Stormy is at the bridge

Rich · November 28, 2008, 03:21:16 PM

Today we helped Stormy take his last journey. We had high hopes early in the week when the effects of the steroid shot gave him a boost, but day by day he became more distant, his efforts to move and eliminate became more and more of a struggle. Yesterday and today instead of helping he just lay limp when we carried him to his food or outside. During the week he developed diarhhea that we couldn't control and it became black and tarry indicating things were breaking down inside. In short he was no longer living, he was just existing. At night he was waking us groaning and we weren't sure why, we would take him out and to his water dish but he didn't show any spirit. There was just no joy left. And if we had somehow gotten through this, when we were at the vet last week they found a lesion in his mouth that might have been a recurrence of his cancer. So he was facing surgery for that if he recovered.

I spent most of this week trying to rationalize how we could keep holding on - but the question was always "for what?" At last it came down to whether we wanted to watch him get inevitably worse and instead of seeing him wear out it would progress to seeing him suffer. In the end he went in our arms the way he had lived, calmly and with dignity.

There is no describing our feelings now. This big hearted gentle souled fellow touched our lives so very deeply. The house seems very empty now and Sophie seems to know that we need her company more than ever. She has already licked away many tears.

Thanks so much to all of you who sent your thoughts, rays and prayers through Stormy's tough times. I know that there will come a time when we can remember him and smile. That time seems very distant right now.

AnnieofNJ · November 28, 2008, 04:07:44 PM

I am so sorry to hear of Stormy's passing. May you find some comfort in the memories of happy times spent together. He is now whole again at the Bridge, running and playing with the others from this Board. Hugs to you and your family.

Annie & the New Jersey Doxie Gang

peterparker · November 28, 2008, 04:08:20 PM

I'm so so sorry.

Barb · November 28, 2008, 04:13:54 PM

My heart is breaking for you. You did the most selfless thing a parent can do, by letting him go. My tears mingle with yours today as I remember your precious Gentle Giant. He will be missed by all of us.

Godspeed sweet Stormy ... I will light a candle for you tonight.

Mike · November 28, 2008, 04:23:08 PM

Rich and Deb, I'm so sorry to read this. We all will grieve Stormy's crossing the Bridge, but somehow it hurts that much more when we have had the privilege of meeting one of the Board's members. Tonight we have another Star in the sky watching over us.

I have been trying to find the picture of Stormy, Sophie and Clifford when they met at the Dachshund Picnic. So far it is eluding me, but I will post it once I find it.

Kelly · November 28, 2008, 04:39:10 PM

Hey Rich,My thoughts are also with you today! I keep telling my family we got to think of all the love we gave them.It would have been 2 years in January that Annie was with us.

MyLittleBoo · November 28, 2008, 05:04:33 PM

It is indeed a sad day on WW!! Sorry, to hear about Stormy.. My heart is also with the two of you... Sending rays & prayers... And, of course, special rays for Stormy~Angel... GodSpeed sweet boy!! My heart is heavy for both families that lost their little angels today...

PattyInAK · November 28, 2008, 05:13:20 PM

My heart is breaking for you as you go thru this very sad time saying goodbye to Stormy. Yes, they leave a big empty hole in the house when they go. Shower extra love on Sophie and let her help heal your hearts. I know how much you hurt tonight as you are missing him so very much.

DeeanDave · November 28, 2008, 06:16:51 PM

Rich and Deb, our hearts are heavy with sadness as we read of Stormy-Angel traveling to the Bridge. It is so hard but you allowed him to go with dignity and love. He will always remain in your hearts. Remember the memories and in time, your hearts will heal and there will always be a special place for Stormy-Angel. God-Speed, Stormy Angel! Hugs to you all, Dee, Dave, Sarge & Duggie

Merion · November 28, 2008, 08:07:09 PM

We are so sorry to hear of Stormy's passing. Not matter how much we know it is the right decision, it is so hard to take the final step and let them go. At least he isn't suffering anymore and is having a blast with all the others from the DC who have preceded him.
Sending HHHHHHH's & PPPPPP's for Sophie and you and Deb!!!

You are all in our thoughts.
Merion & the ZZ's

Roberta · November 28, 2008, 10:09:13 PM

Our thoughts are with you at this time, no amount of words help, but know you both did the right thing for Stormy. When they get old we found with Emma you keep hoping for one more day and keep praying the last one will not come for a long while.
Hugs and prayers to you Deb and Sophie.
From the gang

papbouv · November 28, 2008, 10:36:23 PM

RIP Stormy may you be running free now of pain one day you and your family will be reunited then be together forever.Hugs to the brave humans left behind for now. Papbouv

Norman · November 29, 2008, 06:31:10 AM

Very sorry to here about Stormy.

RIP little one.

MimisMomma · November 29, 2008, 10:23:43 AM

I am so sorry another member of our group has to go through this so soon. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Stormy is a very special one and will always be in your hearts and thoughts. Ours as well.

Brekkesmom · November 29, 2008, 08:16:36 PM

Oh, Rich and Deb, I am so sorry he left you all too soon. Thank you for being with him as he passed. In my heart of hearts, as difficult as that is, they should have a loving presence as they fade from this world and cross on to the next... RIP, Stormy-Angel. You join some of our dearest and best, who will surely show you where all the goodies and toys are, at the Rainbow Bridge.

Madderoos Mom · November 29, 2008, 09:24:00 PM

The tears are flowing here in California for this beautiful gent. You certainly did right by our regal Stormy. My heart is simply breaking along with yours. Kiss Sophie for me and just know that I am thinking of all of you today. Good bye, Stormy.

cheryl186 · November 30, 2008, 07:33:56 AM

Rich and Deb, I am so very sorry to hear of Stormy's passing. You are in our thoughts and prayers at this difficult time. God speed sweet Stormy Angel.

Dee Dee and Hallie · November 30, 2008, 10:33:25 AM

Oh no! I was so dreading this day too, I don't think I have ever cried so much for the loss of a little soul that wasn't my own. I can imagine how you and Deb and Sophie are feeling right now, I wish I could do something to help. It does take a long time to realize how the years of joy with them does outweigh the unbearable grief we suffer when we lose them. I hope that day won't be too far away for you. In the meantime please know that you are all in my thoughts and prayers. I am so sorry....he will be GREATLY missed by us all.

doxielady5569128 · November 30, 2008, 09:50:58 PM

I am so sorry for your loss!! We will keep you all in our prayers.

JetEd73 · December 01, 2008, 06:30:23 AM

I'm sorry to hear of this. Of course we knew the chances that we would outlive our furbabies it doesn't lessen the pain. One year ago almosy to the day that I sent Simon-Angel to the bridge. To honor and serve his memory I adopted a rescue from DRNA and I now foster for them as well. I think thats probably the best thing I could have done and my time and effort is paying off.

Bright sun shiny rays and prayers heading your way.

Rest in Peace Stormy.

Spanish Teckels · December 01, 2008, 08:03:49 AM

We´re so very saddened to hear sweet Stormy has passed on to the Bridge, God bless him and you both for loving him so much. Warm Spanish rays heading out your way.

Ruth in MT · December 01, 2008, 11:16:41 AM

Rest in peace Stormy. Hugs to Rich and Deb.

MindyKay · December 05, 2008, 08:01:58 AM

Rich and Deb, so sorry about your loss. Hugs and prayers coming your way from Iowa. Also to Kelly, for the loss of Annie.

It's amazing how these little souls affect our lives, may all the good memories comfort you in the coming days.

sollysmom · December 05, 2008, 09:23:12 AM

I am sorry that you had to say goodbye to your furry companion of many, many years. It is always so hard to say goodbye to our friends, but know in your heart you did the right thing for your friend when he needed you to. Do remember the good times, it does help.

Darcel

Dahlia · December 06, 2008, 07:07:08 PM

I am new to this group but I was reading your post and I wanted to
tell you how sorry I am for your loss. Please know I, Ginger's and Patches
prayers are with you. Hope your pain gets better with each passing day.

Prayers
Dahlia

Clarese · December 08, 2008, 10:49:52 AM

I just saw this post.

I'm so sorry to hear that Stormy has gone to the bridge. He was a grand and wonderful dachshund. I will always smile when I think of him.

TerriL · December 11, 2008, 01:07:51 PM

Rich and Deb, I am so so sorry that this is so late in coming. I missed your post somehow.
I wish there were words that could make this easier for you. Just know that Stormy brought joy to many lives... those who knew him personally and those who knew him through you. Rest well sweet boy.... you will be greatly missed.

David C. · December 13, 2008, 11:22:03 AM

Rich and Deb, I am sorry that I missed the original post. Please accept our rays and prayers. Having taken that same road so recently with Max, please know that you did the right thing for Stormy. I hope you can take solace in that Stormy lived a long and very happy life.

Stormy is at the bridge

Madderoos Mom