Post by kandice on Mar 30, 2007 23:37:43 GMT -5
Chantilly died Sunday 25 February. She had a swelling on her muzzle in early February which the veterinarian said was an allergic reaction. I bought her canned food which I don't ordinarily do because of concern for her teeth. They did an exam and said she was fine. She had been in Sept. and had the deluxe work and panel and was fine. After giving a variety of canned foods (some on the list and some not,) she became ill and quickly emaciated (within 2 days). She urinated frequently on the carpet which she never did-- when she was able to move. I was terrified and told her she couldn't leave because "Daddy" would be coming home from the VA Hospital. I knew she was very ill and told her if she really felt she had to go to please do it in my arms. Sunday morning my grandchildren were visiting. I heard her gasp as though her lungs were filled and she couldn't get air. I picked her up and within seconds she went limp in my arms. I screamed for my husband, but I knew she was gone. I held her and cried. My grandchildren tried to comfort me even though they were hurting. I knew we had to make a box, but all I could do was hold her and cry all day. It took two days to construct the box. My daughter had some material from the furniture company. I was so grateful my husband and grandchildren left to get it. I was so distraught I cried aloud while they were gone. It took the two of us 2 days to construct it because neither of our hearts were in it. I did her hair and cleaned her up and placed her on a pillow with a pink pillowcase. I put the dried rose petals from the Valentine rose my grandson gave me around her on the pillow she lay upon. I took a locket of her hair and tied it with a pink ribbon and put it in a case. We each took a locket of our hair and cut it and tied it with a ribbon and put it in with her. I tied a white ribbon around her neck. I sprayed her with some of her favorite "Chantilly" cologne. I engraved her full name on her casket: Chantilly Priscilla Bish. My husband bought flowers and I lit candles. We buried her the next day in the flower bed where she liked to lay while I worked in the flowers. I've lost a child, both of my parents, and a brother, but when I lost her, I knew in my heart I would never get over it. One time my husband said I loved Chantilly more than I did him. I turned to him and said, "Don't ever make me choose." He made the wise decision. Chantilly saved my life. One morning as I stepped outside there was a huge, vicious female yellow Lab who was only 10 feet away with her teeth bared and growling. In a flash, my little Chantilly was on that dog. I called her off, but the yellow lab came after me again and Chantilly was back on her. I finally was able to call her off when my husband scared off the Lab with the broom stick. I immortalized her in an oil painting. My love for her wasn't just because she saved my life. My husband did that when I was choking. She was the most loving, loyal, devoted friend a woman could ever have. I was not worthy of her even with royal blood. I have had a lot of dogs in my life. All of them were good, and many of them were exceptional, but none of them came close to Chantilly: Even her daughter, Chardonnay, is not an equal, although she tries. I knew when Chantilly died that I would never get over her. I wish I had died with her. I thought originally that I wish I would have gone before her, because I knew she would have been the one to lay on my grave. Then I thought about her suffering and thought if she had half the pain that I had that I would just as soon we had gone together because I wouldn't want her to suffer as I am. My sister sent an e-sympathy card reminding me to remember the good memories. When I did, all I could think about was how empty life would be without her. One of my vets sent the "Rainbow Bridge." I know it is true, because HEAVEN wouldn't be HEAVEN without Chantilly, for sure: Or any other animals for that matter. My brother, who lost his dog a couple of years ago sent a very comforting letter which was atypical of a "macho man." There was no consolation for me. After having taken her to two veterinarians, I managed to connect with the veterinarian I trust most in the world. I would trust him with my life. His specialty is large animals, but he was willing to look at her. He had taken care of her when I had to fly to my Mom's funeral. He told me to prepare myself. She was in bad shape. That was Friday when my husband was due to be discharged from the hospital just before the Sunday she died. Chantilly did everything I asked and she coudn't have done any more: Nor could I have asked any more of her. I am just so furious that there have been so many lies and deceptions from Menu Foods. They have lied about the number of pets that have died. I have already confirmed with TWO local veterinarians in my small community that at least half the amount they claim are confirmed DECEASED here. Others are suspected. I didn't include my Chantilly as the cans are long gone to the dumpster and the veterinarian is checking to see if any evidence can be obtained. I took a locket of her hair and am hoping that will be effective. Since she was buried 26 February, it is doubtful any evidence would still be obtainable, although she is going to check with the laboratory. As difficult as it was to bury my Chantilly, if I have to exhume her for evidence, I will personally see to it that these monsters BLEED TEARS! I do know that they didn't issue a recall until LONG after they knew there was a problem. I also know they purchased internationally in the interests of corporate savings. I also know they did NOT inform the public when they knew there was a problem. My Chantilly could have been saved if they had announced as soon as they were aware there was a problem. I also know they are LYING about the number of deaths. Ergo, I know they care more about stock ratings than they do about their customers. I also know that the wheat gluten went to HUMAN consumers. GOD only knows what the results will be of that, but I will be praying. I also know they know that and that is one of the reasons why they did not announce it to the public.
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Chantilly's mommy said that I could post her story for her, and she'll be sending us a picture of her soon. Her story absolutely broke my heart and had me bawling like a baby.
Here's a response to her story:
To Mommy from Chantilly:
I explained to St. Peter, "I'd rather wait here,
Outside of the Pearly Gates
I'll be very quiet, I won't even bark.
I'll try to be patient and wait.
I'll lie down and chew on a celestial bone
No matter how long you might be.
I'd miss you so much, if I went in alone
It wouldn't be Heaven to me."
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Chantilly's mommy said that I could post her story for her, and she'll be sending us a picture of her soon. Her story absolutely broke my heart and had me bawling like a baby.
Here's a response to her story:
To Mommy from Chantilly:
I explained to St. Peter, "I'd rather wait here,
Outside of the Pearly Gates
I'll be very quiet, I won't even bark.
I'll try to be patient and wait.
I'll lie down and chew on a celestial bone
No matter how long you might be.
I'd miss you so much, if I went in alone
It wouldn't be Heaven to me."