Thursday, December 20, 2012

My Little Angel

The reality of rescue is that there are always dogs that we can't save. But when we save one, and they still die, it is especially heartbreaking. Last night one of my favorite fosters became an angel.

I first saw little Alize's photo on a website for a high kill shelter in Kansas City. She had been picked up as a stray and subsequently tested positive for heart worms. Because of that, no one wanted her. She looked so tiny and so lonely. Her photo touched my heart, and I knew I wanted to save her life.

When Alize arrived in rescue, we discovered that she also had a urinary infection and bladder stones that were so huge that they filled her bladder and gave her a funny little gait. But I loved her from the moment I saw her!

She spent over a month with me --- going through her heart worm treatment and then recovering from surgery to remove the bladder stones. Through it all, she was a fighter and she had the sweetest personality. You would never have known the pain she was in. Then she was adopted by Marie, and I knew that she was set for life. She was healthy, and she would have a great forever home.

Yesterday she was diagnosed with pneumonia, and last night she died. I guess her tiny little body just couldn't fight anymore. To say that I am heartbroken is an understatement. I love this little girl like I love my own dogs. RIP sweet little Alize. You were loved, and you will always be in my heart!

9 comments:

DebiKibbee said...

oh, that makes me so sad. She was such a little cuddle bug!

Robbie said...

I can't stop the tears from flowing. I remember your blog posts on Alize!!! I'm so sorry for her as well as Marie and you, Karen. But I'm sure her time with you and Marie gave her the love she never had....

Linda Teddlie Minton said...

I'm so sorry, Karen. She was a lucky little girl, to have you in her life.

Gerrie said...

Karen - I remember this little doggie so well. I was so happy when she got well and was adopted. I am so sorry that she is lost to Marie and you. (((hugs)))

Cynthia Schelzig said...

Awhhh so sad but she was so lucky in her short life wasn´t she....you are an angel for what you do for all these creatures.

Sandy said...

I am glad she had a good finish with you and Marie though. I am sure it made all the difference for her.
Big hugs.
Sandy in the UK

I need orange said...

It's always sad to lose one, and when it's one who has had such a bad start, and then everything looks hopeful for a lovely happy future...... So much harder.

Thank you for all you do for all of them.

Unknown said...

RiP baby girl. Thanks to her rescue and her mom for loving her. Her picture exemplifies a happy and contented girl. Life was short but love is what she knew

Seth said...

Such a loss Karen...but how wonderful for Alize that she was able to spend that month with you and your loving care.