Me and Phoebe, 1996
Me and Phoebe, 1997
Phoebe Marie
September 10, 1996 - June 30, 2008
Monday, June 30, 2008
Phoebe's final moments
Phoebe passed away around 8:30 this morning.
She died in my arms.
It was very peaceful.
She had developed pancreatitis and was in a lot of pain.
Overnight the hospital ran more tests because they had found some fluid in her abdomen and the test results on the fluid were very puzzling. They did not know what was going on.
All they knew is that Phoebe could not eat, was extremely depressed and in a lot of pain.
They gave her pain medications and a plasma transfusion overnight hoping that would help.
It did not.
When I went to the hospital at 7:30 I learned her condition had not improved.
I had to make the decision to let her go.
She was in so much pain.
They let me have a private room and brought her in so I could say good bye. When she first came to me she was moaning, but soon she settled down and fell asleep. I talked to her and told her to find Butch, Eb, Mitzi and Sheka in heaven.
I told her to haunt me.
Daily.
A half hour of visiting with Phoebe and talking with her the vet came in and gave Phoebe the injections that let her go peacefully.
She died in my arms.
They left me alone with her for almost an hour.
I just held her and cried.
I finally had to give her back because holding her was starting to freak me out. She looked as though she was sleeping and I couldn't wake her up.
My Phoebe is gone.
She is at peace. She is in no more pain. No more diapers. No more pills. No more shots. She is in heaven with her pet cousins and other family and friends pets.
I am numb.
My heart hurts.
but I still have my Sabrina.
Thank God for my Sabrina.
And thank you to all my family and friends who have been there for me today.
This has been the hardest thing I've ever had to deal with.
Ever.
She died in my arms.
It was very peaceful.
She had developed pancreatitis and was in a lot of pain.
Overnight the hospital ran more tests because they had found some fluid in her abdomen and the test results on the fluid were very puzzling. They did not know what was going on.
All they knew is that Phoebe could not eat, was extremely depressed and in a lot of pain.
They gave her pain medications and a plasma transfusion overnight hoping that would help.
It did not.
When I went to the hospital at 7:30 I learned her condition had not improved.
I had to make the decision to let her go.
She was in so much pain.
They let me have a private room and brought her in so I could say good bye. When she first came to me she was moaning, but soon she settled down and fell asleep. I talked to her and told her to find Butch, Eb, Mitzi and Sheka in heaven.
I told her to haunt me.
Daily.
A half hour of visiting with Phoebe and talking with her the vet came in and gave Phoebe the injections that let her go peacefully.
She died in my arms.
They left me alone with her for almost an hour.
I just held her and cried.
I finally had to give her back because holding her was starting to freak me out. She looked as though she was sleeping and I couldn't wake her up.
My Phoebe is gone.
She is at peace. She is in no more pain. No more diapers. No more pills. No more shots. She is in heaven with her pet cousins and other family and friends pets.
I am numb.
My heart hurts.
but I still have my Sabrina.
Thank God for my Sabrina.
And thank you to all my family and friends who have been there for me today.
This has been the hardest thing I've ever had to deal with.
Ever.
Phoebe as a puppy
I thought everyone might enjoy seeing pictures of Phoebe as a puppy
This is my favorite one. Look at that tongue! Eeeeeee!
Sunday, June 29, 2008
sleepy poodle
She's still sleeping.
She is one tired poodle.
My poor little one.
Not sure if I will be going up to the cabin next weekend like I had been planning (since early March.)
The plan was to leave on Saturday July 5th and come home Saturday July 12th. Now I'm not so sure I will want to go up. We will have to wait and see how Phoebe is doing.
She is one tired poodle.
My poor little one.
Not sure if I will be going up to the cabin next weekend like I had been planning (since early March.)
The plan was to leave on Saturday July 5th and come home Saturday July 12th. Now I'm not so sure I will want to go up. We will have to wait and see how Phoebe is doing.
Phoebe is home
I was able to go pick Phoebe up this morning from the hospital.
They are hoping having her at home will cheer her up so that she will EAT something since she was refusing food there.
She is on Prednisone (which she will most likely need forever, it's all due to the Addison's) and also sucralfate and metronidazole for her GI problems. I'm also supposed to give her 5mg of Pepcid a day to help with her tummy.
Right now she is sleeping. She's one tired little poodle.
They are hoping having her at home will cheer her up so that she will EAT something since she was refusing food there.
She is on Prednisone (which she will most likely need forever, it's all due to the Addison's) and also sucralfate and metronidazole for her GI problems. I'm also supposed to give her 5mg of Pepcid a day to help with her tummy.
Right now she is sleeping. She's one tired little poodle.
Saturday, June 28, 2008
resting comfortably
Call to check on Phoebe a little bit ago.
She is resting comfortably.
They are running more tests to check her kidneys and stuff.
I'm numb.
I want my girl home.
The vet is awesome. I can call at any time. The gal told me she works until 9 a.m. and to just call and ask for her.
I'll keep you all posted.
She is resting comfortably.
They are running more tests to check her kidneys and stuff.
I'm numb.
I want my girl home.
The vet is awesome. I can call at any time. The gal told me she works until 9 a.m. and to just call and ask for her.
I'll keep you all posted.
Phoebe's in the hospital again
Phoebe's red blood cell count is low and needs to stay overnight at the emergency vet.
I brought her there around 6:45 this evening to have her electrolytes checked. She had been depressed most of the day, even the few hours we were at Henry's house she didn't seem interested in sniffing around and just wanted to nap. That is not like her.
Plus, her poop has been icky since yesterday morning. I won't get into it, but it wasn't right.
The vet checked her electrolytes, which are okay, but her red blood cell count is low. She is anemic.
I'm very scared and numb, but not ready to give up on her yet.
Please pray for my girl.
Thank you.
I will keep you posted.
I brought her there around 6:45 this evening to have her electrolytes checked. She had been depressed most of the day, even the few hours we were at Henry's house she didn't seem interested in sniffing around and just wanted to nap. That is not like her.
Plus, her poop has been icky since yesterday morning. I won't get into it, but it wasn't right.
The vet checked her electrolytes, which are okay, but her red blood cell count is low. She is anemic.
I'm very scared and numb, but not ready to give up on her yet.
Please pray for my girl.
Thank you.
I will keep you posted.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY CHAZ!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY CHAZ!
We hope you have a terrific day!
Love:
Laura, Phoebe & Sabrina!
Thursday, June 26, 2008
HAPPY BIRTHDAY OTTO
HAPPY BIRTHDAY OTTO!
We hope you have an awesome day!
Love:
Phoebe, Sabrina & Laura
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
Stroller pictures!
UPS delivered Phoebe's stroller today!
She does NOT look happy. :o(
The first time I put Sabrina in it she jumped immediately OUT.
We did go for a long walk with the stroller. Yes, we got A LOT of weird stares. I don't care! It was the nicest, longest walk we've been able to go on since May! I will still take Phoebe on walks for her to get exercise, but for the times when I want to do a LONG walk, she's going in the stroller. She was still exhausted after we got back 'cuz she STOOD in her stroller the whole 45 minute walk!
Here is a shot of Sabrina just after our walk. She was hot and tired. She did such a great job walking along side the stroller. It will take us awhile to get used to it, but she's doing well so far! There really isn't enough room for both of them to fit comfortably in the stroller, but Sabrina was totally freaked out be it anyway, I don't think she cares that she doesn't get a ride!
Sunday, June 22, 2008
Henry the expert dog sitter!
Henry watched the girls for me yesterday while I was at a wedding.
Of course he did an awesome job. Did well with Phoebe's diapers (though he told me it took him a bit to put it back on that first time, but he got the hang of it!)
It was so nice knowing he was with the girls while I was at the wedding. It allowed me to relax and have fun and not worry. :o)
I didn't get home until 10 p.m.!!!
Not a single drop of alcohol passed my lips. Not even an option when I'm driving. My body can't tolerate the stuff. I don't like the taste or smell of it anyway, so it's not like I was missing out on anything. They had plenty of water and pop at the reception for me to drink, so I was good.
I have to admit that I'm in love. His name is Evan. He's about 8 weeks old and I got to hold him lots and lots last night so that his mom (one of the nurses I work with) could go out and dance with her daughter. She kept offering to take Evan back, but I kept saying no. (if he was fussy I would have given him up IMMEDIATELY) He just snuggled with me. Didn't even mind the VERY LOUD music.
I don't want children of my own. Everyone knows that. But oh boy, if I could get one as cute as that little bugger........ (mom is white and dad is obviously black so Evan has the most gorgeous skin in the whole world) Oh well. Wait until the kid is 2 and is whiny, I'll be changing my tune. :o)
The dogs are barking. That must mean it's time to get off the computer.
Of course he did an awesome job. Did well with Phoebe's diapers (though he told me it took him a bit to put it back on that first time, but he got the hang of it!)
It was so nice knowing he was with the girls while I was at the wedding. It allowed me to relax and have fun and not worry. :o)
I didn't get home until 10 p.m.!!!
Not a single drop of alcohol passed my lips. Not even an option when I'm driving. My body can't tolerate the stuff. I don't like the taste or smell of it anyway, so it's not like I was missing out on anything. They had plenty of water and pop at the reception for me to drink, so I was good.
I have to admit that I'm in love. His name is Evan. He's about 8 weeks old and I got to hold him lots and lots last night so that his mom (one of the nurses I work with) could go out and dance with her daughter. She kept offering to take Evan back, but I kept saying no. (if he was fussy I would have given him up IMMEDIATELY) He just snuggled with me. Didn't even mind the VERY LOUD music.
I don't want children of my own. Everyone knows that. But oh boy, if I could get one as cute as that little bugger........ (mom is white and dad is obviously black so Evan has the most gorgeous skin in the whole world) Oh well. Wait until the kid is 2 and is whiny, I'll be changing my tune. :o)
The dogs are barking. That must mean it's time to get off the computer.
Thursday, June 19, 2008
Phoebe loves her Grandma!
I so wished I had my camera handy last night when Phoebe was snuggling on the chair with her Grandma. It was sooooooo cute.
PHOEBE LOVES HER GRANDMA!
I got the confirmation that Phoebe's stroller has shipped. I should have it by Tuesday of next week!
PHOEBE LOVES HER GRANDMA!
I got the confirmation that Phoebe's stroller has shipped. I should have it by Tuesday of next week!
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
Stroller for Phoebe
I ordered this stroller for Phoebe today:
Here is what it looks like with a dog in it!
I ordered the pink one. I hope she likes riding in it. I miss being able to take longer walks these days with the girls and with this, we will be able to go on them again.
It hasn't shipped yet, so I don't know when I will get it. I hope quickly!!!!
First I had to buy diapers and baby wipes.
Now a stroller.
Me?!?! Who knew it would ever happen. I sure never thought I'd be buying that kind of stuff.
I'd do anything for Phoebe. She's worth every penny.
Skinny Phoebe
Phoebe continues to lose weight.
She is now 12.1 lbs. :o(
Two weeks ago she was 12.8 lbs.
The vet still doesn't seem to be too concerned about her weight. I'm not being told that I need to try and make her gain weight.
I still don't like it though. She feels soooo bony! :o(
And the eating dirt thing. I was told that is no big concern.
Tonight after work I'm gonna stop at McD's and get ice cream for the girls. That should fatten Phoebe up a little bit!
She is now 12.1 lbs. :o(
Two weeks ago she was 12.8 lbs.
The vet still doesn't seem to be too concerned about her weight. I'm not being told that I need to try and make her gain weight.
I still don't like it though. She feels soooo bony! :o(
And the eating dirt thing. I was told that is no big concern.
Tonight after work I'm gonna stop at McD's and get ice cream for the girls. That should fatten Phoebe up a little bit!
Monday, June 16, 2008
due for a shot
Tomorrow at 8:30 a.m. I take Phoebe in to get her next injection for her Addison's disease.
She desperately needs it.
Her hind legs are getting quite weak. I didn't even bother to try and take her for a walk this evening.
Her Grandpa was home for a little bit today and she showed off to him that she still has some spunk, by playing with Sabrina.....but it was just a short burst of energy.
She's been weaker for the last few days. Heck, even at Henry's house yesterday she didn't do as much exploring as she normally does. That makes me so sad.
I love my girl so much. I'm not taking any moment I have with her for granted.
In a couple of weeks we head up to the cabin for a whole WEEK.
Our fingers are crossed that Wyatt can join us like he did last year. Phoebe wants her couch buddy!!!!!!!
Dad and I were talking today about how there is no way that Phoebe will be able to handle walking up the hill from the lake anymore. Maybe the path way, but not by the steps. I'll carry her if I have to (heck she only weighs 12.8 pounds these days!)
God, I hope she STILL weighs at least 12.8 pounds........I will find out tomorrow if she continues to lose weight.
And I gotta find out why she suddenly has a taste for dirt.
Mmmmm. dirt.
It's so tasty.
and fun to poop.
Dirt. It does a poodle good? I don't think so!
ish.
She desperately needs it.
Her hind legs are getting quite weak. I didn't even bother to try and take her for a walk this evening.
Her Grandpa was home for a little bit today and she showed off to him that she still has some spunk, by playing with Sabrina.....but it was just a short burst of energy.
She's been weaker for the last few days. Heck, even at Henry's house yesterday she didn't do as much exploring as she normally does. That makes me so sad.
I love my girl so much. I'm not taking any moment I have with her for granted.
In a couple of weeks we head up to the cabin for a whole WEEK.
Our fingers are crossed that Wyatt can join us like he did last year. Phoebe wants her couch buddy!!!!!!!
Dad and I were talking today about how there is no way that Phoebe will be able to handle walking up the hill from the lake anymore. Maybe the path way, but not by the steps. I'll carry her if I have to (heck she only weighs 12.8 pounds these days!)
God, I hope she STILL weighs at least 12.8 pounds........I will find out tomorrow if she continues to lose weight.
And I gotta find out why she suddenly has a taste for dirt.
Mmmmm. dirt.
It's so tasty.
and fun to poop.
Dirt. It does a poodle good? I don't think so!
ish.
Sunday, June 15, 2008
clean and tired poodles
The dogs are so tired they don't even care that I'm on the computer right now! :o)
We had so much fun at Henry's house today. We took nearly a two hour nap as soon as we got home and then once we woke up they got baths. (They were overdue for 'em!)
Now they are soft and pretty. :o)
Henry is going to babysit the dogs for me next Saturday. I have a wedding to go to and I want to be able to go and have lots of fun and not worry about Phoebe having to go potty. I originally thought I'd bring the dogs over to Henry's house on Saturday morning, but Debbie said that Henry could drive over here on Saturday and watch them here and just spend the night.
I know some with think it's crazy to have a babysitter for poodles, but with Phoebe's illness, and the fact that she will be getting her next injection on Tuesday morning so she will be super DUPER thirsty and having to pee A LOT, knowing Henry will be here to look after the girls while I'm at the wedding will just be sooooo awesome.
I'm looking forward to this wedding and want to have lots of fun and not worry about Phoebe. With Henry here I won't have to. :o) :o) :o) :o) :o)
It was such a good day.
Back to work tomorrow.
*sigh*
(I do love my job though, so it's not a bad sigh.....just a "I'm a lazy butt" sigh)
We had so much fun at Henry's house today. We took nearly a two hour nap as soon as we got home and then once we woke up they got baths. (They were overdue for 'em!)
Now they are soft and pretty. :o)
Henry is going to babysit the dogs for me next Saturday. I have a wedding to go to and I want to be able to go and have lots of fun and not worry about Phoebe having to go potty. I originally thought I'd bring the dogs over to Henry's house on Saturday morning, but Debbie said that Henry could drive over here on Saturday and watch them here and just spend the night.
I know some with think it's crazy to have a babysitter for poodles, but with Phoebe's illness, and the fact that she will be getting her next injection on Tuesday morning so she will be super DUPER thirsty and having to pee A LOT, knowing Henry will be here to look after the girls while I'm at the wedding will just be sooooo awesome.
I'm looking forward to this wedding and want to have lots of fun and not worry about Phoebe. With Henry here I won't have to. :o) :o) :o) :o) :o)
It was such a good day.
Back to work tomorrow.
*sigh*
(I do love my job though, so it's not a bad sigh.....just a "I'm a lazy butt" sigh)
couple more shots
Phoebe found a good shady spot under my chair
A tired Marcia
Marcia AND Otto (he peaked his head up for a moment before going back down to sleep)
Henry's house!
Henry and Marcia
Me and Sabrina (yes, I know I look like a major dweeb, when don't I?)
Phoebe relaxing in Henry's back yard
I took a few more pictures, but my computer is being stupid so I'm just gonna post these 3 for now and then try again later with some more. Plus, it's supper time!
Saturday, June 14, 2008
Pictures from today!
Phoebe has been able to go diaper free almost all day ('cuz I've been home and we spent most of our day outside!) She will need to have it put back on tonight though. I'm not about to make that mistake again!!!!!!!!
This shot was taken just before I turned on my laptop to post the other pictures.Friday, June 13, 2008
Nothing to report
The girls are doing pretty good.
They need baths (Sabrina is getting rather stinky) but health wise, we haven't had any puking since earlier in the week when Sabrina urped on the bed.
Phoebe is back to her "I'd rather hang out upstairs most of the night" phase again. This upsets me because I don't know why she is like that since getting Addison's. Are the stairs too much of a bother? Does Addison's make her want to be left alone? If she was always this way, it wouldn't be so upsetting, ya know?
Lunch is over, back to work.
Bummer.
TGIF though! :o)
They need baths (Sabrina is getting rather stinky) but health wise, we haven't had any puking since earlier in the week when Sabrina urped on the bed.
Phoebe is back to her "I'd rather hang out upstairs most of the night" phase again. This upsets me because I don't know why she is like that since getting Addison's. Are the stairs too much of a bother? Does Addison's make her want to be left alone? If she was always this way, it wouldn't be so upsetting, ya know?
Lunch is over, back to work.
Bummer.
TGIF though! :o)
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
Fishy tales
The gals at work were talking about fishing and it reminded me of the day I *helped* Dad catch this one:
For those that are not familiar with the tale of me *helping* Dad catch this big fish, it was quite awhile ago (2001 or 2002 maybe?) and I was sitting on the dock and Dad had the fishing pole cast out and he was busy doing other stuff on the dock or whatever. I noticed that the line was going out further and further and further so I thought I'd grab the pole and reel it in myself. Well, I apparently had the pole upside down 'cuz instead of reeling the line is the handle fell off. OOPS! Dad fixed the handle and was able to reel the big guy in. We took this picture and then let the fish go.Dad *loves* it when I hang out in my bathrobe outside. I try to do it as often as I can. :o)
Light as a feather
It's very distressing picking Phoebe up these days. She weighs next to nothing. I really wish she would GAIN weight. She's eating fine, and hasn't had any digestive problems (other then she does poop dirt quite often 'cuz she likes to EAT dirt when we are hanging out in the back yard), but she just can't seem to keep her weight up.
It makes me very anxious.
I would really like it if she had just a little extra in case she gets sick again, ya know?
We did go for a short walk yesterday when I got home from work. I wish you could see her. She walks so proudly, but so slowly. We don't go very far anymore. Just by the two churches down the road and then we turn around and come back. My heart aches that she just doesn't have the oomph to go much further then that.
Next Percorten-V injection for her Addison's disease is Tuesday the 17th at 8:30 a.m.
It makes me very anxious.
I would really like it if she had just a little extra in case she gets sick again, ya know?
We did go for a short walk yesterday when I got home from work. I wish you could see her. She walks so proudly, but so slowly. We don't go very far anymore. Just by the two churches down the road and then we turn around and come back. My heart aches that she just doesn't have the oomph to go much further then that.
Next Percorten-V injection for her Addison's disease is Tuesday the 17th at 8:30 a.m.
Monday, June 9, 2008
Delightful wake up call
Woke up this morning to the sound of Sabrina puking on the bed.
Ewwwwwww!
She was fine afterwards and even had a little bit of dog food before I left for work....but really, that was such a delightful way to wake up this morning....to the sound of her urping!
In other news. Phoebe is so used to her diapers now that when we come back in from being outside she will stand there WAITING for me to put the diaper back on her. Tail down all sad, but she knows she needs it on. My poor sweetie.
Ewwwwwww!
She was fine afterwards and even had a little bit of dog food before I left for work....but really, that was such a delightful way to wake up this morning....to the sound of her urping!
In other news. Phoebe is so used to her diapers now that when we come back in from being outside she will stand there WAITING for me to put the diaper back on her. Tail down all sad, but she knows she needs it on. My poor sweetie.
Saturday, June 7, 2008
it's picture time!
Here is a shot of Phoebe, with her hunchback look she's got going for her since she got sick
Sabrina wondering why I brought out the camera AGAIN
Phoebe exploring in Lynn's garden
Sabrina standing near the poodle garden art we snuck into Lynn's garden a few years ago. :o)
A beautiful shot of Phoebe taken just a little bit ago. She is by the back door. She wants to go back inside and take another nap!
Friday, June 6, 2008
Phoebe's doctor
Phoebe's doctor called yesterday to check on her.
How sweet is that?
I was at work at the time, so missed the call and didn't get the message until after the clinic was already closed.
I called the doctor this morning and told her she was doing pretty good. It's hard to tell when we are trapped indoors all night because of the crappy, rainy weather.
Her diaper was dry when I got home, that's great!
Betty, does Molly go to the same clinic my girls go to? I'm assuming she does. They are very nice there. :o)
How sweet is that?
I was at work at the time, so missed the call and didn't get the message until after the clinic was already closed.
I called the doctor this morning and told her she was doing pretty good. It's hard to tell when we are trapped indoors all night because of the crappy, rainy weather.
Her diaper was dry when I got home, that's great!
Betty, does Molly go to the same clinic my girls go to? I'm assuming she does. They are very nice there. :o)
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
Two quick things....
*Thank God for the diapers.....if ya know what I mean......!
*Sabrina is a BRAT! (she doesn't want me to be on the computer tonight even though I spent over two hours snuggling with her and Phoebe on the couch before coming on here.)
I'm off to bed
AND snuggle with Sabrina.
She is so demanding!!!!!!! :o)
*Sabrina is a BRAT! (she doesn't want me to be on the computer tonight even though I spent over two hours snuggling with her and Phoebe on the couch before coming on here.)
I'm off to bed
AND snuggle with Sabrina.
She is so demanding!!!!!!! :o)
Worried
Phoebe was doing her shaking/shivering again just before I left for work, so now I'm worried about her.
:o(
Grandma went back up to the cabin today so the girls are home alone again.
We are very sad that she is gone.
She'll be back in a couple of weeks!
:o(
Grandma went back up to the cabin today so the girls are home alone again.
We are very sad that she is gone.
She'll be back in a couple of weeks!
Tuesday, June 3, 2008
WOO-HOO!
CONGRATULATIONS TO HENRY FOR GETTING HIS DRIVER'S LICENSE THIS MORNING!!!!!
Woo-hoo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
We are so happy for you!
Laura, Phoebe & Sabrina
Monday, June 2, 2008
Low potassium
Found this on-line which explains what happens when your potassium is low:
Symptoms of hypokalemia include irregular heartbeat, which can range from mild to severe. Severe cases can result in cardiac arrest and paralysis of the lungs. Other symptoms can include muscle weakness, cramping, or flaccid paralysis (limpness); leg discomfort; extreme thirst; frequent urination; and confusion.
Poor Phoebe! :o(
Hers wasn't terribly low, just enough to need pills for 4 days, but still, I hate to see her weak.
Symptoms of hypokalemia include irregular heartbeat, which can range from mild to severe. Severe cases can result in cardiac arrest and paralysis of the lungs. Other symptoms can include muscle weakness, cramping, or flaccid paralysis (limpness); leg discomfort; extreme thirst; frequent urination; and confusion.
Poor Phoebe! :o(
Hers wasn't terribly low, just enough to need pills for 4 days, but still, I hate to see her weak.
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