EPI * Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency

This page is dedicated to the many dogs who sadly gave their lives to EPI, and to their owners, who struggled with this horrible disease treating their faithful companions, some with success and some with failure but always with hope. Many of these EPI dogs are extraordinary souls who so deeply touched our lives with a love so strong and with such loyalty that they forever changed our lives. May their legacy never be forgotten.

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For Kelly, in memory of Boomer,
from your friend Debra, and all the members on the EPI FORUM

My friend I know you’re hurting
with sorrow deep and true;
I wish that there was something
I could do for you.
To simply say “I’m sorry”
just doesn’t seem to be
enough to adequately express
my heartfelt sympathy.

Night has fallen on your heart
and cast a shadow long;
Your world is changed forever
you can’t believe dear Boomer is gone.

You lost a family member
who was loved like all the rest;
A loyal, loving companion
who always gave his best.

But time will heal your broken heart
though it may take awhile;
Sweet memories will replace the loss
you’ll think of Boomer Boy and smile.

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 Roz, you were the sweetest girl with the most gentlest soul.... and you will be forever missed....your brother Bailey, the cat, is so lost without you!

 God Speed my girl ...

SM

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 My girl, Willow. She was my partner, my companion, my friend.  I have had five dogs during and since her time on earth and none have come as close to the love and devotion she gave to me.  I found it easy to manage her EPI with Pancrezyme even during the time she was actively competing in Obedience, and so I feel we were lucky; even when her poops turned gray and with mucus she was still willing to work as hard as ever.  She now lives in the very heart of my heart and I am a better person for it.

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                             KITA   

      07/01/1997 – 11/19/2009

    Vibrant, Strong, Tender and Sweet

            Run free with the wind at your back,

unfold your wings and soar through the heavens.

                         Forever in my heart,
                                      Jan

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Maddox was diagnosed with EPI, SIBO, and IBD in August of 2008.  He fought a hard fight for such a tiny little guy. He had such a loving, caring personality along with the mischievousness that EPI dogs get into in their search of food.  Needless to say, there was never a dull moment in our house.  He was such a Mommy's boy, and my constant companion. He wouldn't even let me brush my teeth by myself.  His favorite things were doing laundry, going to day care and school with his teacher, Debbie, and eating cookies in the lobby of the PetsHotel in PetSmart.  Even in his last days as he sat a week hooked up to an IV in the hospital, he never lost his loving personality and never stopped wagging his tail no matter how weak and critically sick he was.  On Good Friday, God took my precious baby boy home.  He is missed terribly.  He had so much love to give.  Goodbye my little sunshine.  Mommy loves you forever! Amy

                            December 16, 2005 ~ April 10, 2009

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♥ To Jacko, my heart of heart dog.  2/22/00 to 5/12/09 ♥

Jacko was a kind soul that loved all people and loved his pack.  He dealt with EPI all his life and courageously met all of its challenges.  We will miss his sensitive face and loving eyes and sweet kisses. 
Debbie Stanton

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 Cinder was named Cinderella when we first adopted her. We were her fifth home due to her EPI because no one thought she was worth the trouble. She was on her last day at a kill shelter when GDS rescue took her in and we found her. My 5 year old son, Samuel, decided that she had found her "happily ever after" home so we should call her Cinderella. Cinder gave more than she ever asked for. She learned to play again and not fear making mistakes or accidents anymore. She learned to wag her tail and enjoy life. She gave so much joy to our family. She was Samuels best friend ...always ready to go down to the "creepy basement" to get a toy ...and Samuel needed protecting from the "scary things" that might be down there. Each night after bed-time I could always find Cinder sleeping beside Samuel on the floor of his bedroom. We had four short years with Cinder but I would do it all again for the love and joy we had in those years with her.  

 Cinder, you are missed so very much and will forever be in our hearts!  With all our love, your mom Helen. 

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          ~ Our Beautiful Shadow  3/8/05 - 2/4/09 ~        You were the most gentle, intelligent and sweet natured dog that I have ever known.  We miss you so much Shadow and life will never be the same.  May God bless you and take care of you until we are all reunited one day.  You will never, ever be forgotten  ....  With love always, your mom Joanna.... and your brother, Tikaani (Tikaani pictured above with Shadow), who is so lost without you...........

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Weylin,  beloved and treasured companion and friend of Debra C, who is now waiting for her at the Rainbow Bridge, was lovingly released on 12-12-2008. He is sorely missed every passing day.... 

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  Sabre, beloved GSD of Deb Zsuccumbed to EPI March 2009. It is with heavy heart that many say "good-bye" to Sabre.... because of his multitude of EPI struggles and shared experiences, so many others were helped. We will always hold a very special place in our hearts for this extra-ordinary gentle soul.  

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My deepest wish was to see my Bandit again one more time, hopefully he'd come to me in a dream to let me know he was o.k.....but that hasn't happened. I asked God to please take care of my baby....and I've left it at that. Until this afternoon- - -something incredible happened.....

Freyja, a beautiful German Shepherd Dog from Louisiana, born October 16, 2007, diagnosed with EPI one year later in October 2008, sadly passed away the end of 2008.  Freyja's owner, Hallie, hopes that this memorial to Freyja will help bring EPI awareness to other GSD owners.  

They say memories are golden, well maybe that is true.

I never wanted memories, I only wanted you.

A million times I needed you a million times I cried.

If love alone could have saved you, you never would have died.

In life I loved you dearly, in death I love you still.

In my heart you hold a place, no one could ever fill.

If tears could build a stairway and heartache make a lane,

I’d walk the path to heaven and bring you back again.

~author unknown~

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 Rumour, a glorious Beardie, owned by Carol Anne R. Rumour is the founder dog of the K9-EPIglobal group established in 2000 to lend support and help to others with EPI dogs.