Thomas

[christina]

I haven't been on this list for a very long time, but many of you will have read my post about auto-immune diseases, in which I introduced my two boys Thomas and Kimber to you all.

I am sad to let you know today, that Thomas has lost his fight for life yesterday. He fell ill almost from day one of our life's together, after his first puppy vaccination at 9 weeks of age. When he was 12 months, he had developed an auto-immune disease called MMM, where the muscles around his jaws and neck were wasted away by his own immune system. In order to keep him alive, I had no choice, but to administer steroids and other immuno-suppressive medication. He was given 3-4 years max. by my vet, but he fought on to live for nearly 9 - it would have been his 10th Birthday in two months time. During those 9 years he was happy, pain free, strong and full of zest for life. He was very special to me, and the void he is leaving is terribly painful. The pills that kept him alive for the previous 9 years have killed him in the end. He went into organ failure very suddenly on Sunday, and yesterday we released him. He went to sleep in my arms very peacefully. I am grateful that he did not have to suffer. It was my greatest fear in all those years that he might have to go through more suffering, and I could not have coped with that. He is free now....

Christina

[Wetdog]

Christina, I'm very sorry to hear about Thomas. I know he was your pride and joy. He's leaving a legacy behind him though in the knowledge and experience that you gained because of him, and your spirit of sharing what you've gained with others.

Thank you.

I hope your pain fades quickly, and you can remember all the good times with a smile instead of tears. I think Thomas would have wanted that for you, remember him with smiles, and just a little hint of sadness that he's gone. After all, it's only for a little while, you'll see him again.

[slava]

I'm so sorry, Cristina.



I'm delighted with your spirit to carry on 9-years fighting for Thomas life. And I just hope that more dogs in the world be happy to meet so genuine owner as you.

[Sylvia]

I am sorry to hear about Thomas.

[Ilana]

I'm so sorry, Cristina for your Thomas,

[Jurate]

I am very sorry...
I want to post one poem about dogs leaving...

I got to the gate of Heaven yesterday after we said goodbye. I began to miss you terribly, because I heard you cry. Suddenly there was an angel and she asked me to enter the Heaven's gate. I asked her if I could stay outside for someone who'd be late. I wouldn't make much noise you see, I wouldn't bark or howl, I'll only wait here patiently and play with my tennis ball. The angel said I could stay right here and wait for you to come because Heaven just wouldn't be Heaven if I went in alone.
So I'll wait here, you take your time but keep me in your heart. Because Heaven just wouldn't be Heaven without you to warm my heart...

[marjolein]

Poor Christine, I feel very sorry for you! Thinking of you!!!

[syrinx]

Oh Christina, I am so sorry to read of Thomas' passing. You were both so lucky to have found each other, you gave him a life as long and as happy as you could, much longer than many people would have, and he repaid you with unlimited love.

You are committed to people understanding about autoimmune diseases, to breeders being responsible for the outcomes of their breeding programs. You must go on with that, in honour of Thomas, his life and spirit.

You are in my thoughts, Christina, please know there are tears being shed for you in Australia.
Wendy

[anne]

Christina,

I am so sorry. We have all learned so much though you and Thomas.

Anne

[Faust]

My dear Christina,

I am sending you a big hug and am thinking of you and your boy.

You were his best friend, thanx to you he lived so long and had a good life as it could be...

Remember, you will meet him one day for sure and you'll never be separated again.

If you nead someone to talk to, I'm here for you.

Kristina

[Alkemist]

So sorry to hear you lost Thomas - thinking of you....

Nina

[robinla]

Dear Christina & Kimber...
We wish that you will be able to keep memories of sweet Thomas close in your heart & mind, and always find peace in the beautiful life you provided him. You had Thomas longer than expected, it is amazing how far love can take you! I know Kimber will eat up all the extra attention, and keep your heart full to balance the sadness! Keep smiling - it will make you feel a little better -
Robin & Skye

[Ingvild]

Thinking of you!

[hobbywobby]

Christina,
I'm so sorry to hear about Thomas and I appreciate your kind words about Hobbes. I'm hoping that Thomas and Hobbes have met now and are playing with other Weim. buddies. I know what you're going through and I hope that the days get easier for us both. Stay strong and try to remember all the wonderful times you've had with Thomas.

Stacy

[christina]

I would like to thank you all for your sympathy and your kind words. It helps so much to know that people really understand. Thomas was so much more to me than 'just a dog'. He was my dearest friend and he taught me so much.

I would like to share a picture of him with you - the way I will always remember him. He was the fastest Weimaraner I had ever come across .... which sometimes was a mixed blessing .

Run free my friend....

Christina

[veerle]

I'm so sorry.

[syrinx]

What a beautiful boy! What a gorgeous image to have of him! Hold that close to your heart, as that is how he is now, free of every problem he had on earth, free to run rings around all the others at the Rainbow Bridge, where the rabbits are slow, and the ducks are fat.
Wendy

[moonbeam]

So very sorry to hear this Christina. My thoughts are with you.
Mariy

[weimaranermama]

You did a wonderfull job with Thomas and i'm sure you loved him very very much, maby more than when he wasn't ill. You gave him all your love and took care of him all those years.
Now he is looking at you from above and will wait for you, so he can tell you, when you are coming to him, all the nice stories, how it is to live in the Rainbow Bridge.
My thoughts are with you, Christine.
Ina.