10 replies to this topic

[cairnrescueleague]

On Wednesday, I said goodbye to one of the bravest little girls I’ve ever known. Misty was 15, and it had become a struggle for her to walk. She came into rescue almost 4 years ago. Her owner had died, and she ended up with his stepdaughter, who mistreated Misty. I think the first 10 years of her life were good, I think she was treated like a princess, but her owner’s death and subsequent mistreatment left its mark, so rather than placing her, she stayed with me.

I think she had the doggie version of PTSD/post-traumatic stress disorder. Her startle response was unreal, and you had to be careful how you moved your hands and feet around her, or she’d try to bite, thinking she was going to be hit or kicked. Even though I had her for 4 years, she never got over that. I think she also came to think she had to protect her owner from all the caretakers that were in and out as he was dying. He was bedridden for the last 3-4 months of his life, and she was allowed to stay on the bed with him. On some level, I think she tried to protect him from death, and I also don’t think she ever got over losing that battle.

Despite her fears, she was also one of the bravest cairns I’ve ever known. She loved to be outdoors during thunderstorms, I would be out there in the wind and rain trying to chase her down and bring her back inside. She thought it was a fine game! She did enjoy life, and when she was feeling particularly happy, she’d throw back her head and give a little howl. She loved a good scrap, and she and Chelsea HATED each other. I’ll never forget the time I inadvertently (of course) put her in a crate not realizing one of my foster dogs was already sleeping in it. There was about 30 seconds of silence, then the crate exploded in fury! No harm done, but I’m sure both dogs were sure I’d lost my mind.

The summer before she came into rescue, Misty was hit by a car, but the stepdaughter didn’t take her to the vet because she seemed OK. It was obvious that was not the case. My vets are certain that her pelvis was broken and she had developed traumatic arthritis (and incontinence) as a result. Four years later, it eventually did her in. She had also developed dry eye and a collapsing trachea. Her passing was peaceful, but it has left an enormous hole in my heart. She was independent the way only the female cairns can be, but we were also very bonded. In some ways broken, but what a valiant spirit. Goodbye sweet girl – brave, scrappy, fierce, so full of life – you were quite a cairn. I will never forget.

[LizzieP]

I am so sorry for your loss. I'm sure she is in heaven with her original owner telling him all the wonderful things you did for her. Take comfort they are together again and she is at peace.

Finnegan's Mum

[bradl]

I know it may sound odd to say it, but how lovely that Misty came in the end to be with someone who could appreciate and honor her for who she is and who she'd become. Kind thoughts on your loss.

[Scully'sMom-1]

I am so very sorry for the loss of your little girl Misty. I am absolutely certain that she passed from this life feeling the tremendous love you gave her. I know from my own experience that the love she gave YOU will be with you always.

[toomanypaws]

I am so sorry for your loss. You did a wonderful thing taking in Misty and I'm sure, because of her, you're a better person.

[savannahsmom35]

I am so sorry for your loss. How wonderful that you took her in and made the last 4 years of her life so wonderful. Remember all the happy times that you had together and know that she will be waiting for you at the rainbow bridge.

[Cairns2]

I am so sorry to read of your loss. Unfortunately part of having pets is losing them but you gave Misty 4 wonderful years and I am sure those years, and your love, erased some of the bad memories she had. Give yourself time to grieve the loss but remember she will always be as close as your heart.

[CarCarDawn]

Hi! Reading your story brought tears to my eyes - - I just can't imagine mistreating a wonderful animal like a Cairn - - or any living creature! Please take comfort in knowing that you gave her a ton of love in her final years - - -God bless!

[Marmielin]

Bless you. I have just loved all my pets so much. Like others have said, how can anyone mistreat one? God created them and gave them to us to care for. They give us so much pleasure and joy - just like our children. You did such a good deed by loving her and giving her a home. When I get to "retire" from work someday, I think I would like to be a foster mother to Cairns. Hopefully I'll have more time. It never occurred to me to do that until I became part of this forum. What an honor it would be to love and care for a pet (especially a sweet Cairn) that needs a home.

LindaB

[Catfish1]

I hope you take comfort in the realization that the intervention, care and love you gave her in the last four years of her life, did not happen by chance. It was meant to be. Rest peacefully, Misty.
Fergus & Alf & Alf's Mom

[Greg]

"Blessed is the person who has earned the love of an old dog."
--Sydney Jeanne Seward