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Wednesday, March 9, 2011

The Circle of Life.


We are no strangers to sadness and loss at the Smushie Ranch. Yet, when one of our own makes the journey over the Rainbow Bridge, our hearts break just the same. 

Our FBRN foster, Kona, sadly crossed the Rainbow Bridge on Monday morning. 

He had two surgeries to try to help him breathe easier. He had his soft palate shortened and then weeks later he had his nares done. But sadly, Kona was born with a very small and weak trachea. The vet warned momma that despite the surgeries, he was still at risk for breathing issues and should be monitored closely during play time, over activity and warm weather. 



On Sunday night, Kona started having great difficulty breathing so momma rushed him to the ER vet. They gave him drugs to help him breathe and then had him spend the night in the oxygen chamber. By morning, he didn't show any improvement and the vets determined he had complete tracheal collapse. So Momma made the most painful decision and helped Kona cross the Rainbow Bridge. She held him and told him everything was going to be okay because he wouldn't have to fight to breathe anymore. She also told Kona that Betty would be waiting for him on the other side, where he could run and play forever in his new body.

Kona was one of the sweetest and most gentle fosters we've ever shared our home with. We are going to miss him so much.
There is a circle of life and it just so happened that Monday evening, momma got a call from Central Coast Pug Rescue about a pug in need....

This is Angus. He's only 3 years old and is in dire need of a diet. The vet says he's about 9lbs overweight. That's a lot for puggie!
He's really shy and very sad about being uprooted. The other male pug in his former home was mean to him so his owners felt he'd be better off in a different home. 

He'll be here for awhile so that he can learn to trust people and shed those extra pounds. Keep Mr. Angus in your thoughts while he goes through his Smushie transformation. 

Lot's of love,
The Smushies

 

18 comments:

Kelly said...

I am so sad to hear about little Kona. He was just a doll. I know that being loved by you, if only for a short time, and making his final journey in your arms was a blessing to that sweet angel.

Thank you so much for the love you continue to pour out upon these babies. You are making a difference. And welcome, Angus!

xox
Pearl

Mack and Mia said...

I'm so sorry to hear about Kona. That is very sad news.

Angus, welcome to the crew! just to let woo know - diets STINK!

Wags and Woofs,
Mack and Mia

Noodles said...

From very SAD to Happy all in one post. Sorry to hear about Kona as I was pulling for him. Even happier is now Angus can join the awesome Smushies for much needed TLC and RnR.
Love Noodles

Lucy-Fur, as typed by Dr. Liz said...

So sorry to hear about Kona, but I'm glad that your Mom could comfort him before he crossed the bridge. We'll light a candle for him tonight.

Angus - welcome; I'm sure the smushies will have you in shape in no time!

-Fiona and Family

pam said...

Our hearts break that Kona had to leave but are lightened that dear Angus found you. And it looks like he's got a friend in Marshall.

Bobo and Meja and Mommy

Anonymous said...

Mom andI are so very very sad to hear about Kona. But Mom says that even though it was a difficult thing to do you did the right thing! Knoa can run and play now!

We are happy for Angus! Welcome Angus!

woo woos, Tessa

Minnie and Mack said...

Our hearts go out to Kona...:(

Welcome to your newest member and help in overcoming his issues to find his forever home!

Drools and licks (with leaky eyes)
Minnie and Mack

Archie and Melissa said...

oh shannon
i am so sorry about kona.
you are so right... he is right there with betty. she was there to greet him and they both follow you around all day.
they love you with all of their hearts.

angus is so beautiful and is one lucky little dude to have you and the smushies!

it is the circle of life!

Wilma said...

I agree with Pearlie. Kona was very lucky to be loved by you, if only for a short time. And to have Betty waiting to take care of him, it was meant to be that he was with you in the end.
Oh boy, a new puggy on the ranch. I am sure he will realize in no time that there is nothing but love for him there at the ranch. I can't wait for you to share his transformation with us.

Brandon - The dog with a blog said...

We are so sorry to hear about Kona, but we know he's having a blast over at the Rainbow Bridge.

Angus, welcome to the blogging world - we hope to see more pictures of you, furry soon :)

Rudy

Sequoia & Petunia & Emma said...

Kona we know you are running and breathing free now with no difficulty. You will be missed.

And welcome Angus....you look like a little pudgy puggie we could snuggle right up to you. Good luck on getting slim....Sequoia is working on that and doing a good job at it o her green bean diet.

Hugs
S&P

Chicas Libelulas said...

Oh My! We are so sorry to hear about Kona, but he was so loved by all you and now is free of pain and being welcome by Bella Betty.

Welcome Angus!! You look very Handsome,we are also on Diet, also no treats only melon,pears, banana and green beans.but not all at the same time.
We all the smushies will give you lots of love!!
Bechos
Spongy & Licky

P.S. Ohh we think Brownie is another twin to Licky and Izzy from Those Elgin Pugs

Two French Bulldogs said...

We are so sad to hear about Kona...
Benny & Lily

agent99 said...

It's sad that Kona had to cross over, but he could have been in no more loving arms than with you!
I am sure Betty has found him and is keeping him safe.

Rocky Creek Scotties and Rocky Creek Ramblings said...

Our thoughts and prayers are with you because we know how hard it is to let a sweet doggie cross the bridge. But we are powerful believers in the circle of life - and it is so wonderful that you are giving Angus a home - BTW - we love his name.

XOXO
Lilly, Piper, Carrleigh and Ruairi

PS - we're sorry we haven't been around to sniff you out, but for some reason your post weren't showing up in our reader - hopefully we've got that rectified.

Mia said...

Poor Kona!! We're sure Betty, Stubby and Emmitt were all there to great him and make him feel welcome!! Kona crossed the Bridge knowing what it meant to be loved!

A big welcome to Angus! We can't wait to see his Smushi Transformation!!

~hugs~

Lilo

Unknown said...

So sad to hear about Kona. He couldn't have been in better arms as he moved across the bridge to meet Betty. Keep doing what you do smushie mom, you are making a difference. Welcome to the family Angus!

Tweedles -- that's me said...

Tonight I thank my lucky stars for all the love that you give to the fur bababies.
To have their well being in mind- before your very own,,, makes each of the fur babies thankful. You won't let them suffer, and they love you for that.
I am sad about Kona but know that right now Betty and Kona can play and not be sick. And they can snuggle together.
I am so happy you opened your home to help Angus,,, It is so sad,, to hear that he was so sad.
Poor baby. i know you will help him
love
tweedles