EPI * Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency

Barney was doing great he had put weight on and the vet said he was at the weight he should be for his age. The peeing had stopped, we could go out and when we came back - no mess. We thought we had cracked it.

Unfortunately this only lasted for about 2 weeks.

The weight started to drop of him and within a week he was unable to stand as he was so weak. The vet said it was not due to the EPI as he was eating three meals a day and his stools were formed. She thought is was likely to be either his liver or kidneys or both. She said they could start treatment but could not guarantee it would work. as he was so weak.

She agreed that he was suffering, as he was moaning a lot. Therefore we had the very difficult decision to make.

Although it broke our hearts we could not stand by and watch him suffer. The vet put Barney to sleep.

I couldn't post before now as every time I tried the floods of tears stopped me.

On a brighter note we collected our new puppy today. A Bichon Frise and we have called him Ollie. He is 8 weeks old and a real cutey.

Hopefully Ollie will never have to suffer the way Barney did.

I would also like to say sorry to all the people who sent replies re Barney and I didn't answer - the reason being as above.

I would also like to thank everyone for their help and support  it was greatly appreciated.

I am so sorry for your loss.  As hard as it was, you made the correct decision.  You made it with your heart, the only loving thing to do.  Please keep in touch here and let us know how you are doing.

Congrats on the new puppy.  Post pictures when you can, we would love to meet Ollie.

Eileen,

I am so very sorry.  You know you did your best for Barney right up to the decision to have him put to sleep because you didn't want your boy to suffer.

How nice that you have now welcomed a new friend into your home and heart.

It came to me that every time I lose a dog they take a piece of my heart with them. And every new dog who comes into my life, gifts me with a piece of their heart. If I live long enough, all the components of my heart will be dog, and I will become as generous and loving as they are. -Unknown

Im so sorry for your loss, I cant imagine....  Ollie is such a cute name!!!!!!!

Oh Eileen i am so, so sorry to hear that you had to say your final goodbye to Barney.....my heart just is breaking for you.  It is never easy to let them go- - it seems like they are never here long enough. May your sorrow soon be lifted with wonderful, happy  memories of Barney. God Speed dear sweet Barney.

Glad to hear that you opened your heart and home to another little fella, Ollie. Please know that we would love to stay in touch with you and, of course, see pictures of Ollie.

Eileen,

I'm so very sorry that you lost Barney....I'll say a pryaer for his safe passage to the Bridge...

I am sorry to hear about your Barney, such a brave and loving choice to make for him. 

Eileen, my sympthay goes to you. It is such a hard decision to make. I can't say that I understand because we have not had to put a dog down yet, considering Bella is our first. However, when she was first diagnosed with EPI we thought it was the end. I cried myself to sleep every night. We are attached at the hip basically, and when her day comes, it is going to be a very sad day.

I could only imagine the pain you are going through, but atleast Barney is in a happier place, looking down on Ollie.

Please feel free to stop around still, even if your new little guy is EPI-free.:)

My heart is so hurting for you, sweetie. We invest so much love and time and expense in these dogs it crushes us when we lose them.

Please know we have a cyber arm around you at this time and bless you for having the courage and love to give the last loving gift of a gentle 'goodbye'.

Please stay and let us see how you new baby comes along... we LOVE new puppies.

Val

Run free at the bridge sweet Barney.  Free from pain and suffering.

I am so sorry to hear of your loss.  I know words cannot ease your sorrow.  He will always be in your heart.  Congrats on your new puppy.  Hopefully that will help turn the tears to smiles.

I am soooo sorry for your loss.  They are our children!

It came to me that every time I lose a dog they take a piece of my heart with them. And every new dog who comes into my life, gifts me with a piece of their heart. If I live long enough, all the components of my heart will be dog, and I will become as generous and loving as they are. -Unknown

Dear Eileen,   I am just so sorry to read this - you did what was right for Barney.   Barney will always be with you and be a part of you.   I hope that Ollie brings you new smiles and new memories...My heart goes out to you.

Michele

Eileen- as hard as that was to do, you did what was right for Barney and that is all that really matters. Having just put our GSD down 2 months ago due to cancer, we understand how hard it is. We knew we had to do it for him and minimize his suffering as much as possible.  Your new puppy will help you heal much faster!

Hi Eileen,

I am so so sorry to hear your sad news.  It's not an easy decision but know you made it with love.

I remember reading this in a childrens book.

If ever there is tomorrow when we're not together...there is something you must always remember. You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think, but the most important thing is, even if we're apart...I'll always be with you. -       Winnie the Pooh

Winnie the Pooh is the best - so much to learn from that little character...

Sweet Eileen,   I too am so very sorry for your loss.   Everytime the tears fall, just put your arms around Ollie, and he will lick  them away.  

I had just lost my treasured Ms. Beasley when my mother passed, and left me little Suzie.  To this day, I still believe she saved my life.   I was dying of a broken heart.

Your Ollie will do the same for you, and heal your heart.

Barney will be ever waiting for you at the bridge. Probably playing ball with Ms. Beasley.

So sorry for your loss. Thoughts and best wishes with prayers are with you.

I am so very sorry for your loss.  May Barney play forever at the Bridge.