Lizzie update - sad news

[Flash]

I have not be on the board over the past couple of days because I got some bad news about Lizzie which I have been very sad over and couldn't talk and I was also contemplating my decision on what to do.

I was finally able to get her into the vet for her check up, my vet was very busy and had no openings until a week ago and luckily I got her in just in times as she was acting very lethargic and quiet which is not like her.

They took some blood and some of the test came back abnormal, so they wanted her back in for more tests which she ended up spending a few days there as they did just about every test in the book to find out what was going on with her.

I am still very upset about it and cannot talk about it in details yet, but they found out that Lizzie has a heart defect. It is pretty serious and not much that can be done, but the vet didn't think she would live much longer past her first birthday, possibly her second birthday.

I spoke with the breeder and told him all the information I was given and even faxed it over to him as he was really concerned about her. He just adored Lizzie and is always asking about her and even cried when it was time for her to leave. He offered to take her back as it was still in the agreement and he would just keep her there to live out her time the best she could.

I told him I would have to think about it and what is best for her and myself as I have already grown very attached to her and love her dearly. I thought long and hard about it and I have decided to send Lizzie back to him. He has lots of other birds where I know she will enjoy being and plus they were pretty bonded before she left there. I know some of you will think I am just taking the easy way out, but that is not true at all. I think this is the right thing for everyone involved.

Right now I am going through the pain of possibly having to make the decision to euthanize one of my horses and I just cannot deal with a second death right now ontop of that. I will be no good to myself or all of my other animals that need and depend on me. I have to think what is best for everyone involved and I think this is the best and only thing I can do.

I am so heartbroken and sad that this had happened - I just wish life was easier at times.

[Halo]

Ohhhh no!!! I'm so very very sorry, I know how excited you were about Lizzie and Hope.

I also don't think you are taking the easy way out. I would probably do the same because I couldn't handle the daily "what if's".

You and your animals will be in our thoughts and prayers.

[Tom Lawless]

There is no easy way out in this situation. I am sorry you are going through this with Lizzie and your horse. Know we are here to help you through the difficult days ahead.

[catschair]

I'm sorry you are going through such hard times. Sadly, some beings are just not meant to have long in this world. I am sorry that Lizzie will not be with us long, but am glad she haa a chance to know such happiness and love. Hugs

[xafsmom]

That's so sad. I'm so sorry. :(

[Buteo]

My Condolences.

After having lost so many of my extended family this year, I can really sympathize....

[Flash]

Thank you all for your kinds words - I was actually worried about posting this and what you would all think of me and I am happy that you don't think I am doing the wrong thing or think I am a bad person for doing this, that does make me feel better.

These past couple of months have not been very good for me - one of my horses got sick, which seemed to be taken care of and then one of my dog's needed emergency surgery and the vet had noted he was about an hour away from death. Then my horse continues to get worse, I then find out my other horse's old injury is bothering him, then the sick horse gets worse and worse, I then find out about Lizzie, and am not facing the possibility of possibly having to euthanize the sick horse and he is just sooo young.

I just feel like everything is falling apart right now.

[Willow]

I am so very sorry and am sending good thoughts, vibes, and prayers your way, and to your horse and Lizzie. Hang in there.

[Chico's Mom]

I am so sorry you have to deal with all of this right now. I think you are doing good by Lizzie, since she will be "back home"... a place she knows, with someone that she knows, and have lots of birds around. This will pass, and good times will come again. Be strong, and just love your furry/feathered kids the best you can.

[Flash]

Thank you all again, your kind words are helping me through these rough times. I wish it didn't have to be this way, but one can only say "things happen for a reason or it wasn't meant to be" at times like these. I need to stay strong for not only myself, but for my other animals as they need me and depend on me to be there and provide for them and I truly believe the best way for me to do that is with what I am doing with Lizzie. Not only for her and my sake, but I also have to think about Hope. I would hate for them to really bond and get attached to one another knowing Lizzie will not be here for very long. That just wouldn't be fair for Hope as well for her to have to go through the loss of a very "close" friend if they were to get very attached.