Although we’ve been really busy here, and have neglected our writings (big apologies!), there are some things that just take top priority sometimes. It is the law of Nature – we are born, we live our lives, we die. For those lucky ones, that life is a long one, providing plenty of time to pursue what makes us happiest. Regardless, when we leave this world we leave behind bewildered, grieving loved ones.
A blogging friend of ours, Georgia Little Pea, has just lost a precious companion, a buddy who was part of the family, the daily goings-on… the very heartbeat of their home. Rufus B. Thumper, a dog who was blessed with a good amount of earthly time, became known for his ups and downs, good and bad days, trials and tribulations of failing physical health in his later years. He was loved dearly, even on the difficult days, and there is a family with a grieving heart. We all know Rufus is now comfortable, pain-free, romping around the gardens at the bridge. That only lessens the loss a little for his family, who now miss him so much. If you would please be so kind as to visit them (if you haven’t already), at Little Dogs on Long Leashes, I’m sure they’d be comforted a bit with a word or two of condolences. Rufus, we all miss you – and we’re thinking of your family now as well. They’re in good hands til you can protect and love them again.
That, in a nutshell, is the ending of our life. The opposite of the joy, wonder, pure miracle of the beginning of it. A short time ago, three little puppies were born, then rescued. They were suffering from severe upper respiratory illness and were without a mother. Thanks to the selfless and caring hearts of the rescuers, they were taken in, fed and kept warm, given a chance to live their lives. The puppies were given medicine, eventually a homemade nebulizer was created to treat their URI’s. Solo, the smallest, developed a painful eye ulcer from his illness. Pain meds were given to him for that. It may have been tireless work on the part of those caring for these babies, yet that is exactly what was needed to stabilize them and rid the illness. With such dedication to their needs, they would recover and become healthy.
But a few days ago something changed all that. One of these babies began having seizures. Then another baby started. Then the third baby. It didn’t take long for the rescuers to realize something was very wrong, and that these babies needed emergency care.
They rushed them to the vet, where they were examined, tests were run, and the babies were placed in the hands of the medical staff. There was hope; the next day, the vet reported that two of the babies were doing “good”. He felt the third one, Tweenkle, should be humanely euthanized because of nonstop seizures. But the fosters did not want to give up hope on this baby. So they held their breath, prayed, rallied everyone around them for good thoughts, prayers, and a request for help in paying for the vet’s bills.
The sad news came yesterday that one of the puppies, Kailah, passed away. Later, a second one, Solo, also passed. These were the ones who the vet had the most hope for. One puppy remains, and she still is experiencing seizures, still is in a nebulizer (the very same one made by the fosters), and still is in the care of the vet. She needs all the good and positive energies we can send her way! The fosters do as well. The other day I placed the Chipin in my sidebar. If you are in a position to make a donation, you can do so directly through it. If you’d prefer to send the donation directly to the vet, by all means don’t let that deter you; within the Chipin information is also the address and instructions for sending to the vet who is caring for this one lone survivor.
This is a pet rescue I recently became aware of. They are Top Paws Rescue; you can find them on Facebook at Top Paws Rescue. They have videos of the puppies included on the Chipin page, along with a journal of updates.
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Tweenkle |
Sometimes, the ending comes after a long spell of expecting it’s arrival; sometimes it comes without warning, or without allowing the second phase to play out first. Either way is painful for the rest of us. Rufus has left us, and his grieving family. He also has left his pawprints on their aching hearts – forever. The babies did not get to enjoy a life; they came, suffered, and left swiftly. Although they did not have a family, I have no doubt they left their pawprints on the hearts of the rescuers who did everything they could for them. And now we wait for good news about Tweenkle. Positive thoughts, positive hope, positive prayers, positive joining of forces on behalf of one tiny little puppy, who has already lost her mother and her siblings. God – we’re asking for a miracle here, please.
Update 5/2:
I’m sorry to say, Tweenkle has now joined her brother and sister. This morning, Top Paws Rescue reported that she would be leaving the vet’s, going back to her foster home. I was expecting to report happy news after the homecoming. Just a few minutes ago, however, the report was instead that Tweenkle passed away shortly after arriving home. It’s comforting to know that her final minutes were in the loving arms of someone who cared for her, rather than in the lonely isolation in the vet office.
Videos of the kittens are uploaded to Top Paw Rescue YouTube channel.
Bless you, Top Paw, for all you do for animals!
Run free, Rufus, Kailah, Solo and Tweenkle!!
How sad they did not make it. We never do know how long they will be with us which is why it is important to love them while we have them.
So true, Bailey!
So sad about the puppies – sending lots of hugs for the remaining one…..
Snoopy 🙂
Well, Snoopy – sad news again. Tweenkle didn’t make it, but she did pass away in the loving arms of her foster mom.
Thank you, to you and all who sent their positive wishes and prayers for her! She is happy and comfortable now, that’s for sure!
Hi CindyLu,
This is a very sad and touching story. And it makes us realise just how precious life is and we must savour and cherish those magical moments we have with our blessed animal friends. I’m heading over to your links.
With respect, Gary.
Thank you, Gary. You are so right. Heading over to hug my furries after this! I’m sure the rescuers will appreciate a visit, it must be such a hard time for them now. As always, you are so caring and thoughtful!
Thank you for this post. Rufus always brightened my day with his insistence on doing things his way. Although the puppies had such a short time here they touched many lives and I’m sure will remain in many hearts. Goodbyes are so difficult but it is such a comfort to know that none of those we lost last week will ever feel pain again.
-Chandra at Daley’s Dog Years
A sad story, but one still infused with the kindness of people trying to right by the helpless.
Oh no! I didn’t know Thumper died! I am so glad you told us!