Saturday, July 30, 2011

Full Tilt, right to the end

She had an episode on our walk and I had to carry her home - she didn't really recover from that point on. After spending the night in a 24hr Emergency Clinic for animals we finally got the prognosis from the doctor: Louise was suffering from congestive heart failure, the symptoms of which intensified greatly earlier that night. X-rays showed the telltale signs. Other tests showed that she was no longer able to get sufficient oxygen from breathing - possibly from fluid in her lungs. Holly and I opted to say our goodbyes to Louise rather than to prolong her suffering - Louise died this morning, at 6:15 am. This was not a financial decision but rather one made out of compassion. We let Louise leave with dignity.

While in hindsight we can see some of the telltale symptoms of her progressing condition, Holly and I were blissfully unaware of how weak Louise was becoming. Sure, she was slowing down, but Louise was pretty good at indicating to us when she wasn't interested in going out, etc. In some ways this proved to be a good thing for Louise as she continued to live her life unencumbered with thoughts of tomorrow and for the most part, at her pace.

Louise's final week was spent pretty much like any other week - she was in the office with me on Thursday, she was rolling around on the sofa in one of her playful 'wrestling matches' with me just yesterday, our walks were relaxed and quite enjoyable in the summer weather. Louise generally wanted nothing more than to be with Holly or I. (and whatever was on our plates.) Just yesterday she was barking on the sidewalk, just letting the neighborhood know she was there. Every day was a happy one, so long we we were together.

Louise was one of those fantastic, 'enrich your life in ways you never thought possible' kind of dogs. By that I mean to say she was a completely normal dog given a chance to be a part of a group who adopted her as one of their own. Our family group consisted of my wife and I, two cats and of course, Louise. Having two cats in the group ensured that our days would never be boring, as there was always just a little friction between them and Louise. But they had their moments of reconciliation as well.

I don't have a fantastic memory, which is why I'm thankful right now to have kept a record of her time with us here on this blog. Sure, the frequency of updates slowed down over the last while, but so did Louise, so I figure it evens out. Just knowing that I have several years' worth of stories and photos to remind me of the many adventures she had is comforting to me.

This is going to be the last blog post here but the content will stay up for those who wish to continue remembering this little dog. Comments will stay enabled for now and as always, we read every one. I hope you enjoyed these random stories about our little 'Heavy Breather'.

29 comments:

theshinyblueone said...

My condolences on your loss. I'll remember Wheezie with fondness.

Mrs. Dirty Hair said...

I am sorry for your loss, happy that you have this blog for memories, and happy that Louise had a long, rich life.

Yvette said...

I'm so sad for you and Holly, Dave. Louise was such a wonderful dog. I am so glad I was able to spend some time with her last week. I will miss her...

Brutus, Ellie, Pippa and Otto said...

We are sad for your loss... A lot of our furiends have gone to the bridge recently, so Louise is in good company up there.

Pugs & Kisses,

Yoda, Brutus & Ellie

Sandra y Coco Pug said...

I am so sorry for your loss. We have been following your adventures with Louise and loved each and every one of them. This was a tough decision, but the best one for her.
Please post something here if you ever welcome another dog into your family and decide to blog for him or her.
Sandra and Coco.

Southern Fried Pugs said...

As someone with a senior lady pug, I live in dread of the day when I will have to make that decision for Isabelle. I hope that I have the courage you and your wife had today. Louise was a very well loved pug, which is all any of us can ask for.
You are in my thoughts.

Sequoia & Petunia & Emma said...

I'm so sorry to hear about Louise...she was one of the first pug blog I read and she was a big reason we began our blog. I loved reading her blog and she was truly one of a kind. Many hugs.

Jenn Sequoia Tuni and Emma

Elizabeth said...

I am so sorry to hear about Louise! I adored her from afar and was always happy to check in with your blog and see what she was up to. She certainly seemed to have found her "pugtopia" with the two of you.

Kellee the Caffeinated said...

I am so sorry to hear about Louise and I have enjoyed hearing all about her stories since I joined this blog. My heart is with you!

I lost my Bacon two years ago to congestive heart failure... Maybe those little grey faced smooshies are playing together right now... Not breathing heavy now! <3

The Slimmer Pugs, Kitties, and Mama said...

Bless you and your family for the loss of your sweet Louise. We were blessed with an angel named Megan who died a few days after her 3rd birthday (and her 6 month of living with her forever family) of congenital heart failure and that kept our hearts broken for quite a while. We, at the Slimmer Puggums, hope that you and your wife and 2 cats are able to have your hearts heal quickly...not that you will ever forget her.
Much love,
Mama Mindy of The Slimmer Puggums

Winston Wilbur said...

Our deepest condolences. After stumbling across her blog we were thrilled to find a fellow vancouverite blogger!

We will miss her dearly but we know she lived life to the fullest!

Tweedles -- that's me said...

I am so sorry to hear this sad news.
I did not know Louise but heard about her through Tuni,Sequoia,and Emma's blog.
You gave her such a wonderful home of love and happy days.
So many of our friends have left for the Bridge recently.
We are very sad for you and your family.
love
tweedles

Sandy said...

I am so sorry, like many others Louise was one of the first pugs whose blog I followed. She will be missed, but you will have many memories with the blog and your pictures.

pugsx4 said...

We are so sorry for the loss of Louise. She sure was a wonderful pug.

Two Pugs in a Pod said...

So sorry to hear that you lost your Louise. We loved reading about your adventures with your little lady. She had such a wonderful life! We'll remember her fondly. RIP Wheezie xoxo

Manda Girl said...

I am so sorry to hear of your loss of Louise. I have been reading your blog for years and loved to see her beautiful face and hear of her adventures. It is great that you have this blog to remember all the wonderful times. Our thoughts are with you - Louise is running over the rainbow bridge to be with so many of our pug friends.

tubby3pug said...

I am so sorry for your loss. Your right a normal dog, can often be the very best dog There is no "just a dog dog". Wheezie had an amazing life, just like all loved dogs do

Hesta Nesta said...

I am so sorry for your loss. Your post was very moving and I feel quite sad that I have only just come across your blog but I will read back through all the lovely stories and memories you have of your gorgeous little pug.
love
Jo & The Pugs xxxxx

Punchbugpug said...

As a long time reader of the antics of Louise, we are deeply saddened by her passing. We have so enjoyed reading her antics, office visits, walks, etc. May you be wrapped in her little wrinkled memories!

Hugs,
Punchy & her Puggy crew

Eddie the Pug and his Mom said...

We in NorCal send our condolences on the loss of your sweet Louise...love and snuffles from Eddie the Pug

Canadian Yin Yang said...

My condolences on your loss of Louise, will miss her antics and overall craziness.

"Uncle Chris & Auntie Amy"

Unknown said...

So sad. Louise is a unique dog and part of my memory of the office. I am sure she lived a very happy life.

Sandy said...

I'm so sorry to read that Louise has passed on. She was a true beauty. I loved to read about her going to work with you. Lucky girl! She was the first pug I had ever seen in a stroller. I thought that was great. A friend gift a stroller to me for one of my old ones and she loved riding in it, too. Hugs to you all. I know the memories will make you smile forever.

Paisley Pug said...

My condolences for your loss. I will miss Louise even though I only knew her from this blog. She was an inspiration to me and my dreams of being a parent to a pug.

LL said...

Hi Dave and Holly. I'm so sorry about Weezie. You guys loved her so much and she knew it and that was why she was so happy. I hope you, Holly and the cats are doing okay without her.

Unknown said...

I was thinking about Louise and Chester today and went to visit your website. We are both so sad to read that Louise passed away and know how hard that day was for both of you. She was such a beautiful little "sassy girl" and her and Chester always made a cute couple. Remember the times that she made you laugh and the joy she brought to your lives. We know how much you loved her as we loved our little Chester.

Julia is doing very well and we are getting another black pug puppy this August 27th. It is Julia's nephew and he will be called Edgar.

pugfreak said...

Louise will me missed but not forgotten. You and your wife gave her such a wonderful and rich life. Hang in there.

agent99 said...

So sorry to hear of Louise's passing. I enjoyed sharing her journey over the past couple of years, thank you. It's clear that she was a pampered and loved pooch. Living with a senior, respirationally challenged pug, I cam empathize with your concern for her comfort. Our thoughts are with you.
Gen & Foo, and Mom

Puggyspice said...

I'm so sorry to hear of Louise's passing. It is heartbreaking to lose them - they are family. Louise will always be with you in your hearts.