Mandy

Mandy was 14 years old.  She had struggled with a hip problem for months.  Of course, I had her on all of the meds appropriate for the condition.  About three weeks ago, I noticed that she started having trouble with the front leg on the same side with the bad hip.  That was rough.  It started to become difficult for Mandy to pull herself up and walk.  But once she got going, she did ok.  I worried, though, that this might be the beginning of the end.  She had “old dog body,” if you know what I mean.  She still had a good appetite, but she had very slowly lost weight over the last year of her life.  I knew, at her age, that we didn’t have lots and lots of time left.  As I’ve said on this blog before, I tend to wait too long before assisting an animal to The Rainbow Bridge.  I always hope I will know when that time comes, but I have definitely waited longer than I should have on more than one occasion.

Mandy was a swollen-bellied, mange-covered, skinny puppy with two sister littermates in December of 2004.  My daughters were exploring in a wooded area close to our home when they came upon three tiny puppies hidden in the root system of a great big tree. (That story here.)  They got the puppies on a Sunday, and on Wednesday it started snowing.  It snowed throughout Wednesday and Thursday.  The storm set a new 24-hour record.  We got 20 inches, and North winds produced drifts up to five feet deep.  Interstates were closed. People were stranded all throughout the region.  The blizzard brought record cold, too.  Temperatures were as low as 10 below zero on Christmas morning that year.

The three pups – Mandy, Mindy, and Muffin – stayed cozy and warm with us.  I got their mange under control and wormed them, of course.  They put on weight and learned not to fear humans.  Muffin lived her entire life with us.  Mindy was adopted.  Mandy was adopted, too, but her adopter died from cancer, and Mandy came back here.  Muffin and Mandy lived out the rest of their lives together.  Then in July of 2017, I lost Muffin to lymphoma.  Mandy marched on.

Last Friday, I had to coax Mandy to eat.  This was a new development.  No matter what else was going on, Mandy always loved to eat.  On Saturday and Sunday I had to lift her to get her on her feet.  Out in the yard, she struggled to hold herself up while she took care of her business.  On Sunday evening, I had to hold her in place (which she did not care for) because she couldn’t hold herself up any longer.  That night I told Husband that it was probably time to help Mandy leave that old, broken-down body.  But I said I just couldn’t do it yet.  She doesn’t stand at her raised food dish to eat anymore – I said - but if I hold the food in front of her while she stays lying down, she still seems to want it.  I hope I don’t let this go on too long.  I hate this part.

The next morning she was the same.  Walking had become impossible without help.  And she could no longer stand to eat.  I worried all day that I shouldn’t be keeping her alive.  It was clear that her pain meds (now increased) were not keeping her pain levels down.  I knew that this would be the week, but I didn’t make that call.  Not on Monday.

Then on Tuesday Mandy wouldn’t eat.  It was the sign I needed.  After sitting with her, trying to get her to take even one bite, I put the bowl down and just sat beside her.  I petted her and petted her and talked to her for a while.  I told her I knew she was in pain and that I would help her get out of that body.  I told her she would see Muffin again, and that I hoped they would romp and play together.  Then I went and called my clinic.

Husband drove and I sat in the back seat with Mandy.  When we arrived at the clinic, Husband went in and said we’d just stay in our vehicle.  Dr. O came out and gave Mandy the injection to make her drowsy.  I repeated what I’ve said to Dr. O so many times before.  This never gets any easier.  He gave us a few minutes and then came back out and we assisted Mandy to The Bridge.  She went peacefully.  I know she and Muffin reunited right away.  (This is Muffin on the left and Mandy on the right.)

 

Mandy – Farewell.

 

Comments

[Cassandra]

I'm so sorry. You're right. It never does get any easier. Sending hugs your way.

[Cynthia]

So sorry to hear about Mandy. Thank you for saving her and her siblings...they gave them all a good life.
Cynthia xoxo

[John Bellen]

Mandy had the best life possible, a life she wouldn't have had at all if it weren't for your daughters finding her and her siblings. What a wonderful story of chance and destiny. Her whole life is a tale of great good fortune and love. Godspeed, Mandy.

[Jt]

As others have said, hopefully as the pain lessens, you will remember the weather you saved them from. I know you say "it never gets easier". That in a nutshell is what is perfect about you. You know you are surrounding yourself with creatures who you will outlive. You keep doing it. Taking some of the toughest cases. That is why you are so special my friend. You do it knowing it never will be easy. Peace, Love, Strength, Comfort.

[The Poupounette Gang]

Oh Chrystal, so sorry you are dealing with yet another farewell. But what a lucky girl Mandy was, as were her siblings, to have their way to you.

Sending hugs.

[Random Felines]

I am so very sorry. It really is the hardest part of loving them....letting them go

[Karen Lucas]

Oh, Chrystal, heartbroken for you. But what a long good life they both had. Such sweet faces. How lucky they were to have had you and your husband and we need to thank him too for always being there for you and the animals you both love. Never ever easy.

[Ginny & the Fur Family]

I remember the story and that snow. You all were just in time to save the pups. Time marches forward for us all and so much faster for our pets. You gave them love and comfort and a great life. It never gets any easier. Mandy is out of pain now and she still lives in your hearts. She is running free with here siblings across the bridge. God bless the soul of dear Mandy - she will still be forever loved. So sad for you. I feel your pain. All who have ever loved and lost can feel for you. Our prayers are with you.

[Maria in FL]

I remember that story from your book! What lucky puppies, and how lucky was Mandy to have lived out her life with the Parkers! My Lilly was 14 on November 28th, but she still seems to be doing okay. I pray that she lets me know when she's had enough. It is never easy, and it is always heartbreaking. Try to focus on her glorious life with you, and how you saved those three precious lives from certain death. Safe travels to the Bridge, Sweet Mandy!

[Cat's Cats]

Fly free sweet Mandy xoxo

[LP]

Oh Mandy, what a life of love, friendship and ease you led ; yours could have been a short life that ended in a brutally cold tragedy.

Sending you love Chrystal. It never does get easier but Mandy was saved and loved by you. May you find comfort there.

Sophie and the critters in the cottage xo

[Goldie Goodwin]

Chrystal, I am so sorry. She was loved and had a great life. And she had two families who loved her in her lifetime. With so many animals in this world living without love, Mandy had it pretty good.

[Andrea and the Celestial Kitties]

Oh Chrystal, I'm so very sorry I missed seeing this. I've been so caught up on my own world that I forgot to stick my head out and see anything else. I'm sorry for your loss, I'm sorry you lost another furbaby. I know you did right by her and gave her every chance at the best life ever and I know she loved you for it. Hugs and love, dear friend.

Friends, perhaps a donation in Mandy's name would be appropriate? Winnie's Wish could use every penny and wish list items too! please help where you can.

[meowmeowmans]

We're so sorry, Chrystal. Thank you for loving Mandy so much, and so well.