Riley (formerly Shelby) Says Goodbye

This strange looking weim is in fact a purebred weimaraner with hound markings.  She was taken in from a family who could no longer care for her.  She had a history of seizures and was overweight.  As you can see Sue and her family got her back on track and down to a nice healthy size.  However, just a few years after they brought her into their home, it was time to say goodbye.  I would like to share with you the email I received from Riley's forever family. 

1/6/10 - "I just wanted to let you know that Riley passed away last night.  We battled her epilepsy for two years – traditional western medicine with pheno barb and potassium bromide, eastern medicine with acupuncture and herbs, and special diets.  Gradually the frequency of the seizures increased to biweekly and would continue for a couple of days.  I knew her time was running out, but the good days in-between seizures still outnumbered the bad ones. 

Her last seizure, Monday night, was awful and I couldn’t put her through it anymore.  Usually after having a few seizures she would pace and pace and pace, rest, then pace some more.  Monday’s seizure was different – she was so agitated she was almost frantic.  I held her leash while she ran in blind circles around me.  I couldn’t imagine what would have happened if she’d been alone. 

Tuesday night I brought her to the vet.  We sat together on the blanketed floor of a side room while we waited for our turn.  Riley curled up against me and fell asleep while I held her and told her how much I loved her.  When the vet came in with the medicine she barely woke up.  I believe Riley knew it was time and was ready, but I miss my friend so much. 

Thank you for giving Riley, and so many other weims, a second chance.  I loved her dearly and it was a privilege to have shared her life, even if it was only for a few years.  I hope that someday there will be another rescue weimaraner sharing my home."

Sue