The Zim Family Cocker Spaniel Forum

Our permanent foster Cocker, Buffie, went to the Rainbow Bridge this morning while I was at work. Buffie was around 13 years old.

We have had Buffie since January 15. She was dumped on the streets in January (in the middle of a cold Ohio winter). Buffie had a lot of issues: luxating patellas, heart murmur, slow heart rate, she was deaf, and had kidney failure. Buffie had severe ear infections when we rescued her, which probably caused her to be deaf.

Buffie was going to be PTS at the shelter in January. Columbus Cocker Rescue took her in, and we offered to foster her permanently.

When we first had Buffie at our house, she was walking 2-3 miles every day with us. In the past few weeks, she had started to slow down. She stopped eating about two weeks ago. She wouldn't eat for several days, then she would eat fine for a day or two.

We took Buffie to the vet on Friday and had blood tests done. Yesterday Randy and I took the day off from work to take Buffie to the vet in Columbus again. They did more blood tests. They ruled out Addisons disease. Her blood work showed Acute Renal Failure. They gave her fluids yesterday. We brought home two bags of fluids we were supposed to give her every other day.

Buffie was so much better last night. She was following me all around the house. She ate a big bowl of chicken and rice. Randy had some cheese and crackers and he was going to go sit in the family room. Buffie was running after him, trying to get a cracker. We gave her three crackers.

She was acting fine this morning and went right in her crate. The vet's office called me a few hours ago with her test results. Ironically, we were discussing the end of life details, not knowing today was the day.

Buffie was with us for 10.5 months. At least she did not die in the shelter. My heart is breaking. Even though we have six Cockers of our own, Buffie was very special. She took a big chunk of my heart with her.

Now she can run free with our granddog, Parker, who passed away on Saturday.

Becky, a big (((HUG))) during this difficult time. The thought of Buffie chasing your husband for a few crackers did bring a smile to my face. These kids have such a way of taking over our hearts and we give it to them again, again and again.

Buffie, off to the Bridge for you, may your spirit soar...

Becky, I am so sorry for the loss of Buffie. I am glad her last night and day with you was good. I am sending big hugs your way!!!

Becky,
Bless you for blessing Buffie during her last year. Imagine what she would have missed out on. Only you know because you were there and those are your memories now. I hope some day you'll find some cracker crumbs and other post cards in unexpected places .

You gave her an extrodinary gift - something she could not do for herself - you saved her and gave her love and someone to love in return.

Bless you for taking such good care of Buffie. May her sweet soul float freely at the Rainbow Bridge. She has a "family" of cockers to greet her and play with her.

Hugs to you and your husband I know you both loved Buffie, and you're both sad at the loss. What an awesome gift for Buffie to have found you both when she needed you the most.

Sweet Buffie, run free at the bridge with Parker. There are lots of forum cockers for you to run with and chase tennis balls.

Thank goodness you were there for her when she needed you and she had 10.5 great months with you. I know that you loved her and will miss her despite how many others you have.

HUGS and supportive tears from us. It's never easy when our babies go to the bridge.

Tracey

Very sorry for your loss

Becky, I am so sorry for your loss. How wonderful that Buffie had found a loving home with you. What a sweet soul she is in the pictures that you posted. Buffie, run free at the Bridge with all the cockers from this forum that preceded you.

You not only gave her almost another year of life but you allowed her to leave this life knowing she was loved and cared about; knowing she was HOME. I know that doesn't make it easier but I also know she's telling everyone on the Bridge how she fell in soft for the past year and didn't have to be afraid or alone. I am sorry for your loss.

You gave Buffie an incredible gift. I know Buffie is smiling down upon you from the bridge.

It is never easy, my heart is with you. Hugs.

(((Hugs))) to you and your family during this incredibly sad time, Im so glad she had you to love and love her back this last year.
Run free sweet thing.

I am so sorry for your loss. Not only did she take a big chumk of your heart with her, she left a big chunk of hers with you. She is happily waiting for you. A big hug for you.

Marsha

I'm so sorry for your loss. You gave Buffie the greatest gift of a life filled with love for the short time that you had her. RIP, sweet girl.

Becky, I am so sorry for your loss. What you did by bringing her in for the remainder of her days is an amazing thing. I hope you find comfort in your memories of Buffie and in knowing that you gave her a very loving home in her final months.

Enjoy the bridge Buffie.

Becky, you were her angel here on earth.

Becky,
I am so sorry for your loss of Buffie. You gave her a loving home for the last months of her life. It was a wonderful gift and I am sure she is waiting for you at the Bridge.
Thank-you,
Susan

Becky, I'm so sad to hear of Buffy's passing. Thank you for giving her a safe and loving home for her last year. I know she felt your kindness. Run free, little Buffy - you have many friends at the Bridge!