Results 1 to 12 of 12

Thread: Myndi - ending back-story

  1. #1
    Join Date
    Sep 2007
    Location
    Delaware, USA - The First State/Diamond State - home of The Blue Hens
    Posts
    9,321

    Myndi - ending back-story

    As I had said in Myndi's Memorial, I would post an explanation of what transpired, since I'm certain that some could wonder how she could be seemingly fine one day, yet gone the next. Then I decided not to post. Well I've changed my mind yet again, since a very wise PT member here thought that there could be some useful info in the account - something that just might help some other pet parent in the future. I have learned much here over the years by reading of various issues - both good and bad - and perhaps there might be something in Myndi's story that could help others in the future. If it does, then my posting or your reading will not be a waste of time.

    Myndi was very old - 17.5 years - and had outlived her life expectancy by a long time. She had heart and kidney issues for several years. The kidney issue was managed very well with a prescription diet, and the heart issue was just a matter of a vital part wearing out. There was no med to give her to help that wouldn't do more harm to her kidneys, so she continued on as her happy, spunky and spazzy self with little problems. She was strong and determined to do things her way. She was no "shrinking violet" or a delicate and fragile little China Doll type, even tho her heart was slowing her down some.

    Last Spring she started having fainting/near fainting spells, from her heart not pumping enough oxygen to her brain. They were infrequent and didn't faze her much at all - she would be back up and bouncing around in just a few minutes like nothing had happened. Then those "episodes" were on the increase the last month or so - not everyday - but a definite increase. She didn't have CHF like Sparky did, and her vet still didn't want to put her on any heart med and cause more kidney damage, and likely would not have been beneficial to her heart anyway.

    Myndi had 3 of her "episodes" last week - one each early a.m. on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday and made her almost instantaneous recovery as usual. She didn't have one Thursday so decided on the light spa treatment. She was fine - ate a snack and her lunch and then took her nap. Still okay when she got up, but then later wouldn't eat her supper. All she did was pace-pace-pace. She used to pace a little - I called it "doing laps exercise", but only a few minutes at a time. This went on non-stop and she would only stop when I picked her up. She was totally agitated and confused - would stop by her water bowl and look at it like she didn't know what it was or why she stopped - take a couple of laps of water and pace some more. She would get into a corner and stand there like she didn't know how to get back out, and I'd have to rescue her. Of course I'm getting FRANTIC now. Took her to bed - paced all over the bed - put her down on the floor - paced more. Around 2 a.m. we went back to the living room - figured she might go under my desk and go to sleep - finally at 4:30 she did and I fell asleep on the sofa. Woke up at 6 and she was already up pacing. Tried breakfast - she wouldn't eat so I called the vet at 7 and took her in at 9:30. I knew this was bad - REALLY BAD! I knew deep down that she wouldn't be coming back home with me.

    After I told doc what was happening she listened to Myndi's chest and said she never heard so much furious activity inside one little dog as she was hearing then - was even hearing a lot where she should be hearing none. The heart was furiously working to get more oxygen to her brain, but it just wasn't enough to sustain her - thus the confusion and agitation and pacing. Her mind was slipping away with her body. Nothing to do but let nature take it's course. I could take her home and wait for one of 3 things to happen - #1 she could go to sleep and not wake up, #2 she could pace herself into total exhaustion and collapse and die, #3 seizures followed by death. I would pray for #1, but that wasn't likely after her actions the previous night, and 2 and 3 just weren't options for me to consider, so I had Dr. Annie help my girl one last time. She gave her a strong sedative to knock her out and I sat cuddling my girl for about 15 more minutes, then doc came back in and gave her the final injection. I stayed with and cuddled her for about another 20 minutes, and then made the lonely trip home alone. She is being cremated and will come home to me next week. It broke my heart to let her go, but "Myndi" was no longer inside that little head of hers, and in all reality had only a few hours or days left. She had been slipping away for the last few months, but she was such a strong-willed and determined little girl, that she worked right thru it and continued on with life pretty much normal and as usual. I want to remember her that way, and it was less than 24 hours before when she was still her spunky and sassy little self. She wasn't going to let anyone treat her like that breakable China Doll that she never was! And thank God that she didn't have to linger on, trapped in a mind that was alien.

    In a way, I'm grateful that this happened now - before the move to NC. I don't think she would have adapted at all, and the biggest reason I've been dragging my feet with this move, was all because of Myndi. It would have been so wrong to take her away from the only home and people that she has ever known and loved. Even tho I would be with her - nothing else would be the same. But at least she got to make a trip down there with us in May, and now she will be familiar with it when we finally do get down there. Of course she and Sparky (as well as other RB kids) will make the move there. too.

    So did too much activity from her spa day cause too much stress and her ultimate demise???? - no, of course not. It was just a coincidence and I will never think otherwise. This had been a long time coming and could have happened at any time and under any circumstances. If you doubt it, read "The Clock of Life" in my siggy - I believe that it applies to our furkids too.

    My house (and heart) is so empty right now, but I know the pain will subside. Right now the only good side to this, is that she is with Sparky once again. What a pair they were....



    See below pic - so typical - front and center with a big smile and being the center of attention. This was taken Christmas morning several years ago and has always been a favorite of mine since it shows her personality so good. Also another of my granddaughter and the 2 Fuzzbuttz.
    Attached Thumbnails Attached Thumbnails Click image for larger version. 

Name:	DSCF3420_edited.JPG 
Views:	79 
Size:	325.1 KB 
ID:	56961   Click image for larger version. 

Name:	DSCF4053.JPG 
Views:	79 
Size:	604.1 KB 
ID:	56962  
    ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
    Wolfy ~ Fuzzbutt #3
    My little dog ~ a heartbeat at my feet

    Sparky the Fuzzbutt - PT's DOTD 8/3/2010
    RIP 2/28/1999~10/9/2012
    Myndi the Fuzzbutt - Mom's DOTD - Everyday
    RIP 1/24/1996~8/9/2013
    Ellie - Mom to the Fuzzbuttz

    To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven.
    Ecclesiastes 3:1
    The clock of life is wound but once and no man has the power
    To know just when the hands will stop - on what day, or what hour.
    Now is the only time you have, so live it with a will -
    Don't wait until tomorrow - the hands may then be still.
    ~~~~true author unknown~~~~

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Dec 2011
    Location
    Indiana
    Posts
    412
    I'm so sorry for your loss! I know Myndi had a long and happy life with you. Treasure the memories!!!
    Owned by my baby and heart-dog Lolli.

    If each pet we love takes a part of our heart and replaces it with a part of theirs, my heart is a very strange collection of pieces, but I wouldn't have it any other way


    Some people believe holding on and hanging in there are signs of great strength. However, there are times when it takes much more strength to know when to let go, and then do it. --Ann Landers

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Sep 2002
    Location
    Cincinnati, Ohio USA
    Posts
    11,467
    Gosh, it is just so sad. First Sparky, then Myndi. I am again just so sorry.

    I surely hope there was nothing in my post that felt like I was questioning anything!!!

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Sep 2007
    Location
    Delaware, USA - The First State/Diamond State - home of The Blue Hens
    Posts
    9,321
    Quote Originally Posted by Cataholic View Post
    Gosh, it is just so sad. First Sparky, then Myndi. I am again just so sorry.

    I surely hope there was nothing in my post that felt like I was questioning anything!!!
    Yes - it was 10 months to the day after I lost Sparky, that I lost Myndi.

    Questioning you???? - absolutely NOT. Yours was one of the more touching posts, and I thank you from the bottom of my empty and broken heart.

    I am now dogless in Delaware - very strange indeed. This is the first time in over 50 years that I haven't been a "Pet-mom" to a cat, dog, bird, rabbit, or a multiple combination of all/any of them. I'm officially retiring and will now settle for being a "Pet-aunt" to the crew in NC - 3 dogs, 3 cats, and 2 large and noisy birds! One of my biggest concerns of being a pet parent, was that I would go and leave one or more of them behind. Of course they would get cared for by other family members - but not like I cared for them. So I can rest easier in that respect......
    ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
    Wolfy ~ Fuzzbutt #3
    My little dog ~ a heartbeat at my feet

    Sparky the Fuzzbutt - PT's DOTD 8/3/2010
    RIP 2/28/1999~10/9/2012
    Myndi the Fuzzbutt - Mom's DOTD - Everyday
    RIP 1/24/1996~8/9/2013
    Ellie - Mom to the Fuzzbuttz

    To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven.
    Ecclesiastes 3:1
    The clock of life is wound but once and no man has the power
    To know just when the hands will stop - on what day, or what hour.
    Now is the only time you have, so live it with a will -
    Don't wait until tomorrow - the hands may then be still.
    ~~~~true author unknown~~~~

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Mar 2002
    Location
    Santa Paula, CA
    Posts
    27,648
    Thanks for sharing all of these details about your beloved Myndi. I know how hard it must've been. I wish you good luck with your move and in the future too. Please take care. (((HUGS)))

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Jun 2000
    Location
    Windham, Vermont, USA
    Posts
    40,828
    I, too, am glad this happened before the big move, and know you can be at peace about that. Her little heart just gave out, but we know she is with you, always and forever, and even when you unpack in North Carolina, you will find little black dog hairs on things, as Myndi's way of saying "Still with ya!"
    I've Been Frosted

  7. #7
    Join Date
    Oct 2008
    Location
    Ellicott City MD
    Posts
    5,733
    Ellie, all I could think when I heard about Myndi was it was her way of saying, 'Mom, I can't make this move, it's time for your new beginning, I love you and I'm going to be with Sparky'. I think it was her way of going when she knew it was time.
    http://bestsmileys.com/cats1/4.gif

    ​GO RAVENS!!

  8. #8
    Join Date
    Sep 2007
    Location
    Delaware, USA - The First State/Diamond State - home of The Blue Hens
    Posts
    9,321
    Quote Originally Posted by Pinot's Mom View Post
    Ellie, all I could think when I heard about Myndi was it was her way of saying, 'Mom, I can't make this move, it's time for your new beginning, I love you and I'm going to be with Sparky'. I think it was her way of going when she knew it was time.
    Absolutely, Maggie. And that picture of her I posted a while back of her gazing at Sparky's picture everyday - no coincidence there (IMO), and I believe they were communicating about the whole issue - laying plans if you can wrap your mind around that. Some may think I'm nutty, but I don't see any other reason for it........... So am I nutty?? - maybe - then again - maybe not.
    ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
    Wolfy ~ Fuzzbutt #3
    My little dog ~ a heartbeat at my feet

    Sparky the Fuzzbutt - PT's DOTD 8/3/2010
    RIP 2/28/1999~10/9/2012
    Myndi the Fuzzbutt - Mom's DOTD - Everyday
    RIP 1/24/1996~8/9/2013
    Ellie - Mom to the Fuzzbuttz

    To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven.
    Ecclesiastes 3:1
    The clock of life is wound but once and no man has the power
    To know just when the hands will stop - on what day, or what hour.
    Now is the only time you have, so live it with a will -
    Don't wait until tomorrow - the hands may then be still.
    ~~~~true author unknown~~~~

  9. #9
    Join Date
    Aug 2006
    Location
    Methuen, MA; USA
    Posts
    17,105
    Dear Ellie, thank you for filling in the blanks on Myndi's passing. Reading the comical thread in her voice of her big spa day, and then to have that update on post #9 was quite shocking. This helps so much. I'm glad you decided to share with us.
    .

  10. #10
    Join Date
    Oct 2005
    Location
    Illinois, USA
    Posts
    28,379
    Quote Originally Posted by pomtzu View Post
    Yes - it was 10 months to the day after I lost Sparky, that I lost Myndi.

    Questioning you???? - absolutely NOT. Yours was one of the more touching posts, and I thank you from the bottom of my empty and broken heart.

    I am now dogless in Delaware - very strange indeed. This is the first time in over 50 years that I haven't been a "Pet-mom" to a cat, dog, bird, rabbit, or a multiple combination of all/any of them. I'm officially retiring and will now settle for being a "Pet-aunt" to the crew in NC - 3 dogs, 3 cats, and 2 large and noisy birds! One of my biggest concerns of being a pet parent, was that I would go and leave one or more of them behind. Of course they would get cared for by other family members - but not like I cared for them. So I can rest easier in that respect......
    Pet-aunt ... okay, but if a future fuzzbutt comes a-calling after you have made your move, I have to believe that Sparky and Myndi have something to do with it. If not, I'm sure you will be the best pet-aunt EVER!
    Praying for peace in the Middle East, Ukraine, and around the world.

    I've been Boo'd ... right off the stage!

    Aaahh, I have been defrosted! Thank you, Bonny and Asiel!
    Brrrr, I've been Frosted! Thank you, Asiel and Pomtzu!


    "That's the power of kittens (and puppies too, of course): They can reduce us to quivering masses of Jell-O in about two seconds flat and make us like it. Good thing they don't have opposable thumbs or they'd surely have taken over the world by now." -- Paul Lukas

    "We consume our tomorrows fretting about our yesterdays." -- Persius, first century Roman poet

    Cassie's Catster page: http://www.catster.com/cats/448678

  11. #11
    Join Date
    Nov 2006
    Location
    California
    Posts
    11,778
    Wow, my eyes were definitely full reading this. Thank you so much for sharing. It could become useful information in the future. 17 1/2 years is a GOOD LONG life! That is amazing!

    I can just see Sparky waiting at the bridge and running over to Myndi as she approached. That also brings tears to my eyes.

    Ok, I better go since I am at work.

    Big hugs to you!!!
    Our goal in life should be - to be as good a person as our dog thinks we are.

    Thank you for the siggy, Michelle!


    Cindy (Human) - Taz (RB Tabby) - Zoee (RB Australian Shepherd) - Paizly (Dilute Tortie) - Taggart (Aussie Mix) - Jax (Brown & White Tabby), - Zeplyn (Cattle Dog Mix)

  12. #12
    I finally got the time to read this. Thanks for filling in the blanks Ellie. This must be such a hard time for you.
    Myndi and Sparky had such a good life and are playing at the RB together.
    http://petoftheday.com/talk/signaturepics/sigpic9646_1.gif
    Forever in my heart...
    Casey.Ginger.Corey.Mandy.Sassy
    Lacey.Angel.Missy.Jake.Layla

Bookmarks

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •  

Copyright © 2001-2013 Pet of the Day.com