Monday, October 24, 2011

Another Sad Loss

To say this has been a bad year for losses of so many of our furry loved ones and friends, would be an understatement. Now, another sad loss. Our dear friend, and mom's very first foster dog, Kelsey has gone to the bridge quite unexpectedly.


Mom rescued Kelsey in February 2002 from near death at a shelter in St. Joseph Missouri. He was only about a year old at that time. She fostered him for 8 months until she found the perfect home for him.


Not only did Kelsey get a fabulous home, but our mom got a great new friend in Kelsey's new mom and their family.

Kelsey survived eating parts of a purse that got lodged in his stomach and intestines back in March 2007. He had to go through three surgeries in two days. The vet didn't give him very good chances of survival, but his mom never gave up on him and he pulled through!



He was a tough boy and was back to his playful self. Here he is doing the upside-down froggie doggie!

But, that wasn't the last of Kelsey's amazing survival stories. In August 2009 Kelsey was diagnosed with a nerve sheath tumor at the base of his spine, by his tail. Mom and Kelsey's mom drove him to Colorado State University's Veterinary Hospital where the amazing doctors there were able to completely remove his tumor. Unfortunately, his fluffy tail had to go, too. But that was ok, we just all referred to him as the little polar bear!


He was such a loving boy! Always happy to be with his family, especially when he was getting his tummy scritches!


However, a couple weeks ago he started to become very weak and had problems getting up and down and his mom thought he might just be having some arthritis problems. She tried Rimadyl but it didn't work, and he was getting worse. So, on Saturday she took him to the vet to see what was going on. The diagnosis was a fast moving, degenerative neuropathy. His spinal cord was no longer able to send the signals to his legs and so they were no longer able to work correctly, or carry his weight. Knowing things were only going to continue to get worse, his mom and dad made that ever so difficult decision to let him go.


Run fast and painless now my dear friend. You were such a trooper and tough boy to have lived through all the health obstacles that were thrown your way. Your mom and dad did so much for you and loved you so completely. There will definitely be a huge hole in their lives and hearts at your loss. May you wear your Silver Harness with great pride.

With many tears and sad woo's,
Hollybollyboo and the rest of the crew. And, most especially our mom, too.

13 comments:

Anonymous said...

My heart aches for you even tho Kelsy has crossed the bridge and now is happy and well. This I truly believe this and you will meet him again. God Bless all of you.

Jack & Moo said...

Our hearts go out to you and Kelsey's family. Lovely tribute to the love, pride, and dedication of he & his family to one another.
Run free, handsome boy.... till you all meet again.

sad woos,
jack, moo & momma pat

Angels Amber and Max DaWeenie and Mom said...

Our deepest sympathy to your family and to Kelsey's family. He fought and won battle after battle, but in the end, the war can never be won. Kelsey will be remembered always by everyone who loved him.

Kari in Alaska said...

Rest in peace sweet Kelsey!

Stop on by for a visit
Kari
http://dogisgodinreverse.com

♥♥ The OP Pack ♥♥ said...

So sad, we have often wondered how Kelsey was doing. His Mom did so much to help him when he had to lose his beautiful tail. He always made us think of our Dakota. RIP, sweet Kelsey - and gentle hugs to his family.

Woos ~ Phantom, Thunder, Ciara, and Lightning

Redberry Cottage said...

We are heartbroken to read about beautiful Kelsey. May his family find comfort in good memories.

Nina, Myshka, Sasha, Betsy, Lucy, Phoebe and Lily

Anonymous said...

Kelsey's mommy here. I can't thank you all enough for your kind words regarding our loss. To say that I am devastated is a huge understatement. He was always my baby and I loved him more than life itself. It doesn't seem fair to me that I don't get to kiss him anymore. I know time will make it better, but right now I just can't imagine a day without crying over this loss. He was my whole heart and I am just hurting so much. I appreciate all of you and know that Kelsey would have loved to have met you all. Thanks! Cody

NAK and The Residents of The Khottage Now With KhattleDog! said...

We are still stunned over the news -

Although the hardest thing to do, giving Kelsey that last special gift of love is what we owe our furries when the situation warrants it -

Kelsey has been included in the candle we've had lit in recent nights -

Hugz&Khysses,
Khyra and Phyll

Amy / Layla the Malamute said...

Oh no...I'm so sorry :( he sounds like a very tough and brave, special boy. I like his polar bear nickname. It really isn't fair.

bichonpawz said...

We are so very sorry to hear of the loss of your friend. Our hearts and prayers go out to Kelsey's friends and family.
xoxo Chloe and LadyBug

Dexter said...

What a strong, brave pup. Run free, my friend.

Mango

Jans Funny Farm said...

We are so sorry for the loss of Kelsey. He sounds like quite a dog. And he made you new friends. Sending lots of purrs and woofs to all of you, including the nice family who adopted Kelsey.

FiveSibesMom said...

I am so sorry to read this story. There have been too many losses of furpals this year indeed. What a beautiful boy. He sure sounds like a very special dog, and a fighter too. Our thoughts are with you, and his hu-family and may he be running free beyond the Rainbow Bridge.