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We celebrated Maya's 9 month ampuversary this past weekend with a camping trip near a river.
Considering that it has now been 3 months since I was so sure she had reached The End that I brought her to be put down, it is amazing to me that she has reached this milestone. Of course more important that the number of days or weeks that have gone by is the incredible quality of time that our family has been able to enjoy with her. She has gone for her probable "one last swim" so many times now that I lost count months ago! We have been amazed by her strength and will to enjoy every moment. Unfortunately she seems to have started sliding down that slippery slope of not feeling well again. A week before our camping trip she began falling alot and seemed generally weak. While camping she perked up because she was so excited to get into the river but she needed a lift back to the campsite because she was just too tired to walk. I am so glad that our family was able to enjoy such a special weekend with her but I am afraid that this recent decline may be her last. She has been becoming less interested in eating (except for table scraps which of course are now fair game) and her breathing has become fast and mildly labored. It is just so hard to know when the time has come to say goodbye. I feel so lucky to have been granted so much "extra" time with her. It is especially hard to know when the time has come since she experienced such incredible swings up and down with her health a few months ago- is it the real deal this time or just another set back that she may overcome? I know its is not likely for her to experience another recovery like she did, but its wrong to not at least hope... I guess I will just see what this week brings and keep reassuring her how much we love her and that when she has had enough of dealing with this disease that its ok to go to the rainbow bridge
Kathy and Maya
8:00 am
2 June 2009
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If there's one thing I've realized during the past 3 weeks, it's that nothing matches the feeling of a great day with your dog. I'm so glad you guys got a chance to spend a fabulous weekend together, and I thank you for sharing your story and giving us all a reason to keep hoping 🙂 Best of Luck!
8:37 am
15 January 2009
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Kathy,
I am sorry you are at this point with Maya. It is so difficult and yet I know you are so grateful for the extra days. Every moment counts.
We are also nearing the end with Paris. Over the past 2 weeks she has less energy, fell down the stairs 2 nights ago, breathing is not great especially at night. Still eating!! We have already decided that she will eat the day she goes to heaven!
Not much else to say, but I feel your pain and empathize with you. I also have wondered when is the time to let go, but I think our girls will let us know.
Sending you love,
Gineej & Paris
Grateful for every moment we had with Paris…..no regrets!
Honoring her life by opening our hearts & home to Addy!
11:28 am
Team Tripawds
Administrators
25 September 2009
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Bittersweet indeed. But from the looks of that smile on Maya's face, I believe all Maya knows is the sweetness.
Your comments stir up all sorts of memories form our emotional roller coaster ride with Jerry. You can ask yourself about when the time is right all you want, but the truth is ... Maya will let you know. Bless you for spending such quality time with her now. This hospice care guide for dogs may also help.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
I'm so glad you have had so many "last swims" and sweet, sweet precious extra time. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Peace and love during this difficult time...
Mom and Zeus
Heather and Spirit Zeus - Our life changing journey…from the earth to the heavens…one day at a time…always together
Happy Ampuversary Maya!!! 
Sorry to hear that she is not feeling well right now but she certainly looks beautiful and very happy in her picture! You guys must have had a blast this past weekend! What a wonderful and loving family Maya has! Keep on truckin' Maya girl!
Luv Spirit Jake, Smooch, Baby Gus & Mom (Sherri)
Thank you for your encouragement and happy thoughts! I am so happy to be able to share that picture of Maya-she was so happy that day. Unfortunately the last few days she has continued to decline in health. Her breathing is worsening and she alternates between being too uncomfortable to lie down and just stares at me panting saying with her eyes.."do something!" or she wants to be alone outside lying down which is totally unlike herself. I will bring her to our vet first thing tomorrow morning and unless he comes up with another miracle reason to give me hope that she may bounce back again...I think her time has finally come. I don't want to see her uncomfortable any longer.
-Kathy & Maya
9:00 am
Team Tripawds
Administrators
25 September 2009
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Our most sincere thoughts are with you as you go down this road. Prednisone bought us a couple extra weeks of quality time with Jerry when his health seriously declined. We also tried Albuterol to help with his breathing, but the side effects were too much for him.
Bless you for taking such good care of Maya.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
9:06 am
24 January 2009
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Bless you for being such a compassionate mom. Our thoughts and prayers will be with you especially today and tomorrow.
How special to have that happy picture.
Hugs and an Anatolian Lean...
Mary and Cemil
Cemil and mom Mary, Mujde and Radzi….appreciating and enjoying Today
9:22 am
15 January 2009
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Kathy,
My heart goes out to you, I am sending you a hug and I am with you in spirit from one tripawd parent to another during this time. You have been a great Mom to Maya.
Gineej & Paris
Grateful for every moment we had with Paris…..no regrets!
Honoring her life by opening our hearts & home to Addy!
Kathy,
Im so sorry to read about Mayas decline. Know in your heart that you are doing whats best and that Maya knows and trusts that you will do whats right for her. You have been a wonderful pawrent to her. Peace to you and your family during this very difficult time.
Sending Labby hugs and prayers.
Paula and Spirit Max
Kathy,
Sorry to be a little late to the support, but we too are enjoying "borrowed time" in Yellowstone. It should be clear that the reason Maya has had the courage and strength to continue is the love that you have shared. These precious times that you have described are just as special to Maya as they are to you.
We are extremely sorry to hear that these wonderful moments may be coming to and end but their memories will never leave. You have everything humanly possible to make Maya's life full as well as long. I know that Maya has made your life fuller, but you have made Maya's life fuller as well.
All the positive thoughts possible to you and your entire family for all you have courageously have done and for you will do.
Bob & Cherry
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