12 Years Ago Today...
It may have been 12 years ago today but I remember it as if it were yesterday. It was without a doubt, the saddest day of my life.
To this day I can not speak of it without a lump forming in my throat. To someone who is not an animal lover I am sure the sadness can not be understood.
12 years ago today, August 20, 1996 my beloved Andrew died. We got Andrew from the Humane Society of Monroe County when he was about 5 months old. He was the cutest thing I had ever seen. He looked like a beagle but he had huge paws and very long legs. He was very clumsy. We would later learn he was a Walker Hound. He was the apple of my eye. I loved that dog more than words can ever express. He was my constant companion. I told my inner most thoughts to him as well as the events of my day.
The Humane Society adopted him out 2 times before we had the great fortune of getting him placed with us. What is it they say, the third time is the charm. The first 2 times didn't end well. He was adopted to a young couple. Every time he would enter the room their baby would scream at the top of her lungs. The second time the guy he was adopted to got hauled off to jail and the puppy
was left in the home by himself for days until he was returned to the Humane Society.
was left in the home by himself for days until he was returned to the Humane Society.
Then he came to me. He was so happy to receive love and to give love. We were inseparable. Life was GOOD.
For 10 years we shared our life with Andrew. We also had a house full of unwanted an unloved cats and a couple of other wonderful dogs that we found along the road that people had discarded. But no love compared to the love I had for Andrew. Perhaps it was because I had no children of my own, who knows. All I know is... I loved Andrew.
For 10 years we shared our life with Andrew. We also had a house full of unwanted an unloved cats and a couple of other wonderful dogs that we found along the road that people had discarded. But no love compared to the love I had for Andrew. Perhaps it was because I had no children of my own, who knows. All I know is... I loved Andrew.
Then one Sunday morning Andrew started to cough. His cough was like a gag and it was getting worse. We headed for the animal emergency in Toledo. As we were getting close to our vets office we could see a few cars out front. My husband pounded on
the door till they let us in with our unresponsive dog. His eyes were just looking at me for help, of which I had none to offer.
The Dr. was checking this and checking that . He was asking lots of questions, but not offering any answers. Then out of the blue he said, "I do not remember Andrew being so big." I said, "yes, I noticed on the drive here he seems to be getting bigger." The Dr. and the Vet Tech looked at each other as if a bolt of lightning had struck. He picked Andrew up as if his 87 pounds were nothing more than a feather.
HE HAS BLOAT!!
The only thing that I knew of bloat was that cattle get it. That was all I knew on the subject of bloat. Large barrel chested dogs are susceptible to bloat but I am sure any breed can get it. Bloat is when the stomach flips and no air can escape. So my beautiful, wonderful dog Andrew was actually blowing up.
HE HAS BLOAT!!
The only thing that I knew of bloat was that cattle get it. That was all I knew on the subject of bloat. Large barrel chested dogs are susceptible to bloat but I am sure any breed can get it. Bloat is when the stomach flips and no air can escape. So my beautiful, wonderful dog Andrew was actually blowing up.
The Dr. did the best he could and made arrangements for me to take him to Michigan State University, This is where our Veterinary School is located. After hours of surgery and having his stomach stapled in place so it couldn't move I was allowed to see him
for a few minutes. His eyes were still asking, "why?" and "can I come home with you?" The next day he ate a little something and then died later that night.
We did all that we could but it was not good enough. Some people reading this will think how stupid!! You did this for a DOG???
There was never a question of what should we do. The only decision we had to make was this going on MasterCard or Visa?
I will always remember this date, August 20. I hope each of you will find the love of a very special animal as I did with
my beloved Andrew. I certainly hope you have a much happier ending. Shelters everywhere need your help with not only cash but supplies and cuddlers as well as opening your hearts and your homes. Please call them and find out how you can help.
And when you do... Tell them Andrew sent you.
For Love of Andrew
my beloved Andrew. I certainly hope you have a much happier ending. Shelters everywhere need your help with not only cash but supplies and cuddlers as well as opening your hearts and your homes. Please call them and find out how you can help.
And when you do... Tell them Andrew sent you.
For Love of Andrew
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