On 14 January 2008, Jackie writes:
Grand Old Duchess

Annie, our old girl who only ever had two loves in her life - MacIain & Tom - is not going to be with us much longer, For the last six months, she has only walked from the house to the gravel at the back door and back. Then last week, she perked up and walked all round the outside of the house each morning.

Because she seemed so much better I thought I would clip her and make her feel/look nice. I was careful and did her as quickly as possible, letting her sit/lie down 'til I had to do her legs. When I stood her up, I noticed a wet patch on her side; it was blood. I was sure I hadn't cut her. Then her shoulder & front leg started to bleed; I knew I hadn't cut her leg close enough to touch the skin,

When I'd been petting her I'd noticed a slight swelling on her back between her shoulder blades and this was also one of the reasons I wanted to clip her to see what was going on under the coat. I knew she has almost no leg muscles. When I finished I took her out for a pee and she walked out but refused to walk back; perhaps she didn't like the feel of the ground with her trimmed claws & not-so-hairy feet, so I picked her up and put her in her basket.

In the evening she still refused to stand or walk and refused her dinner. I offered her a bit of poached salmon; she ate that. then I noticed that where she'd been bleeding was now a huge patch (2x3 inches); I got some antiseptic wipes and cleaned the areas, but it wasn't blood, just wet. Then later I noticed that between her shoulders was wet, but it wasn't blood; it was as if whatever was in the swelling was just seeping up through the skin.

I had to carry her outside this morning and she has refused all tidbits & food; she just turns her head away. Strangest of all, Elle who has always respected Annie's position as top dog and never goes near her, walked up to her and touched her nose so gently, then each of her eyes, then her ears. To do this, she had to walk back & forth round the basket as she knows Annie won't let her set foot in the basket if she's in it. Mr Mac & Mahri were crowding her a bit as well; just being nosy not horrible to her.

We don't think she is in pain because her breathing is very calm. Tom is going to call in at the vet today and ask for advice. I think we know what the answer is going to be though. We've always said that she was just hanging about killing time 'til she could be with MacIain; she never did get over losing him.

Jackie & a slightly subdued Wild Bunch


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LIBBY KARIER & MOLLY:

My heart breaks to read this note. I'll be thinking of you all today. Wishing you all peace whatever the decision is.


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RITA FERRER & TOBY-WFT & Granny'dale TOMMIGIRL:

HUGS to you & Tom. I'll be thinking of you and knowing the heartache you are experiencing. Peace to Annie when it's time.


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KATHI & SIMON:

My heart is in my throat reading this. It is so touching and so sad at the same time. You are in my prayers as you face having to say good-bye to one of your beloveds.


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LORA OLIVER & JETT & MINNIE:

My prayers go out to you & your husband during this time. Elle's response to Annie's condition is touching.


CONTINUE WITH THE McGUINNESS STORY HERE



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