www.ukbutterflies.co.uk

Some of you have met my beloved companion, Asha, and all of you have seen her smiling out from my posts, so I felt it was appropriate to share with the UK Butterflies community the very sad news that at just 7 years old (8 in September) she is seriously ill from chronic renal failure and will not recover. Organ failure often shows no symptoms until it is too late and her kidneys are well past the stage where dialysis or medication can help them. Her decline has been precipitous and I only learned yesterday she was in a critical condition. I took her to the local vet at 10.30 in the morning because she was clearly ill. The vet took blood samples and ordered me to take her immediately to the animal hospital in Bern, where they did further tests and announced the news. She spent last night in hospital and I travelled to Bern today to visit her. She is spending tonight in Bern and will return home tomorrow. Her butterfly-chasing days are over but she is expected to live some more weeks or possibly even months in relative comfort, until either she or I decide we must part company.

I thought hard before making this post, but given that she is (and will remain) my avatar on this site I knew I would have to say something some time. Thank you in advance for your thoughts and/or prayers.

Guy


Asha today outside the animal hospital

Guy
Such devastating news. You must be distraught. My thoughts are with you both.
Alex.

Oh Guy, what sad news.
My thoughts and prayers are with you both.
Denise

Thats sad, my thoughts are with the both of you, I knwo what its like I remember when my first dog went had her for 12 years, but you can look back on some of the good times you shared together.

hi guy,

that must be hard news and you have my deepest sympathy.

gary.

Hi Guy,
I'm really sorry to hear that. She might have only a modest total of less than eight years behind her, but I bet they've been happy ones. At least you now have a period through which you know that every moment is even more precious with her.
Best Wishes, Neil

I am so sorry for your sad news, Guy.

My thoughts are with you both.

Guy, we are really sorry to hear that. We know just how much she meant to you.

Maybe some people on UKB won’t know that she had suffered under the previous owner, and that Guy had taken her on in the knowledge that she had suffered abuse. Which takes a lot of courage and compassion.

So I think you can take consolation in the fact that she had several happy years with you, Guy, and hopefully has some months without discomfort.

Roger & Ann

Thank you everyone for your kind and supportive words. They help. I won't reply individually to every post but I appreciate them all. Although obviously I am devastated at the moment, Asha's story is a good story and when the sadness passes there will be great joy left. I know I'm not alone in passing through a painful period - grief is common, as Hamlet said. I appreciate your kindness in letting me air this particular grief in public.

Guy

Guy,

I have only just logged on and am very sorry to see your sad news. I am glad that you posted the latest photo because she still looks happy.

Vince.

Guy
You must be devestated.
My thoughts are with you.
Take comfort in the fact that, although short, she had a happy life with you.

Guy, I'm not very good expressing myself in situations like this, so I hope it's sufficient to echo what has already been said here.
Sincerest sympathy,
Mike.

sorry to hear the news, guy, i know what u r goin thru, my thoughts are with you,take care

I'm very sorry to hear that. She was - or still is - almost a member here due to your pictures.

Very sad news. Looks like she enjoyed her last few years though.

Guy

I have just read this and I am so sorry for you. Having had dogs myself I know what times like these are like and I couldn't go through it again but she has clearly had some great times with you and you will have good memories. I will be thinking about you both.

Take care.

P.

Thank you all of you. I thought I should let you know that Asha was put to sleep this afternoon, in my house. I took the decision to spare her the terminal phase of her illness, which would have been increasingly unpleasant for her, and which she was just entering.

Please don't feel obliged to make a post if you don't know what to say - I really just wanted to inform you and thank you. I know many of you have been thinking of us and that has helped a lot. In the end, it was not difficult for me to know what to do.

Guy

Hi Guy,

In the end you knew what was the kindest and most loving last thing that you could do for Asha. I know how difficult and heart rending these last few weeks must have been for you. I have walked in your shoes but in time you will remember her with laughter and affection, although it doesn't feel like it now I know.
Keep your chin up. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

Denise

hi guy, im so sorry i know how u must feel i had to do the same thing 8yrs ago, take care

Guy
I've recently been there. I know how you must feel. Your tears are mine.
Alex