[Stacey H.]

Hey girls. I've been so absent around here and I'm so sorry. I just went through all the "new posts" since my last visit which totalled 18 pages - my goodness you girls can chat! Although I haven't been around much, please know that I pray for each one of you every night and those I can remember by name. Now, I need some uplifting.

I've been struggling with health issues, nothing major - thyroid and anemia. But, I've been in a slump since the holidays. Then we found out a week ago that my 10 year old whippet, "Devo," had hemangisarcoma - aggressive cancer (http://www.vetinfo.c...hemsarcoma.html). His back leg was horribly swollen and was consumed by a large tumor, as well as many smaller tumors protruding from his skin. These all developed in the last six weeks. We immediately aspirated a tumor which came back as benign. Then on Christmas, his leg started swelling and got progressively worse, although our vet couldn't explain why. Finally, there developed a lump to biopsy and the results were devastating. His leg would not stop bleeding and even with sutures, the incision opening continued to bleed. We took him to the emergency hospital over the weekend - twice, and they couldn't get the bleeding under control. So I took him to Tampa to the FVS oncology hospital. They got him stabilized and gave him a transfusion. After 2 days of evaluating him, it was determined that he would need to have his leg and part of his pelvis amputated, tumors removed and aggressive chemo in order to have a couple of more months with us. We just couldn't see doing that to our Devo just to be selfish and have him with us for such a short period of time. So, I reluctantly brought him home last night. This morning we put his favorite comforter in his favorite spot - our bed, and fed him beef jerky, cookies and his favorite - scrambled eggs. Then the vet arrived and he peacefully passed over to the rainbow bridge while we gave him love and kisses. We are grateful that we were able to say goodbye to him and give him a peaceful, loving passing. Our hearts are terribly broken - we always thought he'd be around for a lot longer and we're so disappointed there wasn't anything we could do to fix him. We love all of our animals, but Devo has left an irreplaceable emptiness in our heart. He was our "forever" dog…

He did have a wonderful, spoiled life and he gave back twice in return. I have been crying pretty much all the time for the last week and I just didn't realize it would hurt this much when he was gone. We still have 2 other whippets, so we still have doggy love here, but we're missing the biggest snuggle buddy of them all and it's hard. I feel as if I have lost one of my children.

We took a lot of "goodbye" pictures and I will make a memorial book on him when I am able to do it without breaking down.

Here are a couple of LOs I've done on him in the past: The Deev and Doggone Cute

Well, that's it. I know there are more urgent needs on the prayer boards, but if you could please pray for peace for our family, I would really appreciate it. We did go to church today, so we've begun the process.

Sorry it's so long - thanks for "listening!"

[sschofi404]

Stacey

I completely understand how you feel. I had to help Baby, my Pekingnese, be at peace after he had a stroke he couldn't recover from at the end of July. It is still really hard. It has gotten better now. There will always be that space in my heart for him.

Jennifer

[PBarnes]

Stacey, I am so sorry you are sad but know that you did the right thing. My thoughts and prayers are with you that the hurt heals soon. It's been 10 years since we put our beloved lab to sleep and I don't think a day goes by that I don't think of her.

[HeidiD]

Stacey, I don't think there is a more painful need than the need to feel peace and comfort after a loved one has passed. I know exactly how you feel. My best thoughts are with you, your family, and your beloved baby!

[Wxchic]

Stacey..our prayers are with you. How hard and how devastating. I'm feeling for you and your family. Hang in there, OK? And get back to us soon!

[canela]

Stacey,
I'm so sorry to hear about Devo. It is always hard to say "good bye", but knowing that he is in a better place and watching over you and yours may make it a little easier. My prayers are with you that you and your family heal from your loss soon. A memorial book will be wonderful and bring smiles to you and yours.

[IrisSP]

Stacey,
It is always heartbreaking to lose a loved one. I'll keep you and your family in my thoughts and prayers.

[sarabethp]

I am so sorry. I know how you feel. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers.

[kerryveale]

Hi Stacey,
I am so sorry about the loss of your Devo. And I am concerned about you--I understand how it can go with thyroid issues, and it is difficult to get through hard times when you're already struggling physically. I'm glad you're going to church, and I will pray that you get your equilibrium back both physically and emotionally. The Scrap Girls have our arms around you, Stacey!

[jeschaff]

My thoughts and prayers are with you, Stacey. I'm in tears just reading this, and it's been years since I've lost a beloved pet. And the most beloved of them all is laying beside me and I know that one day I'll have to say goodbye to her too. I will pray for you and your family to take the time to grieve your loss and then to begin to heal.

[ChristinaP]

Stacey, I'm so sorry to hear about Devo. I started crying as I read your post. It's incredible how much love we have for our dogs and cats and how much love they give in return. He will be waiting for you, over that rainbow bridge. You did the best for him and gave him a great life. That's what's important.

[needadietcoke]

I am so sorry about the loss of your dog, Devo. It is so hard to lose a friend. I'm sitting here with tears in my eyes because we lost two dogs last year (June and November) and I know how awful it is. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

[justpattyanne]

Oh Stacey, I'm heartbroken for you. Our 4-legged members are family too. They are the epitome of unconditional love.
I'll keep you and your family in my prayers. I know that you are going through the grieving process and that it has to take time. Please find peace in the time that you did have. Find peace in that you were able to give him a peaceful exit from this life. (how wonderful of your vet to come to your home and do it for you in this way)

I hope that you can come to a stasis with your health issues as well. I know how tricky thyroid problems and the medications to keep you 'in line' can be. Hopefully, your 'slump' will clear with the anemia and the thyroid problems.

I am so sorry Stacey. Prayers for you and the rest of your family.

[MaryJo]

You know Stacey for me their is no level to prayer requests. To me they are all the same, important and urgent ! I am sorry to hear you lost your buddy. Being a dog and cat lover I have been where you are right now and I now how bad it hurts. Almost like an ache . But as you said you have so many wonderful memories of him and thats so important. And to have the vet come to you is an awesome way to say goodbye ! You truly did love him like a child. I'll be praying for all of you, I know its hardest sometimes to do what 's best, but in this case you definitely did the right thing !
I'm glad you're back , it will be so nice to have you chatting with us again !!! Take care and get some much needed rest...

[ManiakMama]

Oh Stacey, I'm so, so sorry for your loss. Lots of prayers headed you way and know that Devo is up there in doggie heaven running around like crazy! I hope you are feeling back to your old self soon as well.

[sschofi404]

I was thinking as I was reading these posts again. When we say goodbye to them, it's not really goodbye. It's only temporary. They are always with us, in our hearts. We keep them alive that way. Just like an author lives forever through his work. A pet can live forever because we do memorial pages about them, or just because we love them so much.


Jennifer

[Sherry Lynn]

Stacey you have my sincere condolences for your loss. I am sitting here with tears in my eyes and a lump in my throat. We have already discussed with our vet that when it is time if we have to make that decision he will come to our house, we didn't do it with our other 2 - but for these 2 they will be in their own home when they pass.

You and your family will be in my prayers - I do hope your pain eases - but take pride in the fact that you gave him the best life you could, he was loved. He'll be waiting for you when you go through those gates.

[Kirsten]

Stacey, don't say that there are others that need prayers more than you. Everyone needs prayers as they need them, and they're all equally as important.

I don't know what I would do if I lost one of my furbabies... on the rare occasions that my cat sneaks out, I don't know what to do until I find him again LOL Many warm hugs to you, my dear... and we are looking forward to seeing your memory book when you have enough peace in your heart to complete it.

[Jo Corne]

oh Stacey, I am sitting here with huge tears in my eyes. I know that just because they are animals doesn't mean they are not a family member and with any loss of a family member, it is devestating.

i send you hugs, love and prayers for you, your family and Devo that you all may find some peace. In time, all your memories will be so precious to you, and Devo will always be in your hearts.

hugs and lotsa love to you

[ginaMO]

Stacey, I know it can be like losing a member of your family. Ours are like our children and they wiggle their way into your heart. Prayers for peace of mind and heart as you go through this hard time.

[jennk]

Oh Stacey! Your post brought tears to my eyes. It was just a few months ago that we lost our dear Winston (black lab). He was not quite ten and like you, we expected to have him for longer before we had to say goodbye. I am so sorry for your loss. The feeling of missing your beloved pet is so horrible. Our family talked a lot about Winston and we still do. It is funny but sometimes I still expect to see him in the backyard or at the door. Keep talking about Devo. He is still near you and your family. I like to think that he is still cuddling up to you- you just can't see him AND he isn't suffering anymore. Prayers for your and your family!

[Zaz]

Oh, I'm so sorry for your familiy, Stacey. We lost our forever dog in August and I still think of him nearly every day. It does leave a hole, but it does get better. I'll pray for peace and comfort for your family.

~Zaz

[Sheri Johnson]

Stacey, I'm so sorry for your loss. I know exactly what you are talking about. My parents adopted a dachshund when I was born, I grew up with him and then I watched him die. He had convulsing seizures every few hours for about 3 days. My parents were gone for the weekend so I just tried to stay with him and comfort him the whole time. I was sure he was holding on to see my dad one last time. I didn't have a car and couldn't afford to take him to the vet but I called anyway and they of course couldn't do anything since I couldn't pay or bring him in. He passed away a mere 4 hours before my parents came home. It was so heartbreaking, I still want to cry when I think about it, and that was 13 years ago! It truly is like losing a family member, or even a child. Nothing can replace your friend Devo or take away the pain right now, only time and love from those close to you. I prayed just now for his safe passage and for you & your family's pain at your loss.

[mjaguiar]

Stacey, I am so very sorry for your loss. It is hard losing a baby, I know. I lost my chichuachua about a year ago or so and I still cry every day just about for him. I know it is so very hard and please know I will be praying for you through my tears.

At least you know that one day you and your puppy will be reunited in heaven and he is not suffering any longer. I will pray for strength for the upcoming days for you.

All the best

Melissa

[DDecker]

Oh I am so sorry. We just went thru this in October with Sampson so I know just how hard it is. I am glad you have the other two to hug, it does help to have them. It's nice that your vet could come to the house for you and he had a peaceful passing.

Big hugs!

[lgsouthfla]

Stacey, I am so sorry about your dog. I will pray for you guys.

[Keri S]

Oh Stacey, I'm so sorry about losing your friend. I hope you will find some comfort in the coming days as you work through the loss. I will pray that soon you'll be able to look at photos of him and smile because of the wonderful memories.

[A & A's Mommy]

I am so sorry for your loss Stacey. Sometimes it feels like dogs are the best kids ever.... It's horrible to lose one. I pray that you are able to feel some peace and comfort knowing he is free from pain and restrictions. Take care and enjoy your wonderful memories!

[Shelbi]

I am sorry for your loss and pain. It's so hard to lose a pet, they ARE members of our families. I still miss the Rott we had 8 years ago.
I will send up prayers for you and your family. I hope that you are feeling better soon as well.
Michelle

[regulargal]

Oh Stacey, my heart just goes out to you. What a beautiful dog and I'm so sorry you had to lose him like this. I know it must be difficult but at least you were able to stop him from suffering too much and he had a peaceful passing - that's very fortunate. I'll be keeping you and your family in my thoughts and prayers.