Abby is in Doggy Heaven.

Abby

Age 17, ~1994 - June 14, 2011

Abby was a big 'ol gal who loved life and never gave up. Her soul will be forever in my heart.

Nickname: Boo, Abby Abs, Puppers

Abby came into our life after someone threw her out of a car into a ditch. She was covered with fleas, had worms and required hernia surgery, but we loved her from the start. Being a big dog she put our Cairn terrier in her place right from the start even though Amberly was bigger than her at first. I enjoyed many hours of playing with her after I came home from work at night. She would always be waiting for me in the window. She was my support in bad times, my companion and my friend. When we put her down two days ago, I still had guilt wondering whether I should have, so I did some research to understand what I might not have been aware of with her health. She had been a healthy active dog for years, but the last year things started changing. We had her on a special diet because of a bowel issue; which was mostly protein and she was doing quite well. The only issue she had was a weakening in her hind quarters. I just attributed this to old age. Well, after taking her to the vet Tuesday, because we were treating for a bladder infection, we found the muscles in her hind legs were atrophied. So, when we found out she was walking on her front legs only and using her back for support and seemed to be starting to experience pain (arthritis), we decided to put her down. Her quality of life was getting challenging as she wouldn't go down the steps anymore. It was the hardest decision I ever had to make. It killed me inside and I don't know if I will ever get over the guilt, wondering how long she still could have gone on, it was for the best for her and us. Especially after what I found out in my research. I found out she had degenerative myelopy and I never knew. I thought all these sypmtoms were just old age. I figured she started coming down with this about three years ago just after we put Amberly down. She started dragging her feet once in a while on her walks. Again I had attributed this to old age. Well, because of her special diet, massaging her legs, and taking her for walks faithfullly everyday the weather permitted here in Michigan I prolonged her life up to 3 years without knowing these things actually helped her. I think the good Lord knew how special she was to me and let me have her a little longer. Only the last month or so I knew something was not right and knew I would soon have to say goodbye. I miss my big 'ol gal and I don't know if the emptiness will ever go away, but I know time will help as I have said goodbye to three friends now. Abby will be my last furry friend and that makes her so special to me I will remember her always. Part of my heart went with her when she left this earth, but I am looking forward when I shall see her again. So, for now I will hold unto the 17 long years she was here with me and the wonderful times we shared together.

June 18, 2011 Hi Boo! It has only been 4 days since you have been gone and the tears don't want to seem to stop. I miss you and feel your presence everywhere we did things together in the house or outside. I hope you are having fun in heaven and are running like the wind. I can't wait till we meet again.

July 14, 2011 Hi Puppers, Today marks one month since you have been gone. The tears still come and I still hurt from your absence so much. You are constantly in my mind as I look around the house and see you everywhere. When I eat I cry remembering how we ate meals together. When I get up in the morning I cry because you are not along side of me sleeping. At night I cry because you are not falling asleep with me. When I look out of the window I cry remembering how you looked out every window in our house waiting for the dogs to go by so you could bark at them. I want the hurt to go away so I can be happy again and remember all the good times together. I wonder if it will ever happen. Right now it doesn't seem like it. I have been making all kinds of memorials of you. I made a shadow box with your paw print, fur, tags, picture, and toy in it. I painted your grand statute which is on the front porch. I made a charm necklace of charms and pictures of things that remind me of you. I made a beaded lamp shade with your pictures hanging from the beads. And, I am going to make garden stepping stones with your beautiful face on them. But, none of these things will bring you back. It makes me sad to know I will never pet, hug, or kiss you again. I miss your physical presence so much that sometimes I think I could die of a broken heart. My dear sweet Abby you will always be in my heart and hopefully all this pain will someday go away. Play free in heaven and I will see you again someday. Love, Mom

July 20, 2011 Hi Abbers, It has been over five weeks now since you have been gone and it still hurts when I think about you being gone. You have helped me to start healing though, as you brought another friend into my life from the Humane Society. She has your spirit and I feel you commuicating to me through her. I believe you will teach her well, and let her know that all is well here. I couldn't bear the emptiness and you knew that and showed me the way to start healing again. Nothing will ever replace the 17 long years we had together as best friends and I wouldn't want anything to replace you. You have simply showed me the way to get on with my life through Bella and I will try to do that for you. I love you and miss you so much and that will never go away, but in time maybe it won't hurt so much. I know someday that I will have to say goodbye to Bella too, but you have given me an insight on that now and I will cherish all the days I have with her and I did with you. I know someday we will all be together again and that is a happy thought. Relax and be happy Boo and thank you for you have done for me. Love, Mom

August 5, 2011 Hi Boo, It seems so long ago that i saw you. I still miss you so much I wish I could bring you back. The tears don't come as often but they still come. Our new member of the family seems to like it here, but she has some challenges to overcome. I hope we can make her happy. She has such a distaste for other dogs and it scares me, because I don't want to have to lose her too if we can't rehabilitate her. I know she was brought into our life for a reason and I have to stay strong. You were such a good puppy and I am not used to such a high spirited dog, or maybe I am not used to a young dog; either way it is going to be a challenge. She definitely keeps me busy and not so lonely, but I still wish you were here. I miss your calm and comfort. I pray you having a good time in heaven and save a place for me when we meet again. I love you dear Abby and will always have you in my heart. Lovingly, Mom

November 7, 2011 Hi Abby, It has been such a long time since I wrote here. The time has gone by so fast and I still miss you so much. Bella is still a challenge, but we are getting along alright. She still hates other dogs, but we are training her not to get so excited about it. I hope she becomes calmer over the years and takes things in stride. You were such a wonderful friend through good and bad and Bella seems to be a very loving being. Sometimes she seems sad and I don't know why, but in time I hope that goes away. I know she is happy here and I will try to give her a great life as long as the good Lord lets me have her. Be safe dear girl and wait for me in heaven. Love, Mom