sad news for one of our own

[zefi]

I know Michael hasnt been on the forum much in a while cause he's been busy, and I know that this is really his news to share, but given that he's feeling so horrible at the moment I thought I'd let you know and that perhaps your support would make him feel a little better.

Last night Amber died very suddenly. I dont know all the details. She was fine but a little listless, ate and went outside during the day, all normal, then in a matter of about 3 hours in the middle of the night got weaker and weaker and just died. She would have been 6 yrs old next month.

Michael is obviously really upset right now so I doubt he wants to talk about it, but I dont know... perhaps knowing that there are people out there who care and who feel his pain will help him get through this.

We are all here for you Michael.

[Michael]

Thanks Zefi...I am not one to wear my heart on my sleeve a lot, but I know the eskie people needed to know the basics, and really the poodle people here do too....so am just copying right now what I am posting in both places (and yes, I really miss the little girl...amazing how much such a small dog can fill our lives so fully!):

I hate posting like this, but sometimes we need to share in things. It's been a horrible weekend around here. Friday night, there was a fire less than a mile from here. Burned down a house.....people I sort of know. I never met their dog, but they had a 13 year old Sheltie that died in the fire. The people were in town at the time, and 4 different fire departments and the DNR all came out to this one. I drove past the house on Saturday, not realizing it was their house burning the night before. Could see the smoke and all the trucks going by though. Was not pretty, and I know it is awful to even think of losing one of our beloved pets in such a situation.

Saturday night/Sunday morning brought tragedy even closer. Something I never expected. It came about suddenly, and I'm still not sure what happened. But Amber is gone....after taking the girls out late Saturday, and she seemed mostly fine then....she was weak and feable just before I was going to get them to bed. She could hardly stand, let alone walk. I sat with her at first and held her, but then laid down and held her. Less than a couple hours later, she was gone...she died in my arms fairly quietly and peacefully. I don't even think she'd have made a trip to the vet at the time, as she was so feable, but being late at night on a weekend and at least 1-2 hours from any vet I could have gotten ahold of, I am pretty sure this was all I could do at the time.

She seemed fine earlier on Saturday, and really no signs of anything wrong until just a few hours before she died. I can't believe it. She was with us less than 4 years, and wasn't even 6 yet....she'd have turned 6 later in May. She had been as healthy as I could figure until this....and then went so suddenly. Shelby is still here and fine, but I can tell she's missing her sister. Amber was so full of personality. She really was a brat in so many ways....but the sweetest little brat in the world. She brought a lot of spice into our lives, but was so sweet as well...it was impossible not to love this little girl...she was so neat and lovable!  I know some of you would want to know, so I figured I needed to mention a bit on this. It's not easy right now, but we're coping. Give your kids a hug...they are with us such a short time.

[zpoodle]

So very sorry to hear this Michael.................it never gets any easier to loose them,no matter how long we have them here with us.........that is for certain.

Know that I am thinking of you and yours.........

Poodle hugs coming your way from the Zorcon Poodle gang.

Mindy
Zorcon Poodles
Toys and Standards
Visit us at:
http://members.tripod.com/zpoodle/index.html

[auntie c]

oh michael, how very sad.

its little comfort right now,
but know you held your amber close to your heart,
while she journeyed to the bridge.....
my beloved dobie went into the back garden to die on his own,
I never knew till the next morning and I swore then
I would never let another dog of mine die alone...

this is why here in newcastle we have all been present
(when possible) when it was time for any of our own to go to the bridge...

everyone here is sending you lots of love and licks

the newcastle poodle club!

carlene
harry who and pearl the girl.

[Michael]

Thanks everyone.....yes, it never is easy...at all. I'm still coming to terms with this one...as it came so suddenly and happened so fast. But yes, I do take comfort in knowing that I tried to make Amber as comfortable as possible 'til the end....in fact, she was so peaceful, I wasn't sure of the exact moment she died....it was just like she was still sleeping. I dearly miss the girl....she was such a joy to have in our lives. It's way too quiet here without here....way to empty too. But we're coping as we can, and need to. Shelby's doing alright so far, but we're taking one day at a time and will keep moving forward. Anyway....thanks again for all the kind thoughts.....

[auntie c]

hang in there michael,
remember we are all here on this hard road ahead with you......

carlene, harry who and pearl the girl
australia

[Helen]

Oh no.   I haven't been by to visit for awhile, and suddenly just now I felt like I needed to come.  I had a strong feeling that we'd lost someone.

I'm so terribly sorry, Michael.  I know how much you loved her.   It's impossible to know what happened.  Such a shock.  I'm so sorry!  I'm glad you were with her.. so glad she passed in the arms of the one who loved her most.

warm hugs,
Helen

[freysmum]

Michael, I am so sorry to hear your sad news.  My thoughts are with you. Here is a little poem I found.


Cry not for me ,
For I am content
At peace, at rest,
Free.
Miss me please,
For I will miss you
The ear rubs, cuddles, games and walks,
All are with me for eternity.
Speak of me often,
Words help to heal,
Memories stay with you forever
And laughter will help you understand.
Remember me well,
For photographs fade with light
Yet snapshots of your mind remain forever today.
I was but a small part of your life
But you were my life,
All I did was for you and with you.
Now I ask you remember me
With a knowing smile
And I will wait for you forever
At the rainbow bridge.


S. Hatton, 2006

[zefi]

That is so beautiful and so sad!