When hearts are breaking

[Maryann,Roo and Tigger]

Roo has congestive heart failure.  He is only eight years old.  His heart is breaking and so is mine. I can tell you that  Roo has an excellent vet, so good in fact that the vet cardiologist is willing to turn Roo's care over to him.  Something which she said she never does.  I could tell you that it is not connected to his Addison's.  I could tell you he had an excellent check up in July. I could tell you that this sometimes happens in labs and poodles.  

But none of that matters.  Roo is in congestive heart failure with severe atrial fibrillation.  Both heart valves are failing (leaking).  Roo has been his joyful self until about a week ago when he began to breath hard from time to time and cough until he retched.  Still eating and pooping and playing though.  So what's too worry about?  I finally gave in to "being a worrywort" and took him to the vet yesterday, after x-rays, an EKG and blood work (Addison's check), we were hustled off to a cardiologist in Tustin.  One echocardiogram and kind, thoughtful, complete explanation from a young woman (well, young to me - which puts her somewhere between 30 and 60) and Roo is on four medications which will give he and I more time, between 6 months and 2 years, to love each other.

Roo is taking this all in stride, as is Tigger.  Me, not so much.  My darling daughter went with me to the cardiologist and drove us there and back.  My husband is a rock.  My heart is still breaking, splintering and gluing itself back together for an hour or so and then crumbling again.

Thank you to Adina for starting DK a community where I can truly pour out my feelings without being judged.  I know you will truly understand my grief and take a little bit of it unto yourself.  It will help.  I thank you all so much. 

[Becka]

I'm so sorry to hear this. I know you will cherish every moment with sweet Roo.

[Carol and Banjo]

Maryann,    I'm so sad to hear this.   I know your heart is breaking and I hope you are able to feel some of the love coming your way.   ((HUGS)))

[Janet & Jaxson]

So, so sorry to hear the sad news. Hoping for a lot of time to love and be with Roo. Will keep you and your family in my thoughts and prayers.

[Carolyn Shusterman]

Maryanne and family, With tears rolling down my face it pains me to hear this awful news about beautiful black Roo who was just at our Doodle romp last September.  Miracles do happen, so we will be praying for one.  

[Sharon & Monty]

Awww, this is terrible.  I'm so sorry you have a sick baby. Thinking of you.  Hugs. 

[Ricki and Tara (doodle)]

I'm so sorry to hear this news about Roo. I know mine and many other DK hearts are breaking along with yours. May your remaining time together be long and sweet.

[Andrea, Belle and Honey]

Maryann, I'm so sorry to hear about Roo.  I know how hard this is because I lost my lab Ellie last winter to congestive heart failure.  It was so difficult to pull myself together enough to make our last time together as full of love and fun as possible.  Now, one of my best memories of all our time together is of the hours the meds gave us on the beach wading slowly through the surf and lazing on the sand with her tail wagging and her head on my lap, and even doing a little digging.  As painful as her loss was, I can't regret having had her share her wonderful life with me, and having had the time to say a long goodbye. I wish you and Roo strength and peace and some more priceless memories.

[Lori, Daphne, Lucy & Pippa]

Oh Maryann, this is such sad news. I hope you can feel the hugs and the love here on DK. At some point we will all be in a similar position and we all try not to think about it. but sometimes we have to. I know I will give my girls lot of extra love today and hopefully for a long time to come. I truly hope and pray that you will have LOTS of time to give Roo the love I know you give him every day. Every day is a blessing and may you make some wonderful memories with Roo and Tigger!

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

I'm so sorry, Maryann. I hope the meds give you and Roo the maximum time together. Please know that we are all here for you both. 

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

Maryann, I am so very sorry to hear this.  There seems to be so many of our Doodles who we have known for years here on DK who are getting gravely ill.  It's something we never like to think about...but we will all go through it.  I wish there was something I could say to help.  Just know that there are lots of Doodle friends here who really do care and love Roo.  My Guinness is seven, and I always think that I'll have lots more time with him...but we never know.  Just try to focus on making the time you have left the "best ever" with Roo...and I'm praying for TWO YEARS.