"Dutch" was the closest thing to a "soul mate" for me. I am not sure I can go on without this wonderful baby boy of mine. We had such a special bond. I cannot believe I will never see his dear, sweet face, nor hold him again until I am called to be with him.
There are many wonderful moments we shared with this special, dear friend - moments that will always be cherished deep within our hearts and minds. We will never forget that most special look "Dutch" would give us at any given time - a look of true, undying devotion and love. I can only hope that the many looks we gave him were as special and that we showed him how very much we cared for and loved him, as well. "Dutch" loved children and never met a stranger. He loved for our grands to come to the house to play with him. He would quiver with excitement - his little stump of a tail vigorously wagging all the time. And, he was always the totally perfect gentleman with everyone and everything!
He had this habit of raising his paw when he wanted anything, but most of all, just attention from us. He would gently lift his paw and wave it up and down with excitement when he wanted to play. Or, he would wave it slowly when he was excited about getting his breakfast and dinner. Then, there were times he came up to us, lifted his paw and ever so gently brushed our knee or leg to tell us he wanted to be cuddled and loved.
So many wonderful things "Dutch" did now lay silent with him. I carry his body with me in his special resting place and hold him close to my heart daily. I pet him on his head and tell him what a good boy he was and how terribly lonely I am without him. Oh! How my aching heart breaks for just one more time to hold his dear sweet body next to me and tell him what he means to me and how I am totally lost without him by my side. "Dutch" was my dream come true - my life - my everything. There will never be another "Dutch" no matter how long I search for another to help mend this huge, gaping hole within my soul. Farewell, my dearest of dear best friends. I will never get over losing you and will forget you never!
"If I could sit on the porch, across from God, I would thank Him for lending you, (my dear "Dutch"), to us." Author ~ Unknown
I miss you more than you will ever know! I love you, my beautiful baby boy! No one will ever take your place! Sweet dreams and rest in peace until we meet again!
Our wish for all visitors and friends is that no one will ever have to suffer the untimely death of their beloved pet!
It is with a sad, aching heart that we have lost the dearest friend and truly the best Bulldog we have ever owned. "Dutch" left us to be with our other dogs that have gone on before him - "Alistair", "Sammy" and "Paisley". We had a very Blue Christmas last year and will have many, many blue days ahead without you, dear Dutchy Boy!
"Dutch" suffered a very untimely death - a death that could have been avoided had we not had such blind faith in a Veterinarian we "believed" was a professional and experienced with the Bulldog breed. We had sung the praises of this Veterinarian for over 27 years, only to find out too late he was not to be trusted. This Veterinarian lied by telling us he was giving our boy certain injections of antihistamines when, in fact, he was giving him very dangerous steroids!
"Dutch" was the picture of total perfect health until the Spring of 2006. At that time, he began losing weight and not feeling well. I took him to a new Veterinarian. His diagnosis was acute pancreatitis, thought to be brought on by the over use of steroids. He was treated and recoverd nicely. By summer, 2007, Dutch became ill again. His new Vet told me he was a very sick boy and that I should take him to the University of Georgia School of Veterinary Medicine. I sat on the floor with him for several nights, with his head in my lap waiting to get the appointment with the School of Veterinary Medicine. At the University Hospital he was treated royally and the Doctors there discovered the possibility of over use of the steroids as well. They found irreversible damage to his liver and pancreas. He was put on a special diet and given medication to help with the bleeding ulcers. He came home and improved almost over night until December of 2007.
On December 1, 2007 for some unknown reason, "Dutch" took a turn for the worse. Dutch died at the University of Georgia School of Veterinary Medicine from acute pancreatitis, bleeding ulcers and aspiration pneumonia. He was only 3 and one half years old.
***** WARNING *****
Please investigate your Veterinarian thoroughly before having him or her take care of your dear pets. If you ever have any doubts about your professional Veterinary service, seek a second opinion before it is too late. We speak from experience about the shocking and totally unbelievable things that our dear "Dutch" suffered at the hands of a Veterinary Surgeon who was so unconcerned or did not have the knowledge to handle properly or both! Please read "Dutch's" story below to learn more!
The Rainbow Bridge
Just this side of heaven lies the Rainbow Bridge.
When a beloved pet dies, it goes to the Rainbow Bridge. It makes friends with other animals and frolics over rolling hills and peaceful, lush meadows of green.
Our pets do not thirst or hunger. The old and sick are made young once more; the maimed and the ill become healed and strong. They are as healthy and playful as we remember them in days gone by.
Though happy and content, they still miss someone very special, someone they had to leave behind.
Together, the animals chase and play, but the day comes when a pet will suddenly stop and look into the distance....bright eyes intent, eager body quivering. Suddenly, recognizing you, your pet bounds quickly across the green fields and into your embrace. You celebrate in joyous reunion. You will never again separate. Happy tears and kisses are warm and plenty; your hands caress the face you missed. You look once more into the loving eyes of your pet and know you never really parted. You realize that, though out of sight, your love had been remembered.
And now, you cross the Rainbow Bridge together.....
Author - M. A. Preston
Our sincere gratitude to our wonderful new Veterinarian, Dr. Crain and his staff of truly great professionals for being so good to our boy. For taking such great care of him and truly caring about the many lives they hold so delicately in their hands.
Our thanks also goes to all the many Veterinarians at the University of Georgia, School of Veterinary Medicine who worked so hard to try to save our beloved "Dutch". We know you did everything in your power to save him from his untimely death! All the kindness and your words of comfort and sympathy will never be forgotten!
The University Hospital does some really special things for their clients and patients. They made a clay impression of "Dutch's" paw. It is displayed above, left, as a lasting memento of our boy.
Below are words from the lovely sympathy card we received from Dr. Crain and his staff. It included individually signed messages from all who work at Rockdale Animal Hospital. They loved our boy as much as we do.
We chose to have "Dutch" cremated. We could not think of putting our dear boy in the cold, hard ground. He loved so much to ride in the car with us and take trips in the RV. Now, he will be able to travel with us no matter how far we may journey. Our last trip together in the RV was at Thanksgiving when we visited my youngest daughter and her family. Dutch had such a wonderful time those few days. He was feeling so good and enjoyed watching all the horses running in the paddocks. He met so many new friends who had such fun petting and playing with him. "Dutch" loved every minute of all this new attention. Little did we know that would be the last Thanksgiving we would spend with him.
"Dutch's" final resting place - our coffee table in our living room. However, he continues to travel with us where ever we go!
"Dutch's" Paw Print, a memorial gift from the University of Georgia, School of Veterinary Medicine
