This is WHY we have MALEAH....
It all began Nov 5, 2009 - Ellie was born, the runt of the litter, oh so tiny 14 oz when we brought her home.
God appointed this little Yorkie baby girl into our lives.
During the first eleven weeks of her life, we questioned her “stability” which seemed unusually clumsy and she tipped over constantly. After a time she began to yelp and cry for no apparent reason. She went to the vet often- but we continued to hear she was too tiny and young to find the real problem.
On her eleventh week her back legs quit working- and she was immobile.
She was tested for Liver Shunts and we waited one very long weekend for results. Meanwhile I researched her symptoms and found a Posey of Yorkies Inc video. It was then I first witnessed the symptoms of AAI and became concerned Ellie too had AAI. The first of the week, the test came back negative -- not Liver shunts. We took her back to the vet . . . they snapped X-rays of her neck and spine -- and there it was . . . Severe AAI separation of neck and spine at C1 and C2 – her tiny head hanging by a thread. Next she was placed into a body cast on a dark, dark Tuesday, Jan 26. It was our first grieving process. We were then referred to a surgeon in South Carolina. The following Friday, we drove Ellie to Greenville, SC to Upstate Vet Specialists, to meet with Dr. Keith Allen – the guru with AAI surgeries in our area. He bluntly told us if he performed surgery, she would most likely die on the table. Her bones were too mushy to accept hardware. But, we were offered an option to try conservative treatment, which would put her in a full body cast for 12 weeks with hopes of ligament and scar tissue fusion. All the while, she was highly susceptible to injury, which would leave us no choice but to put her through surgery. We would have to forbid Ellie to jump, run, play, climb steps . . . virtually no puppy activity whatsoever. Even so, we had high hopes of her not having to have surgery . . . just like Posey (who just turned two-years-old).
Our journey really began that day, Jan. 26 – Ellie did not die - she came home to us in a body cast. Ellie immediately began moving around in her first cast. She was happy and loved being able to walk. She loved to play play play . . . she just couldn’t breathe very well with the cast on her little body.
We rearranged our entire lives, work, home, activities - for this one special-needs baby girl. Every Tuesday at noon, we took her to our vet for cast checks. We gave her round-the-clock care . . . we syringed meds, antibiotics, food, etc., and oh how we loved her.
We immediately started researching about AAI – we researched, studied, and learned about AAI as much as possible. One thing we quickly discovered- Val and BabyBear….are the model examples of what daily life is like for an AAI puppy and an AAI mommie after having surgery. We printed out BabyBear’s story and kept it in our AAI folder as a reference should Ellie ever have to have surgery. Who knew way back in Feb when we printed this article that we would actually cross paths in a matter of months? We also learned about Pip who did not survive surgery/recovery.
The first and only person we spoke to with a successful conservative AAI approach was Cathie Cyr who had Posey. She was a mainstay in encouraging us not to give up- that we could do this! Cathie was our rock thru some dark days of wondering if we were the best mommies for Ellie. She was our educator and our supporter. She said if we could not do this she would take Ellie in with Posey. That was our comforting safety net as we tried to be good nurse mommies.
Next- we heard of Roriee, a very sick baby on the mother ship. Actually Roriee’s mother contacted me personally after seeing Ellie’s video on YouTube. She was reaching out for emotional and financial help. Long story made short, we were asked if we could transport Roriee to her foster home. Lynn happened to be in ATL where Roriee lived - picked her up, met me in Athens and we drove her to, where else? --- Greenville, SC. She was a very ill puppy at death’s door. Now Roriee is doing Great- and we like to think Ellie was instrumental in saving Roriee’s life.
Eventually Ellie had too many pulmonary problems in the cast- we tried Everything. We bought every vaporizer and product on the market to help her breathe easier. Nothing seemed to work. Our home and the Daycare looked and smelled like a hospital room.
In April, after 8 weeks in her cast, the surgeon set her free. At that point her pulmonary issues were worse than her AAI. Amazingly, with the cast off she was instantly able to breathe normally. She began walking as if a problem had never existed. Ellie loved to walk so much she would go to every door and window of the house and squeak and whine for us to let her out! And I mean Non-Stop.
We went on an RV vacation soon after Ellie was released from the surgeon’s care in May. She was able to meet her sister, Bella, and her half sibs too. It was a Yorkie-geared RV trip and she was able to enjoy the pack. On that vacation she became addicted to walking using her step-in harness and lead. All she wanted to do was get out of the RV with Cooper and walk walk walk . . . and it was a joy for us to witness.
Then at the end of June- she just woke up one day and was walking with a little less stability. I monitored her gait for a day or two- she didn’t improve. I made an appt with our surgeon. Bonnie, Cooper’s mommie, drove us to the surgeon in SC. Dr Allen observed her and yes, her fusion had begun to break down. Solution: put her back in body cast ASAP for her protection. He would not discuss surgery that day because Lynn was in Dallas and he said he wouldn’t discuss it until we were together.
The next week Lynn and I drove to SC. He confirmed our fears. Her gait and mobility were not as good in this cast- she was digressing and it was imperative that he perform surgery. His words rung loud to me, “I have never seen one of them break down so quickly after casting- something is not right in there.”
Surgery was scheduled July 2 and seemed less risky as she had gotten older and her bones stronger. Everything happened so fast.
Next I posted the update on mother ship, the only forum I was familiar with- and many were keeping up with her from the beginning on there. One person AnneC posted a message on the thread about her AAI puppy, Shelby and how the AAI Support group helped her. I thought, what? Never heard of that all of these months! Next I joined the group. Then the journey explodes. We meet some dear friends- Val, Vicki, Jamie, Anne who have especially been right by our sides. Val started the candle lighting before Ellie’s surgery, gathered up people to pray, started music boxes, etc. Next thing we know we are at the surgeon’s office at 8 a.m., Fri., July 2- giving our good lucks and kisses to Ellie as she was taken back for surgery with Cooper right by her side kissing her as she left. One thing that Dr. Allen made sure he told us was that it was best that we not visit Ellie after surgery during her recovery. He needed to keep her as calm as possible and seeing us may get her stirred up and upset when we left. He assured us that he would call after surgery was over and would provide frequent updates as to her progress. After surgery, he called to let us know Ellie did great during surgery and was resting. In further updates he said she was doing great and was up walking. He reported that all appeared to be going well post-surgery, as she was asking to be picked up and giving everyone kisses. Sunday morning when we left Greenville to come home, we still had not been able to see her, but felt confident that all was well and we would be bringing her home on Monday, July 5th. In my mind I understood the risk for the surgery itself- I never considered grave complications in the recovery. With that said, a drastic turnaround took place on Sunday. It was then that Dr. Allen informed us that it appeared she had developed G.I. issues, which led to serious panic attacks, which led to breathing and coughing issues, which ultimately resulted in brain stem body shutdown. The exact cause of her heart failure is uncertain but most likely a blood clot, stroke, swollen brain.
Surgery was on a Friday. On the following Monday we were holding her in disbelief and shock- as she took her very last breath. It truly felt like I was losing my first-born child. It was her birthday – 8-months-old, 4 lbs. Sweet and precious Ellie . . . my baby girl, whom I adored.
The AAI group has stayed right with us every step of the way before surgery, during surgery and recovery, at her death, and now during our grieving process. Val created this beautiful image of Ellie crossing Rainbow Bridge, a special prayer, and poem. Their love and comfort have been medicine for our healing each and every day. Through them Ellie will always have a voice with AAI.
Meanwhile- Back in February there was another little Yorkie, Gizmo, who went abruptly to Rainbow Bridge. He loved his mommie, Wendy, with all of his heart. He followed her everywhere. He was her baby. He made her fall in love with the Yorkie breed. Gizmo’s death was sudden, shocking, and left much sadness in her heart.
Unbeknownst to us, Wendy had been following Ellie’s journey and cheered for her health. But then Ellie, too, was called to Rainbow Bridge. So Gizmo, fluttering his little angel wings, began to stir emotions in his mommie and daddy (Adam) in unexplainable ways. Gizmo was creating a connection between them and us, Ellie’s mommies. He was providing insight for his mommie and daddy; urging them to keep their focus on all we had been through during Ellie’s journey with such hope and yet, were left grieving for our Yorkie baby now- with a huge void, heartache and bills.
Because of a sensitive post “Broken Hearts” by JamieV- Wendy read and responded to it (funny-they didn’t know I was following the post as a new member).
Then, two days after Ellie’s death, Gizmo’s mother contacted me. Wendy told me about Gizmo and how much she loved him. She told me she was sorry about Ellie. I thought that was end of conversation. Then she said, ”We believe MALEAH would be a perfect fit in your home and would help to comfort and heal. We just want to do something.” I was in complete disbelief. Surely there was a catch . . . but no, just pure loving motivation to simply pay it forward to comfort others in their pain. They made the ultimate sacrifice- offering their baby to us to love and care for as our hearts begin to heal, and forevermore.
Tonight- Thursday, July 15, Lynn just happens to be in Chicago on business. Maleah is in Grand Rapids, MI., only 3-4 hours away. We have a friend, Jodi Piles, who we only know because of our connection with Roriee/AAI- and lives right outside of Chicago. She is driving Lynn from the Chicago area half way to Grand Rapids – and Wendy and Adam are driving half way- to meet them. It will be an emotional special gathering. Jodi will drive Lynn and Miracle Maleah back to Chicago to spend the night. Then Lynn will arrive home with her around midnight Friday night! I will be pacing all over Georgia waiting on them!
Why am I sharing this entire long story? Because this is much more than someone just offering their beloved baby to us! They know they are part of the plan that God created long ago. We see clearly how God has connected both people and fur-babies since Ellie had arrived on this earth. Wendy and Adam, Maleah’s parents, are the surprise blessings in the plan. They see this is a bigger story than any of us. Lynn and I have been humbled to our knees and remain in deep gratitude to everyone on YK – We have met friends for life . . . you have helped carry us emotionally through this pain– and now the ultimate gift.
We reflect on all of the people that Ellie touched, all of the changes in people, and areas of healing. We have new people in our lives and new friendships because of her. And we realize Ellie was an appointed angel on this earth. She was an inspiration and an example of the courage we all possess to face inevitable daily challenges. And she brought us together- rescuers, breeders, parents, mother ship, YK, AAI group. All for one cause, one passion, our Yorkie babies.
She loved everyone she met- pinned her ears back and just wiggled and kissed! She was so happy and maintained that constant spitfire “yorkie-tude” even on her hardest of days.
Our one little puppy, Ellie, changed our worlds. She has brought another new face to the dreaded disease called AAI and we will forever be committed to the owners who struggle with this terrifying diagnosis. She will keep her voice alive, we will make sure of it. Her legacy will live on for all AAI fighters.
Now sit back, be blessed and know, there is a God that is there in our darkest storms and our deepest pain- always working through people, and fur-babies. Miracle Maleah will soon be here to embrace, love and hold as we still deeply grieve the loss of Ellie. We believe she is now Maleah’s protective guardian angel. Thank you, Wendy and Adam for this Gift from God. We will love her and spoil her and hug and kiss her endlessly.
In closing, with permission, I would like to share an email message from Cathy Cyr on Feb. 4 – let the words rest with you for all of your fur-babies.
"I truly believe that everything happens for a reason and Ellie is with you because she is Supposed to be there. She is either there because she needs You or MAYBE because YOU need her . . . maybe she's going to teach you something that you didn't know about yourselves, or bring people into your lives that need to be there that weren't there before. We may never know exactly why but I do believe it's part of a plan"
All of the earth angels both people and fur-babies, we thank you for being a part of God’s plan-and we know there were more!
Connie/Demi, Bonnie/Cooper, Diana/Bella, Dr. Allen/Surgeon, Dr. Coleman/Veterinarian, MartyK/Prayer warrior, LauraB/sitter, EmilyP/sitter, CathieC/Posey, LindaF/Roriee, JenH/Roriee, JodiP/Teagan, Val/Babybear, JamieV/Bailey, VickiB/Bleuboy, AnneC/Shelby- WendyF, AdamF/Maleah-
With Our Deepest Love and Appreciation-
Sherryl Butler, Lynn Young, R.i.P Ellie, and Welcome to our Maleah
