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Behind the Aegis

(54,854 posts)
Tue Feb 7, 2023, 04:19 AM Feb 2023

My baby chihuahua, Zatanna, left us a week ago. (pics included)

It has taken me this long to even post about this. I haven't even really posted on DU because of it.

We noticed Zatanna was having some issues breathing late in the evening of Friday, January 27 and it got worse Saturday morning. I stayed up with her until we could take her to our vet at 8am. We were told we needed to take her to the Animal hospital 45 minutes away in Tulsa. We came home, got her ready and went down there. They decided it was best for her to stay at least one night. I was already having some anxiety issues because almost exactly 18 months ago, we took our little man, Voodoo, there and came home with a box of ashes. Zatanna was diagnosed with congestive heart disease almost three years ago, and since, we had been giving her three pills in the morning and three in the evening, as well as liquid medicine for her cough every night before bed. They placed her in an oxygen carrier, and we came home. Sunday, we went to visit her, and she was alert, tail wagging and a healthy appetite. We stayed about an hour, then came home again. We got an update that evening and said they were concerned, but the prognosis was looking better because they figured out the problem was not heart related.

Monday night, the news was more grim, but they planned to but her on steroids, keep her in the oxygen carrier, and give her some different meds. They said if there were any issues, they would let us know. 4:30am, they called and told me she was in really bad shape, and we needed to come down later in the day (now Tuesday). Two hours later, they called again and her heart had stopped, they brought her back using CPR. My husband and I got ready (I had only had an hour and a half of sleep), when they called again, and said, it was unlikely we would get there before she passed. My husband responded, "The HELL we won't!" We left 10 minutes later and drove for 45 minutes in complete silence, except for my occasional sobs and my husband sniffling.

We got there and were escorted to the ICU and there was our baby with a breathing tube down her throat and under a mountain of blankets because she couldn't regulate her body temperature. I reached under the blankets and her little belly was so cold, it startled me. My husband was crying, which he NEVER does. Zatanna, our 4.1-pound chihuahua, was laying mostly motionless with a tube in her throat almost as big as her muzzle. The vet told us after her cardiac arrest she was without oxygen for almost 6 minutes, and it was likely she suffered brain damage. She told us Zatanna might recover enough to go home at some point, but it was unlikely, and there was no guarantee she would be the same dog. It took us twenty minutes, but we finally decided to let her go. They unhooked her from all the machines, my husband held her back paws and rubbed her belly, I held her front paws and kissed her little baby head, like I had done every night for almost 10 years, and told her, "Daddy and I love you so much. Nite nite my baby." Then she was gone. We picked up her limp body and held her for the last time. The drive home was agony and again mostly silent.

When he arrived home, our last two dogs, Marigny and Laveau, sisters, were howling, screeching, and bolted into the garage. Laveau circled the car and scratched at the doors. My husband and I were still in tears, well, I was sobbing. Laveau actually had tears coming from her eyes. That made it worse. Marigny, who was Zatanna's best buddy, just ran around and around, whimpering. This past Friday, we went back to the hospital to get her remains and brought her home for the last time.

Now, let me end this with happiness and tell you about her life!

Born in April 2011, we got her four months later. We had just moved back from New Orleans. I had told my husband about her, and he went to our friend who had her. I came downstairs and there he was with her on his stomach. He said, "What if we call her Zatanna?" With all the pets we had, dogs, hamsters, fish, and birds, he had never named one of our pets! I called our friend and told her I would be by later with the payment. Zatanna now lived with us. For almost two weeks, she never made a sound...that soon ended. She became our most vocal dog and she was definitely a "Daddy's girl".

She would let us know when someone was at the door. She barked when she was ready to come back into the house. She loved going outside and sitting by the fence that faced the street so she could bark at passerbys! She barked at Daddy when it was nite-nite time. She loved laying with my husband, especially propping her head on his arm, which made typing difficult for him; he misses that now. She LOVED kissys! If you kissed her cheek, she would then turn her head so you could kiss her other cheek. You were only done when she walked off. Every night when I put her to bed, I kissed one cheek, then the other, then the top of her head, then cheek, cheek, and top of her head one more time saying, "Nite-nite baby, Daddy and I love you!"

She loved when my husband came home and always edged out the other dogs to get his attention. When I entered the room she barked loudly and ran circles around me. At some point, she started putting her tags in her mouth when I came in the room after an extended absence. We have no idea why she did it and why she only did it for ME! My husband constantly carried her around. For a long time, when my husband went to work, everyone went in their individual cages until I woke up and let them out. One day, I went into the bedroom and she was in the bed, not in her cage like everyone else. I assumed my husband forgot to put her in there...NOPE! Zatanna, we called her "Da Baby", had learned to open her cage and walk up the stairs next to the bed. We caught her doing this using a nanny cam!

She would push the other dogs out of the way if my husband was kissing on them. She had to sleep ON him. She also loved to lick him. She loved hot dogs, chicken, and treats. She was NOT a picky eater. She was best friends with Marigny. They travelled together often. Another quirk of her's was that she didn't jump down from the couch like a regular dog, she would stand on the edge and plop off like she was parachuting. It used to crack us up. Also, when she wanted to get up on the couch or another surface, like the bed, she would stand there, whimper (for me) or bark (at my husband) to pick her up. Of course, she was so small, she really couldn't jump high, but unlike the other dogs who would "push off the ground" as I lifted them, she didn't. She had to be picked up, no effort on her part. LOL!

She was a sweet little dog, often with her little baby tongue hanging out. We love her so much and miss her. I was so upset when we were driving home because, unlike when we came back after losing Voodoo when I saw a cloud that looked like a chihuahua following us, I saw nothing. Then, I saw, on our various video photo frames, there she was! Her picture popped up on all five of them as I passed by each one. One last goodbye.






52 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight: NoneDon't highlight anything 5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies
My baby chihuahua, Zatanna, left us a week ago. (pics included) (Original Post) Behind the Aegis Feb 2023 OP
My deepest condolences to you💔 virgdem Feb 2023 #1
Thank you so much. Behind the Aegis Feb 2023 #25
You were both lucky to have each other. BigmanPigman Feb 2023 #2
I appreciate your comments. Behind the Aegis Feb 2023 #26
Oh, my friend, I am so sorry! Rhiannon12866 Feb 2023 #3
Thank you friend. I know you understand. Behind the Aegis Feb 2023 #27
Oh, I know. I've been there, actually still am. Rhiannon12866 Feb 2023 #30
I know. I feel for you. Behind the Aegis Feb 2023 #52
Awwww BumRushDaShow Feb 2023 #4
Thank you so much friend. Behind the Aegis Feb 2023 #28
ty for the story. my condolences. Tetrachloride Feb 2023 #5
ty for the condolences. Behind the Aegis Feb 2023 #29
I am so very sorry, BtA. brer cat Feb 2023 #6
Thank you so much. Behind the Aegis Feb 2023 #31
Such a sweet story and tribute to your baby. onecaliberal Feb 2023 #7
Thank you so very much. Behind the Aegis Feb 2023 #32
What a sweetheart. How wonderful that she was loved so much. Hortensis Feb 2023 #8
Thank you so much. Behind the Aegis Feb 2023 #33
I'm so sorry cate94 Feb 2023 #9
Thank you. Behind the Aegis Feb 2023 #34
♥️ Love; so hard to say goodbye, I am sooo sorry peacebuzzard Feb 2023 #10
It was heartbreaking. Behind the Aegis Feb 2023 #35
OMG, so sorry. pazzyanne Feb 2023 #11
Thank you so much. Behind the Aegis Feb 2023 #36
So Sorry Woodswalker Feb 2023 #12
Thank you and I totally agree. Behind the Aegis Feb 2023 #37
She was a little doll baby! barbtries Feb 2023 #13
Thank you so much. Behind the Aegis Feb 2023 #38
I'm so very sorry. catbyte Feb 2023 #14
I appreciate it. Behind the Aegis Feb 2023 #39
She was adorable. scarletlib Feb 2023 #15
She was a diva! Behind the Aegis Feb 2023 #40
I'm so sorry for the loss Dr. Shepper Feb 2023 #16
Thank you. Behind the Aegis Feb 2023 #41
No words, only love. Solly Mack Feb 2023 #17
Thank you, my friend. Behind the Aegis Feb 2023 #42
It is hard to say goodbye to a member of your family LetMyPeopleVote Feb 2023 #18
Thank you so much. Behind the Aegis Feb 2023 #43
Deepest condolences. sinkingfeeling Feb 2023 #19
Thank you for your condolences. Behind the Aegis Feb 2023 #44
Thank you for sharing this about Zatanna Pachamama Feb 2023 #20
You're welcome. Behind the Aegis Feb 2023 #45
My heart hurts with you... Raster Feb 2023 #21
Thank you. Behind the Aegis Feb 2023 #46
something else I want to say... I've followed your postings for years... Raster Feb 2023 #50
Lady of the Beasts, please take Your little one gently home in Your loving arms, and niyad Feb 2023 #22
Thank you so much. Behind the Aegis Feb 2023 #47
Deepest condolences on your beloved pupper heading to the Bridge. SheltieLover Feb 2023 #23
Thank you so much. Behind the Aegis Feb 2023 #48
Yw! SheltieLover Feb 2023 #51
So sorry, BtA, about your precious little girl. JudyM Feb 2023 #24
I greatly appreciate it. Behind the Aegis Feb 2023 #49

virgdem

(2,206 posts)
1. My deepest condolences to you💔
Tue Feb 7, 2023, 04:31 AM
Feb 2023

What a lovely tribute to Zatanna. RIP little one. Fly free to the Rainbow Bridge 💔

Behind the Aegis

(54,854 posts)
25. Thank you so much.
Fri Feb 10, 2023, 03:07 AM
Feb 2023

It has been so hard. I even had a difficult time coming back to read comments without crying. Thank you for your condolences.

BigmanPigman

(52,252 posts)
2. You were both lucky to have each other.
Tue Feb 7, 2023, 04:45 AM
Feb 2023

I had to stop reading since I was crying too much. My little Chihuahua died 2 1/2 years ago and your baby sounds a lot like mine.

Behind the Aegis

(54,854 posts)
26. I appreciate your comments.
Fri Feb 10, 2023, 03:09 AM
Feb 2023

It is so hard when they leave us behind. Little things are still setting me off, but I know it will subside.

Sorry for you loss as well...the pain is always just under the surface.

Rhiannon12866

(222,165 posts)
3. Oh, my friend, I am so sorry!
Tue Feb 7, 2023, 05:23 AM
Feb 2023

And you know I understand. What an adorable little dog, she was obviously loved. And she was also such a lucky pup since she had you...

Behind the Aegis

(54,854 posts)
27. Thank you friend. I know you understand.
Fri Feb 10, 2023, 03:15 AM
Feb 2023

The pain is still very fresh. I was watching "The Simpsons" the other day and an episode that featured the song "I Want Candy" came on and I just sobbed. During her nighttime medicine routine, I would sing, "Who wants candy? Baaaaby candy!" She would wag her tail and gobble up her meds. My husband had to bribe her with treats, I didn't, I just sang to her. It will cause me to cry again when I hear the "baby shark" song, because we sang that to her too. When the doorbell rang or someone was in the yard, her hackles would go up from the nape of her little neck to her little tail and it looked like a fin, so we started calling her "baby shark" and singing the "Baby Shark" song.

The strange things we do for and with our pets.

Rhiannon12866

(222,165 posts)
30. Oh, I know. I've been there, actually still am.
Fri Feb 10, 2023, 03:26 AM
Feb 2023

You know that I lost my beloved puppy of 16 years and then a few weeks ago I lost my beautiful cat who I found as a kitten. It was a rough year. And it doesn't take a whole lot, I know, I'm so used to having them around, especially my pup since we were together much of the time and I can't help still looking for him. Even just sitting on the couch, he was always napping next to me or on the next cushion. And it's not like I've never lost a pet before, but other than the dog I grew up with, I've adopted senior dogs. Two of them lived past 18, but my Jack was still with me the longest. And initially people - having nothing else to say - would ask if I was going to get another dog. But right now I'm just missing my little guy - he was such a constant part of my life for so long. And I know that you feel the same...

Behind the Aegis

(54,854 posts)
52. I know. I feel for you.
Sat Feb 11, 2023, 05:26 AM
Feb 2023

You got slammed with a one-two gut punch. When I heard, I wanted to say something comforting, but it is always hard to figure out what to say and how to say it, especially when you know the depths the person loves the pet.

Today was not a good day. I know you understand.

BumRushDaShow

(142,323 posts)
4. Awwww
Tue Feb 7, 2023, 05:34 AM
Feb 2023

Sending you and your hubby hugs and condolences for the loss of your "baby". One of my uncles who has 2 chihuahuas (slightly bigger size than your little lady) got attached to the breed (he always had German shepherds in the past).

Zatanna looked like a sweetie and I expect she was "hand on hip" mouthy.

Both of you gave Zatanna all you had and I know she will be missed.

Behind the Aegis

(54,854 posts)
28. Thank you so much friend.
Fri Feb 10, 2023, 03:20 AM
Feb 2023

We got attached to chihuahuas because my husband picked out Voodoo as a puppy. He thought he was a baby rottweiler because of his markings...and an obsession was born. Also, we are convinced the baby was a drag queen in a former life because when she walked, she literally "sashayed". LOL!

Thank you for your condolences.

brer cat

(26,273 posts)
6. I am so very sorry, BtA.
Tue Feb 7, 2023, 06:20 AM
Feb 2023

You, your husband and her siblings are in my heart. That is a beautiful tribute to a wonderful family member.

onecaliberal

(35,818 posts)
7. Such a sweet story and tribute to your baby.
Tue Feb 7, 2023, 06:27 AM
Feb 2023

I’m sorry for your loss. It is always impossible to say goodbye to them. She had a wonderful life thanks to you. 💔

Behind the Aegis

(54,854 posts)
32. Thank you so very much.
Fri Feb 10, 2023, 03:27 AM
Feb 2023

We just got the memorial plaques and now we have to pick out photos...sigh. There will be lots of tears this weekend. Thank you for your kind words.

peacebuzzard

(5,266 posts)
10. ♥️ Love; so hard to say goodbye, I am sooo sorry
Tue Feb 7, 2023, 06:52 AM
Feb 2023

it hurts so much. My deepest condolences;
Thanks for sharing Zatanna's sweet little life. I understand completely.💔

Behind the Aegis

(54,854 posts)
35. It was heartbreaking.
Fri Feb 10, 2023, 03:30 AM
Feb 2023

We really did think she would rebound, and when she went downhill so fast, we were stunned. She was a sweet baby.

Thank you for your thoughts.

pazzyanne

(6,601 posts)
11. OMG, so sorry.
Tue Feb 7, 2023, 06:58 AM
Feb 2023

You don't expect something like that with your furbaby! No words. for you and gentle crossing for Zatanna.

Behind the Aegis

(54,854 posts)
36. Thank you so much.
Fri Feb 10, 2023, 03:31 AM
Feb 2023

I know our beloved Tony, cat, and Voodoo, chihuahua, were there to greet her. Still stings though.

Behind the Aegis

(54,854 posts)
37. Thank you and I totally agree.
Fri Feb 10, 2023, 03:34 AM
Feb 2023

For Christmas, I got my husband a t-shirt that reads: "I would push you in front of zombies to save my chihuahua!".

barbtries

(29,790 posts)
13. She was a little doll baby!
Tue Feb 7, 2023, 07:03 AM
Feb 2023

i'm a chihuahua mom too. When my first chihuahua Chase passed at 15 3/4 years old, I had his little casket engraved "the best dog there ever was." My vet told me then there will always be that one dog - I think Zatanna was your husband's one dog. Chase was mine. Now i tell people that Chase was the dog that convinced me I never want to live without a dog again.

Now we have little Chai - got him almost immediately after Chase passed. He's my best friend and constant companion through this pandemic. He's tiny too, but due to a catastrophic neurological event, he's been on steroids and crashed the 5 pound mark. Fortunately no pain, but he lost the use of his right hind leg. He's improved but it's beginning to look as if there may always be a deficit and he's only 3 years old.

There's nothing quite like a dog for unconditional love. I am so sorry for your loss. She had a great life with you!

Behind the Aegis

(54,854 posts)
38. Thank you so much.
Fri Feb 10, 2023, 03:37 AM
Feb 2023

She was definitely "a daddy's girl". I think you are right about his need to have another, as he has been searching for another chihuahua like her. He and I grieve differently, and he is having a time of it himself. I simply cry.

There's nothing quite like a dog for unconditional love


AMEN!

Thank you for your condolences and sharing your story. It makes my heart happy to know there are so many who love chihuahuas they way we do.

catbyte

(35,769 posts)
14. I'm so very sorry.
Tue Feb 7, 2023, 07:18 AM
Feb 2023

What a lovely tribute -- you were lucky to have each other. Tears are being shed in Michigan right now for your sweet Zatanna. Again, I'm so sorry.

Behind the Aegis

(54,854 posts)
39. I appreciate it.
Fri Feb 10, 2023, 03:39 AM
Feb 2023

My husband liked your comment. I sent him a link to this thread and he really appreciated how many were so caring and kind at the loss of our baby, Zatanna. Thank you!

Behind the Aegis

(54,854 posts)
42. Thank you, my friend.
Fri Feb 10, 2023, 03:41 AM
Feb 2023

As you can see, it took me two days before I could even respond because I knew I would be weepy...I was right.

Behind the Aegis

(54,854 posts)
43. Thank you so much.
Fri Feb 10, 2023, 03:43 AM
Feb 2023

I appreciate it. When I can find it, I will post the picture of her in her babushka. It's cute.

Raster

(20,999 posts)
21. My heart hurts with you...
Tue Feb 7, 2023, 10:45 AM
Feb 2023

... they worm their way into our hearts, tremendously enrich our lives, and then are gone far too soon.

Behind the Aegis

(54,854 posts)
46. Thank you.
Fri Feb 10, 2023, 03:44 AM
Feb 2023

I hate feeling sad, but I love that I got the time I did with her. She was a special lil diva.

Raster

(20,999 posts)
50. something else I want to say... I've followed your postings for years...
Fri Feb 10, 2023, 08:15 AM
Feb 2023

...I am not Jewish, but I am a student of history and religion, and I appreciate the information and perspective you bring.

And again, so sorry for you loss.

niyad

(119,917 posts)
22. Lady of the Beasts, please take Your little one gently home in Your loving arms, and
Tue Feb 7, 2023, 11:03 AM
Feb 2023

send peace and comfort to her grieving loved ones.

I am so very sorry for the heartbreaking loss of your precious baby girl. Thank you for sharing her with us.

Behind the Aegis

(54,854 posts)
47. Thank you so much.
Fri Feb 10, 2023, 03:46 AM
Feb 2023

I asked for my past pets, Tony and Voodoo, to escort her over the rainbow bridge and asked Artemis to welcome her to the eternal fields.

SheltieLover

(59,610 posts)
23. Deepest condolences on your beloved pupper heading to the Bridge.
Tue Feb 7, 2023, 02:07 PM
Feb 2023

Gawd. Nothing hurts like when a furkid departs the mortal coil. 💔

Healing vibes on the way to you, hubby, & your pack.

JudyM

(29,517 posts)
24. So sorry, BtA, about your precious little girl.
Tue Feb 7, 2023, 03:13 PM
Feb 2023

And what a beautiful, compelling love story you guys shared with her. I was so moved reading the story that I was lost in the text till her first pic appeared on my screen, that completely melted my heart. So much personality in that little face as she mouths her tag for you. Thanks for sharing this with us.
Wishing you peace, as much as possible, as you struggle through this time. May her memory be a blessing…

Behind the Aegis

(54,854 posts)
49. I greatly appreciate it.
Fri Feb 10, 2023, 03:54 AM
Feb 2023

I am glad you enjoyed our story. She was a little diva and typical of the "spoiled youngest child". She was so full of life and personality. When I find it, I will post the picture of her in her babushka. She actually liked wearing scarves.

Thank you for your kind words.

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