Tina needs your prayers and thoughts. She goes in tomorrow for her first ultrasound after a month of being on Essiac Tea in combination with The Navy Protocol. Both are experimental but the only option for treatment and insure her quality time. We have been battling lung problems but she is doing much better over the last couple of days. :) I know I am hoping for a miracle, but she has already outlived my vet's expectations.... |
She is very special to me, all are of course but there is something about her.... I have only been involved in rescue for 5 years but long enough to know that sooner or later there would be one come along that was not adoptable and would be a permanent "foster". Tina fits in perfectly, even David (my not always cooperative husband) loves her....
(After the vet visit) Thank you all for the thoughts and prayers. Unfortunately the results of the ultrasound could not have been much worse. :*( The entire bladder is now involved and almost completely closed. She could block at anytime, when that happens I will have to let her go....
(a few days later) Tina seems to still be feeling good, definitely not blocked yet. We had lots of snuggle time today. :) Am I being selfish to wait for it to happen? I talked to a good friend yesterday that felt like I was. She did not say it in a hurtful way of course.
(In the meantime) Tina feels good, loves to play with her toys, and insists on lap time. :) Tonight she came in so covered with leaves from her nightly hunting expedition - she was covered with leaves I had to get out the brush and comb. :) I wish I could show you the drawing the vet made of her little bladder, there is just a tiny pocket for urine now. It is amazing that she is able to hold it at all. She does try, I regret all housetraining efforts.
(A friend sent this to me) Remember this: In the depth of winter, I finally learned that there was within me an invincible summer. Albert Camus (1913-1960) I am going to save this quote, it is beautiful... I know time is short but once again I have slipped into the peace that denial can bring.... She is doing well... We will stay here until reality comes to call.... I have done my best to be prepared... It is all about her... It has been my goal since I learned she did not have long to make every day the best I could. :)
..... Today is the same as yesterday after adding a noon dose of Lassix. But I will settle for the same. :) Vet says there is nothing more that can be done as far as the heart, she has congestive heart failure but there is no way to know if the lung problem is causing it or vice versa without more tests. And then she was frank, there is no point in doing that.
She ate well again today and trotted across the yard after a ball. :) Tina is definitely a trooper and a love bug! Tonight I sat down to read, Tina was chewing on a toy on the floor... I had a throw over my legs and it started moving... Tina obviously noticed I was not paying attention to her and was taking my cover away! LOL I think Georgia would agree, Tina has overcome so much abuse and still finds a way to be brave and happy. If you think she is a candidate for the Tilly Tree Award it would be an honor for her to even be nominated but like you say she has already earned it in our hearts...
Laura's sweet Tina died on October 20, 2004 before the 2005 Tilly's Tree Award would be presented. We were so hoping that she would pull through and prove us all a liar, but it was not to be. The following is the update sent to us by her once 'foster mom' who became Tina's 'forever mom'. Rescue hearts broke to pieces as we read Laura's sad words.
October 2004 I had to let my Tina go today... Since Sunday her health has been deteriorating and this morning her urine was like sludge. Last night we sat together quietly and though I did not want to hear it I knew it was time...
Normally Tina is fearful at the vets but even as the vet held her foot and the needle went in she never looked away from my eyes as I held her. She was calm and peaceful... She slipped away with a little sigh...
Tina was a very special little girl to me, we made a connection that was somehow different then I have ever known. She deserved so much more then humans dealt her for so long. I find peace in knowing she had 6 months of freedom from a cage, love and family.... She truly was a blessing in my life and though my heart is aching and the tears flow, I cherish our time together. I would do it all over again tomorrow...
Tina is now resting with the Westie statue you sent me Melinda watching over her. I choose to believe we will be reunited one day.
Safe trip to the bridge little one, I love you....
Laura Click Here to see a Movie of Tina! Footnote: Though I refer to Tina as a "foster" when she was diagnosed Tina was adopted. I cherish every moment... Tina filled my days watching her progress emotionally, it was amazing to see her progress from the sad little girl that froze when she was approached to the bossy little girl that told me off if I was late with dinner. I loved every little bit of that Westie attitude that she showed! Every day was an adventure for her! She became a family member with that one special privilege. They sleep with us and our bedroom is the one place that I do not ask our own to share.. I think being a part of rescue is difficult for our dogs with rescues coming and going. But that is the choice we make when we choose to foster, our own deserve that special place, no stress.... Tina was one of mine... A day does not pass that I do not think of her...
For me seeing the picture of Tina that Tracey sent and then the one of her here always makes me smile. I know it sounds weird but it shows the strength these little ones have to overcome! When I met Georgia that day and then brought her home Tina literally would freeze when approached as if she thought if she was still and small enough maybe she would not be hurt. She did not have it in her to run or retaliate... I loved when that Westie attitude finally came through and she grew emotionally by leaps and bounds. I think that picture after captures her perfectly as does the before.... If only there was no need for a before picture...
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Westie Rescue of Missouri would like to thank each and everyone of Amy's sponsors for giving a piece of yourself to help this little waif to a better life. Sadly, this afternoon, September 11, 2005, Amy passed away in the arms of her foster mom. She had spent the day playing with guests, showing them how brave she was as she went about the room though she had no sight to manage with. Still, after her daily grooming and caressing, she went outside one more time before her afternoon nap and simply laid down on the patio. Her foster mom Michelle, held her tightly through tears as she slipped away. |
I wanted to let everyone know, that Miss Katie went to be with Rooty this morning. She gave that arthritis a good battle for another month here, and was not in any pain. She enjoyed another whole month of beautiful weather and exploring out in the yard, and biscuits. When she came in yesterday afternoon she just kind of collapsed on me, and went into almost a coma like state. I stayed with her all night and tried to help her anyway I could to be comfortable. Then, when it started getting light, I could see blood in her urine. I rushed her to the vet, and we had total renal failure, along with not being able to move her joints anymore. He said it was time...which I had known all night She knew somebody was with her and loving her all the way to the end, which is what I had to do. 17 years old..she still had the spirit, but her parts finally gave out on her. I only got to know her for 2 of those years, but that was all it took to steal my heart. She was the little princess around here. As with Rooty, I
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