Tuesday, June 21, 2011

Days of Grace

We took Rudi to see our vet on Monday who looked at the x-rays, examined her and agreed with the diagnosis of  hemangiosarcoma.  We talked about the very few options that we have, and have decided to let nature take its course.  More than likely Rudi only has a matter of days left with us, weeks maybe, but nothing more.  Yesterday was a good day.  Her gum color is good, but we struggle with trying to get her to eat.  I'm hoping that putting her on an antacid will help because we think she may be feeling nauseous.  She remains really quiet and subdued, so we're letting her set her own pace and decide what she wants to do (she pretty much did that anyway).  But Rudi's days of wildly chasing the frisbee, running laps around the house and getting the cat food off the counter are behind us.

When some of you have been given a grim diagnosis for your own dogs, and they exceed the time a vet has predicted, those days have been called 'days of grace.'  I've never really known personally just how precious those days can be until I was told on Saturday that Rudi probably wouldn't live through the night.  It's Tuesday morning and she's still with us.  Knowing that this can change at anytime makes me realize just what a treasure each day (with Rudi) really is.  
~Rudi in May, playing frisbee~

52 comments:

  1. Thinking of you and all the dogs, especially Rudi at this time. Hoping you have many more "days of grace" with her.
    {{{Hugs}}}

    Jean - MN

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  2. So glad Rudi is still hanging in there. As you probably know, the spleen bleeds, then auto transfuses, so there are ups and downs.....this can go on for some time, depending on how badly it bleeds.
    You are a wonderful dog mom to all your dogs, and you know what is best for your sweet Rudi.
    Hang in there and give her a big kiss from me....
    xoxo

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  3. The lessons our sweet pets teach us are indeed precious Kim.
    They never fight the inevitable or curse God for their fate. They face each day, irregardless of circumstances, with joy and acceptance.
    Whatever courage I possess I attribute to the lessons I have learned from my "special friends".
    Thinking of you and Rudi today!
    Tina xo

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  4. Our furry friends are with us for such a short time. Wishing you many "days of grace".

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  5. After last week you know better than anyone that these days are absolutely the best of all . Strange how at one level they're a time when the bitter part of bittersweet is forgotten and you're left with the sweet , uplifting , shared part . A dog owners secret. Real grace.

    Thinking of you.

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  6. Oh Kim, I just don't know what to say... ((HUG)) Praying for you, Carl, Rudi and the rest. May God's peace be with you.

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  7. Days of Grace.... what a beautiful way of putting precious time in words.

    Bless you all...

    Love
    Bert

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  8. oh sweetie
    you have had a rough time recently have you not!
    xxx

    hugs again

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  9. Kim,
    We will all cherish each Day of Grace with you.
    Hugs to you and bellyrubs to Sweet Rudi.

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  10. We have lost two dogs in the past. In each instance, the dog was old and declining but in each case the dog had an acute episode, either intense pain or shortness of breath that gave us no options. We had no days of grace. I'm glad that you have some precious hours with Rudi.

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  11. Our oldest golden, Isaac is in his third week of what we were told is 4 weeks that we have left with him. He is the only one not upset! So hard. God bless you and your angel dogs.

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  12. I am thinking of you, hoping that each day of grace is filled with love.

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  13. Rudi's just not ready. Hope the next few days are peaceful for you both.

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  14. Savor those days of grace. Rudi would want it that way. In your trusted hands, as always, they put their welfare and trust. No one could be more worthy.

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  15. We hope you enjoy many days of grace. Our paws are crossed for you and Rudi.

    Mogley G. Retriever

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  16. Kim I just don't know how you can hold up? You have my prayers for peace to fill the giant whole in your heart, and for both Rudi and Hamlet to find heaven a better place. Thank God for the time you all have had together!

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  17. Here's hoping that Rudi has as many days of grace as our mutual friend Mr. Wilf has had. Our paws are crossed for all of you.

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  18. yes. these are days of grace. my zekey (a pon like wilf) had that cancer. he would fill first with fluid, then finally it was blood. he didn't seem to be in pain. we used to take 4 walks a day. at the end, he was content to simply sit in the grass and soak up the sun. he never failed to smile and wag. they are the ones who teach us grace.
    love and hugs for you and rudi.
    tammy j

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  19. Rudy playing frisbee such a short time ago at least lets us know what a wonderful life she has had with you. She was probably one you didn't have to worry so much about, and that is really something to be grateful for in this old world.
    So very glad you have these days of grace with her. This is a gift from her to you and Carl. Goldens are the best at nurturing us also.
    Love to all...

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  20. HI there, Rudi is such a beauty and has filled your life with smiles. Isn't it nice to know that when her time comes, Hamlet will be waiting for her at the bridge. Big hugs to you today friend.
    Noreen

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  21. Eloquently said, Kim.

    I hope you and your pack enjoy the first day of summer.

    Take care.

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  22. My heart goes out to you and Rudi. Days of grace...I like that. A little more time for love.

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  23. When you know someone will leave you soon, your senses heighten and the experiences seem more vivid.... like you want to remember every minute. I wish you millions of minutes with Rudi and the rest of the gang. I am so sorry you have to go through the heartache again :(

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  24. I think Rudi has different plans and wants to be with y'all...She is a beauty and please give her a hug from me...But I do think that is the importance of One Day at a time!

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  25. Kim, God Bless Rudi and your family, yes these are "Days of Grace" enjoy every minute.

    Golden Hugs,
    Sheila & Bob

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  26. Seize the day honey...love and big hugs for Rudi.....xxx...

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  27. I have no words.

    We are praying for you two and keep you in our thoughts. Rudi will know when.
    xxx
    barbara

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  28. Days of Grace, indeed. Bless her sweet soul for staying with you these precious days, and giving you all a time to say good-bye.

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  29. This makes me so sad. I am sure she is not ready to go yet. Rudi, be strong!

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  30. Thinking of all of you and wishing you peaceful days of grace.

    Hugs to you and Rudi!
    Jill

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  31. I wish you many more days of grace with Rudi. Hugs to you all!
    - Anne

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  32. She will enjoy these days as well, Kim!

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  33. Such a precious time with dear Rudi. That's a beautiful photo of her playing frisbee in May.

    Hugs for you and a gentle kiss for Rudi.

    xx

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  34. Oh Kim - what sadnesses you are bearing right now. I am so sorry to read about Rudi - dislike that "H" word so much. We are thinking of you and Rudi and your husband so much and pray for many days of grace for her.
    xoxoxox Lots of Love,
    Sammie, Avalon, Oz and Mom

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  35. We're living in days of grace with a senior dog now, so I can appreciate your feelings! Rudi is beautiful, and I believe evidence of a life well-lived!

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  36. Give Rudi a gentle hug and a kiss from us. She has such a wise face - I'm sure she is aware of all the love that surrounds her.

    We are thinking of you all,
    Love
    Riley and his mum

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  37. We will keep you and Rudi in our thoughts and prayers.

    Here is to many more days of Grace.

    Sam

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  38. My thoughts and prayers are with you, I hope that Rudi keeps following the path God has chosen for her peacefully.

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  39. I remember the days of grace I had with my first pet soul mate, my darling cat Sheba. After a couple of weeks in the hospital she came home to me for a little while and it was the most precious time. I wish you and Rudi calm, peaceful, loving and comfortable days ahead. Big hugs to you.

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  40. Dearest Kim
    The words you used "Days of Grace" is so beautiful.
    Rudi has let you see into a peek hole that the " maker" who created her,, is calling her.. possibly soon.
    For her days of grace we send peace, to both her,, you and Carl.
    We are with you.
    love
    tweedles

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  41. We're with you on this journey. Keeping paws crossed that the good days continue.

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  42. Kim, I'm so sorry you are being deluged with all of this turmoil right now, especially before the puppy comes. It will be okay, though, because it has to be. Right? :) Thinking of you and wishing you peaceful days ahead.

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  43. You have had such a trying week.

    Keep strong Kim!
    xo Catherine

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  44. I have forgotten to say that the piroxicam my old girl took was oral, administered at home, and not particularly expensive. (To tell the truth, I don't remember how much it cost, and if it had been really expensive, I think I would remember...... :-) )

    It came in capsules, which held too much for a corgi-size dog. The vet told me to open each capsule and distribute the contents evenly on four slices of American cheese. I'd fold the cheese over the drug, give one, and refrigerate the others for other days.

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  45. You and Carl have been in our evening prayer for the last year. I just want you to know how thankful we are that these wonderful gentle dogs have someone that cares so much for them.

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  46. God bless you & Rudi during these difficult days. Thank God these pups have someone like you as family.

    Woofs
    Nadine & golden Neeli

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  47. Sending lots of puppy prayers for Rudi. :)

    Woofs & hugs,

    ~Bailey (Yep, I'm a girl!)

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  48. Ah, those days of grace! Love Rudi!

    Sweet hugs,
    Sierra Rose

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Speak--I really enjoy your comments! Thanks for stopping by today!!