Dogster

return to top

Coddie's Wit-Challenged Diary

Missed

I am feeling a bit sad. I miss my Coddie. 2 dogs that need me at home and I am crying over not having her to be with.

Coddie Ann's Spirit is set free.

On January 2, 2008 Coddie Ann left our world to be with God again. My husband and I took her to the Linn Animal Hospital in Marion Iowa and spent the last half hour with her. She was wrapped in a fleece blanket though she was wearing the fleece sweater I had made for her.
We new early in December that she was ready to go but we had a trip planned and I didn't have the heart to do it before we left. It was too devastating to me knowing that the last holiday with her would be my first holiday without her. I never had any holiday without her before.
In November she had a fat tumor removed and had been healing very well, but before her surgery we noticed a lump on her back near her hind legs. After the surgery we noticed a second lump on her shoulder blade. The vet determined that it was bone cancer and nothing less than more surgery, which we could not afford and would only prolong the inevitable, could be done.
Our son took care of her during the two weeks we were gone and we kept in contact with him on a daily basis. Our son was gracious in taking her to a Holiday get-together with his family so that she would not be left alone. Everyone smoothered her with hugs, kisses and loads of petting.
I had cried many times while we were gone on our trip knowing what would have to be done when we would return home, but I can say that with all the tears over the past months, I feel better having been with her when she left us.
I know her spirit will return someday and I am greatful to have had her in my life these past 14 years.
When we returned she was unable to wag her tail, get up to meet us or even roll over for a belly rub. It was time.
Please understand that my religion is Native American Indian and we will be having a "return to the earth" ceremony for her in the spring. She is greatly missed by a lot of wonderful people and I do look forward to spending a day of happiness in honoring a great spirit we only had a moment to experience.

Since I have been crying myself to sleep every night and just miss the companionship of a wagging tail, I have been spending my days visiting the local animal shelters. I look forward to creating a new Dogster page for our new family member when one has chosen to join us.
I thank Dogster for allowing us to share the lives of our alternative family members.

Not doing well.

This is Coddie's Mommy. Over this past year Coddie developed a fat pocket that was to be just under the skin. Like most 'fat tumors' it was not serious and gave no pain. As the months progressed, so did the size of the fat. On December 9th, I scheduled for the fat tumor to be removed. Her ribcage had swollen to an astounding girth. Not a day sooner, Coddie would not nor could not move. The vet said they had never dealt with such a major fat tumor. It was not under her skin but between her ribs and muscle. It became major surgery. The fat tumor was 6 pounds, 4 ounzes.
We have been through a lot since the surgery. She had an infection, lost a lot of needed weight and just wouldn't get up unless she HAD to. Her recovery took a standstill. It is now final to say that she has bone cancer. It started about three months ago and it is the crippling effect that is keeping her from healing any better than she has.
Coddie still walks from room to room, if there are no steps. I carry her everywhere else. Her left leg is held up gracefully or dragged when she doesn't know what to do with it. Her spine is riddled with lumps that just make her back look lumpy. But they are not fat tumors as this Mommy had hoped.
The vet said she could have a week, a month, or a few months no more.
I have accepted to wait until after the holidays to send her back to God. The decision is due to our planned week vacation during our daughters Christmas school break. Which means Mommy will be without her little Coddie Ann for the holiday in 13 years and it will be Coddie's last.
The BEST part of this holiday season will be coming home to her. My Christmas wish is for her to wag her tail when I come home. It will be the GREATEST present I could have.
Meanwhile, I pet her, I sing our little song, I read our favorite book, "Smart Mr. Tim" and I coo little I Love You's into her floppy ears.