Your Pet Loss Stories

'My Beloved Holly'

by Jane Bernard
(Lemoyne, PA)

I am divorced and bought a house in October of 1995. In January of 1996, my beloved German Shepherd, Holly, moved in with me. She was a very active dog and had a mind of her own. She liked people, but did not like animals. She was relatively well... other than hot spots and ear yeast infections. We were always together... it was always Jane and Holly.

In November of 2006, while walking Holly, her back legs collapsed. The vet said it was probably the first stage of degenerative myelopathy (DM). Never heard of it before. During 2007, I spent thousands of dollar on accupuncture and medicines. She could get up and down with some help.

In January of 2008, she lost control of her back legs. I used a sling to help walk her. She had a ramp to get into the car. We went for ice cream which she loved. I cooked for her all the time. Sometime in June or July she became incontinent. I washed clothes round the clock, but she was worth it. I bought her wheels which she could get around with.

She got sick on November 21, 2008. After trips to the vet and emergency room, she passed away on 11/22/2008 in the car on the way to the vets. She would have been 13 on 11/23/08. I cannot tell you how badly I miss her. I haven't slept or eaten much for the last several days. My life will never be the same. I love her dearly. As I write this, tears are streaming down my face. I still think she is with me.