Memorials - Laura


	In Tribute to - a special page to remember our beloved Frenchies

In Memory of Laura
August 11, 1993 - November 11, 2004

Laura first came to live with us in July 2002 as an FBRN rescue. Her owner had extensively bred her until her spay in 2000 at the age of seven and one-half years. Laura had already had surgery for mammary cancer when she was turned over to FBRN. Her owner kept Laura as a companion for his elderly mother and when his mother was placed in hospice care, he was going to take Laura to the pound where she most assuredly would have been euthanized. A co-worker of the owner's found FBRN's website and contacted us. The owner then surrendered Laura to FBRN.

Laura arrived thin, with listless eyes, a dull coat and a heavy heart. Laura fostered with us for two months and through two surgeries for mast cell cancer before she was adopted by Peggy, Larry and Tobi Krents of Amelia Island, Florida in September 2002. Although they adored her and the feeling was mutual, poor Laura began to get sicker and sicker. Allergy testing determined that Laura was very allergic to North Florida's yellow pine and Bahia grass.

In a selfish and loving act, Peggy and Larry returned Laura to our family in South Florida where she fully regained her health and permanent adoption.

Laura came back into our household that included a teenager, a Doberman, a Boxer, a Frenchie and a Pug and settled in as if she had always been with us. She learned how to use the doggy door in 2 days and was a joy to have. She adored everyone, never barked or kissed, but was the best cuddler! She put up with our bringing our Frenchie puppy, Mia, into the household as well. Laura traveled with us to dog shows all over Florida and was a familiar fixture sitting in a chair ringside watching all the action.

Laura endured six surgeries for mast cell cancer and mammary tumors in the last three years. She bounced back and never complained. She never barked, she never growled, she adored people, kids, other dogs, rides in the car, sleeping in bed and table food. She brought us only joy and happiness every day that we shared. All day long she napped in her bed only 2 feet away from me as I sat at my computer desk. At night she dozed on the bath mat as I showered. She never needed a leash. She was always my shadow.

Laura began to fail in the middle of October 2004. We thought she was just getting old and losing her way. I wish that's all it had been. She spent days on end at the hospital on IVs, had tons of x-rays, blood work, ultrasounds, etc. She was on special food, when she'd eat and not throw up. Her liver stopped functioning and the toxins and proteins built up and affected her brain. Her 11 year old body began to fail her. Her eyes were bright and clear, but the spark was gone. Who knows how many litters she had in her first 7 years and what toll it took on her?

We brought her home from the hospital the evening of November 10, 2004, with her IV still in her leg. I cooked for her; but she wouldn't eat. She roamed around the house aimlessly bumping into things and falling over. We were always a step behind. I stayed up with her all night because she didn't want to rest. At 4 a.m., I must have dozed off because I woke with a start at 5:45a.m., and realized I couldn't hear her labored breathing. I found her sleeping peacefully on the floor in the bedroom with my daughter, Allison. They stayed that way until 7a.m. Laura woke up still confused, her breathing was difficult and she once again refused to eat. It was time.

We met the vet as she pulled in to the office. The weather was beautiful. Our vet brought out a beautiful soft comforter to the van. We all said our good-byes and as Laura looked out the sunroof at the blue sky overhead she leaned into my chest as the shot entered her IV. She closed her eyes and was once again happy and healthy at the Rainbow Bridge.

The world has lost such a sweet, gentle soul. We will miss her forever.

Much loved and sadly missed by

Ruthie, Jeff and Allison Chiger

Florida

Allison, Laura and friend kisses by the pool...