poodles eyes

Question
My little poodle died 3 weeks ago. Her name was Minnie and she was 6 years old. She had been put in here crate at 6:30 in the evening and I got her out at 10:30, four hours later. She was absolutely fine when she was put in her crate at 6:30. Anyway when I got her out her left eye was almost all the way out of socket and bright red. My heart just about stopped! I rusher her to the emergency vet and they said they were going to have to surgically remove her eye, but she would be fine with one eye....then when they put her to sleep her heart stopped and she died. Have you ever heard of such! My heart is broken. She was the best little girl, my bestfriend. She was always so healthy and never had any health problems. It is all such a mystery. I just need some answers!

Answer
I owe you a big apology. I thought I had sent a reply. My computer crashed right after I'd hit the 'submit' button, and I assumed it was sent.  

I am so sorry about your baby, and I have no real medical degree, so I can't say for sure.  I do know that sometimes the older dogs will have heart arrhythmia (sp?) or a weak heart and so doctors usually don't give the anesthetic injection, but give gas, which is safer for older dogs.  I have heard of cases where a vet was negligent, but it is so very hard to prove or even research.  Honestly, though, she may have had an irregularity in her heart that went undetected until she was under anesthesia.  IF she hadn't had any problems before, it would not have surfaced.  Either way, whether there is fault or not, it is devastating to lose a beloved member of the family, especially one who gives unconditional love.  I can only say the pain will not be as heart wrenching forever, but time is the only thing that will ease your current level of pain.

What I can do is steer you toward a wonderful website I visit often.  It is:

http://www.petloss.com/

Let me share you the story of Rainbow Bridge, which is located at that site.  It always gives me comfort and I hope it does the same for you:

Rainbow Bridge
Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.

When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge.
There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together.
There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.

All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by.
The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.

They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent; His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.

You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.

Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together....

Author unknown...

***********

Another that touched me deeply was written after 9/11.  I will share it below as well:

WELCOME AT RAINBOW BRIDGE


by Alexander Theodore, Bouvier, Fourth Year Resident

On the morning of September 11, 2001, there was an unprecedented amount of activity at the Rainbow Bridge. Decisions had to be made. They had to be made quickly. And, they were.

An issue, not often addressed here, is the fact that many residents really have no loved one for whom to wait. Think of the pups who lived and died in hideous puppy mills. No one on earth loved or protected them. What about the many who spent unhappy lives tied in backyards? And, the ones who were abused. Who are they to wait for?

We don't talk about that much up here. We share our loved ones as they arrive, happy to do so. But we all know there is nothing like having your very own person who thinks you are the most special pup in the Heavens.

Last Tuesday morning a request rang out for pups not waiting for specific persons to volunteer for special assignment... An eager, curious crowd surged excitedly forward, each pup wondering what the assignment would be.

They were told by a solemn voice that unexpectedly, all at once, thousands of loving people had left Earth long before they were ready.

All the pups, as all pups do, felt the humans' pain deep in their own hearts. Without hearing more, there was a clamoring among them - "May I have one to comfort?" "I'll take two, I have a big heart." "I have been saving kisses forever."

One after another they came forward begging for assignment. One cozy-looking fluffy pup hesitantly asked, "Are there any children coming?

I would be very comforting for a child 'cause I'm soft and squishy and I always wanted to be hugged." A group of Dalmatians came forward asking to meet the FireFighters and be their friends. The larger working breeds offered to greet the Police Officers and make them feel at home.

Little dogs volunteered to do what they do best, cuddle and kiss. Dogs who on Earth had never had a kind word or a pat on the head, stepped forward and said, "I will love any human who needs love."

Then all the dogs, wherever on Earth they originally came from, rushed to the Rainbow Bridge and stood waiting, overflowing with love to share - each tail wagging an American Flag.

************

I know this will not help a great deal, but I hope it eases your heart a little bit.  Your best girl is waiting for you - right by Rainbow Bridge.  

If you would like to talk more- I'd love to hear about your babydog - send me your phone # (or I'll send you mine if you'd prefer - I just have flat rate long distance so there is no additional charge) at kathrynks@cox.net and I'd love to talk with you.

You and your baby are both in my prayers.

Warmly,

Kathryn