Cyndi Five Years And Four Months

Question
I adopted a Golden Retreiver at Table Mountain Animal Shelter in Golden, Colorado on November 13, 1999.

I knew I would only have her for maybe 5 years at the most as she was already 9 - 11 years old. But in my mind I thought I would have her for FOREVER.

Five years and four months later . . . Last March 19th, 2005 I woke up from a morning sleep (It was a Saturday) and noticed that Cyndi wasn't barking from the kitchen (as she normally did) to let me know it was time to let her and her brother and sister canines out to go "potty". Her other siblings were "debarked" because of a STUPID neighbor so Cyndi let me know every morning when "potty time" was necessary.


I got out of bed with a strong sense something was wrong  and went in to the kitchen. What I saw was pure horror. Cyndi had suffered a massive stroke with her laying in her own vomit.

I looked at her and said "Oh God!"  I knew she had suffered a massive stroke. I let the other two dogs out the back door. I was in complete shock. I grabbed a rag, wetted it, and cleaned the vomit off her paws.

Bottom line: I was NOT going to send her to God looking like that.

I had to drag her from the kitchen floor to the back door and into the garage before I could lift her into the back of my vehicle.

Once I got her to the vet, two technicians had to help me get her out of my vehicle. My vet was able to stablilize her later that day.

Unfortunately, through xrays, there were other complications in stablizing the stroke.  They did e-rays and found cancer in her stomach that extended into her lungs.

I know God had the plan for 5 years and 4 months for Cyndi and she is well in heaven but I miss her so much.

I miss her so much. Sometimes I can see her.

Lori  

Answer
Hi Lori,

As a pet owner I understand your loss and grief.
I can tell that Cyndi was undoubtably a cherished companion.

If you'd like to talk to somebody about your feelings of loss, there are several "grief hotlines" run by the big veterinary universities, and staffed by veterinary students. Working through your feelings with another person is one of the best ways to put them in perspective.

(888-478-7574) Pet Loss Support Hotline hosted by the Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine. Seven days a week, 6pm to 9pm (CST) from Sept-April; Monday, Wednesday, Friday from 6:00-9:00 pm. from May-August.

(877)394-2273 University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine, staffed by veterinary students who have received training by professional grief counselors and receive ongoing supervision by a licensed psychologist.  Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday evenings 7-9 pm Central Time.

(800)-798-6196 Florida Animal Health Foundation's Pet Grief Support Hotline. Veterinary student volunteers from the University of Florida and members of the FAHF board of directors and volunteers will return calls every evening between 7 and 9 p.m., 7 days a week.

(888)-332-7738 The Iams Pet Loss Support Center & Hotline. Monday through Friday, 8 am to 5 pm.

When you feel ready, I hope you will consider opening your heart to another dog. Though no pet can ever replace Cyndi, you can certainly have  another long, loving relationship with another dog that needs you.

I hope I've been a help,

Patti