Many of you seem to love my Martha Anne, and I wanted to give you the latest news which I am extremely sad to say is not what we were hoping for.
After a second opinion it seems my girl has Dilated Cardiomyopathy; half of her heart is enlarged, and she is in actual heart failure. Apparently the particular issue she has is very unusual, although heart problems are a risk with the Doberman breed.
Our Veterinarian says she has between 3 and 6 months and it is always fatal. We have her on three different heart medications, and she will either have a heart attack or will become sicker over time, and decisions will need to be made.
The worst part for me is that she has had the best of the best her entire life and she is only 7 years old, yet there are neglected dogs who live for 15 plus years. This sucks beyond my ability to comprehend.
Bella Sue has been an absolute blessing. I am hoping that MA lives many months longer than they think she will, she is a fighter!
I will be back to food posts at some point in time. Thank you for your support, our family appreciates it greatly.
28 comments:
I can't even begin to tell you how sorry I am. You know I am here if you need me, just phone. My thoughts are with you and my prayers too. Love you, keep your strength up and take care of you too!
I am so sorry to read the news about Martha Anne. I feel like I know you and Martha even though we only communicate through food blogs. Please know I will be thinking of you and Martha and will also keep your family in my prayers.
I'm so sorry to hear this. We lost my childhood dog a little over a year ago, and I'm even getting teary just writing about it! I know what it's like to have a great animal that's truly a part of the family. Wishing you the best.
I'm so sorry. {{Hugs}}
My heart goes out to you - I know how you feel. I lost one of my beloved childhood pets at 6 years old to a massive hemorage with no warning... then almost lost my lab when she was 6 to pancreatic problems.
I said something similar to my husband at the time about losing them early... and he told me that God does amazing things. He probably put them in our lives so that we could give them the best possible life they could have in the shorter time they are given. I think that's true, and no matter what happens - you can know in your heart that MA has had the best possible life!
This just breaks my heart! She is such a sweet girl and I'm so sorry that her time is short.
I'm so sorry about Martha Anne, she's such a sweet baby. I had to have my cat of 10 years put to sleep about 4 weeks ago and it was so hard! Our pets are just part of our families and they love us unconditionally.I will keep you in my prayers!
Stay strong dear!
Cheryl, I am so sorry. I lost my beloved dog six years ago and have not replaced her. She was a special girl, just as Martha Anne is to you. I pray that you will enjoy each day she has to share with you. Maybe your newest family member has been sent to pave the way for a new dog to fill the inevitable void.
Blessings,
Debby
*hugs* I'm so sorry, I know it's breaking your heart. Dogs are family, even though some people don't understand that, I do. You're in my thoughts and prayers, and I hope whatever decision has to be made when the time comes will bring you comfort and peace. I know you have had lots of good memories with Martha Ann, and you have time to make lots more great memories with her and your new pup.
I am so sorry to read about Martha Anne! I lost my first Doberman at age 5 to dilated cardiomyopathy, and now my third Doberman Kobe was just diagnosed (April 9)with atrial fibrillation. Cardiac ultrasound and chest xrays show enlarged heart. Kobe was ten in December. She is on diuretic and three heart meds, possible a fourth heart med will be added. My thoughts are with you, as I know how you must be feeling. These Dobermans are the best dogs!!! Hugs to you and Martha Anne!
Oh Cheryl. I can only imagine how you are feeling. I am so, so, so sorry. We have appreciated the fact that our kids have grown up next to such a gentle, kind and loving dog. They both love animals and I am sure Martha has something to do with it. I am here if you need ANYTHING. Sending hugs to you Martha and John and Bella too.
I am so sorry to hear. My thoughts are with you in this hard time.
I'm so sorry to hear that, I've been there with pets and it's never easy.
Oh Cheryl...I really prayed you'd get better news. But, as Kim H said, perhaps she was yours so that you could give her the best of everything in her shorter time given to be here. You & J have been such doting parents spoiling her at every turn.
I don't think it was coincidence that Bella arrived when she did - do you? More later...take care.
Oh man. It stinks when sad things happen to good people (and their pets). My thoughts and prayers will remain steadfast for you and Martha Anne. Have you had MA since she was a wee puppy? If you're up to it, I'd love to hear about how you came up with her name. I bet you've got a million memories of watching her grow up, and I bet she has experienced absolute joy every moment being with you guys. Is the medicine giving her some physical comfort at least? I know you've got the love comfort area completely covered. Keep us posted. Sending healing thoughts your way.
cheryl, i am just heart broken for you. i will pray and pray that there is some miracle that makes MA healthy. please let me know if you need anything.
Hey Cheryl, I'm going back to all the blogs I've commented on today ... I've no clue what's going on with my account. The above msg labeled Paula is from me, but my avatar photo didn't show up and it linked back to never-never land. So ... I'm trying again. Still thinking of you and Martha Anne.
my heart goes out to you and your family for Martha Anne. *Hugs*
I am so sorry to hear this about your baby. I feel so lucky to have you share with us what you have with her. You are all in my prayers!
Oh Cheryl, I am so sorry to hear about Martha Anne. What terrible news. I will keep you and MA in my prayers and hope she can fight this. I'm here for you if you need me.
OS sorry honey to hear that Miss Martha is doing so poorly. We will keep her in all of our thoughts and prayers. We too hope that she can show them doctors wrong and do better than they think. We Love You Martha Ann!!!
Ooooooohh,....I am so sorry to hear that, my foodie friend!!
I will be thinking of you & your beautiful dog MA!!
We feel for you & your family!! But you can say that she has had a wonderful life with you & your family!!!
You have been on my mind constantly since I read the news about your girl. We are a real dog family--we always have four or five dogs and that's never enough for me. I always think of the multitude of smiles they add to our lives--I couldn't imagine being without them. Give Martha Anne some luv from me and my crew--I will be thinking of you.
So sorry to hear about MA, you are in my thoughts.
I wish I had the perfect words of comfort for times like this. I never do though. I really love see your Martha Anne and am so happy for her that she has had a happy life. Dogs have the most unconditional love that I have ever known. They ask for so little in return for the massive amount of carefree love they give back. I am sending you a hug and a good tummy rub for her!
Oh Cheryl, my heart goes out to you Sweetie, and your darling Martha Anne. I am so sorry, sending you both much love and hugs.
I am so sorry to hear this, I am a new reader but I'm so sad to hear this news. Hoping you do have many more months with Martha Anne.
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