by Pamela Campbell
Ten years ago on Feb. 1, 2001 I did not know that when choosing a puppy from the local shelter that I was about to meet My Angel. She was so little and so cute and from that very moment she bacame my girl. As I was unable to have children, I decided to use the names I had reserved for the little girls I never had. Patsy was a very beautiful name and so was the little girl that became her.
From the begining of our friendship, Patsy and I understood each other. We shared secrets and thoughts. When my husband would tell her something, she would always look to me for guidence. I remember he would sometimes get agitated when she would not leave without my approval. Patsy and I became one heart.
From the begining, Patsy started having medical problems. She developed food allergies and her feet and ears would itch and the poor girl was miserable. When we finally got one thing under control another would appear. Jim used to tell everyone that she was a million dollar dog and mean it literally. I did't mind taking extra special care of her, she was my child.
In Janurary, 2001 my life changed forever. I was told that I had a very sick girl. My Patsy was diagnosed with Chronic Renal Failure. They said that if she were human, she would be a kidney transplant patient. I was devestated. This could not be happening after all we had come through. We fought with everything we had inside us. I say we hoping that is the case. I sometimes wonder if I made her do more than she really wanted to do. We became even closer from that day in Jan.
Daily trips to the Vet for SQ Fluids. She knew that Mommy would always stop at the store and get a treat. She would run to the car like a trooper and wait for me to lift her in. ( Patsy was not a little girl in body. She was a Blonde Golden Retriever Mix. ) Then off we would go. She would be such a good patient and all the techs would tell me every time she came out. On April 27, 2001 my heart was ripped into a million pieces. Patsy could no longer walk. The pain in her hind quarters from her kidneys prevented movement. Jim and I took our baby girl to the Vet and she broke our hearts with the news that Patsy was in severe pain. My Angel was not going to recover.
I was so heartbroken that I could do nothing but cry and tell them to help her. I begged my Vet to put her on IV Fluids and to help my baby. I was a mother pleading for her child's life. I would have gladly given mine to spare hers. That evening the decision was made by my husband to end her suffering. A decision that I have had to accept from him because I could not bring myself to let her go. I have much regrets for not being able to be with my Angel for her departure to Rainbow Bridge.
Today, May 18, 2001 Patsy's Cremains came home to me. A very sad and emotional day, as both Jim and I realize that our little Angel is gone. The tears are neverending and my heart is left with a hugh hole. A hole that once was filled with and Angel Named Patsy.
Mommy misses you Patsy and I know that one day you and I will once againg be one heart. I love you so much. I want nothing more than to know that you are happy and enjoying life with your sister, Murphy at Rainbow Bridge. Please know that Mommy tried to do everything in her powers to make you well. I only hope I did not make you suffer for me. Mommy and Daddy Love you Very Much. Our lives will never be the same without you.