Strudel Went to the Bridge

LesleyandStrudel · December 16, 2007, 09:10:29 AM

Hello everyone. I'd been posting here years ago about my beloved Strudel, who was as sweet as her name. Sadly, so was her tooth. The other day her kitty sisters knocked a bag off the dining room table which contained roughly 18 or so ounces of chocolate. Well, Srudel did what anyone would have (If I'd checked closer I could have intervened sooner ... I heard the bag fall, but forgot about the chocolate).

So, I called the emergency room vet, who recommended she come in if there's any vomiting or anything. That night I had to work the overnight shift in a group home, but I got permission to bring Strudel with me, and coverage for if we had to go. So, we did. The vet said she would be fine.

All that whole night Strudel was pacing, walking, stumbling, falling, getting back up, pacing. I called the vet again to be sure this was to be expected, and she said yes, it was. Then came the poop fest ... it was AWFUL, but I figured it would be a good sign -- get as much bad out as soon as possible! She seemed a little quieter in the morning, so we went home like normal, I tried to feed her, and all she would do is drink water. i considered that a good sign - water fights dehydration, anyway! I had to work another overnight shift, but seeing that Strudel was sleeping, she had been able to find her pee pads (a godsend for nightshift workers!), I figured she'd sleep through the night, and I'd be able to get some food into her this morning.

Well, when got home this morning, Mother Nature beat me to the punch. Strudel had already left me.

She was 10, had a lift long history of Lyme disease, and recently I had been investigating an increase in urination and in insatiable appitite. My old vet believed she had bladder stones (and I did notice some improvement when I added apple cider vinigar to her food), but I'd been suspecting Cushings disease. Neither posed any immediate threat, so I'd been planning to go vet shopping after the holidays. As it happened, this ER vet took tests so I could have had a second opinion within the week. (AND a credit plan so I could have financed whatever need be!)

So, my best guess is that any or more of several things could have happened. Maybe the caffine from the chocolate stimulated the Lyme, which might have caused havvoc. Maybe the exhaustion from a night of pacing weakened her heart. Maybe there WERE stones, preventing her from passing urine. Knowing the truth wouldn't change anything, so I'm trying not to think too much about it.

There's so much more I wanted for her! These last three years I've been forced to work two jobs, so I never felt I was around enough for her. She never minded -- she was always there for me to hold when I was sad, to beg from me whenever I ate, to keep me company on our rides to go see Grammy & Grampy (she loved that so much!)

I'm not sure how I'll get along without her, but I pretty much must. I've done my praying, and I've always had a pact with her that no matter where we are, no matter what kind of body we have, we're friends for ever and ever and ever. I guess now's the time to hold her to it!

Thank you everyone who's offered love and support over the years. I know the day will come when I have other furbabies - my e-mail address and usual sign on name is Dachsowned -- I feel reasonable sure there will always be a stubby legged pup or two in my life. And when that time comes, you'll all be among the first to know!

DeeanDave · December 16, 2007, 09:23:50 AM

I am so sorry to hear about Strudel-Angel. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Strudel will always be in your heart and she will be watching over you. Know that she is now pain-free, playing and frolicking at the Rainbow Bridge with all the doxies angels. Dee and Dave, Owned by Sarge, Duggie and Looie-Angel

Kari · December 16, 2007, 09:26:31 AM

I am so sorry to hear this! You are in our thoughts and prayers :grouphug2:

Ruth in MT · December 16, 2007, 09:38:30 AM

I am sorry for your loss.

Barb · December 16, 2007, 01:51:59 PM

I am so sorry for your loss. We are here for you -

Merion · December 16, 2007, 03:22:43 PM

So very sorry to hear about Strudel. Sending you HHHHH's & PPPPP's at this difficult time.
Merion & the ZZ's

sollysmom · December 16, 2007, 03:30:10 PM

I am so sorry for you loss. I am

for you and sending lots of

. Keep the faith and you will heal.

Darcel

David C. · December 16, 2007, 07:52:31 PM

I remember you and Strudel from your postings a few years back. We're all so sorry to hear about your loss. Please feel free to come back and post anytime.

cheryl186 · December 16, 2007, 09:37:28 PM

I am so very sorry to hear of Strudel's passing. Sending you comforting hugs and prayers at this difficult time.

papbouv · December 16, 2007, 10:30:58 PM

Very sorry to hear of your loss of Strudel too bad the vet's would not do something about it when you first voiced your concerns know how hard it is too lose a Furkid our thoughts are with you.RIP Strudel may she be a the Bridge healthy and well playing with all the other Wiener's that have crossed over till you arrive in the future.
papbouv
Patches & Buddy

Sandishooligans · December 16, 2007, 10:33:45 PM

Oh no, Lesley! I'm so sorry to hear about Strudel. So very sad. Please accept my deepest sympathy. Mark and I truly are saddened by this news.

Roberta · December 16, 2007, 11:23:10 PM

Lesley my heart like the others go out to you at present, nothing at present helps, but know we are here if you need us. God bless her and keep her till you meet up again.
Roberta

LesleyandStrudel · December 17, 2007, 06:34:15 AM

I remember you, Dave! It's been a while, for sure. Once I moved from my old house (my ex never really liked Strudel,) and we got on our own, I lost track of the Wiener board. One thing's for sure, though, Strudel thrived on pure love! Early on she never trusted men (which is understandable, considering she never felt she was in the good favor of the Pack Leader!) Soon she became friendly and full of fun (except for the time she slipped out of her collar at an out door concert to attack a Jack Russel passing by!) And she ADORED going to Grammy and Grampy's house! (My dad HATES the title of "grampy!) I was talking to him yesterday, and he'd noticed that even as recently as Thanksgiving, he didn't think Strudel looked right - he had a feeling she was winding down. My sister thinks her chocolate spree was her last hurrah, and she probably thoroughly enjoyed herself, maybe even knowing her end was drawing near. I doubt a dog can figure enough to plan a suicide or anything like that, but I think she went the way she'd have wanted. She was at home, surrounded by love, and she was only sick for a day or so. So, all I have to do is try to figure out how to get along without her! And soon enough, there will be other stubby legged fur babies running around my home! I don't do well without canine companionship, that's for absolute sure!

LesleyandStrudel · December 17, 2007, 06:37:09 AM

Thank you everyone for your kind words, thoughts and prayers! It means so much to me! And when I'm joined by my next fur baby (who will naturally have short legs!), I'll be back to share my goofy stories these wonderful creatures supply us with!

Mike · December 17, 2007, 07:00:43 AM

I'm sorry to hear of Strudel passing. Don't wait until the dog-a-pult takes aim at you to stop in and post. We'd like to hear of the good times you and Strudel had since you last were a regular.

papbouv · December 17, 2007, 07:18:21 AM

It sometimes helps to write down all the good times you had with your FurKid we care.
papbouv

Kevin · December 17, 2007, 12:46:20 PM

Jeri and I also remember you and Strudel-Angel. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. You are right, you and Strudel will always be together in some way. Peace be with you both,
Kevin and Jeri.

Brekkesmom · December 17, 2007, 08:44:49 PM

I am sorry for your loss of Strudel, but God has gathered one more beautiful dachsie soul to His breast. Godspeed, Strudel-Angel!

We know and understand your loss and sense of missing a part of you...

doxielady5569128 · December 18, 2007, 05:51:48 PM

That is so heartbreaking!! I'm so sorry for your loss and sorry I missed your post.

Leslie · December 19, 2007, 11:02:10 AM

AAAAAAhhh, Lesley that is so sad. I'll say a special prayer for you and Strudel-angel. So sorry for your loss--especially this time of year.

to you.

PattyInAK · December 23, 2007, 08:43:57 AM

Hi Lesley, of course I remember you and Strudel. I am so sorry to hear that she passed away. I hope you know that we are all here for you to lend a shoulder if you need it. Strudel was very loved by you and she knew it. Take care of yourself, and please post again, this board is such a comfort at times like this.

Spanish Teckels · December 01, 2008, 08:14:27 AM

We´re so sorry to hear about your loss, Lesley, we definitely remember both of you and are sure Strudel will be there waiting for you when you need her. You must be missing her terribly, take comfort in knowing how blessed she was to have you too.

Strudel Went to the Bridge

Sandishooligans