October 18, 2013

The Information on Gracie Lynn's Passing

September 12th, 2005-October 17th, 2013
8 years young
Gracie Lynn Slimmer
Baby Girl Forever



Dear wonderful Blogville family,
It came as a great shock when yesterday shortly after 11:25am the veterinarian assistant, Miss Erin, called to inform mama CJ (I was at work at the time) that our dear, baby girl was no longer of this earth but one of heaven's many angels running around the rainbow bridge.  To know she is suffering no longer from her anomalies is of comfort.  I'm sure there will be days I will  be in a deep sadness, need I say depression...but right now to me and my family, all that is felt is shock.
Around 2:30pm in the afternoon, I came home to my mother walking to my car to meet me.  Her nose was red...something was up I told myself.  I was hoping that she was just meeting me to let me know that Gracie's dental (after all, that is why we dropped her off at the vet this morning for was a tooth cleaning and to see why her gums were bleeding) went well and it was time to pick her up.  Occasionally, I had a morbid thought during the day that Gracie Lynn died...don't ask why...I just had that thought...like I think anyone who has a baby under anesthesia would...but I thought I was being silly.  When we went to visit the vet shortly after 3pm, Dr. Jennifer, not Dr. Mike who performed the teeth cleaning procedure, met with us and told us what happened on the operating table.  They had just finished cleaning the right side of her mouth when they worked as a group to flip her over and to work on her left side of her mouth.  During the turn, her vitals took a sudden turn for the worse.  They did everything possible to restart her heart...but she died within the quick moment in which she went from fine to not fine.  Thankfully, she died in her sleep.  The doctors' believe that she had a genetic heart defect and that she would have probably died off the operating table if she had not died on it.  We feel extremely blessed to have such wonderful caring vets at the Augusta Animal Clinic.  When I went to hold my girl, it was not my girl I was holding...it was just the vessel of which her soul once occupied...I had no attachment as she was truly not there.  I went home to get Toby prior to actually holding Gracie, as Toby was the closest to her, and we, the vet and me and my mom, felt that he needed to understand that his sister/mama (remember they are only 9 months apart and she was nicknamed "Little Mama" for a reason) was no longer with us.  I am concerned how all the pugs, especially Toby will adjust over the coming days, weeks, and months.  Toby sniffed her well and then started breathing hard...he was stressed.  Mom (Mama CJ, my mother) had been holding Gracie while I was getting Toby and she was ready to leave.  I held on to my girl a bit longer and explained my fears for Toby to Dr. Jennifer...not just the fact that he will mourn, and probably mourn hard, but for another reason. 

I guess at this point, if you do not remember the story of Megan Noel Slimmer, you need to hear it now to see why I have a fear for Toby.  Megan, Gracie, and Toby all have the same genetic mother "Ollie."  Megan died at 3 1/2 years (we rescued her at 3 years and she lived 6 months before passing away) from a congenital heart defect.  Our fear at that time was getting the three pugs (Lily & Mimi were not born yet) just past the 4th year and felt that we would not have to worry about them having the same defect after that critical juncture.  Gracie just died of something similar if not the same congenital heart defect.  Our, my mom and I, concern is that Toby might have present the same congenital heart defect and we want to be proactive and not surprised by anything.   If he has a congenital heart defect, then at least we will know what signs to look for and maybe ways to enhance his current quality of life so that he is able to live longer and well.  The doctors are recommending sending us to the Kansas State Veterinary Hospital in Manhattan, KS for Toby to get an Echocardiogram.

BTW, when we had her teeth cleaned, we marked all the extras...she was on a heart monitor, she had blood work done prior to her procedure, and she also had iv drips and a warming blanket.  Even with all the precautions and life-saving techniques including oxygen and two shots of Eprin to start her heart, our angel's soul had departed.

By the time, my mom and I took the 5 minute drive home (yes...we live that close to our vets), we realized we had all that unopened food that only Gracie was eating.  We called the vet and asked if the others needed to be on the d/d Science Diet (as Gracie was on this for high levels of crystals in her urine) and the vet confirmed we did not...bring it in for a refund.  I turned around in my little car and brought up the food...that's when Dr. Mike, Gracie's main doctor and the one who performed the procedure gave me a hug as I was leaving.  I told him my concerns for Toby, which he said he would look into for our family.  As he was leaving to go back in the building and as I was about to head to my car, our eyes locked and I told him, "Thank you for taking care of my girl."  For he really has been a great vet and it was not his fault at all that Gracie passed...it was just her time...and our time table is not the same as Gods.  I will try not to understand why my baby girl is not snoring under my desk as I type this post...I just know that I'm glad she no longer is in pain, as you all know she was suffering from some terrible arthritis and possible back problems.

God Bless you for reading this long post and I hope you all are not blubbering as I am.  One last thought, before we dropped off Gracie at the vet this morning, she both gave us, me and my mom, kisses.  I feel that we said our goodbyes whether we realized it at that moment or not.  Nothing was left unsaid.  She was loved...and always will be.



Much Love,
Mama Mindy (& Mama CJ...whether she types the blog or not...this was her little girl, too)

78 comments:

Andrea and the Celestial Kitties said...

Oh my goodness. What a shock. I'm so sad for you and your family, fur and skin.
We hope that Toby will check out fine and healthy and that the family issues will have skipped him.

Mollie said...

We are totally bubbling and never know what to say at times like these. We read other peoples comments and they seem to put everything into perfect words. I can only imagine the heartache you are going through. Just know we are here for you and sending all our love, hugs and prayers. xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Mollie and Alfie

Sketching with Dogs said...

We are so very sorry. How utterly shocking and unbelievable for you. Gracie-Lynn was such an adorably sweet little dog and I could never see her face without smiling.
Our love and thoughts are with you.
Run free little darling.
Hugs, Lynne Dip Bridge and Elliot x

Dana Orsborn said...

We are so sorry to hear about Gracie.
You gave her such an incredible life. She was so lucky to have had you. We are thinking about you and your family during this difficult time.

-Dana, Daisy & Bruce

CATachresis said...

This is so very sad and unexpected. We are deeply sorry for the loss of sweet Gracie Lynn. Sending love, hugs and purrs to you Caro and Austin xx

♥Mona + Prissy + Angel Weenie♥ said...

Gracie Lynn will ever been our hearts. Mona is so thankful
she had her bestie in her life.

Love .... Sarah

The Furries of Whisppy said...

We came over from Mollie (and Alfie)'s. We're so sorry to read about Gracie Lynn's passing. We're praying Toby will be fine.

Lakeland adventures with Lola and Milo said...

I've just popped over from Mollie and Alfie to offer our condolences.

RIP Gracie.

Sheba.

Angels Amber and Max DaWeenie and Mom said...

Mindy, you are so strong as the rest of Gracie's Blogville family is really losing it today. Know that Gracie will always live on in the hearts of everyone who knew and loved her.

Frankie Furter and Ernie said...

OH the shock of this. Our heart is just broken. The thing that we will cling to are the Marvelous MEMORIES that she left us with. They will be cherished.

Run Free and Fast Gracie Lynn...until we meet again.

stellaroselong said...

I thought about your family all night long, as I am sure everyone on here did to. Our hearts are hurting today for you and your family Mindy. It is hard to understand ...thank you for sharing Gracie's story with us, please give all your pugs an extra love from us today.
Your Friends
Stella Rose, Maggie, Baby Gussie and their Momma

The Island Cats said...

Oh we are so sorry to hear this news. We send you comforting purrs and headbutts.

Mary Ann said...

We lost our Addie Mae to a heart problem, too... and we know how horribly painful it is to lose them so suddenly. I recently had to use the KState vet clinic.... they are open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year... they are caring and loving people who will take good care of your pets if you need to go there. We would not hesitate to ever use them again for any of our furkids... I am so very sorry for Gracie's loss to you, your mom and all the furkids.

Idaho PugRanch said...

Mindy, Mama CJ and Slimmer puggums and purrs, we hope you can feel our hearts surrounding you with love. Your sweet Gracie will live on in all our hearts
love
Bailey
Hazel, Greta & MOm

Millie and Walter said...

We are so sad to hear of Gracie's passing. Your vet sounds like a very kind and caring person. Good luck with Toby at Kansas State Vet clinic. We have only heard good things about them.

Millie, Walter, & Cindy

Payton's mom said...

I feel your love for Gracie, and I know she does too, even in heaven.
Love,
Christy

Angel Junior, Orion and Sammy said...

We have never dropped by to visit, so we don't know you, but we know the loss of a beloved pet and sibling. We are sending tons of purrs and prayers for your comfort during this sad time.

Meowm Rhonda, Orion, Sammy, Emily

Kismet said...

Mollie sent me. We went through this one year ago. Within a week, we rescued a dog who had been on death row in a kill shelter. It's gotten us through the year and there was no better way to honor Kenzie than to help one of his kind. Kaci has been a joy and Kenzie must have chosen her for us.

janice2pugsandaboxermix said...

I am so sorry of the death of your precious Gracie Lynn. May God place a comfortin hand on each of you.

Janice, Snuggles, Sassy, and Dixie

Tweedles -- that's me said...

With your heart broken- we know it was so hard to share all this with us. We thank you for letting us into your heart to help you heal.
Tears fell as each word was read.
We are so sorry--
And we know how hard it is for all the furrys to accept this- especially Toby Moses.
Love is coming to all of you- and we hope you can feel it.
We are sad- with you,,,
We wish there was something we could do- but there is not.
We just send prayers and love to all of you. Know blogville is hugging you.
The angels are holding Gracie Lynn.
love
tweedles and moms

Terri said...

I came over from Mollie and Alfie to say I am so sorry for your sudden lost. You have our prayers and thoughts during this time. I have been there to many times and know how it hurts, and it never changes-it hurts just as much each time.

Scooter said...

Oh, what a terrible shock. I'm so very sorry and I continue to send loving vibes to your whole family.
Grr and a Saddened Woof,
Sarge, Furiend

Angel Ginger Jasper said...

Such a shock to happen like this and although I don't know you that well the tears were there on reading it. Hugs and purrs to you. Hugs GJ x

Andy & Tater said...

Sorry to hear about your dear little Gracie. You are in our prayers. Love Cali, Andy, Tater and Shelly (C.A.T.S) and our hooman Judy

Random Felines said...

Oh Mandy and all of you....we are so very very sorry. Circumstances aside, it is never easy to lose someone we love.... we will be purring for all of you and especially Toby (btw - the siberians of Army of Four go to Kansas State Vet Hospital and have wonderful things to say about them)

Brian's Home Blog said...

I did not know your baby girl but we all cried when we read of her passing. We all send you hugs and all our love.

Bicontinental Dachshund said...

Angel Gracie, run free in Heaven and please say hi to Angel Ester, my Collie cousin who also left us this fall.

Molly the Airedale said...

We just came from Frankie and Ernie's blog. We feel just horrible that you lost your precious Gracie. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you ♥

Love ya lots
Mitch, Molly and Sue

STELLA and RORY from Down Under said...

Oh no this is just so sad. We are sending you sincere sympathy and LOVE on the passing of your sweet Gracie. She was loved and gave you love in return and there is nothing better than that. We're so sorry. We will be thinking of you all. Take care mates. Hold each other tight.
No worries (especially for you Gracie Lynn, run free little girl) and LOVE, Stella and Rory

Adriana Robles said...

I read about this on Tweedles' blog and immediately came to give you my condolences. I shared with her something that happened so strangely last night. I told her that my two dogs from my childhood and teenage years visited me in a dream, and they took me to a place where dogs go after they pass. I didn't tell much detail, but in the dream, all the dogs go through these dark halls, and as I was carrying one of my dogs, many others were walking with and around us to get to what was ultimately their destination. They all seemed nervous because they weren't really sure where they were going, but I comforted them while my other dog that I wasn't holding led the way. When we got to the place, all of the dogs felt a sense of relief and scattered to run around in the grass, some ran to dogs that were already there, as if they had known eachother. I told Tweedles that I'm sure that Gracie Lynn was there. I just found it odd that my dogs visit me in a dream after so long and I find out today about what happened to Gracie. I hope that everyone (including Toby) stays strong for her.

P.S: My dog that I held throughout the dream was also in a lot of pain during her last days. But when she passed, I felt happy for her in a way because I knew she was out of pain and that she would want me to be happy. She was a black cocker spaniel named Estrella and she was 13 years old. My other dog (the one leading the way in my dream) he passed away seven months after she did. He was a black Akita mix named Oso and was 16 years old. I got them both when they were puppies.

vegcourtesy.blogspot.com

Jenn said...

We are so very sorry to hear about your baby girl. Gracie is now running free over the Bridge with all the other doggies that have passed over.

Sending prayers to you and your famiy. xx

Noodles said...

Our hearts are heavy on hearing the news of Gracie's passing. You are in our thoughts.
Love Noodles and Molly (and 'rents)

rottrover said...

Sending our warmest rottie hugs to you all at this painful time. You are in our thoughts and we're holding you close.

-Bart, Ruby and Otto

Jackie Bouchard said...

I saw that you lost your angel over on Stella Rose's blog. I'm so sorry! I know how hard it is! We lost our pup 2 years ago to bone cancer when she was only 2 1/2. It's so hard. But there can never be "enough" time with our pups. She is your special angel now. It sounds like she had a wonderful life with you. I hope Toby will be okay!

Ruby said...

Oh, I saw over at Mollie's bloggie the horrible news. I am so very sorry for your loss. My heart is breakin' for you and your furkids.
I will be sending you tons of AireZens and good wishes.
{{{{hugs}}}}
Kisses,
Ruby ♥

Clooney said...

I came over from Mollie and Alfie's to say how very, very sorry I am to hear of the passing of your precious Gracie. It is so evident how much she was loved from this moving post of yours. Sending you love and prayers.

Be Well Sweet Gracie

Sully said...

So sorry for you loss gentle nose nudges to you and your family.

Aroo to you,
Sully

Elgor82 said...

I am so sorry ... I know how you feel! Today is my beloved Bailey's birthday. He died 6 years ago and I miss him every day...

Gracie knew she was loved!

Love, Ellen & The Fab Five
Zoe, Peyton, Webster, Liberty & Whitney

PS ... Dear Mimi - I wish I could be there to comfort you! Love, Webster

Idaho PugRanch said...

We just had to come by again. All over blogville today we have seen Gracie's picture, so beautiful in her birthday scarf. What a lovely way to remember her. Bailey was so proud to be her man
Love
Bailey, Hazel, Greta & mom

Tweedles -- that's me said...

Toby Moses--- please be strong- and don't give up- I love you

and Lily, Mimi, George- and moms- I here for you too
love
tweedles

Two French Bulldogs said...

We are so so sad for you and your family. Shocking to say the least. Run free sweetheart
Benny & Lily

tubby3pug said...

This is so sad and I am so sorry for you. A sudden lost is often the worst. I wish there was something I could say to make you feel better but I know that there is not. I am thinking of you

urban hounds

Agnes B. Bullock said...

You are in our prayers- we will always miss Fracie

Life with Wrigs said...

We are so sorry for your loss. Know that you are in our thoughts. Many hugs to you.

Susan and Wrigs

Jans Funny Farm said...

We are so sorry for your loss. We just learned about Mr. Pip and then about Gracie Lynn, so the tears are running. We know you gave her a great life and loved her very much. Hugs, purrs and pawtaps.

Unknown said...

I'm so sorry for your lost. Please know that you, and your family are in my thoughts. Hugs, Francesca

Mayzie said...

Oh...Frankie just told us about Gracie going to the Bridge. We are all so very, very sorry that she had to leave so sudden but we are Most Glad that nothing was left unsaid. Gracie for SURE knew how much she was loved.

We are sending all of you warm thoughts during this sad time.

Gentle wiggles & wags,
Mayzie (and Brudder Ranger and Smudge and Abby)

The Diamond Dogs said...

Bentley's glowing-you are in our thoughts *hugs*

Oskar said...

We just found out. Our love and prayers are headed your way. We are so very, very sorry.

Hugs & love,
Oskar & Pam

Old Kitty said...

We came over from Zoolatry's email. We are so sorry to read that adorable angel Gracie Lynn is now at the Bridge. We send you all many purrs and hugs and special special kisses to Toby. Take care
x

LP said...

We heard from Ann that you lost your sweet Gracie Lynn. Please take comfort in knowing that she was well loved and well taken care of all her life with you; hers was the best life a doggie could ever ask for. Rest in peace baby girl.

We send you love and all our condolences,

the critters in the cottage and their Mama too xo

Katie Isabella said...

My dear dear fellow blogger. Mom and I didn't know your babies nor you but we are kin of the heart. I understand completely how you feel and I am deeply sorry. Please accept my condolences and know that I will purr for all of you and mommy said she will remember all of you in her prayers she says many times a day. xoxoxo

ANGEL ABBYGRACE said...

We are very sorry first that you lost your sweet precious Gracie Lynn but that this is our first visit and we are here to pay our deepest respects to you and Gracie Lynn. I know that words are of little comfort right now, shock, unbelievability, sorrow are holding your heart in it's grip tonight. There are no explanations that will ever make understanding any easier of the why's that will come but know your baby is still with you and will always be with you. It will not be in the same fashion as it was yesterday but it will be forever in your heart in the days to come. I am so very very sorry for you loss and I send you many many prayers to help you in this time of such deep sorrow.

*Angel Abby*

Mariodacat said...

We are so very very sorry for you loss. At least she won't ever be in pain again, and can run freely and play once again. We feel so bad for you, the humans, because of the suddenness of her passing, but she went quickly and probably didn't suffer at all. Big HUGS for her humans.

Maggie May said...

What a sudden and unexpected loss you have suffered. We are so very sorry and wish we could say something to ease your pain. Know you are in our thoughts and prayers during this very difficult time.
(((hugs)))
Maggie May and The Creek Cats

Marg said...

Oh Mindy, that is so very sad. We sure are sorry. What a horrible thing to have happen. You sure are in our thoughts and prayers and we send might big hugs. We know you are hurting right now and wish we could do something to help you but we are thinking about you.

Alastriona, The Cats and Dogs said...

We were so very sad to hear about Gracie. Comforting purrs for the family she leaves behind and we has our paws crossed that Toby will get a clean bill of health.

Scylla's litter mate Charybdis had a congenital heart defect but Scylla doesn't. It is our sincere hope that Toby's heart is fine and he will spend many happy years with you.

The Daily Pip said...

I know Gracie Lynn and Pip are together dancing in the moonlight, enjoying cheeseburgers, and fields of beautiful flowers. They are both young again and free of all pain and discomfort.

I'm so sorry for your loss. We were so fortunate to have time to say good-bye to Pip. I can't imagine your sadness. However, I know Gracie Lynn knows how much your family loves her and would have given anything to be with her during her passing.

xoxo, Kristin (Pip's assistant)

Berts Blog said...

This has been a very sad couple of days. Blogville has lost some of its own. WE are sending our love and most heartfelt sympathy.
Love
Bert and My Vickie

asta said...

Deew Mama Mindy,

Mommi and i awe blubbewing..we can't help it..sweet Gwacie-Lynn was pawt of ouw dogville family and we love hew..that won't change ..i'm glad she is wunning wifout pain now ovew the bwidge and will stay in yoow heawts fuwwevew. I am cwossing my paws fow littol Toby to be well
Smoochie sad kisses
Asta

Sushi said...

(((Hugs)))

B'ville Observer said...

Sorry for your loss.

da tabbies o trout towne said...

we wanted to stop by and express our sincerest sympathies. God's speed to you Gracie Lynn and HIS strength to your family.....with loves from all of us~~~~~

Oskar said...

We commented yesterday, but wanted to know that we are still thinking of and praying for all of you. You are in our hearts.

Hugs & love,
Pam & Oskar

bichonpawz said...

We are so very sorry for your loss...Gracie was very loved. May she rest in peace. Hugs to you and your family.
xo Chloe and LadyBug

dw said...

I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your baby girl Gracie Lynn. It's never easy to lose these little fur babies, but I know she is running free of pain, and playing with those who arrived before her. It's not goodbye, you know, it's just see you later. *hugs*

Team Tabby said...

We are very saddened to hear of the unexpected passing of Gracie Lynn. Our thoughts are with you and we send you our heartfelt purrs and prayers.

from all of the 'team'

Mindy
Moe
Cookie
Mike

NAK and The Residents of The Khottage Now With KhattleDog! said...

We are so sorry fur your loss -

We'd like to thank Angel Gracie fur helping keeping The Zen-terra safe on Sunday as Mom transported from Winchester VA to Shartlesville PA -

We inkhluded her in the dedikhation fur the day - along with Angel Maverick and Angel Mr Pip -

Our FALL-en Furiends -

Hugz&Khysses,
Khyra

Angel Gracie=^o.o^= said...

I am so sorry to hear that your sweet Gracie has run off to the bridge. I know she was loved by many and will certainly be missed. You are in my thoughts and prayers as you go through this difficult time.

Chfnman said...

So very sorry but happy that Gracie Lynn is now pain free with many friends. Trust in God to heal your pain with wonderful memories of Gracie and her love.

Gampy (by way of the Idaho Pug Ranch)

Wilma said...

Oh we are so sad to hear of the passing of our Sunfower Sister Gracie Lynn. Although it has been a while since the girls have gotten together, we will always keep her close in our pug fold. Please give Toby extra kisses from us.
Wilma, Brigitte and Sluggo

Mickey's Musings said...

We did not know Gracie Lynn, but offer you all comforting purrs. We know that it hurts to lose a beloved pet.
Purrs Tillie and Georgia,
Treasure,Tiger, JJ and Julie

Kjelle Bus aka Charlie Rascal said...

Me and mom are so sorry to hear about your dear little Gracie.
XOXO

HoundDogMom said...

We are so sorry for the passing of your sweet girl Gracie Lynn. We send your family hugs. Run Free Sweet Gracie. Sherri and The HoundDogs

Punchbugpug said...

So very sorry, have been off blogging for a bit and missed this sad, sad, event. Hope you are all doing okay and know I am sure thinking of you and your mom and the Pug gang. xo Punchy

Brutus, Ellie, Pippa and Otto said...

We are so sorry to hear of Gracie Lynn's passing... We don't keep up on the blogs like we would like to and just saw your post this evening.

It is heartbreaking, to say the least, when any of our furry angels cross the bridge.

We are keeping you in our thoughts and prayers... We will say a special prayer for Toby - that he will grieve for only a short time and that he does not have the same heart defect that took sweet Gracie Lynn.

Pugs & Kisses,

Cindy, Brutus, Ellie & Pippa

Pug Slope said...

I'm so sorry to hear about the loss of your sweet fur baby, Gracie. She was lucky to have spent her life with such a caring family, and it sounds like she brought a lot of joy to you. I'm sure she will be greatly missed. I'll keep you all in my thoughts and send you good juju to help your hearts heal.

-Love,
Sid.

Archie and Melissa said...

dearest mindy and cj

i am sooo sorry!

i did not hear of gracie lynn's passing until this morning.

what a beautiful tribute you wrote for her.

she was the luckiest girl in the whole world to hav e you!

i love all of you
melissa