Madame La Piranha died earlier today. She was 14 in May, and had the best of health for most of her life. Yesterday and this morning she was playing with the other dogs and begging for treats. Then she suddenly developed a rapid irregular heart rate. We were at the vet within 10 minutes, but although she was able to climb into the car, we had to lift her out. Once in the surgery she went down and could barely move. The vet was discussing possible treatment when she began to have Cheyne Stokes respiration. She died quietly before he could even draw up the syringe of barbiturate. She was matriarch to many lovely progeny, the cleverest dog of any breed I've ever met, the one with the most wicked sense of humour – and the most loved. There will be less laughter in this house without her. Ian & I were with her, and we'd like to take the opportunity to thank Neil the vet for his kindness, sensitivity and understanding.

Sharon
I am so sorry, what a bad time you are having.
Rest in Peace Madame La Piranha.

Joan
Take the rough with the smooth

Sharon & Ian, so sorry to hear that you have lost her. Keep Strong xxx

I am so sorry to hear your news Sharon :(
hugs and licks from the Wright household

Sharon and family

Thinking of you - at least you were with her

Take care
Christine

Oh Sharon I am so sorry. Gillian

Sharon and Ian,
I"m so sorry about your beloved Mme. La P. :( I really loved reading your tales of her quirks and exploits. She was a unique and wonderful faithful companion. I'm certain your sheltie was waiting for her at the bridge. :)
all my sympathies and best wishes for you both,
Sara

So very sorry Sharon, it was always so obvious how fond of her you were. Very sad for you but it does sound as though it was a peacefull end for Madame herself please take some comfort from that.

I'm so sorry to hear this, especially so soon after your other recent loss. I hope you're bearing up.
LynnT

Sharon I am so sorry to hear of your loss, the special place she holds in your heart was always in evidence when you wrote about her.
Anita

Oh sis, I am so so sorry about Madame La P, Im so glad you were with her, but know how you are feeling. I am sure she and Pixie are together again at the bridge, but at this moment in time Im sure that is not a lot of comfort. What an unhappy time you have had lately. She was such a lucky dog to be so deeply loved, and have such a long life with you and Ian. Love and hugs to you both.

So sorry to hear this Sharon, take comfort i the fact that she didn't suffer, Hugs Ingrid

Sharon

So sorry to hear of your loss, so soon after Pixie.,

My thoughts are with you :(

Natasha

Dear Sharon
I am so sorry to hear of your loss and am thinking of you. She must have had a wonderful life with you (and you with her).
Gina x

What can I say Sharon only I know the feeling of emptiness and loss . I will try and get through to you on phone later tonight . Marie

Oh Sharon, what a terrible time you're having at the moment. Please try to take some comfort in the fact the she chose her own time to go and was with the people who loved her the most when she died.

I hope the pain passes quickly,

Love and hugs,

Fiona and Holly
x x x

Sharon, so sorry to hear of your loss, words are inadequate right now but me and mine are thinking of you and yours.
Julie
XXX

Very sad to loose them, even when you know it will be bound to happen. My friend lost her 12 1/2 year old mother hen of a dobe on Friday. Had malignant tumours removed earlier in the year. Went lame on Thursday, so it had spread, and she wasn't brought around from Xray. she only lost a young full of life male of five six weeks agao, with Liver Cancer. so from 4 to two (one very doddery) in six weeks! I have known them all so well and it is bad enough second hand. Try to dwell on the good times.

Sorry to hear the sad news Sharon, hope you feel a little better soon.
Dawn.

Sharon,

Very sorry to hear your news.

Karen

sorry sis.

Sorry to hear of your loss :(
My thoughts are with you at this tragic time.
Lara

sharon and family

so sorry to hear of your loss :( She had a very good life with you, just think of the great time you all had together
Thinking of you x

kelly x

I'm so sorry. It never seems to get any easier when they go :( At least, they always leave great memories :)
Dot

so sorry to hear my thoughts are with you and you family

lorraine
xxx

Me too XXXX (((hugs)))

so very sorry for your loss thoughts and prayers are with you. regards tina

Sharon
So very sorry - big hugs

Beth x

sharon
soooo sorry for your loss
sam xx

So sorry, Sharon - you're having a bad time lately - hugs

Jo and the Casblaidd Flatcoats

Very many thanks to all of you for your kindness. It really does help. I know that everyone thinks their dog is special, but Madame was truly unique. In her heyday when she was showing and coursing, if you said 'Piranha' to most deerhound folks, they'd just start to laugh. Still, she had a very long life, and I think a happy one, and a quick and gentle end.

Love, Sharon & Ian

My thoughts are with you.

Lucy

xx

Sharon
Our deepest sympathy for you & Ian.
Nicky & the gang xx

Sharon

So sorry to hear your sad news, what a lovely tribute you wrote to Piranha

Theresa

BIG HUGS to you again Sharon :-(

Claire.
x

Sorry to hear of your loss Sharon.
Bec

Sorry to hear about your loss Sharon:(

Like Theresa says, that was a lovely tribute you wrote

Thinking of you

Lynda

Thanks again everyone, and an especial thank you to Val and Phil who sent cards, and to Phil who listened to an endless moan this morning.

Mari, thanks also for trying to phone. I'll try to get through to you this evening.

Val, I'll be replying to your e-mail this evening or tomorrow - sure you understand the delay.

Sharon everything takes time and when you feel like it contact me .
In the meantime take care of yourself and dont worry about anything else untill you have come to terms with your loss
I dont know what else to say , there has been too much grief for everyone lately. xxx{{{hugs}}}
Mari

Sis, You were very welcome, and always are, anytime day or night. We have all been there, and know just how much it hurts xxx