It's been a long time since we posted stories of Holly Houdini and Tristan and so much has happened in the past couple of years - it's been just Hols, Tris and me for a little while now and last Sunday my naughty, funny, sweet and loving little girl had to be put to sleep. I know you will all understand the sadness we are feeling. In good Holly style she left us after a last act of naughtiness.
Holly lost her sight and much of her hearing pretty suddenly about three weeks ago - at first I wasn't sure if she was just being super dachshundly and ignoring me calling her lol. She'd had tremors or jerkiness in her head and body for a month or so before this and the vet was fairly sure she was being affected by a brain lesion. We'd tried Metacalm and steriods and nothing made a difference but she still seemed perfectly happy though less capable of nonsense than usual. She was more snuggly just wanting to curl up on my lap and cuddle (much to Tristan's annoyance - he's always been my needy little demanding boy).
I was out for a couple of hours last Sunday and returned to find the large box of chocolates that I had wrapped up nicely to give to my secretary had been retrieved from on top of the dining table, torn to shreds and maybe a dozen chocolates snaffled (white chocolate ones having been spat out). Those of you that remember Holly and Tristan from years back will be familiar with other foodie incidents and thankfully none of them in the past caused more than two very sorry-for-themselves doggers and a vomit or two.
Both Holly and Tristan were like little barrels when I got home and Holly was drinking like a fish. I guess looking back it was surprising that they were both so fat looking for a relatively small amount of food. Tris lay around looking sick while Holly paced about. It was early afternoon and when I called the vet there was no answer and I decided not to go through the emergency routine at that stage but when Hols didn't improve and was trying to be sick but couldn't I decided to take them both right to the emergency service. Tris vomited manfully on the way there which was a relief but Holly just looked more and more bloated and uncomfortable.
Holly was 12 and a half and when the vet had examined her she told me that she wasn't a candidate for surgery and that she'd probably just had enough. I was trying hard not to cry as I held her. I didn't want to let her go but when she began to go downhill I had promised her I wouldn't stop her from leaving when it was time. She lay with her little head on my hand as she went to sleep. I dreamed of her on Monday night. My dad passed away quite a few years ago but always wore a pair of bib and brace overalls with a big front pocket - little dream Holly was in that big front pocket enjoying being carried around by my dad, it was a very comforting dream.
I think this is the saddest I have ever felt and now I am so afraid for Tris and of losing him too. He seems to be doing quite well, he is eating like a hoover as usual. He wakes in the night though and cries and I know I am making a rod for my own back but I let him sleep with me this past week - more for me than him I think lol. I've ordered him a microwavable teddy bear to sleep with for his christmas, I'm hoping he will feel comforted with something warm in his bed to snuggle. Poor little man doesn't know which way is up right now as we were in the middle of moving house, we moved in mid week so he has had such a big change in his little life - he's been Hols little brother since I brought him home at 12 weeks old and had never spent a night without her since. I'm not sure how happy he would be to have another dog in his life - he was 10 the day that Holly passed away - and he loves to be the absolute centre of attention.
Anyway, I am sorry for rambling on, I just needed to come and spill this all out with the people who would understand best. Though I've not been in for a while I know you'll all still be like my family.
I'd say everyone here knows exactly how you feel right now...I know I do.
So sorry for your loss.
Rays and Prayers for you and Tristan.
We are so sorry to hear about Holly.
Sending you and Tristan tons of HHHHHH's :comfort: & PPPPPP's :pray: to see you through.
We will be thinking of you both.
Merion & the ZZ's
awwwwwwwwwwww, Gail we are so sorry to hear this. Holly's antics amused many of us--on both Dachshund Circus boards. She was a true doxie full of vinegar and adventure. But it does sound as if she's met an old friend at the bridge--the two of them must be having a grand time (although I don't know if your father was much of a hedge climber.)
and Poor Tris, he sounds so bewildered, with the move and all. I'm sure with some time and your love, he will adjust, but it may take some time. If you need to, come back to the board to share.
We're sending our thoughts and prayers across the Atlantic... :heart: Leslie & Neil
I am so sorry to hear that you lost Holly. Unfortunately, I haven't been on the board long enough to hear about all of her antics. This must be so much harder for you around the holidays. I certainly know how you feel. I'll be thinking about you.
I"m so sorry Gail, who would have ever thought they could get chocolate off the table! My Dane bloated, that is an awful thing to go through, I have not heard of many doxies bloating. Very sad holiday for you and Tris you will be in our thoughts and prayers.
I'm so sorry to hear of Holly's passing. I think your dream was sent to let you know she is ok and with family until you meet again.
Gail, we're so sorry to hear about Holly. She's definitely in good company up at the Bridge. A lot of the friends from the early days of the WW board are there.
I think Tris will be all right. Dogs are far more ready to adapt to change than humans. To them comings and goings from the pack are part of the circle of life. Rudy & Max were never apart from February 1993 until Rudy's death in June 2005. Max adjusted to be an only dog fairly quickly. Granted, he was far older than Tris (Max was 16) when Rudy passed. Try socializing Tris with other puppers. If it seems like he wants a pal, maybe getting a middle-aged rescue (6 - 8 years old) would be a good match.
Very sorry for your loss of Holly Hugs to all.
Gail, I am so very sorry to hear of Holly's passing.....hugs and prayers are on their way to you, your family and Tristan. I think the heatable teddy bear will be of great help to him. God Bless you.
Gail - my heart is breaking for you....it is never easy to let them go. She couldn't have had any better... a wonderful life and mommy with her when she crossed to the Bridge. :comfort: for you and Tris. Godspeed sweet Holly....
How awfully sad. :comfort: We are thinking of you and praying for you! Its so hard to lose them suddenly like that. You're welcome to share memories of her if it helps you.
I do remember the posts about Holly's antics. There is no way to make this any easier. Just know that most of us have been there and know what you are feeling. My little herd at the bridge has a new friend I'm sure.
Sorry for your lose, most of us have been there, but it never gets any easier. Just hope she does not meet bossie boots Emma. Tris will adapt when we lost Ingrid Oliver was depressed for a week or so then we decided to Amy as he did need someone his own size.
Roberta
Dear friend Gail,
Oh how I remember the Holly escapades. What a little stinker! And Mr Tris was our Angel Boy. Please accept my sympathy. It's so hard when we have to say Good Bye to our little sweet (and in Holly's case...spicy) ones.
Kiss Tris for me. He'll be just fine when he figures it out that he's got Mum all to himself.