A California Non-Profit 501(c)(3) Tax Exempt Corporation

 

 

 

bullet Available Dogs and Application

 

bullet Foster Information

 

bullet Dachshund Haven Rules for Adoption and Surrender

 

bullet Surrendering a Dachshund to Dachshund Haven of Garden Grove

 

bullet What is Dachshund Rescue and Why It is Needed- Fritz's Story

 

bullet Sanctuary Dogs

        

bullet The Perils of Puppy Mills

 

bullet Home At Last

 

bullet In Memoriam and Coping with the Death of a Pet

 

bullet Happiness is a Senior Companion

 

bullet The Weather and Your Dog

 

bullet Facts About Tethering and Chaining Your Dog

 

bullet Guidelines to Finding a Responsible Pet Home

 

bullet All About Double Dapples- Coming Soon

 

bullet All About Stewart

 

bullet Favorite Poems, Pictures and Stories

 

bullet Wish List, Donations, and Sponsoring

 

bullet Coyote Information

 

bullet Links Page

 

bullet Frequently Asked Questions

 

bullet Dachshunds: A Brief Overview

 

bullet Special Thanks and Credit Page

 

bullet Award Page

 

bullet All About DHOGG

 

bullet Home Page

 

bullet Rescue Feedback Page

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

      

Coping with the Loss of a Pet

 
 

 

Black for Loss

 

White for Peace

 

Pink for Friendship and Companionship

 
 

                               

If It Should Be
If it should be that I grow weak,
And pain should keep me from my sleep,
Then you must do what must be done,
For this last battle cannot be won.
You will be sad, I understand;
Don't let your grief then stay your hand.
For this day more than all the rest,
Your love for me must stand the test.
We've had so many happy years-
What is to come can hold no fears.
You'd not want me to suffer so;
The time has come so let me go.
Take me where my needs they'll tend
And please stay with me 'til the end.
Hold me firm and speak to me
Until my eyes no longer see.
I know in time that you will see
The kindness that you did for me.
Although my tail its last has waived,
From pain and suffering I've been saved.
Please do not grieve-it must be you
Who had this painful thing to do.
We've been so close, we two, these years-
Don't let your heart hold back its tears.

-Author Unknown

Please scroll down for Memorial Page

                                            

 
 

Reprinted by permission of The Humane Society of the United States." 

The Humane Society of the United States

***{Please note that we make no representation that The HSUS endorses the owner of our site, or our site's content, products, or services.}
***{
Dachshund Haven of Garden Grove or anyone involved with them are not affiliated with the HSUS and they are not affiliated with us.}
 

Coping with the Death of Your Pet

When a person you love dies, it's natural to feel sorrow, express grief, and expect friends and family to provide understanding and comfort. Unfortunately, the same doesn't always hold true if the one who died was your companion animal. Many consider grieving inappropriate for someone who has lost "just a pet."

Nothing could be further from the truth. People love their pets and consider them members of their family. Caregivers celebrate their pets' birthdays, confide in their animals, and carry pictures of them in their wallets. So when your beloved pet dies, it's not unusual to feel overwhelmed by the intensity of your sorrow. Animals provide companionship, acceptance, emotional support, and unconditional love during the time they share with you. If you understand and accept this bond between humans and animals, you've already taken the first step toward coping with pet loss: knowing that it is okay to grieve when your pet dies.

Understanding how you grieve and finding ways to cope with your loss can bring you closer to the day when memories bring smiles instead of tears.

What Is the Grief Process?

The grief process is as individual as the person, lasting days for one person or years for another. The process typically begins with denial, which offers protection until individuals can realize their loss. Some caregivers may try bargaining with a higher power, themselves, or even their pet to restore life. Some feel anger, which may be directed at anyone involved with the pet, including family, friends, and veterinarians. Caregivers may also feel guilt about what they did or did not do, and may feel that it is inappropriate to be so upset. After these feelings subside, caregivers may experience true sadness or grief. They may become withdrawn or depressed. Acceptance occurs when they accept the reality of their loss and remember their animal companion with decreasing sadness. Remember, not everyone follows these classic stages of grief—some may skip or repeat a stage, or experience the stages in a different order.

How Can I Cope with My Grief?

While grief is a personal experience, you need not face loss alone. Many forms of support are available, including pet bereavement counseling services, pet-loss support hotlines, local or online Internet bereavement groups, books, videos, and magazine articles. Here are a few suggestions to help you cope:

·         Acknowledge your grief and give yourself permission to express it.

·         Don't hesitate to reach out to others who can lend a sympathetic ear.

·         Write about your feelings, either in a journal or a poem.

·         Call your local humane society to see whether it offers a pet loss       support group or can refer you to one. You may also want to ask your veterinarian or local animal shelter about available pet loss hotlines.

·         Explore the Internet for pet loss support groups and coping information.

·         Prepare a memorial for your pet.

What Can I Do for My Child?

The loss of a pet may be a child's first experience with death. The child may blame himself, his parents, or the veterinarian for not saving the pet. And he may feel guilty, depressed, and frightened that others he loves may be taken from him. Trying to protect your child by saying the pet ran away could cause your child to expect the pet's return and feel betrayed after discovering the truth. Expressing your own grief may reassure your child that sadness is okay and help him work through his feelings.

Is the Process More Difficult if I'm a Senior?

Coping with the loss of a pet can be particularly hard for seniors. Those who live alone may feel a loss of purpose and an immense emptiness. The pet's death may also trigger painful memories of other losses and remind caregivers of their own mortality. What's more, the decision to get another pet is complicated by the possibility that the pet may outlive the caregiver, and hinges on the person's physical and financial ability to care for a new pet.

For all these reasons, it's critical that senior pet owners take immediate steps to cope with their loss and regain a sense of purpose. If you are a senior, try interacting with friends and family, calling a pet loss support hotline, even volunteering at a local humane society. If you know seniors in this situation, direct them to this web page and guide them through the difficult grieving process.

Will My Other Pets Grieve?

Surviving pets may whimper, refuse to eat or drink, and suffer lethargy, especially if they had a close bond with the deceased pet. Even if they were not the best of friends, the changing circumstances and your emotional state may distress them. Give surviving pets lots of TLC ("tender loving care") and try to maintain a normal routine. It's good for them and for you.

Should I Get Another Pet?

Rushing into this decision isn't fair to you or your new pet. Each animal has his own unique personality and a new animal cannot replace the one you lost. You'll know when the time is right to adopt a new pet after giving yourself time to grieve, carefully considering the responsibilities of pet ownership, and paying close attention to your feelings. When you are ready, remember that your local animal shelter is a great place to find your next special friend.

Red for Eternal Love

 
 

This is for all the little "fur-kids" who have gone to play on the Rainbow Bridge you will be loved and missed, until the day we meet again!

 
 

Baron Joseph

Our little man went to the Rainbow Bridge on July 10, 2010.  We were so sorry to have lost him but we're happy now that he is no longer in pain.  He fought his heart murmur for years and had such a happy and enjoyable life, so when he became sick and couldn't breathe because his heart had become to enlarged, we could not let him go on like that, gasping for breath, it was not fair to him.  We know he is happy wearing a feathered boa and a hat over at the Bridge, he loved to play dress up and loved to wear anything and everything and would cry when i would buy the little females dresses to wear, so i always had to make sure Baron had something to wear otherwise we would be subjected to hours and crying, whining and howling.  RIP schven, bare butt, our little man!

 
 

 
 

Amanda Jo

It is with a broken heart that I let you know my little Amanda Jo was helped to Rainbow Bridge this AM about 11 30. She had gotten so weak and her left eye stopped working this morning so I'm thinking she had had a stroke. She was having trouble walking (more than usual) and I had to make that decision we all hate. We had had Manda longer than any other dachshund and she has been our bunk mate since day one.
 
Michelle took me and was with her until the end. The vet agreed that the time had come. Zak had gotten so close to her--maybe he knew. It seems like they all knew this morning. They were crowded around her like a shield.
 
Please kiss all your babies for me and love them dearly today in memory of Manda. She truly now has her own legacy with her beds and crate blankets.
 
I love you, Amanda and you will be with us always. "Mother Superior" was waiting for you at the bridge along with your brothers and sisters.

For Beth

We offer you our thoughts and love during this time, we know the pain of losing a "furkid" and know that you will miss her as your bunk mate and companion.  Amanda Jo truly had a good life when she came to be with you and your family, and although it was her time to leave you, you will see each other again!  Her story and legacy will live on through Amanda's Gifts! 

Love Chris and Dawnie - Dachshund Haven

To view Amanda's Gift click on her picture below: Amandas Gift

 
 

 
 

Stewart Edward

Taken day before he went to Bridge...on September 15, 2008

Stewart Edward was a rescue from the streets by the Anderson's approximately 10 years ago...we believe he was about 3 at the time we found him, although that was speculation by doctors.  Stewart Edward is one of the remarkable dogs that we have had over the years...he was my personal baby and my entire family loved him with all our hearts...you can read all about his medical history on the All About Stewart page.  Hopefully, some information on this page, can give people hope and provide a look into what responsibility and rewards that come with taking these animals and loving them no matter what.

He had among other things, Cushing's Syndrome, epilepsy, thyroid issues, heart murmur, later on Rocky Mountain Spotted Deer Tick Fever and Addison's Disease, but ultimately left us when he succumbed to congestive heart failure.  We all knew it was coming, but we were hoping for another year or so, he was doing more than just well, he was thriving, and took a turn for the worst in a matter of hours...it was, as with most deaths, completely unexpected to happen so soon. 

Being that this was a personal dog of the Anderson's and that they have been going through so much with him, medication three, four and sometimes five times a day, doctor's visits every three weeks and sleepless nights while watching him after seizures, and the money for his expensive tests, medications and visits...this has been very hard on both me and my mom, not to negate the feelings of the rest of my family because they all hurt from the loss.  However, to me, he came around the time I had to have a total hysterectomy at the age of 20 and I always believed he was in my life to help me through all my medical issues as well, we had a bond that way. 

Through it all, he was a happy thriving boy, his medication was working and kept him stable.  We wouldn't change a thing though, all of the work was nothing to keep him healthy and in our lives. 

I would be lying if I said I was having an easy time writing this...I have been putting this off for a few weeks hoping it would get easier, but unfortunately, it hasn't so far. There is still an empty spot in my bed where he belongs, and it still so hard not to roll over and find him with his head on his pillow beside me on "his side of the bed".  Sweet Pea, who was our constant companion, became extremely attached and spent the first few days looking for her brother in his usual spots, and when she couldn't find him, she would roll around on his side of the bed.  She continues to go on hunts for him, staking out his favorite spots, and looking for him at night...

My family and I want to thank Dr. Mazzi and County Line Hospital for all the years of medical care and all around care that they have provided for us, for all these years with all of our animals, but especially with Stewart.

 I figured he deserved a memorial on this page...I may update as time goes on, but for now, we all love and miss you Stew and will see you happy and healthy again at the Rainbow Bridge!

Love, Dawnie

Play at the Rainbow Bridge Stewart Edward!  We Love You and will see you soon!  Love, Momma, Daddy, Dawnie, Robby, Paul and Kristyn, Lucas Ray and Auntie Chris!

Stewart and Sweet Pea's nightly routine...

Stewart and SweetPea...2007

 Stewart's Side of the bed...

He could sleep anywhere...but preferred his side of the bed...

 
 

Little Robby

So named, after the webmaster's brother, who has issues as well.  Little Robby is our mega esophogus boy. 

Little Robby became lethargic and sluggish and refused to eat and the end of December.  When we got him to the doctor we found that he was dehydrated and despite the medication he was on, it was not helping him. 

He went quietly to the Rainbow Bridge on January 1, 2008.  We will miss him.  But are glad that he can be over there and play with no sickness or health problems. 

 
 

Maggie

August 9, 2007

Today, Maggie one of our sanctuary baby, went to the Rainbow Bridge.  She was 18 and a half years old.  She was a puppy mill mama, who was bred well into her double digit years.  She lived a hard life during her years as a puppy mill mama.  She came to us about five years ago at the age of 13.  She was used constantly as a breeding dog, but was allowed finally to retire and has lived at Dachshund Haven ever since, she was loved and cared for here, and she lived the rest of her life here in peace and harmony at our sanctuary.  She will be missed.  Rest in Peace Little Girl! 

 
 

Miracle

Miracle came to rescue approximately a month and a half ago.  Her story is the result of not only a negligent and irresponsible breeder but a negligent and/or naive/non able bodied senior owner.  Whether by her inability to care for the dog or pure negligence, the result is ultimately the same for poor little Miracle.

Miracle was given to a very elderly lady by a well meaning family member when she was barely 8 weeks of age.  The owner although mobile herself, did have some issues with her legs which caused her issues walking at times.  This made for a poor situation for Miracle, who in the beginning as a clumsy puppy would often get in the way and trip the lady.

The standard puppy shots which protects a puppy's life and immune system had not been given.  Both the breeder and the new owner "assumed" the other would do it.  Neither bothered to ask the simple question "has this puppy had her shots"?  Because no one bothered to ask, little Miracle suffered for it.

Soon Miracle developed Parvo. 

Parvo is a highly contagious virus that gives the infected dogs, fevers, lethargy vomiting, bloody diarrhea and a lack of appetite.  The Parvo virus is usually transmitted by dogs and puppy's coming into contact with infected feces.  This virus can withstand almost anything; including freezing temperatures, boiling heat, and all household disinfectants (except for bleach). 

Because of a puppy's weakened immunity their poor bodies cannot fight off the virus and due to all the gastrointestinal symptoms the little ones become dehydrated weakened and in a short time the problems will become more severe and can cause the death of the puppy.

Miracle that she is, she recovered from the Parvo.  But almost immediately went into Distemper.

Canine Distemper is a contagious, incurable often fatal viral disease that attacks all different systems at once.  This infection infects the respiratory, gastrointestinal and central nervous systems, usually all at once.  Young puppy's between three and six months old are more likely to succumb to the illness then adults. 

Early symptoms include fever, loss of appetite, mild eye inflammation and ass the illness progresses so do the symptoms.  As time goes on fever, conjunctivitis, diarrhea, pneumonia, extreme respiratory problems, runny nose, vomiting and most puppies die from secondary bacterial infections.  Most dogs that die from Distemper die from neurological complications such as muscle coordination, increased sensitivity to touch (hurts to touch), disabling muscle spasms, partial or full paralysis, progressive deterioration of mental or motor abilities or seizures.

At the point that rescue came into contact with her, she was in worse shape than we were lead to believe.   The owner admitted tripping over her several times and admitted to watching Miracle as she struggled with dragging and using her back legs. For most people, that would have been a clue that something was wrong.  Unfortunately, this elderly lady either couldn't care for a 8 week old puppy or didn't want to care for a 8 week old puppy to know the signs of a malnourished, vomiting, stumbling, struggling puppy was a sick puppy that needed a vet immediately and not a "normal clumsy puppy".  Either way, Miracle suffered for several weeks stumbling over herself, dragging her legs, vomiting and having diarrhea and running into things throughout the house.

  By the time we got her, (which was only a few weeks after the breeder had turned her over) she was not eating or drinking.  We first thought it was because she did not feel good or was nervous.  We soon found she wasn't eating or drinking because she did not KNOW how to eat or drink.  Her back legs were completely useless and within a few days of getting her, she had gone completely blind. 

After several blood tests to diagnosis the problems and several medications to try to help her and more than several days in quarantine to try to help her eat and drink, things did not look up for Miracle.  As time went on, she stopped eating and drinking even with help and her condition worsened.   She was emaciated, ataxic and palsied.

It was decided by rescue and the professional opinion of the treating vet, that it was in Miracle's best interest to have her humanely euthanized.

She went to rainbow bridge on January 4, 2007.

We here are rescue were devastated and many tears were shed for little Miracle.  This was a senseless suffering and death.  A few shots and proper care could have prevented this whole situation. 

PLEASE NOTE:  All of our other dogs in rescue are vaccinated as a matter of protocol for the health of the animals we keep new animals quarantined and isolated from the others in general population.  Miracle was not in general population as she was way too sick nor was she exposed to general population.

After Miracle's humane euthanization, all of her belongings were soaked and cleaned properly using bleach to clean everything.

 
 

CHERISH

August 17, 2006

We have lost our little Cherish.

Cherish was a little girl who was born without a front left paw due to her breeder using a medication on Cherish's Mother that contained a high amount of steroids.

Out of seven in the litter only cherish and her little brother survived.

Cherish was a staple for why we here at rescue want irresponsible breeders and puppy mills shut down.

Little Cherish was young but during her two years in rescue she lived a happy and loving life with her momma, Chris and daddy, Syd.

She was loved so much.

REST IN PEACE LITTLE ONE, YOU WILL BE MISSED.

 
 

FRASIER


 

Frasier was 18 when he left us for the Rainbow Bridge.  He came into rescue at the age of 14 with his 13 yr old "mate" Heather, and their 11 yr old son Bailey.  They had been together always, and there was no way we would ever split them up.  Therefore they remained with us.  Frasier was "Momma's Boy" and I will forever miss his sweet face and all the love he gave.

APACHE

Apache was a little silver dapple rescue dog that we placed a few years ago.  The people that adopted Apache, decided that they no longer wanted him and placed him back with a different rescue.  The fact he was given to another rescue and not us, was in violation of our rules, but since we knew the rescue we were tolerant of it. 

While in possession of this rescue, somehow he became sick and died.  The vet that examined him stated he looked as though he had been poisoned. 

We are unsure how this all came to be and at this point, we don't care.  Whether accidental or purposeful poisoning by a stranger throwing something over the fence does not matter.  We are very sad to know that this little guy's life was  shortened.

We hope he rests in peace and is happy playing at the rainbow bridge. 

 

 
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     


 

 

Send mail to Duranie@dslextreme.com with questions or comments about this web site.
Last modified:07/29/2010