Tuesday, June 23, 2009

Dakota Update

The OP Pack's Mom here. I know many of you have been asking for an update on Dakota. This has been a very difficult day here. Dakota managed somehow to get hurt in the yard yesterday while she was out for a potty break by herself. She was only outside for about five minutes. Normally she goes to the bottom of the deck stairs, takes care of business, and is back at the door looking to come inside. When I didn't see her there, I went out to find her. She was all the way on the other side of the yard and could not put any weight on her rear left leg. I think she may have lost her balance on the very small incline there and twisted the back end of her body which is very weak due to muscle atrophy. I brought her to the vet this morning after she continued to be unable to support herself with her back legs.

The initial evaluation from the vet's physical exam indicated a possible hip fracture. However, x-rays showed a badly torn ACL. In addition, blood work showed some major changes in her already fragile physical condition that is complicated by Cushing's Disease. She has also lost close to another three pounds in the past two weeks, continuing her recent lost of an average of three pounds per month, all of this despite her continuing to eat well with no restriction on my part as to the volume of intake. She is staying at the hospital tonight where they have sedated her to try to alleviate some of her discomfort. She is already on two different anti-inflammatory medications and so there isn't much more she can be given.

We are left to decide where we go from here. Surgery is the easy answer for the leg issues but given her fragile physical condition and the discomfort of the healing process, we are not sure it is the right call for Dakota. Our decision will not be easy but Dakota's best interest will be our guide. We are so very appreciative of all your good thoughts for our princess.

Kathie

92 comments:

  1. I had already inkhluded Dakota in my post fur Wednesday...tank woo fur pawmitting me to add this...

    I know my mom has been writing and sharing various things...

    Suffice it to say, The OP KS Pakhk will be in our thoughts...

    We khan't paw much more now...but please know you will be in our thoughts...Mom did break down and open a nice white tonight...

    We will raise the glass to Dakota - fur some reason The Serenity Prayer just popped into my mom's skhambled brain...

    Hugz&Khysses of Support,
    Khyra and Phyll

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  2. oh - I am so sorry about Dakota - I am putting her name in the st. francis bowl - we will be praying for her and for you to have the strength to do what is the best thing for all of you

    Checkers & Katie

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  3. Oh, this type of decision is so hard. We know you want what is best for Dakota, whatever decision you make. You are in our thoughts!

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  4. Hi Kathie,
    We are all so sorry to hear of Dakota's latest set-back. One of my original dogs tore both ACL's within 6 months, but she did not have the challenges that Dakota has. I have been where you are, though, and it is a very difficult place to be. I know you will do whatever is best for Dakota. Please know that our thoughts, prayers and SUPPORT are with you and her at all times.
    Sending all positive energy, healing vibes and love,
    Joan and the Moondance Huskies-Skye,Dave,Jasmine,Velvet,Angel,Blaze and Lakota

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  5. Our post is already done for tomorrow morning and includes a thought for Dakota - and your family. Hope you don't mind.

    We are wishing all of the best and supporting your difficult decision time.

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  6. This made me very sad, and when I showed my Mommy she started to cry, because not too many years ago she was faced with the same decision regarding Chelsea. (See my blog TRIBUTE for possible inspiration in this very difficult time)

    This is very upsetting and we know there are no words we can say that will make this any easier for any of you, but please know Dakota, you, the boys, and the rest of your family are in our thoughts and prayers and we hope that you find the strength to do what is best.

    Licks,
    Kylie and her Mommy Ali

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  7. Kathie,
    Dakota and you are in our thoughts and prayers.

    xoxo,
    Thor and mom

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  8. Poor Dakota.

    We know that whatever decision you make will be the right one for Dakota.

    It sounds like Dakota is in the best of hands.

    We will all of you in our thoughts and prayers.

    Lots of Luv & Kisses
    Addie, Lucie, Hailey, and Staci

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  9. Oh Poor dear - We are so sorry about Dakota. Dakota and the OP Pack will be in our thoughts so much.
    Hugs xo
    Sammie and family

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  10. Oh goodness you will all be in our prayers tonight. This was the last thing Dakota needed, but if anyone will find a way for her, it is you...

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  11. This totally breaks my heart. Dakota is a tough girl, and she fought a long, hard battle with her Cushings. She knows how much you love her, and she knows you will do what is best for her.

    You will most definitely be in our thoughts and prayers.

    ((((( HUGS ))))) to you.

    Holly, Khady Lynn and their mom Jan

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  12. Adding our hugs to the many already sent. Know that she and you will be in our thoughts as you make your way through this difficult time. You have made all your choices based on her best interest and I have no doubt that whatever decisions are yet to be made with be made with love and understanding for sweet Dakota.
    Shelly

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  13. You are in our prayers!

    -Mollie and Bobo

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  14. w00fs', i will have to come back, crying to hard to type ri8ght now..

    ~rocky n mama~

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  15. We are sending Sibe Vibes for Dakota and everypup and human in the OP Pack.

    Steve and Kat

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  16. We know you will do whatever is best for Dakota. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you at this very difficult time.
    Sending all love, healing sibe-vibes and paws crossed,
    -Kira The BeaWootiful and her Mom

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  17. Oh no we're really sorry to hear about poor Dakota. What a thing to happen on top of her fragile condition.
    We have Dakota in our thoughts and are sending aire-zen to you all.

    Take care
    Denise Noah Willow Tess & Lucy

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  18. Oh no, Khyra just pawed us an email to let us know. Many many prayers and thoughts with you all.

    Carolyn
    Maddox
    Claire
    Shelby

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  19. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers.
    Love Ruby & Penny & mom

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  20. All of you were in our thoughts today and will continue to be. We know the feeling of wanting to try harder, to try one more thing, to get past one more setback but questioning if it is too much to ask of Dakota.

    We know that whatever decisions you make will be in Dakota's best interest.

    Please know that we care about all of you - canine and human - and will do whatever we can to help.

    Eva & Brice & their Momma

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  21. I wish she could have that surgery to help her get better.
    I know how much you love Dakota and your heart will tell you what is best for her.
    You are in our thoughts and prayers.
    Take care
    Kisses and hugs
    Lorenza

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  22. Our prayers are with you- as you go through this diffacult time.
    This is so very hard for Dakota, and for you.
    We ask for strength for you to guide you do do the right thing.
    our love
    tweedles and moms

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  23. We are sending lots of vibes to you to help make the decision. You will be in our thoughts.

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  24. You and Dakota will be in my prayers tonight. My wishes would be for Dakota to recuperate, to go a little longer, but perhaps she just can't.

    The decision is just such a impossible one, but we know you will make the best one for her and for you.

    Kisses,
    Stella (and her Mom)

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  25. Sending lots of love and prayers your way! Sibe vibes for Dakota and her humans. These times with our pets are never easy and but just remember all the good times you've had!

    Snooter smooches, Sky, Canyon, Meadow and Brook

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  26. Our paws are crossed for you. So very sorry.

    -Fiona and family

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  27. w00fs, my poor baby girl, what did u do to urself...i am sure, whichver u decide as much as u love her, it will b in her best interest...its sooo hard to let them go, but on the other paw, its even harder to watch them suffer...just no, that whichever decision u make, we are here to support u...thinkin of u all.....

    b safe,
    ~rocky and mama~

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  28. Oh Poor Dakota !!
    We are so sorry .......
    we think on you and purrss for you
    big hug to all

    Kareltje =^.^=
    Anya :)

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  29. Big husky hugs and kisses to Dakota and mum.

    Its never easy to watch them get frailer or to make the decision to let a much loved family member go.

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  30. My human K and I are so deeply saddened to read of Dakota's condition. We pray that Dakota finds peace and comfort. She is such a beautiful dog.

    You have done an amazing job protecting and helping Dakota. She was very blessed to have you, as you her.

    Our thoughts, prayers, and love are with you and your family, and Dakota's siblings, through this difficult time, praying that everything turns out as it should.

    Peace,

    Suka and his human, K

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  31. Poor Dakota,
    Mummy and I are praying for you guys,
    Liffey's licks to you all and especially Dakota

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  32. We have Dakota and all of you in our thoughts and prayers. We know that you all have a difficult decision ahead of you and will do what is best for Dakota.

    Mochi

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  33. We have you in our thoughts, cant say a lot except, we know you will do whats best for the beautiful Dakota. Whatever you decide, it will be the hardest.

    With love

    Carol and GJ x

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  34. We are so very sorry to read that about Dakota. Our paws are crossed for you all.

    Clive and family

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  35. Oh Kathie, we are so so sorry to hear this. From the last few blogs we read it looked like Dakota was doing so well.
    You are in our thoughts and prayers today. We know you will do your best for Dakota, whatever that may be.
    Love from Scott's mum xxx

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  36. You are in our thoughts and prayers.

    Love ya lots,
    Maggie and Mitch

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  37. {{{dakota and dakota's siblings and humans}}}

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  38. You know we are here for you.

    Huffle Mawson and Tracey

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  39. Thank you for the update. Poor Dakota. So many troubles. But she can count on mom to do what is best.

    Slobbers,
    Mango

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  40. Kathie...

    We are so sorry to hear the news about Dakota...

    Please know that Dakota, you, & your family are in our thoughts & prayers...

    Much Love,
    Pat & Abby xxxooo

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  41. Dear Dakota and family,
    I'm so sorry to hear that you suffer a bad torn ACL and fracture of the tibia.
    Your mom loves you very much, she takes excellent care of you and always thinks of your best interest! Hugs and kisses to you and your family.
    You're in our thoughts and prayers.

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  42. We will be crossing all our paws and sending lots of healing Aire-zen!

    Aire-hugs,
    Poppy, Penny & Patches

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  43. We are heartbroken to hear of Dakota's injury. It hasn't been an easy road for either of you recently. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are by your side.
    ECHO & Mom

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  44. We are so sorry to hear about Dakota and we understand you have to make the best decision for Dakota.
    We know you will do what is right for your beautiful girl.
    We are so sad reading your post.
    hugs and kisses
    Martha, Bailey and their mum xxxxxx

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  45. My mom and I are so sorry to hear about Dakota's injury. We know that whatever you all decide it will be for Dakota's comfort. We are thinking of you and sending hugs.

    love & wags,
    River & mom

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  46. Oh, I am so sorry to hear that Dakota has hurt herself. This is such sad news and it must be very difficult for your humans to see her sick and in pain. Both Dakota and your humans will know what the right decision is when they see each other today. My mom and I will be thinking about you all during this very difficult time. We wish Dakota health, happiness and pain free days.

    Pedro

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  47. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family - we have a candle lit for you guys

    Love and bully hugs
    Debora, Woodrow, Sweetie & Marshall James

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  48. Oh we are so sorry to hear your sweet girl is in such a bad way....you will be in our thoughts and prayers....we know the difficult days you have ahead.
    With lots of love and slobbers,
    The D Beagles and their Mum xxxx

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  49. I had no idea of Dakota's condition and my thoughts and prayers are with you in this time of turmoil. What ever decision will be the right decision, because you will just know, Dakota will tell you. We pray for Dakota to guide you.
    Deetzy

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  50. Brave Dakota. Whatever decision you make I'm sure she will guide you to the right one. The more love we give the more they send back and the more we love the harder it is.
    Ailsa and Brodies Mum.

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  51. Dakota is in our thoughts and prayers.

    We love you guys!

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  52. Of course you are in our thoughts. Decisions like this are not easy, and we know that you will do what is best for Dakota.

    Wuv,
    Gus and Waldo
    and Dog Mom

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  53. Me and family will continue praying for Dakota and i've got all my furpals and human friends to send pawsitive vibes for Dakota and family!

    Tons of well wishes and luv,
    Maxx

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  54. We will keep sending you sibe vibes Dakota and hugs to you mom. Keep well our friend.
    Husky Hugs,MayaMarie

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  55. thinking of your family today...

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  56. We are so sorry to hear about Dakota. She is in our thoughts and prayers, and we are confident that you will make the best decision for her.

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  57. As our mom told you yesterday, we offer you our sincere prayers:
    May God lead you in your decision-making.
    If it is His plan for Dakota to stay with you here for a bit longer, we pray you will find a way for her to do so and not be in pain.
    We pray that if it is her time to leave you, that you will know, in your heart and soul, that you made decisions with HER best interest in mind - and not your own.
    All of us send love, hugs and prayers ~
    The Ao4 and our mom

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  58. OMG we are so sorry to hear this. We apologize for being late in getting here, we just heard from Khyra.

    You and Dakota are in our thoughts and warmest prayers. We will keep paws and everything else crossed for Dakota and family.

    We know exactly how you are feeling because we have been through this with our dear Benson so many times. Its extremely difficult. Know that you are surrounded by loving friends who will support you through this ultimate decision.

    With love and hugs,
    Benson and Gibson
    and Jaime

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  59. Sorry to hear this news -- poor Dakota. We know you will do what's best for your girl.

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  60. We are so sorry to hear about Dakota. Lots of hugs and purrs and slobbery dawg kisses to all of you. You are in our hearts and prayers.

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  61. Oh Im so sorry to hear about Dakota! Torn ACL is a big deal. Healthy younger dogs do well with that surgery. I had to let my 11 yr old sheltie go back in Dec due to an torn ACL and because she had so many joint issues she just wasn't a candidate for surgery.

    I hope you get some good news. Candle lit and prayers on the way!

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  62. We are sorry to be so late in seeing your message and writing. We will be holding Dakota ad the whole OP pack in our thoughts. She is such a beautiful girl and we have come to care for her a lot in the short time we have known her.

    Gentle woofs and big purrs,
    Tommy, Tama-Chan and Sei-Chan (and #1 too)

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  63. We're sorry we're not keeping updated like we should lately. We know these things are so hard, and send you all our love.

    Bajas, Virus and Ane

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  64. oh Kathie, this is such distressing news about Dakota. i, Bailey, had 2 torn ACLs and i can tell you that the TPLO surgeries and recovery was tough. it was worth it for me though, because i am a young (almost 6 yrs), healthy, and active doggy.

    we are going to keep you in our circle of B-power, poodle power and send healing vibes and prayers directly to you and Dakota. we know you will do what is best for Dakota.

    woofs.

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  65. We're right there with you guys in our thoughts and prayers...

    We want you to feel loved and supported during this difficult time...please give sweet gentle pats for us to Dakota from us terriers...

    We love you guys!!!

    Scruffy, Lacie and Babystan

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  66. Our thoughts are with you. From one Dakota to another, stay strong my friend.
    Love and woos,
    Dakota and The Mom

    PS -
    Thinking of you and yours Kathie. Joni.

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  67. I'm so sorry to hear about about sweet Dakota's setback. You are all in my prayers.

    wif very much love from the Luke and his the Mom

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  68. Oh this is terrible! Poor Dakota. We are keeping our paws crossed. We know you will do what is best for her.

    Bijou

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  69. I'm so sorry to hear the news. We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers and sugar will cross her paws

    xo sugar & martine

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  70. I am so sorry to hear about Dakota. There is nothing worse than when our furbabies are hurting and sick. Whatever you decide, we wish you the best.

    Extra special hugs,
    Kathy & Kodak

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  71. Oh my....we read about Dakota on the NY Bully blog and we are so sorry! :( We have missed visiting you and we are sad to hear this news upon our return. We know that you will have a hard choice but know that you have your sweet Dakota's best interest at heart. We are thinking of you!

    Lots of love,
    Amber & Nala

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  72. Hi, I'm sad to read about this.
    Perhaps I should not, but I want to give you mi opinion. I am a physician (of humans) but the same standards rule for animals, with some variations, of course.
    I think yo should bear in mind that any treatment that Dakota can be given, will be merely palliative. Her disease is serious and the stage is advanced. The fracture is a complication of it, but it could have been a different accident. I know it's one of the hardest decisions ... If she were one of my dogs I wouldn't let her go under surgery. It won't cure her from the Cushing disease, and surgery can cause her lots of pain.
    Oh God. I'm so sorry for saying this.
    We'll think of her, of course.

    Greetings.

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  73. We will be purring for Dakota and all of her family.

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  74. We are so sorry to hear about Dakota. We are sure she will tell you what to do when the time comes.. Mom is sending you a big HUG..

    Big Sloppy Kisses
    Gus, Louie and Callie

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  75. I am wif you in my heawt. I know you will do whatevew is best fow bootiful Dakota. I'm sovewy sowwy that she is huwt and in pain. I hope the medcins at least help wif that.
    We will be pwaying fow hew and fow you
    smoochie kisses
    ASTA

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  76. We just heard about Dakota from the 4B's, and we are purraying so hard that she will be ok! Dakota will tell you what to do. You will make the right decision.
    Purrs and purrayers to you,
    JB, Chester and mom Deb

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  77. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. We know you'll do what is best for Dakota.

    XOXO
    Lilly, Piper, Carrleigh, Java and Lynn

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  78. We are so sorry to hear about Dakota. Your family is in our thoughts and we will be praying for you.~Alasandra, Socks, Scylla, Charybdis & Fenris

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  79. I am so, so sorry this had happened. I've been in your place and know how difficult it can be. Sending tender thoughts to you and gentle hugs to the fur baby.

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  80. We came here from Huffle's blog.
    We understand the dilemma you have.
    We will send our strongest PURRS and we will support you whatever your decision.
    Purrs Mickey,Georgia, Tillie & the Mom

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  81. We are so sorry to hear the terrible news and we're keeping Dakota in our prayers and thoughts and sending lots of powerful Sibe Vibes her way.

    http://teamhusky-princesummer.blogspot.com/2009/06/sending-sibe-vibes-to-dakota.html

    Team Husky

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  82. I only wish people could be so thoughtful when it comes to thinking of others best interests rather than our own. Please know that whatever you decide is the best decision and the RIGHT decision.

    Much love,

    Petey and Mommy

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  83. We are purring for Dakota and Grete is saying her doggie prayers too!

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  84. My mommie got tears in her eyes reading about Dakota. You are all in our prayers and our thoughts!

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  85. My original post did not show up. I was crying so hard to read about Dakota that I guess I never really completed the screen correctly.

    I am sorry for the sadness that is in your hearts right now. I think that sadness is all over the Internet too for all the people that were lucky enough to know Dakota.

    Your precious baby is in the arms of God and His angels now...happy..tail wagging and squirming with joy just waiting for you to come up there and join her.

    Godspeed Dakota - May all the love you felt on Earth be multiplied over and over again in Heaven. You deserve it sweet puppy.

    Carol, Aja, Flurry and the feathered gang.

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  86. So sorry to hear about Dakota's passing. Probably one of the most difficult decisions a human has to make. Our hearts are aching for you tonight but knowing she is not in pain should bring comfort.
    Prayers and hugs for you and your gang.
    Chester and Mom

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  87. We are sad to hear about your dear friend, Dakota. You are a brave mom to help her continue her journey.

    Mango Momma

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  88. you made a difficult decision but i believe it was best for Dakota in her deteriorating condition. She lived a noble life, and provided you with years of loyalty and friendship. Dakota is fine and free right now, death is only hard on the living. she is not suffering,your grief is your own --not hers--and that is something. God bless!

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  89. oh kathie
    i am so sorry! i ma thinking of all of you and sending all of my love.
    melissa

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  90. We are so, so sorry about Dakota. What a tremendous loss to both your family and to our community. You took such immensely good care of her, and you made all of the right decisions.

    We will miss her. Our love to you all.

    The Rasta Crew

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  91. MY MOMMY'S HEART IS BREAKING...
    TEARS ARE FALLING..

    BELL

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