My sweet Ziggy has passed away from Heart Disease

[Kristen and Ziggy!]

Hello, I just wanted to inform everyone that my sweet ZIggy unfortunatley passed away last week. About a month ago, he was being treated for "kennel cough" which in turn was actually congestive heart failure. When his "kennel cough" got worse 2 nights later, we rushed him to the VEC where they took chest x-rays expecting to find pneumonia and in turn they found a severely enlarged heart and fluid filled lungs. Ziggy was put on oxygen and iv's where they administered multiple heart medications and then we were transferred to Dogwood Emergency Center where we saw a cardiologist. The echo revealed that he was suffering from Dialated Cardiomiopathy which is genetic and kicks in as soon as they are born. His valves were super dialted and barely functioning. He was hospitalized for a couple days and then we had him on all the necessary, expensive medicines and he was doing great! We were told that with his case of heart disease, it could be weeks but generally we were looking at 6 to 9 months left of his precious life. Worst 48 hours of my life. Ziggy died very peacefully in his sleep one afternoon while my mom was watching him. She said that he let out his dreaming squeaks and my Mom tried to wake him from his dream, but could not get him to respond to her. He just kept dreaming away not making any noise. She got down on the ground, put his head in her hands, felt his fluttering heart, and then stroked his head and told him how much we all loved him. It was then that he opened his eyes and looked at her, as if to say "i love you too" and then went back to sleep but to never wake again. This has been the hardest week of our lives. The house feels empty. 

I am curious if anyone else you know has had a doodle suffer from congenital heart disease? Ziggy never showed any signs, and they said they usually don't until their first bout of heart failure. He did pant A LOT but our vet always attributed it to all of his fur and that he was just a "hot" dog. He also was very laid back and had bouts of energy bursts, then he was just done playing. You don't really realize that these could be warning signs so I just wanted to share so that we could spread awareness.

I am interested in putting together a Ziggy Foundation to help raise money for research on prevention and CURE! Unfortunatly there is no cure at this point, trust me I asked everyone and everywhere. I would have done anything to save that dog but we did everything we could with all of the medicines. The Dogwood Veterinary staff/atmosphere/ technology/everything was marvelous and I highly recommend it to everyone! 

 

[Michele, Biscuit & Mo]

Kristen, I'm so sorry to hear of Ziggy's passing.  I don't know much about heart problems with doodles, but it sounds like you did everything you possibly could.  Our Penny (who just passed away) was a big panter but that was just an ordinary part of her everyday routine.  I'm so happy that your mom was with him when he died and I'm sure he knew how much he was loved.  I'm betting that he and Penny are romping around in dog heaven right now, together.  <hugs>

[Janie, Jackson and Jilly]

I am so sorry about sweet Ziggy. I had to go to your page to see your photos. Ziggy was just beautiful! Hugs to you and your family.

[Rose Ann and Amante]

I am sooo sorry for your loss. I never know what to say in comfort. I have lost a special friend and understand how you feel!! I will keep you in my thoughts.

[Sherri, Sophie, Winston, & Kitty]

I'm so very sorry for your loss of ziggy. I can't imagine how hard that must be. I think the foundation is a fabulous idea. Take care.

[Gail and Bailey]

Oh Kristen, I am so sorry for your loss!  Your sweet Ziggy was such a handsome boy.  I am glad your mom was with him to comfort him as he passed.  Sending you hugs!

[Laurie, Fudge, and Vern]

I am so sorry for your loss. I know it has to have been hard on your mom, but how comforting for Ziggy to have her there at the end to reassure him and let him know he was loved. My prayers are with all of you.

[Maryann,Roo and Tigger]

My heart goes out to you.  It is so very hard to lose a much loved dog.

 

I saw this saying somewhere long ago and it has comforted me, perhaps it will comfort your mom.

 

It occurred to me that every dog I have ever had

Has taken a piece of my heart when he died

But he also left a piece of his heart in mine.

Perhaps if I live long enough I will have an entirely dog heart,

Learning to live in the moment, finding extreme joy in everyday occurences 

And become as faithful, loving, and non judgemental as dogs are.

[Doris, Knox & Flash]

I love this, Maryann!

[Bonnie and Kona]

Thank you for posting this, Maryann. It would be a dream come true.

[Tina, Clover, Plus 5 More]

Kristen, I am so sorry to hear of your loss.  RIP Ziggy!!!

[F, Calla & Luca]

I am very sorry to hear about Ziggy. It is so frustrating when all you can do is not enough. Ziggy was obviously well loved and that is the best thing a dog or person can hope for.

[Kaytlin and Cooper]

oh Im so sorry for your loss