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Friday, December 21, 2012

Beloved Nathan



It is with deep sadness that we said goodbye to Nathan today. His poor body could no longer support his fighting spirit. Nathan is an angel who deserves to be able to run and jump and play in Heaven with the other angels.

From the moment Nathan came into our lives over 6 years ago, he brought us great joy. From the first moment I held him at the horse farm in Ocala and said “get the checkbook” to challenges of the last year, Nathan filled the room with love. He worked hard to protect us and his little brother, Frankie who followed him around like a shadow. 

My head is filled with “what-ifs”. What if we hadn’t gone to the dog park that fateful day? What if his extent of his injury had become apparent during the day instead in the middle of the night? What if the Vet on that night had told the surgeon that the surgery needed to be done immediately? What if a neurosurgeon had done the surgery? And yet, we can’t turn back the clock, we can only be thankful for the additional time we did have with Nathan over the last 20 months.

For those who will read this while searching for information on IVDD, do not take this as a death sentence for your dog. Nathan’s situation was unique and very extreme. Even as badly as the first surgery went, he still had a pretty good recovery and many happy days afterwards. My advice to those currently experiencing this disease with their beloved dog, never lose hope for recovery. Seek out the best veterinary care available in your area. Treatments are always advancing allowing for better and better outcomes. 

Thank you to all Nathan’s e-friends who supported him and sent him so many loving thoughts. 

-Heidi

23 comments:

  1. Heidi...I'm just so sorry. Having had three Doxie's with similar back problems, one of which was permanently paralyzed for most of her 15 years, I understand your frustration and also the "what if's". It was a very painful decision you had to make but you made the best one for Nathan.

    I am one of 3 who works on the "Our Rainbow Friends" blog honoring those pets in Blogville who started their journey to the Bridge. I would very much like to include Nathan in our December issue that will be published on January 15. If you would like Nathan to be included, please email your favorite picture of Nathan and his birth date to:
    ourrainbowfriends@gmail.com

    http://ourrainbowfriends.blogspot.com

    Again, I'm so sorry. Nathan will always be safe within your heart. He really touched my heart too.

    Hugs,
    Linda

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  2. Sweet Nathan, your journey here on earth may be over, but a new journey for you has just begun. We pray you are now running free at The Bridge my friend.

    And to your wonderful family, our hearts are breaking hearing about your wonderful boy. I know it's been a long road that you've travelled down and you did your very best for him. Please don't second guess any of your choices and decisions. You gave him your all and he loved for you it!

    We will remember Nathan in our prayers tonight.

    Hugs,
    Lily Belle & Muffin

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  3. My heart is breaking along with yours as I read about the passing of your sweet Nathan. Please dont second guess your self. It has always been so clear how much love and devotion you had towards your sweet baby. I will be praying for you this Christmas, and will light a candle in Nathans honor tonight. Sending healing Lynette

    I also want to tell you thank you again. Yours and Nathans was one of the first stories about IVDD I found after Cher went down. Nathan and Cher followed each other so much in there recovery. It was such an inspiration to read all of your posts. I'm sure you cannot imagine how much it has done for so many others going down this difficult road. Run free Nathan.

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  4. I am so sorry to hear this. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this very difficult time. ((HUGS))

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  5. Oh gosh we are so sorry about Nathan. We came over from Amber's blog.It sure sounds like you did everything you possibly could for him and that he had some mighty good years because of you.
    I have to ask you, you mentioned a horse farm in Ocala and I have a good friend that has a horse farm there. He is Don Stewart.
    Anyway, our thoughts and prayers are with you.

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  6. We are heartbroken at reading of Nathan's death- our thoughts and prayers are with you at this most difficult of times.

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  7. It warms my heart to read about Nathan because I can feel your love for your boy. It breaks my heart that he is no longer with you. My deepest sympathy to all who loved sweet Nathan.

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  8. We are sad for you and are sending you purrrrrrs of comfort.

    hugs, Max, Bugsy, Knuckles and HH

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  9. We're sorry to hear about Nathan. I know how it feels to have so many what ifs in one's life... I had so many questions during my short time with our dog Shark. What if we brought him to a different vet... what if we brought him to our vet right now... what if I knew what Parvo was... what if I had him vaccinated even when the vet said that it wasn't necessary because he was too old to get Parvo.

    Don't be sad. Nathan is in a much happier place... One where Dachshunds can jump as high and play with fellow Dachshunds(old and young) with the same energy all day.

    Huggies and Cheese,

    Haopee

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  10. Amber told me about your dear Nathan. My sisters and I are so very sorry to hear that news and we send you many hugs and lots of love.

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  11. So sorry to hear this. We are sending paw prayers to you.

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  12. Dear Nathan's Peeps and brother Frankie
    Mom and I did not know you but we are both lovers all 4 leggers.
    We read about Nathan's passing at Amber's blog. Our first family pet was a mighty mini dachshund and my peeps still hold Doxies dear to their hearts. We know they Doxie spirit and love of life
    we send hugs and to Nathan we say run free and spread your Doxie dust all over heaven.
    Hugs madi and Mom

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  13. We just came over to say so sorry. Please accept our thoughts and prayers for you all at this very sad time.
    Best wishes Molly

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  14. Amber let us know about Nathan....we may not have known him, but we are very sorry for your loss. We hope happy memories help you through.... purrs

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  15. Hey it's Jet here.

    Amber shared the news about Nathan's crossing. We're so sorry for your loss. May you carry lasting memories in the pocket on your heart. Sending Jetty kisses and JJ hugs of support and comfort.

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  16. We just came from Amber's blog. We are so very sorry to hear about Nathan. You will be in our thoughts and prayers. Godspeed, Nathan.

    Love ya lots,
    Mitch and Molly

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  17. Dropped by from Amber's blog. I am so sorry to hear this <3
    Cotton

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  18. We came to paw our sympathy, softest husky wooooos,

    RA, Isis & NanĂ¼k

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  19. I am so very sorry to hear about Nathan. He sounds like such a wonderful dog with an amazing spirit. I am so glad you had an extra 20 months with him. Run free, Nathan ...

    Your pal, Pip

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  20. Oh my God, my heart is broken over hearing this. I have been thinking of him and decided to check the blog. Heidi, I am so very sorry to hear this, I was hoping he would improve. I know it must have been a very difficult decision and you always kept his best interests in mind. I will always treasure our brief meetings and the last time you all came to visit. He was so happy and his little cute noises he made at me asking for more pets and love. He truly stole my heart! I have never known such dedicated dog parents as you and Mark. I hope little Frankie is doing ok as I know he will miss his best friend too. The what if's can really get to you but don't let it, I did the same with mine too. You guys gave so much to Nathan and gave him every chance possible but most of all you gave him so much love, support, compassion and kindness. Much love and hugs to you, Mark and Frankie. I will really miss this little dog that I only met three times!

    Feel free to call or email me anytime.
    Nina

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  21. My heart too is breaking as I read about the passing of your beloved Nathan.

    Your blog about Nathan's journey has been an inpiration and hope to me as I went through similar circumstances this year with my dear Jack.

    Please accept my most heartfelt sympathies for your loss. My thoughts are with you and your family during this difficult time.

    Sarah Lane
    Portland, OR

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  22. Just been thinking about Nathan and decided to stop by and say hello. It's been such a long time (or at least it feels that way). Hope all is well...

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    1. So lovely to hear from you!!! Nathan is never far from my thoughts. I recently started assisting a dachshund rescue with doing background checks and home visits to get rescues into furever homes. Other than that, Frankie and Petey are doing very well. Frankie did have back surgery one year ago but made a 100% recovery. Much love to you....

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