Wednesday, March 24, 2010

Jasmine

I lost my best friend today.

Jazz had been steadily losing weight for several weeks (85 lbs to 65 lbs). So before I left for my mini-spring break, I took her to the vet. He gave her a check-up and took some blood. When I got home, I had a message that she was in kidney failure and the vet suggested a few days in the hospital. I brought her home on Thursday night; she slept most of Friday and even ate a little. Saturday was our worst day. She was so dehydrated after a day of tossing her cookies and emergency trips to the back yard, that I took her to after-hours vet care. I became an instant vet tech - I won't go in to all the gory details - lets just say I can give a bolus of 300cc of fluids under the skin like a pro. She seemed to perk up on Sunday and even ate. But her blood test on Monday showed that she was in decline. This morning it was evident that that she was ready to go. She had the 1000 mile stare and trembled uncontrollably. I knew it was time. The vet was so kind and it was very quick and peaceful.

Happy memories of my best friend:
  • The first night I had her, she SNORED so loudly I couldn't sleep. She never did get better but I learned to sleep.
  • "Grandma" and "Cookie" mean the same thing!
  • Christmas ornaments on the upper branches so the tail didn't send them flying.
  • Snow plowing her nose thru each and every *first* snow of the season.
  • Following me room to room so she could be near. And either parking herself in the doorway so I had to step over her OR *DIRECTLY* behind my chair so I couldn't get up.
  • Her favorite spot at Grandma's house was under the desk.
  • She *hated* to have her picture taken. It was a rare shot where she'd look directly at the camera.
  • And all the tail wags and happy Lab grins when I got home!
Hug your dog/cat/kid or all of the above and think of Jazz chasing rabbits in the big field in the sky!

Love you FUZZBUTT!

16 comments:

  1. Oh Deb ... I am so, so sorry for your loss. Jazz was truly a great dog and this post is such a moving tribute to her. Hang in there.

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  2. oh Deb...I am soooo sorry..I know what u r going thru..I can only tell you it takes MUCH time... Big hugs coming your way hon..thinking of you.

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  3. I'm so sorry, Deb! What a lovely post, though--so wonderful to remember your favorite things...hang in there, my friend!

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  4. Deb, i´m so sorry ! It´s a lovely post for Jazz. Hugs to you, my friend !

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  5. Deb, I am so sorry!! I'll be thinking of you!!

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  6. Beautiful memories of a true friend, Deb. I'm so sorry for your loss!

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  7. Awwww :( I am so sorry! What nice thoughts of your special friend, I hope you can keep the good thoughts to help you through this time. Big hugs!
    Lori K.

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  8. I love you Aunt Deb and I'm sorry you lost your baby. I will miss seeing her when I come to visit you next. She was such a good sweet dog. I will be thinking of you and praying for you today. Love your favorite niece

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  9. Deb
    I am so sorry!!
    I know how much our fur-babies mean to us
    I lost mine 6 years ago (had her for 16) & my heart still aches & I think of her often. I do have a new fella, but can never replace.
    My heart aches for you , my dear friend!!
    A hug and a prayer to you, as you deal with such a difficult time
    Hugs
    Lorianna

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  10. I am so sorry Deb. I have you and your family in my prayers. I know we love our pets as much as our children. They are so much a part of our families.

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  11. I'm so sorry Deb! It's so very hard when they get old and sick. We lost our 16 year old dog last year and it was one of the hardest things I've gone through.

    (((HUUUUUUGS))) Kris

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  12. Deb, I am so sorry to read this about Jazz. I enjoyed your walk down memory lane though; sounds as if she was an awesome friend for sure.

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  13. Deb -- I am so sorry for your loss. Our furry friends are such special parts of our lives, it's hard to be without them. Here's hoping time will help heal your sad heart.

    Jan

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  14. I am sooooo sorry for your loss. I know the pain and understand it well. My heart was surely broken when our two German Shepards crossed over. I miss the puppy licks when they knew I was sad or broken hearted. I miss the night and day of their behavior. They were sisters. One was the smart one and one was truly a block head. They really were the heart of our family.
    I fell across your blog while surfing blogs for some ideas for cards i am trying to teach my self to craft. You have a lovely site.
    My name is Kim but I do not have a craft blog to follow yet

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  15. Aww, Deb, I am soooo sorry. I hadn't been to your blog in a while, and after reading the post above "Washi tape" about going home to a Jazz-free home . . . well, I had to read more. Now you know, I am sitting here crying like a baby, because I think from your stories Jazz had become as much our dog as she was yours, dear friend!! If I could send you a GREAT big HUG . . . it would definitely be on its way! Love and prayers that you are comforted from your loss sent your way. Kelly

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  16. Deb, I am so sorry for your loss. Having been through the same thing I know how losing a beloved pet can tear your heart apart. I always thought of mine as angels on loan. Loads of hugs.

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