LoveMaxwell

We have the worst of news to share. After my thread Friday evening, we went to visit Hannah at the hospital. Since she hadn’t made any progress, it was decided that she needed to see a specialist. On Saturday morning we took to a specialty hospital 60 miles away. At first the neurologist felt he could help her. However, after she had an MRI, a spinal tap, and other tests, he found out that she had a fungal infection in her sinus cavity and brain. The doctor was very thorough and caring in explaining everything to us in detail. He told us that she was a very sick little girl and that her prognosis was grim. The decision had to be made to let our little Hannah go to sleep peacefully. We said goodbye to her Saturday afternoon. She looked so beautiful sleeping peacefully with her long ears spread out like she was flying. We told her that we loved her very much and that we would never ever forget her. The dr comforted us by telling us that there was nothing we or her other drs could have done any differently. Her slight leg pain was just the beginning of something far worse, but there would have been no way anyone could have known. Up until last week she was eating, playing, wagging, bugging her brother, and getting into trouble. The pain we have been in since Saturday has been worse then could ever be put into words. She was only 9 months old and should have had many more years to enjoy. Her 15 month old brother Maxwell is not doing well at all. He’s crying a lot and not eating well. It’s awful not to be able to explain to him where his little sister is. My husband and I have spent many hours literally sobbing. We are trying to remember all the joy and laughter she gave us. She was truly a unique, special, and funny little girl. She got into lots of trouble, but that was part of her charm. We feel some solace in the fact that we got her the best drs we could, even though it wasn’t enough.

Through all of this we have been in touch with our breeder. She called Sunday morning and we told her about losing Hannah. She shared our sorrow. She asked about Maxwell. We told her that we had decided that we needed to get Maxwell a new companion quickly because we were so worried about him. She told us that she just happened to have two pups available from her latest Basset litter – a boy and a girl – and that either one of them could be ours. At first my husband didn’t want a girl because he felt it would be too painful. I told him we had to get a girl in honor of Hannah, so that she could live the full and happy life that Hannah didn’t get to live. He agreed. We went to visit little Saige yesterday and she’ll be coming home on Friday. Maxwell fell in love with her. He was sniffing her and licking her face.

We decided that Saige is Hannah’s final gift to Maxwell. We were concerned it was too soon, but we know that Hannah would want Maxwell to be happy and not sad and lonely. Hannah can never be replaced, she is truly unforgettable. She will be in our hearts always. I’m creating a memory box and a photo collage so that she’ll always be present in our home. We’re trying to focus on all the happiness she brought us.

I’m sorry it took so long to update you, but I haven’t been able to come to the forum. It’s just been too painful. Thank you for all your kind words and thoughts. They’ve meant more than you’ll ever know.

Here are two pictures of Hannah taken just a few weeks ago. She sitting in her favorite spot where she could look out the window.

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roscolaylamommy

It truly breaks my heart that you had to lose little Hannah. She was a beautiful little girl and will be remembered fondly. I'm glad that she was able to spend the short time here on earth with such wonderful and loving parents as yourselves. I know she will be well cared for at the rainbow bridge as there are many other beloved hound there to take care of her. Thank you for letting us know what happened. Please let us know if there is anything we can do to help you in any way. Sending you great big hugs!

~Heather, Vic, Rosco, Layla and Breezy

klm42005

I am so sorry...I don't even know what else to say...I myself am reading and writing this tears streaming down my face. I will hold my Woody a little tighter tonight and play with him that extra time that I might not have. That is also Hannah's legacy....she taught all of us just how precious all life is and sometimes just as fleeting...

God Bless you and your family...give big brother Maxwell an extra hug and kiss from us....and let Saige know how big a paws she will be stepping into.

Kristi..blessed to be the mom of Woody Hayes and his older little brother Victor

gsally

So sorry for your loss. May you find comfort in your memories of Hannah and peace knowing you did everything possible to help her during her illness.

hope

I am so sorry to hear of your loss.

bubbad

You did everything possible there is nothing for you to feel bad about in that respect.The new pup will be a saving grace from all of this heartach ,getting her this soon is not a bad thing I think it helps to heal faster.

Annie714

As I read your post I started crying, Annie came over and licked my tears off my face. After I got over how gross that actually is I cried a little harder and gave her a squeeze. We are soo sorry for your loss.

Saige is a beautiful name and as someone above me said, she has some big paws to fill. Going forward please share some pictures of your new little girl and Maxwell getting to know each other better.

__________________
Blog about the antics of Annie and I. http://thechickandthehound.blogspot.com

gilirainbow

I'm so sorry for your loss. Little Hannah is in heaven now.
Hugs,
Rina and Carlos

Wworm

Awww... we are so sad to hear about little Hannah

sorry you had to go through all this. glad you were able to get the best care for her and consult with specialists.

if it helps to post more pics of Hannah, we'd love to see them. and of course, we eagerly await hearing news of Saige and Maxwell.

sending some basset love,
Worm

dreamons

Sorry to hear about little Hannah. You know that you did everything possible even at the end you did what was best for her. She also knew how much she was loved by you both and I'm sure had a wonderful time in her short life. Good luck with the new baby and I'm sure Hannah would approve. May God bless you all.