Not sure how to even post this (Callie)

    • Gold Top Dog

    Not sure how to even post this (Callie)

    I can't even figure where to put this -- move it if need be.  But this isn't a memorial. That will come later. It's too long but I'm blown away.

     

    We lost Billy tonight.  He had a massive heart attack - one of the valves in his heart failed.  It hit fast & hard & fatal - he was already up at the vet, and his favorite tech had taken him home for the night (by arrangement -- this is the gal with the son who is sick and Billy was excited to be going on an overnight). 

     

    She didn't let Billy and Richie spend much time together because she didn't like how Billy was breathing so she called the vet and arranged for him to meet her right away at the clinic (Dr B. had been at his other office today which was why I dropped Billy off tonight so he could see Dr B in the morning).  She also called me and TOLD me she was taking him back to see Dr. B.

     

    I knew this 'cough' sounded SO 'heart' to me but me trying to do ANYTHING extra, like getting him back to the vet just wasn't working with all MY medical stuff.  He saw Dr. Bailey's "sub" last week Tuesday, and then I got him in to Dr. Faisano (at the holistic vet's office- the one who sees Pirate) on Thursday (I think it was Thursday) and she thot it looked like it could be kennel cough. Dr. F was well acquainted with Billy and the heart did NOT sound bad then (she'd heard the murmur before). 

    But over the weekend, to me he just seemed to be breathing a bit too hard even at rest.  So I took him up late this afternoon -- so Dr. Bailey would have tomorrow to do tests (sigh). It was the first day *I* could get up there and it seemed like the cough would get better ... and then not ... and then better ... *sigh*

     

    Dr. Bailey called us while we were at dinner (cos tonight's our anniversary) giving us the news that Billy had gone SO quick. 

     

    When Dr. Bailey saw him he said Billy was excited TO see him, but also  something was seriously wrong.  He did x-rays (which were also done last week and all looked fine) but it was all cloudy.  He did a needle aspirate to see if the chest was full of fluid -- it was full of blood. In other words, pretty much too late.  It was just a massive heart attack that claimed him quick.

     Dr. Bailey said it was as if Billy saw him and "relaxed" and let go.  Billy thot Dr. Bailey was THE best, and Billy would have done exactly that.  I'm so glad I had taken him up there -- we did all we could, and every single thing we could.  But had I been there he might have tried to 'hang on' and I would NOT have wanted him to linger in pain. That he felt comfortable enough with Dr. B to just let go knowing Dr. B would make him comfortable?  That's my boy.   

    He went fast.  It was the best way it could have happened.  He'd been through far too much in his life -- David nor I wanted him ever to suffer in any way.  We knew the IMHA left the heart weak.  But I did *not* want him to just decline -- Billy HAD to be happy.  It was the essence of him. 

     

    My brave boy is gone.  I feel numb.  But I know God did what was best -- no suffering.  No prolonged illness.  He's been a happy boy.  Oh he will be so very very missed.

     

    We stopped dinner, came home and picked up Luna & Tink and went up to Dr. B's so we all could say goodbye.  (Yeah, I really DO think that's supremely important.)  It was unexpected, but looking back, I think Luna *knew* -- it explains some of her clingy behavior this afternoon.  She probably knew and I didn't. 

     

     Billy rescued my heart almost 7 years ago.  He knew every single day how much I loved him.  This world just wasn't quite big enough for his love.  How blessed I was to know him and love him. 

     

    • Gold Top Dog
    Oh Callie :( I'm so sorry. Billy was definitely in good capable hands with you, you did so much more than anyone else could or would I am sure of it. (((Hugs)))
    • Gold Top Dog

     ((((HUGS))))

     I'm so, so sorry Callie.  Words are always so empty when something so awful happens.  Yes, you were blessed by him and his presence, but he was also blessed by yours.

     My sincerest condolences, you're all in my thoughts and prayers.

     Run free Billy -- enjoy the bridge, running free and breathing easy.  Please say hi to my babies for me.

    • Gold Top Dog

     I'm so sorry, Callie. There are no words.

    • Gold Top Dog
    Callie I know you did best by Billy. I'm glad it wasn't prolonged. You and David have my thoughts. (hugs to everyone)
    • Gold Top Dog

     Callie and David, I'm so sorry. You are in my prayers. ((((hugs)))

    • Bronze
    Oh Callie and David - you were such a blessing to him. I'm so sorry for your loss. I know it’s SO hard when they have to go, but take comfort in knowing that he had so many fulfilled dreams being a part of your life. So many dogs don't get that chance. Every day that we get to show a dog love is a day we teach the world what TRUE love is - and the world has, can and WILL learn much about true love from watching you. Run free Billy, with no pain and on the wings of an angel. Billy thanks you for taking him out of his pain. Night, night, handsome man - rest easy and remember all the love you knew in this life. Your mommie and daddie loved you sooooooooo much. (((((((((((((((((((((((((Huggs)))))))))))))))))))))) Fran
    • Gold Top Dog
    I'm so sorry Callie for your loss, you are in my thoughts and prayers (((hugs)))
    • Gold Top Dog

     oh no, I"m so sorry :(

    • Gold Top Dog

    so sorry

    • Gold Top Dog

    I'm so sorry.  Run free, Billy.  

    • Gold Top Dog

     I'm so sorry Callie and David, Luna and Tink...he was so lucky to have found you, and gave much devotion in return.  Our prayers are with you...rest easy, Billy.

    • Moderators
    • Gold Top Dog

     Huge ((((HUGS)))& obsessive kisses from the beast

    We are so sorry for all of you, but we know that Billy is breathing free, illness free, and eating everything he loves.

    Run free sweet Billy! Broken Heart

    • Gold Top Dog

     Callie, I am so sorry. Run free sweet Billy, you have no idea how much your going to be missed around here.

     

    • Gold Top Dog

    I am so sorry Callie.  Run frre, sweet Billy.