thank you for your prayers

[rugby's mom]

Rugby and I are lucky to have so many people praying for us...I am in such despair over not being able to be with him...I wish we were lucky enough to be close to a vet hospital..but in a rural area we are relying on our vet to make the best decisions... I will update everyone once I know mire. I am hoping for a few hours sleep tonight but I know that they will definitely be few in number...Thank you all
Fran

[Rudy and Brandys mom]

Thinking of you and sending powerful doxie rays that all goes well. Be strong mom - know that your friends are here with you. Please let us know.

[Addie's mom]

Thinking of you all. Let us know how things go.

[pennysmom]

Sending our prayers and good wishes to you all. Hope Rugby is doing ok. Been thinking about you guys all day. Let us know......
bye for now, Janet <img border="0" alt="[dog]" title="" src="graemlins/dog.gif" />

[rugby's mom]

Yesterday I made the decision to release my beloved Rugby from his pain. The paralysis seemed to worsen and he was shaking uncontollably due to the pain. My husband described it as he looked like a little old man. At the vet's, we were given the choice of meds to try and reduce the inflammation, surgical options and the reality of recovery - which was very very low - or euthanasia. We decided that seeing him in this much pain, and knowing the life he was happiest with was trotting alongside my husband and I as we rode out horses, digging in the garden, playing ball for hours and bossing around all the horses, cats and other furkids - we opted for what was the best decision we could make for our loyal friend and my life saving companion.
I cannot adequately put into words the emptiness I feel at this moment, but I take some comfort knowing that he was safely nestled into my husband's arms as he peacefully left this world. My husband said once he was free of the pain, he looked like a puppy again- his little face no longer showed the pain he felt.
I know there will never be another Rugby for me, but I hope sometime in the near future, I will meet just the right dachsie pup, the one Rugby will "send" my way - and I will once again find that unconditional love and devotion in another dachsie. And with luck and prayers, maybe another special bond that will allow me to find a life saving partner as a seizure alert dog.
No matter my sadness, I also have the happiest 9 years of my life to look back on - and thousands of photos and videos.
Thank you to all who wrote emails and posted here for me. I will be lurking for awhile on this board and posting occasionally to keep in touch. Thank you for your prayers -
Fran

[Brenda]

Dear Fran,

I am so sorry for your loss. I am sitting here with tears running down my face..., Rugby sounds like he was a real special little guy and it sounds like you and your husband are special people for not wanting to see him suffer. Bless Rugby's little soul.

Brenda
Rufus's Mom

[pennysmom]

Dear Fran & Family,
I am so sad for you guys. To lose little Rugby who means the world to you is very hard. He sounds like one VERY special and truly unique family member. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Janet & Family <img border="0" alt="[Angel]" title="" src="graemlins/angel1.gif" />

[mardoniche]

Fran,
I am so sorry for you, I never read this post till after I had posted under the other heading.
I am so sad that you have lost your little one.
I am just praying that Gem will make it through.
My prayers are with you.
Love Dawn and dachsies <img border="0" alt="[heart]" title="" src="graemlins/heart.gif" />

[Rudy and Brandys mom]

Fran,
Please know that my prayers are with you to help you get through this awful time. The decision to release your child was a courageous one, and know that he is now running pain free and watching down over you. Bless you,
Barb, Rudy and Brandy

[Tanya]

Oh Fran,
I am so sorry to see this. It brings back my own pain of losing Punkin after unsuccessful surgery. I know your decision was a tough one but just know that you did what was best for Rugby. I believe they communicate to us when it is time and that you knew what had to be done because Rugby told you. You will always have his love and those precious memories of riding horses with him by your side. I will light a candle tonight for Rugby as I light Punkins. I will remember you in prayer and hope that your heart mends. Bless you Fran.
Tanya

[MARTHA]

Fran - I am so sorry about Rugby. I know how hard it is to loose someone you need and love. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

Marhta and the "Girls"

[crock]

Fran,
We are sorry sorry to hear of your loss. I understand your pain, as I was thru a similar situation 2 mos ago. Just remember, Rugby will be at the bridge waiting for you wagging his tail with no pain. I keep that thought in my mind everyday. <img border="0" alt="[Angel]" title="" src="graemlins/angel1.gif" />
Charlotte

[Augie Dog]

Fran,

This is so sad to hear. I wish I could protect my guys from all the harm and hurt in the world. But, then they would not be dachshunds. It sounds like your boy had a happy time here on earth and I think you did the right thing. He did not suffer through his life, he sould not have to suffer in his golden years either.

D S A & B

[assisivk]

Dear Fran,
I am so sorry. It is so difficult to lose one we love so much. If there is any comfort at all, it is in knowing that you made a decision out of love and concern for your Rugby. And he would know that. Would count on you to know that. I wish we could protect them always, but we can't. The very reason that we love them so much is their adventurous spirits and ability to just leap into life and this makes it impossible to protect them from everything. My thoughts are with you and with Rugby.

[rugby's mom]

Reading all the warm words and condolences has helped me greatly. Dealing with the loss of any pet is awful..but even more so with the ones that we share a special bond. I still have those moments when I remember how happy he was to see me after returning home, remembering the trips to McDonalds for a burger - of course he would HAVE to wear his hat to go for a ride in the car!! He was amazing...
I am hoping to write a little tribute to him soon on this board as a way to help me grieve and bring closure to his death. I know I will always miss him...
Fran

[Addie's mom]

I'm so sorry for your loss....

[Valdachs]

I have been involved with dachshunds since 1960 and have bred and exhibited them from 1960 to 1990. I am now retired from showing and breeding but not from being involved with dachies. Over the years I have had one dachie who had a slipped disc and survived and have known many people who have had the same and their dogs have survived. I have written an article about what to do if, God forbid, this should happen to your dachie. I can email it to you if you email me with a request to valdachs@ozemail.com.au