Today we had to say goodbye to our hairy baby Ava. She was only 4.
She came to us the day before New Years Eve 2010 when her previous owners could no longer take care of her. She was a scared, timid quiet little hairy baby, who had already had a number of litters of puppies. We aren't sure how many.
She had less than her fair share of intelligence, but had an incredible amount of love in her that she was more than happy to share with us. She loved nothing more than a cuddle, a tummy tickle and a tasty biscuit. She was my little furry shadow, and followed me from room to room. She would wait by the door for me to come home from work.
Yesterday she started being sick. We thought she must have munched on something she shouldn't.
Today she was worse and my oldest son and I took her to the emergency vet, while my husband took the other 2 kids to the shops. We thought she would probably have to have either some anitbiotics, or some random object removed from her tummy. But it turned out she had very severe pancreatitis. Her poor little body had started to digest itself.
Pet insurance was on our to-do list. We even had the quote we were going to go with, but life had got in the way and it stayed on the to-do list and didn't get done.
The lovely, kind, frank and honest vet explained that we were facing a minimum of £1800 costs for treatment that would possibly not save her. A drip and pain-killers were not going to be enough. She wasn't well enough to even come home and she was in shock and agony.
There was only one decision we could make. We do not have £xxxx amount of money for treatment.
My husband rushed to the vet to pick up my son, and I stayed with Ava while she peacefully drifted away. It was less than 2 hours between us arriving at the vet and me leaving alone.
There's been a lot of tears in our home today. My oldest boy has taken it very badly. It's less than a year since we had to have our beloved Poppy put to sleep. That's too much for a 7 year old boy.
I'm not looking forward to getting home from the school run tomorrow. It's been over 10 years since I came home to an empty house :(
I think I'm going to take a wee bloggy break, but I'll be back soon. There's a lot of comments that I haven't replied to. I'm sorry, but I'm sure you understand
Fiona x
I'm so sorry to hear your sad news (I'm in tears...). We lost our Charlie (M&D's first dog) to pancreatitis a few years ago and I cried for days. I hope that soon you can remember Ava with smiles and giggles rather than tears and that your children find a way to cope with their loss. Take care, my thoughts are with you xx
ReplyDeleteFiona, I'm so sorry for your loss, and so soon after losing your beloved Poppy, too. My heart goes out to you; take care of yourself and your family.
ReplyDeleteOh Fiona you must be heartbroken. I'm so very sorry to hear that - it must have been such a huge shock for you all too. I'm having a wee weep with you and our dog had to leave us years ago! Massive big hugs xxx
ReplyDeleteOh I am so sorry Fiona! I know a little of the pain you are going through, having lost a beloved pet in recent years. I am also close tears remembering my dear Holly with your sweet Ava! Take care, hugs from downunder. x
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry for your loss. Just know that your special harry baby Ava was dearly loved in the time that she was with you and I am sure she felt it. Wishing your family all the best.
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry for your loss. I wish pets lived so much longer than they do.
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry to hear about your loss, Fiona. Many hugs to you.
ReplyDeleteSooo sad for you. What a difficult time - do take care...
ReplyDeleteOh Fiona, how horrible for you and your family. No words can make this easier, so a big hug to all of you. Take care of yourselves.
ReplyDeleteMy turn to send you love and hugs for you and everyone.
ReplyDeleteTake care of yourselves xxx
Oh Fiona how awful for you and your family that's soo sad. We too lost our dog Cooper to pancreatitis last year and it's heartbreaking. Take care x
ReplyDeleteThis is a horrible thing to face - we all thing 'it's just a dog' but no it's an important, treasured member of the family - we unfortunately have a similar prospect ahead for us - our senior GSD is fast approaching the 15 year mark, suffered a few 'strokes' and getting less mobile, but fortunately at present still pretty determined
ReplyDeleteBlessings to you all, and treasure your memories with Ava
I'm so sorry, big hugs.
ReplyDeleteLosing a beloved pet is always hard, no matter how long or short they have been with us. Big hugs to you and the family.
ReplyDeleteJust such a horrible thing to happen, x.
ReplyDeleteOh Fi I'm so, so sorry to hear about Ava. I know how much she and Poppy meant to you. There just aren't the words. You're right to take time to grieve. Lots of love and hugs. Jxo
ReplyDeleteOh Fiona, I am so sorry! Sending you loads of hugs xxx
ReplyDeleteFiona, my heart goes out to you and your family. Losing a much loved pet is never easy. When I was a teenager we also had a blue roan cocker named Sooty who got very sick and we also had to make the painful decision that you have had to make. Thinking of you all.
ReplyDeleteSorry about Ava passing on but she had a great time with your family and obviously enjoyed great love and affection from you all - we felt the same about our Emily - our friendly, but silly cat. A special friend to my youngest daughter.
ReplyDeleteAww I'm so very sorry for you all. What a sad sad thing to have to go through. Big big Hugs for you all. xxx
ReplyDeleteSo sorry, what a horrible shock for all of you.
ReplyDelete(((((Hugs)))))
So very sorry for you all Fiona. Thinking of you and your loved ones as you try to come to terms with your sad loss. Take care. Xxx
ReplyDeleteOh Fiona I'm so sorry to hear this! Thinking of you all at this really difficult time. Such an unexpected outcome is hard to adjust to. I hope you all feel at peace with it very soon. Xxx
ReplyDeleteBloody hell, Fi. Poor wee Ava, she must have been in such a lot of pain. It may not feel like it but you made the right decision, don't torture yourself thinking how you could have scraped the money together, chances are it was just prolonging the inevitable. Doctor Lynz prescribes family time and lots of cuddles for everyone, especially your poor boy. Xox
ReplyDeleteAww, so sorry for you all (((((HUGS)))))
ReplyDeletesuch very sad news Fiona - such a beautiful girl - big hugs from across the ocean ♥
ReplyDeleteSorry to hear that. I know what you are going through. They are a part of our family.
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry, Fiona! It's awful having to let a little fuzzy warm buddy go. You made the right decision for her. Hugs to you and your mini man. xx
ReplyDeleteSO sad to hear this news Fiona...I hope your little guy does better in the coming days. Sending you a warm hug, and a prayer. She is at peace now....
ReplyDeleteFiona I am so sad to hear of your loss.My thoughts are with you and your family at what I know is a really difficult time. Big Hugs xxx
ReplyDeletesending love and hugs ... I so know what you're going through and I hope you find things easier over the coming days/weeks ... xxxx
ReplyDeleteGosh how sad and how sudden..... so sorry for all of you. Be kind to yourself and to each other this week xx
ReplyDeleteSo sorry for your loss, pets can be such important members of the family. Thinking of you and your family
ReplyDeleteSorry Fiona, take care of each other ....lots of hugs
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry to hear about Ava, and it was all so sudden which is so hard for everyone, especially the children. I send you my best wishes and hope that your family will heal soon.
ReplyDeleteFiona, first time reader of your blog, and such a sad story. I too have beloved 4 legged baby that had/has pancreatitis and I have been treating her for 2 months now with no sure positive outcome in sight, but....I am so sorry for your loss.
ReplyDeleteI have tears in my eyes, what a wonderful tribute. I found your blog today, and wanted to tell you that I have been in your place too many times. There is no love like the love of a pet, a very special member of your family.
ReplyDeleteHi Fiona, Just catching up with blog reading and saw this...am sniffling into my lunch and there is a sad song on the radio which really isn't helping :( Beautifully written blog post, I am so sorry about your pup, and for your family... x
ReplyDeleteFor some unknown reason I have missed this post, but wanted to add that I am so sorry you have lost such a young dog. It hurts no matter what age. We have a cross spaniel terrier who is coming up to 19 years old. I know she has had a good long life but I am still going to be heartbroken when we have to say goodbye. I see from your latest post that you have a new little puppy which will go someway to ease the pain. Hugs Linda
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