I am sorry that I could not update everyone over the weekend; however, I was in Boston at a family event and had no access to post to our web site.
Sadly, our sweet Echo left us and went to the bridge Saturday evening. She went suddenly, peacefully and without warning. We are all still in shock and completely heartbroken.
Echo was picked up by our board member from Cornell on Friday morning. At that time we were informed that despite how well she was doing post-surgery we should be aware the hole was much larger than they expected it to be. They also told us they decided to do another echocardiogram post-surgery. This is something that is not standard procedure, but they were curious because of the size of the hole. They explained that it showed her heart function had actually decreased after the surgery. Despite the decreased functionality, they felt this could be normal and the result of the surgery on her heart. She was ordered to complete crate rest for the next two weeks at which time they would repeat the echocardiogram to see where her heart was. Dr. Waxman also said reassured us that we made the best decision to move forward with the surgery sooner than later because her heart was already showing the effects of her condition.
For the next 24 hours sweet Echo seemed to be doing very well. She was eating, drinking, wagging her cute little tail and giving lots of kisses. We were so hopeful even though the information we received when we picked her up was not what we had hoped for. We still felt as though there was no chance she wouldn’t make it. We had heard from so many knowledgeable people that this surgery is a pretty routine procedure and most times the dogs make through just fine. Even Dr. Waxman stated that Cornell had not lost a dog to this surgery in five years, so we never thought for a second we would lose sweet Echo.
Saturday evening Echo’s foster momma fed her and took her out to potty. She seemed completely normal – no changes in behavior, appetite, etc. She was not lethargic or behaving any differently than she had before. After Echo pottied she went back into her little crate while her foster family ate dinner in the same room. During dinner they assumed she was sleeping while they were eating, but when they went to check on her after dinner they found that she had passed. They were shocked to say the least – they did not hear a peep out of her…she must have just gone to sleep. For her sake we are glad she did not suffer, but we are all so unbelievably sad.
For me personally – and for many of my volunteers – helping special needs dogs is one of the most rewarding parts of our rescue work. Helping the ones that others might not have helped and seeing it through is one of our greatest gifts.
We have successfully helped many dogs with special needs and not getting to see Echo go on to her very own ‘happily ever after’ is truly devastating. It will take quite awhile for us all to deal with this loss…
I spoke with Dr. Waxman at Cornell this morning to let him know that Echo had passed and he expressed his condolences. He also reassured me that we did everything possible to save her. He told me that her heart must have sustained more damage than we were aware of and it must not have been strong enough to rebound at this point.
Words can not express our gratitude to all of our supports for your extremely generous donations, your prayers, your positive thoughts and your love for Echo. She was such a special little girl and we know that if she could have she would have thanked each and every one of you with gentle puppy kisses.
For now, we are trying to take comfort in the fact that we did give her the best chance possible and during her last few weeks she knew safety, comfort and love. Her foster family could not have loved her more and right now they are all still numb while mourning the loss of one of the sweetest little girls they have ever met.
Again, thank you to our supporters for helping us give her this chance.
Godspeed sweet Echo! Run free at the bridge with all of those who went before you. Know that you will always be loved and missed by so many here….
Sincerely,
Sue Szyklinski