:( On 8/13/2010 I lost my baby my angel. His name was Rudy. He came into my life unexpected but very welcomed. Just like the birth of my children. I even had symptoms of postpartum depression when I first brought him home. Sitting up at night watching him sleep, making sure he is still breathing. He was jumping on me when I came home for work insisting I pick him up to hug him and him me last Saturday. Sunday he seemed different a little distant no appetite. Monday vomiting weak and depressed. Tuesday off to the vet we go. I left he had to stay. Wednesday the test came back its a 50/50 chance. I can't help crying when I see him. I took pictures of him (did not know why I just did). Thursday he sat up was looking just a little better (is what the vet told me via phone call). Good not wonderful but better than yesterday. I slept and woke without that heavy feeling I had been feeling all week. Friday Ms. Sharps we went in to check on Rudy and he was unresponsive with no heartbeat(me to for a second). Im sorry to tell you he passed away about ten minutes ago.I was at work doing extra time so I could afford to pay for his growing vet bill. This is why I was not there to see him off or maybe just maybe if when he sat up yesterday he was looking for me his mommy. And when I didn't he gave up thinking I did not love and want him anymore. Because this was the only day since he became my baby that we had not seen and embraced each other. Rudy was a soon to be seven month old westie with the heart and eyes of an angel. He came in my life just as he left unexpected. Now I know why I took those pictures of him at the vet, something in his eyes he knew our time was coming to an end, our last embrace, something I see it in his eyes as I look at those pictures. Breaks my heart everytime. I am going thru the guilt phase if you can't tell. I dread walking in or seeing my backyard. The one place we shared some of the best times is the one place that contributed to his death. I live in a inner city neighborhood where our trash days have been cut from twice to once a week. Making a bad enviroment worse. I am speaking of the rats that run rapid thru the backyards and areas where we store our trash from wednesday to wednesday. They leave their feces and urine everywhere. This is what made Rudy ill. What caused his liver and kidneys to shut down. What caused his death. I knew about this happening to people but I did not think of it happening to animals. I am writing this so that maybe if it saves one life may it be animal or human (both are just the same to me), it will make sense of why he came into my life. For more info on zooinic precautions please contact a vet or SPCA. If you live in a area with similar or the same conditions, sanitize your yard daily for your family (two legs or four). Make sure you and your family practice good hand washing. Thanks for listening to my story. This has been very theraputic.

I am so very, very sorry about the loss of your Westie, Rudy. We lost our Westie last December -- she was 11 years old. I can't even imagine what you're going through losing him at only 7 months. I wish I could take away your pain. My heart truly goes out to you.
Sharon

[quote name='Westiesam/Sharon' date='Aug 15 2010, 09:26 PM' post='60499']
I am so very, very sorry about the loss of your Westie, Rudy. We lost our Westie last December -- she was 11 years old. I can't even imagine what you're going through losing him at only 7 months. I wish I could take away your pain. My heart truly goes out to you.
Sharon

Thanks so much. I am sorry for your loss also it is not easy at any time in their or our life.
kim

I am so sorry for your loss... losing any pet is painful, but I can't imagine losing one after just seven months. We lost Winston after a touch under four years and it seemed that it was far too soon.

You're in my thoughts. This website is incredible; you'll find support, compassion and understanding here that will help you through this painful time.

Rudy's Mom,

I am so sorry about the tragic loss of your precious Rudy. I know you're going through hell right now -- this is one of the most painful things we have to go through, and it certainly is a rollercoaster of emotions -- denial, guilt, anger, depression, acceptance, then right back over again. Please feel whatever you need to feel, and do whatever you can to try and make this painful journey a little easier on yourself. We are all here for you, with an understanding ear, for as long and as often as you need us.

Hang in there!

Cheryl x

I feel better with each message to know someone knows what it feels like. Thank you for your time and ears.

Thank you for your words and your time. I am also sorry for the loss of your loved one.

Hi, Rudy's Mom, please permit me to add my sincerest sympathies in the loss of your beloved Rudy. Losing a beloved companion is never easy regardless of the circumstances or how long we have been blessed with the privilege of their company.

Rudy's Mom, you did everything you knew how to take care of your precious Rudy. I am so sorry that you live in such conditions. I know what it's like to live in rat infested housing. It seems to me that your local health department should be made aware of what is happening. Perhaps they can bring some pressure to bear on your local government to improve the garbage collection.

I know your heart is very heavy with grief. Guilt is one of the more difficult emotions of this grief journey to try to resolve because we are consumed with the "what if's", "why didn't I's', "I should have's", etc., that we can only know in hindsight. Please know that Rudy loves you for everything you did for him during his journey with you on this side of eternity. I hope in time you will be able to embrace his sweet Living Spirit that is forever with you in your heart and memories.

Rudy's Mom, please know you are among friends here, and we are here for you for as long and as often as you need us. And please know that you are close in my thoughts and prayers, and look forward to hearing how you're doing.

Peace and blessings,
moon_beam