Tomorrow will be a sad day for me! :(

[Dixieland Dancer]

Tomorrow morning I take my Dixie to the vets to get spayed. Most of you know what a difficult decision this was for me to make. I know I am doing the right thing but this just makes it sooooo permanent. She was a great mom and I enjoyed having the puppies so much. It was the greatest joy! But it did age her and I love her so much I want to take all steps to make sure she is around for many many many many more years!

If the Lord wills there will be more puppies some day. Perhaps Dusty will be a father someday if we get him titled. I've already had people asking if we would but it is way to early to decide. I know I won't unless he is titled.

Here are a few pictures of Dixie and her babies when they were only 5 days old. These were taken on May 7, 2001.

[Gio]

I knew Dixie's appointment was coming up. We will all be there with you tomorrow with our thoughts. When you have a chance let us know how Dixie is doing.

Take care
Gio

The pictures are beautiful, Dixie looks like a wonderful mother

[Logan]

Oh, what precious memories you have with those pictures, Candy. I know you will be glad when tomorrow is over. Don't second guess your decision. Your Dixie will be home in no time and ready for lots and lots of attention!!! And I know she will get it!!!

Kiss her for us, and if you need support while she's away, just head in here, and we'll be here for you.

[aly]

Dixie will be just fine. I'm happy you decided to spay her. She looks like a wonderful, loving mother. But every mother needs a break, right?

Good luck with the appointment and be sure to give her some extra TLC to help her soreness.

[tatsxxx11]

Hi Candy. Oh, what precious "Mommy memories" you have of Dixie and her wee ones! The pictures are so very beautiful. Tomorrow will be hard for you I know. But I think for sure you are making the right decision. We will all be keeping you in our hearts and our thoughts. Before long, she will be home with HER Mommy, looking ahead to a wonderful, carefree life filled with all the attention and love her heart can hold! Please give your beautiful girl a big hug and kiss from me. We'll be thinking of you both all day!! Love, Sandra

[purrley]

Dixie will be just fine and you'll be happy in the long run that you've done this - easier on you and her for sure - I'll be thinking of your sweet baby tomorrow and let us know how she made out

[lizbud]

Dixieland Dancer,

Try not to worry about Dixie. She has done her job
Beautifully !!! Think of all the Beautiful, sound, healthy
Adorable Babies she brought into this world.Each one
going to good & loving homes...You've both done a
very good job...Prayers for a quick recovery for Dixie.

[Sudilar]

Good luck tomorrow. Before you know it, Dixie will be up and running around!! Shiloh felt so good that she jumped the baby gate that was put up to keep her from running around! Keep us posted!

[AmberLee]

{{{Candy, Dixie}}},

You are doing the right thing. Now to be calm and strong and brave so that Dixie can be calm and heal up well and quickly. She'll do better if you are okay. You did a lot of thinking about this, and it's the right decision for the both of you. I'll keep you both in my thoughts and prayers.

[AdoreMyDogs]

Candy, I know this is bitter sweet for you. It is for me as well. Sweet because that heart dog of yours will have the pleasure of living out the rest of her years without the strain and stress of motherhood. Bitter because I know how badly you yearn for another litter of puppies, and I would have LOVED to buy one of Dixie's puppies. Too bad I didn't know you when she had her litter Those pictures are priceless. Look at that beautiful, maternal smile on Dixie's face. I really love Dixie, she's such an angel.

It's so wonderful of you to be making this decision and I wish Dixie a quick recovery from her surgery. I will be thinking about Dixie all day tomorrow.

[C.C.'s Mom]

Good Luck Dixieland Dancer. I'll be thinking of you and your beautiful dog all day.

Those pictures are so wonderful. I showed them my husband and he said it was amazing to see the love in her eyes for her babies.

[mugsy]

Let us know how it goes with Dixie. You will be surprised at how easily she gets through it all.

[Logan]

Dixie,
I was talking with my friend, Robin, yesterday. She has been going back and forth on this same thing with her Maggie (who is Lilly's mother). Maggie has just had the one litter (14 puppies) and she was a terrific mother. Robin "knows" more now than she did then and was doing all the appropriate hip certifications at the urging of her vet. Maggie has arthritis, but perfect hips. She has made the decision, like you, to spay her. And it has broken her heart. I think it is the right decision, but completely understand the dilemma for both of you, since you have such beautiful, maternal girls.
Hope Dixie has a good day today. Report in when you can.
Logan

[Dixieland Dancer]

I gave her a bath last night so she would be nice and clean and then I dropped her off this morning. It was a very emotional thing for me and I'm sure they thought I was nuts for boo hooing. They even suggested I cancel it and think it over more. I said no, I know I'm doing the right thing but she is my baby. I cried all the way to work after dropping her off. I'm okay now but there is this sinking feeling in the pit of my stomach.

I have very fond memories of her and her puppies and even have the biggest baby boy to show for it! I could not of asked for a more perfect puppy than Dusty and I have Dixie to thank for it!

I know some of you are probably thinking what's the big deal! I know it's not that tramatic of a deal but I would of liked to have another litter of her puppies! It is now a permanent decision that I can't. Thank you for letting me ramble.

I am just a little confused. I thought I would be able to pick her up late this afternoon but they told me I can't pick her up until tomorrow afternoon. They want to administer pain medication and make sure she eats tomorrow morning. Is this normal? I think she would be better off with me taking care of her.

[purrley]

I think its pretty standard that the vet likes to keep a female over night to make sure everything is OK - the drugs are worn off, etc. She's in good hands. Everything will be fine, don't worry.