to believe that not only is she back with Zane at last, but I think Kelly as well
I miss my puppies every minute of every day, but I smile thinking of them together.
To all of you who have supported me, educated me, and comforted me these last 8 months, thank you- from the bottom of my heart. You have been a lifesaver to me in a situation that was really, really hard. I love this breed so much, but I don't think I will be getting another doberman- this was just too much heartbreak for me. I will try to stay active on this board though- paying it forward to others who have to face this difficult situation.
Thank you, friends.
It has taken me a week to post this, but I feel like I am finally ready. For those who haven't seen my other posts, here is my story. Zane (my 6 yr old male dobe) was diagnosed with DCM in March of this year and passed away June 23rd (sudden death). Phoebe (6 yr old female dobe) was diagnosed with DCM in September and we lost her last Thursday Nov. 24th. They were not from the same litter or breeder. Perhaps bad luck, perhaps they were just so used to doing everything together.
She was doing okay after diagnosis. Heavier breathing than normal, but still a happy girl otherwise. Last week we noticed her coughing a little more than usual, thought maybe it was the cold weather- but I knew in my heart we wouldn't have her with us much longer. Thanksgiving night I was at my husband's family dinner and Phoebe was at my parents house. She was never left alone after diagnosis. They called me to let me know she was not doing well and could tell her lungs were filled with fluid. We were an hour away and rushed home to be with her. When I got there, her breathing was terrible and wheezing badly, but she calmed down and she laid with her head in my lap, resting for about 20 minutes. I will forever cherish those last peaceful moments with her. My mom had decided to give her a Xanax (shh don't tell the vet) before I got there to keep her from panicking from struggling to breath- I think that helped.
After she got up and I could see that she could hardly walk because of her coughing, I knew it was time. After she was diagnosed, I promised myself when she started to suffer, no matter how much it hurt me, I would make that decision for HER and I will forever be proud of myself for making that decision and having no regrets. To know Phoebe was to know how funny she was. Always making us laugh and she did that until her last moment. On the way to the vet, despite not being able to breath, she jumped from the back of the car to the front passenger seat and rode there the whole way. That's my girl- if she's going out, it will be like the queen she always was- silly girl. I was absolutely terrified of the euth process, but ended up being shocked by how peaceful it was. She gave me a final kiss, then let me know just by looking at me that she had enough.
She left this earth Thanksgiving night around 11:50pm- the exact day and hour we lost our family dog, Kelly seven years ago. This leads me to believe that not only is she back with Zane at last, but I think Kelly as well
I miss my puppies every minute of every day, but I smile thinking of them together.To all of you who have supported me, educated me, and comforted me these last 8 months, thank you- from the bottom of my heart. You have been a lifesaver to me in a situation that was really, really hard. I love this breed so much, but I don't think I will be getting another doberman- this was just too much heartbreak for me. I will try to stay active on this board though- paying it forward to others who have to face this difficult situation.
Thank you, friends.
