Debbie, I know there are probably some people on here that have heard my story and are growing tired of it. But.....this is one of those times that I feel I must share it. In June, 2008, my little dachshund, Annabelle, went down in her back. I was working in the house and noticed that she was sitting in the same place (which was so not her personality). Well...I called her and she drug herself to me....I could tell she was scared to death and didn't understand. I tried so hard to hold myself together....but I went to pieces. I called my hubby and told him he had to come THEN. He took her to the vet for me....I couldn't bear it.....our normal vet was out of town and a substituted was there, which made me very uncomfortable. He said it didn't look good. He wanted to keep her overnight. Well.....she stayed that night. The next day I begged him to let me bring her home (I couldn't stand the thought of her being at the vet alone all night and scared). She came home with us that night and God love her....she couldn't control her bladder or her bowels. It was a miserable night all around for all of us. The next day the vet told us it didn't look good. He took some x-rays and said that she had multiple problems with her spine, some of which she was probably born with. I couldnt' bear it. Our regular vet came back and said the humane thing to do was to put her down. I couldn't bear it. She was only 4 years old and 6 1/2 pounds and our baby. I totally went to pieces. Well.....we made the decision and had her put to sleep. Then....I found a dachshund forum and read about allowing them to have crate rest for weeks and I began to second guess myself. I, like you, was miserable and I must admit at times, I still am. She wasn't a candidate for surgery and I know she would not have been happy crated for weeks and possibly months. I know we did the right thing....but it hurt and it still does. Well.....to make a long story short.....I am the type of person that has to have a baby to love. So.....into my life comes LuLu, within a week of Annabelle's passing......I wondered if I could do it. Now, I know it was the best thing I could have ever done. And surprisingly, there are alot of things that LuLu does that my little Annabelle use to do. Now....do I still cry? YES! Christmas was really hard. I unpacked my doggie tree and there were Annabelle's ornaments. Needless to say, they went on their tree. I know that Annabelle would want me to be happy and for me, to bring LuLu into our home was a way of honoring Annabelle. She brought us so much joy and happiness I couldn't bear to be without another "baby." So, think about it.....it might be the best thing for you. Think of it as a way of honoring your little Minnie. You know she would want you happy. Hugs and prayers are coming your way. |