A few weeks ago I shared the story of LaCroix, a three-month-old Cattle dog puppy born with spina bifida. LaCroix was rescued with several other dogs from a hoarding situation. When I met him he was an adorable bundle of joy with a zest for life and lots of puppy sparkle in his gorgeous blue eyes. He didn’t stay still for long; he loved to play, learn new things, and make people smile.
But sadly, things change and sometimes quickly.
LaCroix developed neuropathy, which causes intense pain, tingling, and burning, and as a result started to chew on his back legs. In spite of multiple hospitalizations, wearing a cone, changing his bandages daily, and various medications, he still managed to self-mutilate and developed an infection, which spread to his lymph nodes. The only option was to amputate his back legs, but there was still no guarantee his pain or self-mutilation would stop. Without back legs, he would also not be able to use his cart.
After consulting with multiple vets, therapists, and a neurologist, ALIVE Rescue and Bialy’s Wellness Foundation decided to free him from his pain and let him go. LaCroix left the world in the same way he spent the last few months, surrounded by love and people who adored him.
Although his life was brief, LaCroix’s four months were filled with happy moments and more love than many dogs experience in a lifetime (watch him play with his foster brother here). He got to be a dog and enjoy normal dog things – adventure, playtime, good food, and affection in a safe home with a foster family who adored him. Like all dogs, LaCroix was a natural optimist who lived in the here and now - because that’s all there really is; there are no guarantees for anything else.
Please consider making a donation in memory of LaCroix to Bialy’s Wellness Foundation, ALIVE Rescue, or your local shelter so that others dogs get a second chance and some happy moments, too.
Be happy in the moment, that’s enough. Each moment is all we have, not more. Mother Theresa
51 comments
Oh dear, thats so sad but sometimes the hard choice is the right choice. I'm sure LaCroix will live on in the hearts of all those who knew and loved him
Loves and licky kisses
Princess Leah xxx
Key phrase: He got to be a dog. Thank for you writing about this and thanks to the rescue. Sometimes we don't win and sometimes dogs just have too many issues to overcome. I believe we need to help people be realistic about this and think of the quality of life for the dog. With tears in my eyes, thanks to everyone. (YAYDog Clare)
My heart goes out to all involved with Angel LaCroix's life, except for the hoarder whom I hope is being properly prosecuted.
Hari OM
A difficult, but an appropriate decision; not that it eases the heart any for know it... YAM xx
That poor sweetie. But at least he knew some love for a little while.
I am sad for you and others that loved and cared for LaCroix. Just know that somewhere in the clouds he is now running and jumping in fun water puddles and rolling a ball around with his little nose in play with no worries of pain anymore. And he is meeting lots of new furr-iends.
On another note, CONCATS for being nominated as a BlogPaws Founder's Award Finalist! You should be very proud! Mew Mew & purrs!
This makes me very sad and yet comforted in an odd way. I mean - all anypuggy wants is to be loved and comforted. And that is exactly what La Croix had for FOUR WHOLE MONTHS.
Love Noodles
So sad but he was a lucky dog to have so many people to make the right decision on his behalf.
Oh dear me Ruby we are sorry to read this...the 4 months LaCroix had were filled with love and happiness he didn't have a clue he had a problem and he lived his life with quality and gusto
Hugs madi and mom
Such a tough blog to read. Yes sometimes... heartbreak is the outcome. But this pup knew love and fun and joy. There is much comfort in that.
So many loved you, little LaCroix♥
That is so very sad, but you left the world with so much more love than you arrived with. Run free sweet soul!
We're sorry to hear about LaCroix, but it was a loving decision. We send comforting purrs and gentle headbonks to you and everyone who took good care of LaCroix and gave him so much love. Purrs
I'm so sorry that he wasn't able to stay in this world longer, but I'm glad he knew love and joy during his short time on earth.
How wonderful that he knew love and happiness but so so sad. You are right. There are no guarantees and life can change in a second. We all have to make the most and give second chances. See you soon.
The best thing is that he knew so much love in his short time alive. Sounds like everyone did everything in their power to save him and that we thank everyone.
What a devastating ending. I was really rooting for the underdog here. I guess it's bittersweet that he finally knew what love means.
Godspeed your journey to heaven LaCroix; you touched many a life and were loved. We are truly sorry and send hugs and loves to you, your foster family and the people who did their best to help ~~~~ ♥♥♥
So sad, but LaCroix was fortunate in having people around him who loved him enough to know when to make the right decision at the right time.
I am sorry about the sad news BUT, and its an important BUT - La Croix had a wonderful life while he was here. He had love and care and help and HOPE.
Without HOPE we have nothing, so we never give up, we never give in for the animals we love.
We are so sad to hear about LaCroix. But we are happy for the good moments he had because of loving humans.
Woos - Lightning, Misty, and Timber
That's heartbreaking. He knew how much he was loved though.
So good he had a chance to be a happy dog, a much loved dog, but it still breaks your heart.
Oh no, so sorry to hear that; poor baby. No point in letting the poor guy suffer, though. <3
As the top picture shows, this sweet boy did know joy and love during his time here. The decision was extremely difficult to make, but now he is in a place where he is whole and can run and play as he was meant to do.
Run free, LaCroix, thank you for making the lives of those you touched just a little brighter!
I'm here to pay my respects to LaCroix even though I didn't know him. They did the right thing thinking of his quality of life first and letting him run to the RB.
Oh my, that's a sad ending. But I'll focus on the natural optimism and "living in the moment" that dogs like LaCroix teach us. I had a dog with neurological issues who used a cart like his. She adored that cart, and zoomed around like she could still use her hind legs. She lived in the moment too and was super happy. RIP LaCroix - run free on strong legs with no pain.
Poor little LaCroix. At least he had a lot of love in his short lifetime. It still doesn't make it any easier to accept.
We’re so sorry to hear this. Bless those that tried to help LaCroix...and loved him while he was here.
That is so sad.
Oh no! I'm so sorry this beautiful puppy that was so full of life took such a turn for the worse. At least he was able to know the love and care he received in his final months on this earth. My heart is breaking, but I know he is free of pain and suffering.
Love & Biscuits,
Dogs Luv Us and We Luv Them
I'm so sorry about LaCroix. I helped donate to the Bialy's foundation last month. This is great work that you are doing. At least LaCroix is out of his misery.
This is so sad. Poor little guy. We are thankful he was rescued and knew love for his short life
hugs
Hazel & Mabel
Poor LaCroix, I'm glad he got to know some human love.
Hey, Ruby - ask your mom how she does on the yoga tree pose. OMD, it's a riot to watch her do that one! She has no balance whatsoever☺
Oh, my heart is breaking over LaCroix. I had Sheltie many years ago who had a final injury. We did everything for her, but same results. We had to let her go. Love does that. 💔💕
Poor little one. That is so sad, but he is in a better place now. What a tragic tale.
I am crying as Denton drives to work. Sad tears because an angel has left us but they are mixed because he brought and gave so much love in his short time here. Our precious animals are never with us long enough. Xoxo
I'm so sorry to hear this news. Such a sweet soul.
Yes, such loss is painful. We must look at the good in this story, and although not a happy ending, LaCroix enjoyed his brief time on earth and the decision to prevent pain and suffering was made by the people who cared for him. Be free little angel xoxo
LaCroix was not burdened by this thing we humans call life expectancy. As all dogs do, the past and the future mean nothing, only the here and now. Unlike me, our animal furrends don't check off each day... On the contrary, they seem to think each day of their life is a treasure to be lived, and with each day, their treasure grows and does not diminish. LaCroix loved and was loved and he enriched many with his love and exuberance!
Thanks for sharing him with us. I am grateful
Love Barb
He is a happy dog who is running free now. The mortal world is worse for not having him amongst us
Thank you so much for sharing this. We are holding LaCroix in love.
Xo
Tootsie & Renee
you just made me cry. I thought he was just the cutest thing, those ears and that adorable face. I know it was so hard for the people that had saved him and had such high hopes for this little guy. it just makes me even more angry with all of the puppy mills and how they continue to get away with these things. I was reading yesterday abt auctions for pets is the latest thing. now puppy mills are getting into the auctions, where dogs go for thousands. will it never end.
Oh, I'm so sorry to hear this. I'm glad he's now pain free. RIP, little fella.
So sorry to hear this news. Little LaCroix was a cutie-patootie who will be missed. He brought a ray of sunshine into our lives.
I am so sorry to hear this. But I am glad that you were able to give him some joy.
Oh nose dat are so sad :'( LaCroix sure was a cutie and we bets he is hasen da bestest time at da bridge running around wif all his new furiends and wif a new healthy body.
xoxo,
Matt & Matilda
Awww, sweet baby :( I'm sorry you all, and he, had to go through that. Lots of prayers as your heart heals.
We are so sad to read this news about La Croix. We are glad he knew love in his short time on Earth. Run free, sweet boy.
It's such a sad story, but gosh, he looked so full of life and happiness when he was here! Sometimes life just doesn't make sense. We are so sorry for all who knew and loved him for their loss. ♥
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