Neka and Chip are together today.

[BetterDog4U]

As Monday's go, mine usually rate a 2 or 3 out of 10. But I've just gone thru the WORST Monday of my life ... It was a MINUS 100.

Everything was gone great until about 1:30 when Neka suddenly (within about a 10 min period) got VERY sick. So sick that she was unable to walk and was almost unresponsive. I scooped her up in my arms and put her in the car. Within 10 mins we were at the vet. They ran a bunch of tests but she passed away at 5:15.

Three very good vets are at a loss to figure out what happened. The only thing they found from the tests they ran is: Her red blood cell count was almost double of what is thought to be normal.

I have a feeling this is goin' be a LONG week! ;(

[Shells_k]

SO sorry Michael....I cant even imagine......my deepest condolences...we are here for you...

http://i296.photobucket.com/albums/mm166/toni_lhei/p62.jpg

[cockermom93]

Oh my goodness Micheal this is so sad to hear!!! :( I am so sorry for your loss and I just don't even know what to say... I can't even imagine how you must feel right now. I wish I was closer I'd come over just to give you a big hug :( Poor sweet Neka, all I can think of that is positive is that whatever it was it happened quickly and she didn't suffer for too long... Gosh I just.... so sorry. Do you think someone may have poisened her? I know you get along with most of your neighbors but do you have any that are not so friendly? Let me know if there is anything I can do... even if you just need to talk. again, so sorry RIP Neka!!!

[Shara]

Oh my goodness Micheal this is so sad to hear!!! :( I am so sorry for your loss and I just don't even know what to say... I can't even imagine how you must feel right now. I wish I was closer I'd come over just to give you a big hug :( Poor sweet Neka, all I can think of that is positive is that whatever it was it happened quickly and she didn't suffer for too long... Gosh I just.... so sorry. Do you think someone may have poisened her? I know you get along with most of your neighbors but do you have any that are not so friendly? Let me know if there is anything I can do... even if you just need to talk. again, so sorry RIP Neka!!!

You took the words out of my mouth. I am so shocked when I read about Neka

I hope you are holding up ok Michael. Im so sorry for your loss. I hope you find some answers...

We are all here for you.

[JessicaR]

I am so sorry to hear about Neka my prayers are with you :(

[BetterDog4U]

Patchs and I are doing OK, but like all relationships, there are a ton of memories to trip over around here. We've been taking a lot of walks and extra play times today. Not to worry, we'll be fine in time.

CM, she was not poisoned. Her blood tests would have shown it. Early on, they were thinking Addisons, but they had all but ruled it out by the time she passed.

It's JUST so unbelievable. I'm still kinda in shock. She went from perfectly health to dead in less than 4 1/2 hrs. But I guess it's a blessing that she went fast.

BTW, I want to thank everyone for talking me into getting Patchs a few years ago. She is really helping a lot.

[ann_hawes]

I'm just stunned, and so sad that this happened, but yeah, if it was to happen, at least it was fast. I know exactly what you mean about tripping over those memories.

[sandyb]

This was the first thing I read on Facebook this morning, and I am still shocked by it - heaven knows how you must feel. We all know how lovingly you speak of your girls and Chip, so this must be one hell of a thing to come to terms with. My thoughts are with you at this sad time - I've been in that place and understand it well. Rest easy beautiful Neka. Go play with Chip at the Rainbow Bridge. XXX

[k9mania]

I am so sorry. I am sure that this week will be one of the longest of your life. But, Neka is with you and will be in your heart helping you to heal. We are all here for you. Linda

[CerbiesMom]

Keeping you and Patchs in my thoughts. Glad I helped talk you into her! Keep each other busy, that always helps me.

[TTBALLMOM]

I am devestated for your lose. I can't tell you how sorry I am. I don't have the words to convey to you, as I was shocked to read your post. What a sad, sad thing to have happened. Thank God you have Patches to help you through. I don't get on this site much, and just last week I was nosing around and saw a picture you posted of the two of them. The story of Neka and how she reacted when you got Patches is one of the few I hold fondly in my memory.
Please know that I am thinking of you during this time. I don't know how I will ever be able to handle such a thing when the time comes...
My heart aches with you Michael. Be strong, sending hugs your way
L J

[BetterDog4U]

Thank you to everyone who has posted, PM'd and emailed. You guys are the greatest. Your support is helping a lot!!!

Well, tomorrow will be one week, and it feels REAL strange to not have Neka around here. Im used to having her walk up to me, sit down and then let me pet her. I also miss her sweet smile and never ending supply of kisses.

I can tell that Patchs misses her favorite playmate. Insteed of teasing Neka into playing with her, she now pesters me until "I" get down on the floor and play with her. (It's really VERY cute, but don't tell her that).

I've changed our schedule a little bit so Patchs and I don't do the same things at the same times that we used to when Neka was here. It seems to be working well. We are also going on more short walks at odd times and I've been working with Patchs on her recall and we're learning a new trick. IMHO, "Busy = Happy" and I think Patchs is moving on a bit faster than I am.

As a way for me to move on, I'm rewriting Neka's webpage and designing an addition to Chip's Garden. It will include a new garden area and it will have a Statue and Plaque in memory of her all-to-brief stay with us. I'm planning to have it completed by her birthday. I want to have a memorial dedication party for her. (Like the one I had for Chip)

Mark your date books, (August 13) you are all invited!!!

"Busy = Happy" for me too I guess!!!

[Shells_k]

I am glad to hear that you are coping well, and that you and Patchs are settling into your own routing nicely. I have been thinking about you guys often.
Hugs for both of you.

[elsasmom]

Michael: I'm so sorry about Neka. I've been on vacation and just now read your post. I'm shocked at the idea of your beautiful Neka not being with you anymore. Please accept my heartfelt condolences over her loss.:(

[cockermom93]

I wish I lived closer I would totally be there to honor sweet Neka. Glad to hear you and Patchs are moving along together.... it's probably good for you to become a dog with her everyonce in a while anyway.

[BetterDog4U]

Do any of you believe in signs from above or from the after-life?

STOP ... this is not a thread about religion, God, heaven or hell. It is simply a post about something I've observed in the past week, and it makes me wonder!

OK, on with the story.

For the past 3 1/2 years, on the rear window deck of my primary vehicle, I have had a small stuffed animal (beanie baby sized) that has been riding with me. It is a stuffed GSD that looks a lot like Neka. When driving, every time I look in my rearview mirror it reminded me of what I had waiting for me when I got home.

On March 26th I sold that vehicle.

Because I sold it I moved the stuffed GSD to my "new primary car" where I also have a small "bobble head" Dalmatian in the back window. It has been there for the past 10 years. (same reason for it to be there). It was given to me by a wonderful friend who has since pasted away.

On the 26th (2 weeks ago) When I put them in the same car I arranged them so that they were an about 10 inchs appart and centered in the back window.

One week ago today I noticed that each time I drove the car they were slowly getting closer together in the window. Each day last week they just got closer and closer. Sunday afternoon I noticed that they were touching.

The strangest part of this is that the bobble-head has not moved an inch in 10 years and it has moved about 6 inchs in just a week.

It's just one of those things in my life that makes me sit back, think, wonder and scratch my head! It also gave me goose-bumps!!!

[Momto3]

Definitely scratching my head on that one! Verrrrrry odd indeed.

[BetterDog4U]

I'm taking this as a sign that my friend (who past away) is trying to tell me that Chip and Neka are together with her. She absolutely loved Chip.

But is this possible?

As the old TV show used to say: "Inquiring minds want to know!!!"

[Shells_k]

Holy cow!! I would believe the same thing.

[sandyb]

Interesting story Michael. I do believe there's more to life and death than we'll ever understand, and I've had several happenings similar to yours. Very eerie, but very thought provoking.

[BetterDog4U]

Interesting story Michael. I do believe there's more to life and death than we'll ever understand, and I've had several happenings similar to yours. Very eerie, but very thought provoking.

Im actually afraid to separate them now ... :eek:

[cockermom93]

Im actually afraid to separate them now ... :eek:

Then don't. :) They ARE together now so I would just leave them there. I think it is very touching that this has happened even if it was an accident... I don't think it was though.

I had a dream with my brother in it before I gave birth to Davin... LOOONG story short, in my dream my brother told me ( in a round about way) that I was having a boy... well two or three weeks later I had the defining ultrasound and low and behold it was a boy. ;) I believe they can comunicate with us from the other side... each person is different so how they communicate is different too. :)

[sandyb]

My dear old dad has been gone for 26 years now, but I still talk to him. During some very hard times I was asking if he could help us find a way out, and if he could hear me, then show me a bird's nest. (Dad had a love of birds, and knew all the different styles of nest) Well a couple of weeks later - on my birthday - I was out walking the dogs, reached down to take off their leads, and there at my feet was a beautiful nest, all lined with white dog hair. It was in the middle of a field - no trees were really close. I just stood there and burst into tears. Soon after we heard that my husband was going to get compensation for a nasty accident - previously we had been told there was no chance. One of my dogs had needed major surgery, the other had had a small op, and we were down to about $20 in the bank, and dreading anything else happening. The payment got us out of the deep hole we'd sunk into with my husband being unable to work. But was it help from my dad, or was it magic, karma, coincidence, or a clever lawyer? I have no idea, but I've had other instances of a similar nature. I prefer to think my dad is helping me. God bless my dear old dad!!

[sandyb]

After having these chats with dad I usually ask him to show me a tail feather from a particular kind of bird, usually a ring necked parrot, a kookaburra or an owl - all very distinctive colours and patterns - and usually within a couple of days I'll find the feather I asked for right at my feet, but one day I found one under the clasp of my wallet in my handbag! I have no idea how that could possibly have got in there! My husband used to be very cynical about it all, but it's happened so many times now, he's a believer!! :) Do you all think I'm mad, or do you have similar experiences? Stepheny, I think you'll understand! ;)

[Shells_k]

what a neat story Sandy, thanks for sharing!!

[BetterDog4U]

As some of you know I built a memorial garden in my back yard for Chip when he passed in 2007. Now that Neka has gone to join him, Ive desided to add a new section on the garden to honor Neka's memory. It will be a 15-20 foot long area to the west and will include two levels. Work will begin this weekend (weather permitting) and there will also be a plaque and marker in the garden.

Here is a first look at the Plaque
http://i25.servimg.com/u/f25/14/45/04/01/neka_p11.jpg (http://www.servimg.com/image_preview.php?i=51&u=14450401)

Here is a look at the Marker

[Shells_k]

How fantastic Michael. Looks fantastic!

[elsasmom]

lovely michael, but "gone to soon" should be "gone too soon" 2 o's in too
sorry, the printer in me always spots typos

[BetterDog4U]

lovely michael, but "gone to soon" should be "gone too soon" 2 o's in too
sorry, the printer in me always spots typos

Thanks for spotting the typo .... Im taking to the guy that makes them next week!!! ;)

[cockermom93]

Yes Sandy I know exactly how you feel and you are not mad at all. I think the ones we have lost absolutly have ways of communicating with us! Such a great thing you have to be able to get signs from you dad like that... :)

Neka's memoral plaque looks great Micheal... looking forward to seeing her garden when it's complete for the year.

[cheryl]

Beautiful plaque. I haven't been on this site for quite some time and I am shocked to have the first item I read be about our loss. Are you ever going to know what exactly happened? I read that it wasn't poison which is what you would think with such a rapid decline. Although poisoning can also take some time in certain situations.

I am sorry for your loss, I, as most of us can appreciate your saddness. Our furry family fills our lives in a way that humans cannot come close to doing. Their love, devotion, and companship are never to be replaced. The Bible states that death is an enemy and an enemy it truly is.

Forever,
Cheyenne's Mom

[BetterDog4U]

Are you ever going to know what exactly happened? Forever, Cheyenne's Mom

Well it definately wasn't poison. They say that something in her DNA triggered rapid and uncontroled red blood cell production. In the past few months I have run into several other ppl who experanced the same kind of thing. Depending on who you take to it ranges from a "hickup" in the DNA to a cancer type cell that triggers the problem.

My vet says that this condition is something that can be tested for, but it is so rare that only 1 in 10000 dogs would ever test positive. He also says that of those with the condition, they may never have it manifest.

[Momto3]

Don't dwell on it is the best advice I can think of. Mendi came up with hemolytic autoimmune disease and near died. Her blood was thick as paste. Took me mucho dinero to make her ok but she had so many strokes coming out of it that I dunno what I saved. She was nothing but a shell of herself. I truly believe it was the stuff I put on the lawn to kill mole crickets so I'm always beating myself up over it and I will never use that product again. Right after I adopted Mozart he near died because of eating seed pods from a bush that's been in the yard longer than I've been alive. He's the only dog who ever decided to eat the dang things! Bush is now gone but if he decides to graze on something else - what am I to do? Near everything that thrives in Florida is toxic to dogs should they decide to eat it.