TheBakersfieldCalifornian.com

Wondering how to help and what to do as your beloved pet suffers near the end of its life is a sad, helpless time. Our story in Sunday's Eye Street about pet hospice and Alpha Canine Sanctuary struck a chord with readers who have faced that painful loss. The story by contributing writer Dianne Hardisty highlighted the work of Marilyn Stewart at her no-kill dog sanctuary, north of Bakersfield (www.www.alphacanine.org), the Nikki Hospice Foundation for Pets (www.pethospice.org) and the International Association for Animal Hospice and Palliative Care (www.IAAHPC.org).

Hospice not easy but worthwhile

I was a pet mom in distress and it still continues to this day. I lost my sweet JD to kidney failure three months ago. When you say that hospice is emotionally draining, oh what an understatement! But, I'd go through it again to have my JD home with me once again.

I know the recent article about pet hospice was the tip of the iceberg. I realize you had only so many words that you could print. But people need to realize that they are the advocates for their pets. If I had not done my research and insisted on drugs, treatments and had found a sympathetic vet, I'm sure JD would not have lasted comfortably, as he did for the length of time that we had together.

Vet care was and is expensive. But a little research and a vet willing to give up a couple of dollars made all the difference for us. For example, SubQ fluids is one of the many treatments given to cats with kidney failure. It helps to keep them hydrated as they tend to urinate copiously. Twelve bags of ringers from the vet costs $76. From Costco, it is just under $25. But one has to have a vet willing to write a prescription!

So with that, thanks for writing to inform pet owners that there are alternatives. It is not easy, but if one is willing to put in the time for care, it is so worth it!

Bridget McGowan, Tehachapi

We can help with money

We are dog owners and love our little Maltese, a brother and sister, both almost 9 years old. Myron, the male, became ill some years ago and lived fairly well with Cushing's disease, more accurately referred to as hyperadrenocorticism, the production of too much corticosteroids.

But he also developed diabetes. Toward the end, his blood sugar was over 700. Before he went into a coma, we decided to end his pain and had him put down. My God, I cannot tell you how hard that was, nor how much we and his sister miss him. If I had it to do over, I am not sure I could do it. He is missed so much.We had him cremated and he has a place on our mantel in his own urn and still loved every day.

My reason for writing, other than to tell our story, is to ask if Marilyn Stewart's Alpha Canine Sanctuary needs help in a monetary way. Not all of us can do what she does, but we can help with our money. Her quest is so worthwhile.

We have people out there dumping dogs like they will suddenly become hunters and provide for themselves. I only wish these people could be prosecuted for what they are doing to innocent animals.

When you take an animal into your home, it is a lifetime commitment. For those who give up their pets knowing they can no longer care for them, I do have some understanding. But with the overpopulation of dogs and cats, what are they thinking? Surely they are not naive enough to think a good home is found for them all. I would keep my dog with me to the end and would manage.

I keep dog food, water and other necessary things in my car for when I see a need. Why is that so hard for the rest of the population who have a "good" life to understand? So many would just rather turn their heads and ignore the problem.

Jann Williams, Bakersfield

Right time to say 'goodbye'

I lost my baby last Dec. 17 at 2:30 p.m. Boog was a 17-year-old Pomeranian. I had him 15 years. He developed a brain tumor. I had to put him down. It was the hardest thing I ever did in my life.

We gave him medicine until he no longer had a quality of life. There is a time when you have to let these little guys go. There is a right time.

I would like to volunteer to help out in any way I can with the Alpha Canine Sanctuary.

Mark Cross, Bakersfield