17 February 2008

Lily has died


My lovely chihuahua Lily died this morning at home, at 8.40am. She had congestive heart failure, and had been on medication since late October, but not going very well on it. She was 12 years and 4 months old.

Her condition has been getting worse over the last week,... At 4am Dotter woke me - together with Hubby we kept a watch over Lil, with lots of chest rubs - but it was obvious there wasn't much more we could do. Her breathing was very fast (up to 140 breaths/minute - 30 is normal), and her lungs were filling with fluid.

At 8am it was clear that she wasn't going to live much longer, and that she wouldn't survive a car journey to the vet (who opened at 9am). I stayed with her for the whole end... it's the first time I've been at a death, actually. She was barely conscious for most of the last half hour, and I kept thinking she'd gone, but then she'd suddenly breathe and startle me.

We held a little family funeral for her - she's buried in the garden, with a yellow bush rose on top. I'm going to collect a smooth river stone and paint her name and dates on it, to sit next to the rose.

Lily was brave - she would chase foxes and any other dog - all of whom were bigger than her (let's face it, most cats were bigger than her!), she would bark fearlessly at visitors to our home (often a bit too much!).

Lily was intelligent - asking for pats, ignoring commands when it didn't suit her, asking for food and water, understanding what we said to her.

Lily was loving and delightful - a very gentle-natured dog (when not on alarm dog duty!), everyone who came into contact with her loved her, even if they didn't like dogs or chihuahas much. Her vets said she was the sweetest natured chihuahua they knew. She loved nothing better than to curl up on your lap for endless rubs and scratches (and she'd claw at your hand if you had the temerity to stop!). She loved sleeping on my knitting, especially lace shawls.

She will be so deeply and sorely missed... I am relieved that it's over, too, it's been a terribly stressful nearly-4 months since she first collapsed back in October.

36 comments:

  1. Oh Jejune! I am so sorry for your loss! Lily was such a little character and I'm sure she'll be sorely missed. I'm glad you were all there for her. She would have felt very loved.

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  2. I am so sorry for your loss. It is hard to lose a loved pet. They are like are children. I am sure that you gave Lily comfort in her last moments.

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  3. Oh dear me. My condolences. She was very much loved and it has been hard. Sending her a little prayer from my end.

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  4. I'm so very sorry for your loss. I'll be thinking of you.

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  5. We are so sorry to learn that Lily has died. She was loved. We have a rose for each of our dogs: Peace for Tori and Mr Lincoln for Vundy. They have bloomed all Summer and brought happy memories. We know you will have those too.

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  6. i am very sorry to hear about lily's passing. i know how much she will be missed and how much it hurts to know shes gone. may she rest in peace. take care. kxx

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  7. Oh Nisi.

    I shed some tears over this - which was unexpected, but I just know how stressful this has been for you and how brave lily and your family have been.

    I'm glad she was able to pass away at home with her family - a beautiful end.

    I'm so sorry.

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  8. I'm so sorry for your loss of Lily. She passed away loved though, and I'm sure her love for you was as boundless. Sending you and her a little prayer.

    *big hugs*

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  9. Oh I am so sorry - losing a special family member(as dogs are) is a deep sadness - my thoughts are with you!

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  10. lots of love and puppy kisses. I'm so sorry and know where you are at this moment. As always, this too shall get better with time.

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  11. So sorry to hear this, you will miss your lovely, and loved, Lily. So good you were there with her, that would have been a comfort to her.

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  12. This came as such a shock when you texted me. I said to Sean, but she was barking and carrying on madly yesterday and I thought how energetic she seemed. Such a shock. I'm so sorry. She was indeed such a great little character.

    Going to your house will be so different now. Can Dotter run around crazily when visitors arrive, making lots of noise, so it doesn't feel so weird?

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  13. Dear Jejune
    I'm so sorry - thinking of you and your family.
    Rest in peace little one.

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  14. Big *HUG*!!! Thinking of you xo

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  15. Don't worry Jejune, Tils' will look after Lily. Mum said all animals go to a better place where they get to have parties and lollies all the time. They also get to play with angels and fairies!

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  16. So sorry.

    I have a sweet chihuahua too, and there is nothing quite like them. Comforting like cuddly cats, yet lively and endearing like dogs.

    At least she isn't suffering anymore.

    casp

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  17. Small dogs never believe they are small, do they? They feel as big as their spirit. I am sorry to hear it.

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  18. May we all go with as much love and dignity when our time comes. You gave her such a good life! You are in our prayers.

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  19. My thoughts are with you. So sorry for your loss. My Mom did the same thing with the burial in planting a rose bush. Make sure you have a real good hard cry.

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  20. Knowing something is coming doesn't make it any easier. I'm thinking about you and sending warm hugs and peace your way.

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  21. I am sorry for your loss but I am glad that Lily was with you for the time that she was. It sounds like she was well loved and loved back as well.

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  22. Oh that's hard. Very sorry, though yes, a relief too.

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  23. Deepest sympathies, long-distance hugs, and peaceful thoughts to your and yours.

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  24. I never met lily - but I feel like I knew her and can't help but shed a tear. I am glad you were there with her til the end. I am sure she felt well loved and your company reduced any pain she may have experienced.

    My thoughts to you and yours. I think that if I lost Pierre I would be out of it for some time and would have difficulty posting about such a loss.

    Excuse me - I am going to enjoy some cuddles with my pupster and take the time to appreciate all that our pets give us.

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  25. Lily will be missed by all who knew her.
    Lily's lovely disposition is a testament to the loving family with whom she lived. She was unique and special and will always have a special place in your family's heart.

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  26. Im so sorry to hear this news Jejune, although very glad to hear to were with Lily in her last moments. She had such spirit and verve and intelligence. My love to you and your family. xxx

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  27. I'm SO sorry to read this. But what a wonderful life I'm sure she had with you and your family.

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  28. I was there for my last dog at her end. While it was hard I was glad that she wasn't alone and she knew that someone was with her who loved her. My heart goes out to you. Have a good cry. I'm about to as I remember how much I loved my dog.

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  29. I'm glad I had the opportunity to meet Lily and sorry that she is no longer with you - although I'm sure she'll remain in your hearts. I love that you weren't afraid to bury her in your yard and give her a lovely rose to remember her by.

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  30. Im so sorry to hear about Lilly! I feel foryou losing your little friend,I thank heavon my two,Fluffa and Tilly are still very young and will be with us for a long time.
    Im thinking of you.

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  31. I just saw Lily's beautiful picture on Ravelry, and was so sad for you when I saw your post. Big hug to you. You're in my heart.

    Melody (knottymelody on Ravelry)

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  32. Oh, Denise! I am so, so sorry! Poor little Lily! {hugs} to you and Dotter!

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  33. It's been over a year - I went back to your blog to read this - as I am going through a minor trauma with Chloe from last night. Chloe is doing much better tday, but I was thinking of Lily - and went back for a read. : )

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