Megan

You'd better get some Kleenex for this one.

The email subject line said: "Deaf/blind poodle pup in Sacramento has until 6pm tonight."  It was 5:16 p.m. Tuesday evening here in New Hampshire when it arrived in my inbox.  It was 2:16 p.m. on the West Coast.  The email came from a rescue coordinator for a Sacramento area shelter, and she wrote:  "...we have an approx. 4 month old poodle mix pup that came to us as a stray.  She is very thin and blind and deaf, per our veterinarians.  She is not a candidate for adoption here and rescues in California have not responded to our plea for her.... Please let me know if this is something you could do, no later than 6 pm (Pacific time) this evening."  Another sanctuary in California had recommended they contact us.

Alayne and I had just come in from afternoon chores and I'd gone up to the office to check on emails.  I read this one and asked Alayne to come upstairs to take a look.  The photo you see above is what came with the email.  We decided to say "yes," and given the time constraints, I emailed the shelter right back to say we'd take her.  They had wanted to find a foster for her, so I told them we could contact Ashley D., a wonderful lady who lives in the area, volunteers for another shelter there, and has sent us a number of disabled animals over the years.  (In December 2008, for example, Ashley had rescued Dexter from euthanasia and fostered him for a month while he recuperated from the emergency oral surgery he needed before we could fly him out to Montana.)

It turned out that the shelter staff knew Ashley, and the shelter vet had her number, so after a quick flurry of calls and emails, Ashley had graciously agreed to have them drop the puppy off at her house after work.

The shelter staff, including the shelter's vet, was delighted at how this little blind and deaf dog's fortunes had just changed in the space of an hour.  We received a number of emails from different people there that evening, thanking us and Ashley for stepping in so quickly.  In the course of all this, Alayne had decided to name the little girl Megan ... Megan McDuff, to be precise, so I let Ashley and the shelter know that she now had a name.

At 11:33 p.m. our time, Ashley emailed an update on Megan and said "she is cuddled in bed to stay warm with me."

A few hours later, Megan was dead. 

Ashley was holding Megan in her arms when the end suddenly came.

Early on Wednesday morning, an email from Ashley popped into my inbox.  The subject line was simply "Megan."  I knew before I opened it that something had happened.  In her note telling me the sad news, Ashley wrote, "I'm so upset. She is just a baby and deserved so much more than this. I'm sorry that I was not able to save her."

I read Ashley's note in a state of shock.  Then I told Alayne, who was down in the kitchen.  She came running up the stairs to read it for herself.  We just sat there, staring at the email on the computer.  From a happy ending to a tragic one, just like that.  And we felt so awful for Ashley, too -- to take in a dog and have her die in your bed the very night she arrived.

In my note back to Ashley yesterday morning, I said, "Thank you for giving her what was no doubt the most love she’s had in her short life.  We are so grateful to you for agreeing to take her in on such short notice and being with her on her last night.  She didn’t die alone and in a cage.  And she died having a name.  Thank you for being with her at the end."

We don't know why Megan died.  Ashley has asked the shelter's vet to do a necropsy to find out, and she dropped off Megan's body at the shelter on Wednesday morning. Whatever it was, this little girl had been through a lot in her brief four months of life.

Ashley had told us on Wednesday, "She was a sweetie, and as soon as she felt the warmth of a body, she crawled right into your lap." 

If she had to die so young, at least she was warm and cuddled and loved when her time came.  Sometimes that's all we can ask for.

Comments

[Dixie]

Sometimes I think they come to us knowing there time here is not long.. sometimes I think they come to us for help in passing over.

Sail on, Silver Girl.
You were loved.

[Diane Borden, Chehalis, WA]

When things like the recent news from Tuscon happen in our world, I am so grateful for stories like these that give us tears of bittersweet sadness for the balance of love and kindness we so need at such times. I thank god and the universe that there are people like Ashley who are willing to risk great pain to provide for a warm loving exit to this little soul. Whether we be two legged or four legged, to be surrounded with love and warmth, isn't that all we can ask for in our exit? Thank you Ashley, you are just what we need in this world.

[Kathy and Harley]

My heart goes out to all involved in Megan's short life. What a blessing that you are Ashley,Megan had to know the warmth and caring that you gave her in the short time you had her, but remember she will be waiting and when the time is right for both of you, you will meet again! I;m sure then she will thank you properly with many hugs and kisses "cuz she will be happy, healthy, and have her friend by her side once again.Thank you all for all you have done to instill that there is still faith in mankind!!

[Jean]

Oh my gosh. Thank goodness little Megan was safe and warm and knew some love before she went to the sheltering arms of the Bridge. Blessings to all of you for what you do. I'm proud to support you.

[boundforglory]

Gratitude and blessings to Ashley for taking care of Megan so kindly and lovingly. Megan obviously needed this brief love so badly, and perhaps, once she had it she was comfortable to pass away. The photo you show is sweet but there's also fear and instability in it. Rest in peace amongst friends Megan. We all send you love!

[Linda]

Today I'm making a donation to RDR in Megan's memory and Ashley's honor.

This story reminds me exactly why I love Rolling Dog Ranch.

Megan is now rolling happily in the green grass at the Bridge.

[Alisa]

Ashley - I'm so sorry! Thank you for your willingness and for your love for this little girl.

[Colleen & Andre']

Ashley, thank you for giving Megan the love, care & warmth in her last hours before going to Rainbow Bridge. You were her angel on earth to not let her die alone in a cage.

Steve & Alayne & all involved thank you for acting so quickly to make sure Megan was given exactly what she needed in her last hours. Although you all didn't know it at the time you were definitely answering a higher calling.

No one could have known this would happen. It's very sad her short little life was so tragic. But, in her last hours, I believe, God performed one of his many miracles that we are blessed enough to witness. The timing of this was meant to be. Megan was given exactly what she needed in her last hours on this earth before she got her wings.

Ashley, Steve & Alayne I bow to you & am sending many hugs for comfort.

[julie]

She looked very thin. Giving her low weight, it's quite possible that she had hypoglycemia (her breed is also prone to this as pups). She died in someone's arms. Ther was a reason all this happened. Thank you for making her last minutes on this earth being loved and warm.

[Nina]

What a sad story....but I am so glad that Ashley had taken Megan in time and gave her love and cuddles prior to her crossing over to the Rainbow Bridge. Heartfelt thanks to all who did their best to give this precious pup a second chance.

[Sammy Bourke]

Ashley:

Thank you so much for giving Megan such comfort in her last hours.

How terribly sad for you.

[Sammy Bourke]

Hello:

Thank you so much Rolling Dog Ranch for trying to help Megan before it was too late.

Perhaps we can share a little information.

We received the email about Megan on Monday evening, January 3. It stated that Megan must be rescued before 6 pm on January 4 or be euthanised.

We distributed information about Megan on www.sammystory.net and via Facebook that same evening.

The next day, Jan. 4, we contacted the shelter mid afternoon. No-one had offered to take her. And the shelter insisted that the puppy would be euthanised that evening.

At that point we insisted that the shelter contact A Chance for Bliss, a local shelter which assists disabled animals, and/or give people a little more time to save her.

The shelter agreed to contact A Chance for Bliss but refused to put off euthanasia.

A Chance for Bliss was unable to help but suggested the shelter contact Rolling Dog Ranch.

We have been familiar with your wonderful work for some time and have included links on
www.sammystory.net.

We also published a blog on RDR last year.

But we did not think to suggest RDR as a possible rescue home for Megan to the Sacramento shelter, because of the distances involved.

Next time we'll know better!!

Thank you so much for your kindness. It has added a ray of sunshine to what has otherwise been a very sad.
experience.

[Janet in Cambridge]

Thanks, Ashley, for letting us know the details of the necropsy. And beyond thanks for everything you did for little Megan.

If I can stop one heart from breaking
I shall not live in vain;
If I can ease one life the aching,
Or cool one pain,
Or help one fainting robin
Unto his nest again,
I shall not live in vain.
-----Emily Dickinson

[Jennifer McRoberts]

Steve, Alayne, & Ashley......I was reading the story while blow drying my hair this morning.....within seconds I was blow drying my endless flow of tears that came when I read that Megan had made it to the Rainbow Bridge. I am so so sorry. She looked like a fluffy little angel. You are the best for what you do and for what you were trying to do. Ashley....air hugs to you from Napa which is not far from Sacramento. We are so sad for this little, sweet, angel.
Jenny, Paul, Kaylee, and our beloved babies....Gabe, Rags, and LaBella Ella......

[Maree In NZ]

Along with many other posters I am having to pull the box of kleenex closer..

and echoing the sentiment of many on here have.. she passed warm, and loved and with a name and in the arms of a genuine pet lover.. that is all you can hope for sometimes..

Thank you Alayne & Steve and Ashley, for giving this little angel the chance to pass on with love.

[Becky in Bedford NH]

I am so sorry. Little Megan died so young. But, she died knowing she was loved if only for a few hours, she was warm and in a safe place. Thank you all for rescuing her and having hearts of gold. You are beautiful people.

[Shelli Smith]

Alayne & Steve and Ashley,
You all are a heroes. Please accept my condolences. Megan must have known her time was up and was able to let go in the arms of comfort and love. So very sad.

[Mauro Salles]

Just echoing your words ==> "If she had to die so young, at least she was warm and cuddled and loved when her time came. Sometimes that's all we can ask for."
THAT'S IT...

[Margaret]

I share your supporters thoughts, and tears, and can only add, the reason I am such a supporter of you all is that great ability to say YES. And how much it meant for little Meagan to be with Ashley, in warmth and comfort, if only for that short passage. She is looking out for you all now as an angel above caring for her angels here on earth. Thank you all.

[Carrie]

OMG. I have no words for this, except I am so very sorry.

[Rhonda]

Crappity, crap, crap, crap. How devastating. I, like others, am glad little Megan got to know the warmth of a lap and a bed. She got to know the love of a hug and scritches. And she didn't pass alone. She DID deserve more, but she was in a good place when she went. Thank you to all of you who made the extra effort for this little girl.

[penny]

kleenex please. please pass the kleenex.

[Barbara Techel]

So very hard to understand when things like this happen, but as you said, thank goodness she died with a name, was warm and loved at the end. The poor little sweetheart. All I can think is God needed a very special little Angel Dog and He called her home. Thank you to Ahsley for all she did. Such a beautiful soul.

[Ashley]

Im crying right now... not the first time in the last few days. Thank you so much to all the RDR supporters for their comments, thank you to the Sac SPCA who did everything they could for this little girl in her last day, and thank you to Steve and Alayna who are always there for those in need and who I am humbled to be able to help.
Megan had severe pnemonia and an enlarged heart on necropsy. She was found as a stray, and on a good day its 40 degrees here right now. She was given fluids, antibiotics and everything possible prior to coming to me from the SPCA, but unfortunatley it was just too late. Her body had already started to shut down and the pnemonia was already deep in her lungs.
She was only 4 to 6 months for sure. She lost one of her canine baby teeth while I was hand feeding her that night...

[Suzanne]

So sad...I cannot stop crying. But it was wonderful that she did not die alone,scared and unnamed, like so many do.

[Suzanne Babbitt]

The poor things. At least she died loved. My daughter a vet rescued an old sick beagle for the same reason. She didn't want the little thing to die alone in a cage. She had her for 6 months and had to put her down NYDay. Everyone loved her. Of her life the last six months were the best for her.

[Ellie R]

That is so sad. Yes, Kleenex is definitely being used right now. Poor little baby Megan. I'm glad she didn't die alone and was able to experience love before she passed on. Why does life have to be so unfair? I will never understand and only have to learn to accept that it is. RIP little Megan.

[Sandra]

Just too sad... I am at lost for words. Thank you for caring so much.

[Lori oregon 27]

I too thought it would be a happy ending and that this tiny little girl had found a paradise after such a cruel start. I cried so hard at the thought of once again a cruel neglect causing such pain and sadness for this little soul. Then I stopped crying knowing that for one peace-filled night this little lady was held in the warm arms of someone who truly cared. Please help to institute laws in All states on puppy mill and breeding operations. In Oregon we have new laws that have shut down many operations that could not provide even what I consider a bare minimum of humane care. Of course we need even better standards. Some breeders have even relinquished many breeding dogs that now live in wonderful homes. In various states, rescue groups are getting 2nd chance dogs sent from California. Please send emails/letters to your state reps and rescue agencys asking for help with more laws and better policing of breeding animals. Spay and Neuter should be a basic law and NO rescue society should release or adopt out a fertile animal. We all can make a difference.

[Pat F.]

Dear God, please take this precious little creature, Megan McDuff, safely into your kingdom to live without fear, want, need or pain now and forever.
Amen.
Blessings on all who did what they could for this little darling.

[Miranda]

I did okay until the last two sentences then wham! tissue time. Your words were so right on. At least Megan had a lap to lay on, arms to hold her, and love at the end. Thank you to everyone who tried.

[Vicki Thauvin]

RIP Megan McDuff. You will be missed on this Earth. Even though you physically were not in NH, you *are* an RDR'r (minion in waiting?). I wish we could have gotten to know you better. :)

(I never met Megan, I only knew her via Steve's post).

[Anne]

Reading all the posts I keep reading how sad this post is. I want to think of it as a wonderful happy post. Megan was, for whatever reason, most likely not long for this world. The good and happy part of this story is that her guardian angel got her help and love and a name and care before she passed away. That is the happy part. Sad that she died so young but I am so happy that she died in arms that cared for her and knowing comfort. Thank you to every single person who went out of their way for this one little animal. Karma.....

[FELICIA]

MY DAD HAS A BICHON NAMED MEGAN SO I THOUGHT OF HER AS I WAS READING BUT EVEN THE KLEENEX WARNING AT THE START DIDN'T PREPARE ME FOR THIS. MEGAN HAD SO MANY PEOPLE IN HER CORNER IT'S HARD TO UNDERSTAND WHY SHE COULDN'T HOLD ON BUT YOU ALL GAVE HER EVERY REASON TO GO IN PEACE. BLESS HER SOUL & YOURS.

[Habibi Tagati]

My heart goes out to everyone who worked so hard on Megan's behalf. It's so sad when a rescue passes so quickly, but at least the mite had a name and lots of love and attention during her final hours. I'll be sure to add Ashley and Megan to my prayer list and light a candle for Megan's journey.

[Lynne Parker]

Extending my sympathies and thanks to those involved as well.

I can't help but wonder if this little one was the product of a puppy mill. Birth defects are so common since they churn out "product" for profit.

Please pass on the word to all you know: DO NOT buy a puppy from a pet store. I don't care what they tell you, the animals do come from puppy mills. There are untold numbers of perfectly wonderful animals waiting to be adopted.

[Debbie (CrazyOldLady)]

From elation to devastation in two sentences....poor little baby...but, as you said, she died in the arms of love WITH a name. Thank you to everyone who worked so hard to help Megan. Ashley, my heart cries for what you are going through....

[Carla Polastro-Nigro]

I can't stop crying... I'm so sorry for Megan and Ashley!:-(°°°

But Heaven has a brand new little white furry angel now, who can see and hear and who will look over Ashley and all those who cared for her, while snuggling in God's lap.

Thank you, Ashley (and Steve & Alayne), for not letting Megan die alone and in a cage.

[betherann]

How sad, awful, and beautiful all at the same time. Farewell, Megan.

[Glenda]

Ashley, bless you.
Megan finally foud the love she so needed and gave her comfort to curl up and be "home".

Thank you Steve and Alayne for making it possible for Megan to have Ashley and the warmth of love and a kind touch, and cuddle time.... My heart crys for her time of love being so short; but also have great gratitude she did receive the love and peace.

[Ann]

I'm glad my tissues were right near me while I read this because I sure needed them. Thanks to you, Alayne and Ashley, sweet little Megan was able to spend her last hours safe, warm and loved. Thank you for all you do for these sweet babies. RIP Megan.

Please let us know what the vet finds out.

[Ev]

Once again..RDR and their friends (Ashley) to the rescue. Even if just for a few hours. Poor baby-dog.

[Peggy]

She once was just a lost little puppy in a shelter. But soon she got a name and people looking out for her and someone to cuddle with. Who knows why nature takes babies so young sometimes? It is sad. But it's also heartwarming to know Megan wasn't alone when that time came and someone was there to tell her goodbye. Thank you RDR for trying to save her. And thank you Ashley for just being there.

[Debbie Burke]

Thank you, Ashley, for your kindness to this poor little mite. A Jewish friend told me one of the greatest mitzvahs (good deeds) you can do for someone is to give them a good death. You surely gave Megan a gentle, kind, good death.

[Diane Bowlin]

Sweet little Megan...Thank you Steve and Alayne for saying you would take her, because of that Ashley was able to give her what everyone needs, unconditional love. Thank you Ashley for giving this sweet baby the only love she had ever known. Blessings on you for that love.

[Shirley * James/Portland, OR]

Thank you all involved. What struck me is what you wrote "she wasn't in a cage!!" It is so so sad beyond words but she knew complete warmth and love her last night. Animal rescue is so heart breaking--and these are all the lucky ones.

[Laura, Levi & Timmy]

OMG!! Your right about the kleenex!! Thank you to everyone involved who did their VERY BEST to try and save Megan. She died in the way she should have lived...loved and cuddled next to a warm body. RIP sweet Megan...you have all the other RDR residents up in heaven to greet you.

[Moon Rani]

This story is a real tearjerker. Poor little darling, what a brief, miserable existnce she had before she got her temporary home. She looks like a puppy version of my own dog; my first thought upon seeing her was about a possible adoption with me. Thank you, Steve, Alayne, Ashely and the shelter folks, for doing what you could for this little dear. At least she knew love, cuddles and warmth if only for a scant few hours. Please accept my sympathies on this heartbreak.

[Phyllis Snow]

You were correct about the Kleenex. How extremely sad! What an adorable puppy! Do you suppose Megan was hanging on by a thread until she achieved some mental goal? In this case Megan finally found kind humans who would take care of her and she, in return, could love--Ashley and RDR. Megan felt the warmth of Ashley's body and the warmth of her love and knew her suffering was over. She knew she could die in peace.
Thank you Ashley and Steve and Alayne and all you others who touched Megan McDuff's brief life positively.
Phyllis

[Maxly]

Oh, how sad. Ashely gave a pup a wonderful night. My thoughts are with Ashley and her big heart.