Caring Messages - BACH  

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I BROUGHT BACH HOME TODAY...I TOLD HIM THAT I WOULD!

It is September 1, 2004, two weeks since Bach crossed over the bridge. I brought him home in Chris' truck. It will be his last trip in the Pathfinder he loved. His ashes were in a beautiful Pine box given to me by a very caring staff at the Vet hospital. I kept my hand on the box and talked to him all the way home.

In the beginning, we were so sure his illness was minor and I assured Bach we would be bringing him home as quickly as this was all resolved. The surgeon was seriously pessimistic which surprised us. We were prepared to do what ever it took. Our regular vet told us we went "above and beyond" trying to save Bach...it doesn't feel like it.

We knew Bach felt our love and that he returned it ten fold, however, we have not been prepared for the "memories at every turn" feelings. I wrote many things about what Bach did on his web page, however, I now realize I could never capture how rich he made our lives.

Tonight as we said good night to the horses, Dancer and Moonie, and dobie Sasha, we commented on the unusually cooler Austin night and instantly thought how Bach's energy picked up as the days turned cooler. I would always rub Bach's hips as we left the stable, thankful he had no dysplasia. It's amazing how we worked to protect him from heart worm, fleas, ticks, West Nile, etc., with all the vaccinations, regular checkups and Kennel Cough treatments. We'd never heard of IBD.

Now the subtle, deeply engrained, memories make you focus on the spaces Bach frequented. By the couch with his head resting on the coffee table. Sasha laying down in his lap (dogs have laps, don't they?) for an ear cleaning. Bach enjoyed the morning, laying outside the stable door as Chris fed the horses. Licking out the empty horse bowls. He and Sasha would lay in the grass, or on the driveway for hours waiting for Chris or I to come home. Scratching the garage door when there was lightening close by, hunters shooting in the distance, or holiday firecrackers. Once in, he would be glued to your side for protection (at least until UPS drove up).

Bach and Sasha watched the news with us every evening and somehow they always got up on their own to go to bed at 8:30 pm (give or take 5 or 10 minutes). After they went to bed, I would wander back to their room and wish them a second "good night."  I will probably always wish Bach a good night, every night.

I so miss Bach coming up and wanting an ear rub. Or he would lay across the room and begin gently pawing his ears and looking at me for a rub. Always on Sunday and several times in between, Bach and I would have our quiet moments. I'd lie on the floor with him, rub his ears, chest and give him hugs, until he'd had enough. He'd slide away, appreciative, but that's quite enough, thank you! Ah, the independence of the wolf.

As the first piece of ice drops from the refrigerator door, Bach was there. Even opening the pantry door quietly, would bring him from far and wide. He would quickly sit and mouth a "whisper" woof if offered a treat...never begging.  Bach loved to be brushed, however would quickly disappear when a bath was coming his way.  It always surprised us how smaller he looked when wet.  We were lucky, as he and Sasha went into the creek beside the house shortly after we bought the property.  They (nor we) realized the sides were too steep for them to get out.  Luckily they did crawl out, however, they never went in again which was good.

Bach would lay on the wooden floor in my office/studio (sometimes with his head resting on cool recording equipment). If I moved from one room to another, he'd move.  If Chris was out, he and Sasha would bound to the garage when they heard the door going up.  Bach would slip and slide on the wooden floor and you always knew when he was in my office from the room below.

What might we have done to bring on this dread IBD? When they learned we gave our rib bones to Bach and Sasha, our favorite Barbeque restaurant began giving us extras, so once a month or so they'd have several bones each over a weeks period. Then they began giving us cutouts. While this was every couple of months, Bach and Sasha would have a few of the cuts on top of their regular dry food for a few days. Bach and Sasha so enjoyed the bones and scraps. We are sad to think this may have contributed to Bach's illness.

Chris would occasionally give Bach and Sasha Milkbone cookies, however, they always knew I was an easy touch for a few table scraps. It didn't seem like that much, nor that often...did it contribute? Probably...

It's amazing how one goes through all the "should I haves" ...exercised him more, fed him less, etc. Bach gave us no warning what he was dealing with until 10 days from the end. The surgeon said "he's been adjusting to the IBD for some time given the thickness in the lining of his intestines." Yet he ran, played, ate and had all regular movements up to that 10 days.

The vet had given Bach a checkup and shots three months ago, listening to his heart, looking at his teeth, cleaning his ears. His weight was down slightly (95 from 103), however, he always had eaten less in the heat of Summer and besides, Bach looked and acted great!

Bach'd been losing his hearing some and had an ear infection. It was treated successfully with antibiotics six weeks prior to this. However, it went away and while his hearing seemed to be less than normal, it was improving a bit.

I began giving Bach more hand signals, so as he aged we'd still be communicating well. Still, I was sad that the loss of hearing was effecting his energy some and seemed to make him look and act a bit older. Then his hearing seemed to get better and he was back to his same self. Yea! 

Losing his hearing. That's what I thought would be the worst of it. Orion, our previous German Sheppard lived to be 13. Orion had hip trouble and had to be helped up a lot near the end. It began mid life for him, so we felt lucky that Bach showed no sign of it. Bach was just a healthy, happy dog without a care in the world ... well skunks maybe (and lightening)!

We are looking to plant an Apple tree and scattering Bach's ashes there in the coming days. Thought about just letting him stay in the Pathfinder he loved, but that doesn't seem reasonable.

How is it that I keep catching a glimpse of Bach as I walk around the house and land? When we were building, he was always "ready to go" to the new property (actually anywhere). Bach'd ride just savoring every moment, often resting his nose on the side window and gazing out wistfully. I loved looking out the rear view mirror and seeing those two big ears sticking up!

Chris and I feel like we're all cried out and then one of those subtle reminders make us stop and realize...the beautiful memories will always be with us and we are so deeply thankful to Bach for them. However, there is a deep, deep void in our lives right now.

I'm glad Bach's home now (in more ways than one).

With love, Martin & Chris

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From Sandy Atchison     Click on image for larger picture

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August 18.2004
I'm very sad to report that Bach did not make it today. Overnight, he began bleeding internally and they felt too many things were going downhill. He passed away very peacefully in our arms about 10:20 CDT this morning.
A couple of comments. The outpouring of love and prayers from this group has meant so much to Chris and I. We were amazed at the support. We will try to be helpful in any way possible to pass on this gift.
Chris, Sasha & I were very, very lucky to have Bach for more than 10 years. We intend to celebrate his life and I've started a web page in his memory. His life was full and he was always up, healthy and happy. https://phantomprod.com/sc2004Bach.html
Again, thank you all for the response to our original message. We wish you all the very best as you move forward to fight this terrible disease.
There is no direction we turn that does not stir deep memories or our dear Bach. I'm sure he's livening up things in heavenly surroundings! God bless! Martin
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Mom,
He was loved.
I am sad for the news and glad that you were there and able to share this
with Martin.
reminded again that time passes, enjoy what we can, make deep connections,
share moments and take the time to reflect and remember when those moments
are gone. I am trying hard to live like this...
there is never enough time.
all my love,
--
Anthony
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Hi everyone, I am really sorry to hear about Bachus, he was a good boy. It's
sad, especially since you thought he was on the mend. I know I mentioned my
thoughts on all that expiring; but you can't help that pain in your heart
can you? I still miss Toby. I am sorry for your loss. All my love also - Ken
p.s. - I'll call you tomorrow Mum
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Hi Chris and Martin,
I am so sorry to learn about Bach. I had a bad feeling when I came back
today....the house seemed very quiet and I just sort of knew that something
had gone wrong. I know how difficult this loss is....we have gone through
this too many times with dogs of our past, it just never does seem long
enough, somehow not fair that dogs have such a short time on earth. So I
offer my sympathy and a hug, but we all know that it's not right for them to
suffer. He will be in that great dog place in the sky where dogs run, play,
and eat all the garbage they want without getting sick, it's a great spot!
I will be out on Friday morning if you want to go for a short ride, would
probably make you feel better.
much love,
Marjorie
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HI Chris,

I am sooooo sorry for Bach and for you and Martin. Isn't it just heartbreaking? I have a little alter built to my Kellogg that I put in the hallway. Her pictures and her ashes in the beautiful pine box. I still say hello to her often and tell her she is the best dog ever.

I miss her so much that I still cry- and it has been 5 months. Hutch- one of our dogs- has never been the same since. He is clearly depressed and I hope he eventually comes out of it.

I will pray that Bach and Kellogg meet in the spirit world beyond. Kellogg would have liked Bach. I will also pray for you,Martin and Sasha. I wish I could say that the pain of the loss goes quickly but - as you know- the more we love the worse the pain. At least we had the chance to be love and be near such magnificant creatures - Kellogg and Bach. I know my life changed immensely from walking next to my girl.

With sympathy,
Kelley
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Martin and Chris, we are so sad to hear your news! We can't really believe he was ten years old! It doesn't seem like that long ago when you brought him over as a puppy. I think it might have been a February party because I remember lots of people ooh'ing and ah'ing over him.
It's nice that Chris was able to make her trip to Portland. I hope you had a nice time Chris! It's a real sweet time in Anthony's life, isn't it?
It does help to talk about it though, doesn't it? It's honoring a memory so do it as much as you want. I know I still talk about my cats that are long gone, especially Freddy, who I had to put to sleep 2 years ago. It's really hard to lose someone who has spent so much time with you. It's really cool that you guys were able to spend so much time with the dogs. Consider how many dogs live in apartments and don't see their owners except for in the evenings. Bach had a great life.
We'll definitely keep in touch. You've been adopted as a part of the extended Acklen family, so no worries there. Take care you two! :)
Laura
Martin Theophilus wrote:
Hi Laura & Jeff!
I am very sad to report that Bach became ill with Inflamatory Bowel Disease and passed away this morning. He became ill around the 8th of August prior to Chris' trip to Portland. He went into the Central Texas Vet Hospital (Ben White & Frontier) on the 9th. He had surgery on the 10th and on the 12th the results were no cancer. The Surgeon said he was serious, however felt with IVs and keeping food out of his stomach for 4 or 5 days that we could control it. With the good prognosis, we decided Chris should go on to Portland.
It was up and down while she was gone, however last Monday I was able to have an excellent visit at the hospital. The IVs were off, his temperature stabilized, he was started on steroids and began eating real food. The Surgeon said Bach could come home on Tuesday. Chris came home Monday night and we were so ready to bring him home.
Then yesterday morning they called and said he had a stomach full of fluid and blood and that they now had him on IVs again and were siphoning his stomach. We went to see him and were so sad to see him in a head collar and all the tubes. The surgeon said his stomach and intestines could not move and process food. His intestine walls were multiple times bigger than they should be. They were dripping medication to stimulate the stomach, but no success. We decided to wait 24 hours and the call came this morning that he was doing much worse. We visited with Bach for awhile, the surgeon came in and Bach passed away in our arms.
Chris and I truly feel so lucky to have had his love and enjoyed his company for more than 10 years. It is wonderful that we both could work from home and spend the time as we have.
Sorry for too much info, however, I guess it helps to get it out. Sasha has been down, but doesn't realize anything really. She's been with Bach 24/7 since the day we brought her home, so it's all going to take awhile.
It now seems like such a drop from where we were at Chris' party. We feel that maybe this was best as he had 10 very healthy years and only 10 days of sickness.
AS Chris says the time is never enough.
Take care. We miss you guys and glad we still stay in touch!
Love, Chris & Martin
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Thanks for letting me know. I am so sorry for you. I hope Sasha does not have a difficult time adjusting.
Love, Rusty
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Dear Chris & Martin -
What a beautiful tribute to your boy... it was a wonderful video -- I remember those
big puppy paws of his and what a fraidy cat he was, and how Orion seemed mildly put
out when you first brought him home! I smiled and I cried - a lot! - during the video,
but it so captured the great dog and good friend that he was. The music selection was perfect.
I'm forwarding it to Don and we will view it together later.
I wish we had something as visual to remember Coal, but our love for him will always be
in our hearts, as yours is for Bach.
Rest in peace, Bach.
Love to you all and a kiss on the nose to Sasha -
Bev
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Martin and Chris: We finally downloaded your tribute to Bach. How
beautiful! Thanks for taking the time. He was very special.
We will be in touch with you sometime soon to set a date for some evening
this coming week. Hope it will work out for you. Blessings. Mike M
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I am sad to hear the news about your dog's surgery and condition. We will keep you and your "family" in our thoughts over the next few days. I do hope he will be better soon. Please keep me posted.
Sincerely,
Janice
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Dear Martin, Chris, and Sasha,
I was so very touched to see that you had added the prayers to Bach's Page.
They have meant so much to me and I think it is wonderful that they will be shared with others.

Love,
Sandy
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Dear Martin, Chris, and Sasha,

My name is Sandy Atchison and I live in Birmingham, Alabama.

I read your post on the IBDogs list about your beloved Bach and lit a candle and prayed for him. I cried when I read your next post saying that he had passed away. I then went to Bach's Page and smiled as I looked at each picture of him and his wonderful  family. You just have to look into his beautiful eyes to see that he was so very much loved. Thank you for sharing this with us.

I know that your heart is breaking as I have recently lost my two beloved German Shepherds. I agree wholeheartedly that as we mourn their death, we should also celebrate their life. Each day that we have with them is indeed a precious gift.

I had found some beautiful Memorial Prayers that I read for my beloved Rex and Shena. They were written by Timothy Laurence in 1998 as a part of a service for his much loved Golden Retriever, Madge. I wanted to share them with you and dedicate them to your beloved Bach.

My heartfelt condolences to you and please give Sasha lots of extra hugs and kisses from me.

Love,
Sandy
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We are so terribly sad to hear of your loss. We know how this disease
can sneak up on you. Amanda was healthy and actively competing in
agility one week and the next was in the emergency vet hospital fighting
for her life.
We share your pain and your tears. Please, know that Bach is not
suffering now, and that he is whole and healthy again at the rainbow
bridge. He will be waiting for you.
All our love, prayers, and hugs are coming your way. We pray that you
are comforted by the many memories that you have of such a wonderful
friend.
Karen and Amanda (11 year old Dalmatian/Lab, Severe IBD, Dallas TX
Metroplex)
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With tears in my eyes and a heavy heart after seeing your beautiful dedication to Bach, I offer you many condolences and hope you take peace in knowing that Bach experienced love and kindness in his time with you.

May he be in doggie heaven with our other friends and that they are showing him the way of life with no pain and suffering.
Take comfort in knowing time heals our pain but can never erase the memories......

Kathleen
W.Australia
Topaz (husky ibd ortho) Billy (labx healthy)
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Chris and Martin
What a beautiful web site in celebration of Bach's life. You can be at peace that you gave him an absolutely incredible life. May God give you comfort at this time - along with Sasha too .
My favorite pictures are of Bach and Sasha in the pathfinder looking out the window, and the one when Sasha was a puppy and yawning and so small next to Bach.
May all of these beautiful memories of his life filled with love fill your heart and soul always.
melanie and gunnar
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To Martin and Chris,

You were blessed with a very beautiful boy who you enjoyed many happy and healthy years with. In turn Bach was blessed with wonderful and caring owners who loved him and done their very best by him, gave him a great life and were with him to the end.

I am crying and praying for you as I write - I know how devastated you are.

Give Sasha a lot of loving hugs from us. She will be bewildered at her friend's departure but she still has you - and you her. Thinking of you all.

Thanks for sharing your last hours with Bach - grief is a very personal and private emotion but I found that because this group's members know all too well the emotional and mental strain this illness brings to owners they are also a great source of ongoing comfort.

God Bless you all and speed Bach to his youthful and vigorous self with our precious furry people in the fields of Heaven.

Ramsay & family
Ramsay & Max, Belgian Sheepdog, UK
My dearest friend, lost Feb 3rd 2004
to IBD & Atrophic Gastritis.
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I am so sad to hear that you have lost Bach. He was a beautiful boy.
Helen.
Australia
Suki - healthy Akita
Angel Neelix Jul 1996 - Aug 2004 (IBD)
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Martin & Chris,

Like everyone on this list we are praying for Bach and you all at this time. I visited his page - what a stunning lad!

Please try and be very strong for him just now - it may be that he can cope with a liquid diet over the next 48 hours or more which will give his tummy and intestines time to sooth but provide him with necessary nourishment and strength to fight this. He's probably being given electrolytes in water but there are also convalescence diets which provide just about everything they need and make up into a thin soup consistency - usually used for dogs who have had surgery and can't eat independently. Ask your specialist for some - as far as I know it's not available except through vets etc.

Contact Scamp's vet as suggested - you may just hear something that will provide a turning point.

We are ALL routing for you and Bach will know how committed you are to him and that alone will give him inner strength to get through this.

Love and prayers, Ramsay & familyRamsay & Max, Belgian Sheepdog, UK
My dearest friend, lost Feb 3rd 2004
to IBD & Atrophic Gastritis.
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Dear Chris & Martin:
I am so very sorry for your loss of Bach. With tears and a heavy heart I
share your sorrow.
Please, if at any time you feel that you would like us to place a memorial
page for Bach on our IBD website, I would be more than honored to do so.
You may contact me off-list at any time.
My candle is now lit for Bach as he continues his journey to the Bridge. I
am certain that my Thunder, and the others whom we have lost, are there to
meet him.
Please accept my condolences.
Michelle & Ame (GSD with IBD)
Thunder <https://www.telusplanet.net/public/siriusb/Thunder.htm> on silent
paws (GSD: Dec 1997 - Aug 26, 2003)
AB, Canada
Chris and Martin,
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My heart sank as I read about your departed beloved Bach.
Our candle burned non stop for Bach, hoping for the best.
The next time I glance up to view the nightly stars over Austin, I will know
the brightest star will be Bach watching over his family.
Please accept our deepest condolences for your loss, while conveying our
sympathies to all who loved Bach along the way.
Closing with understanding and comforting hugs,
Sharon in Texas with Becky
Atypical Addison's (dx Oct 2000), IBD, Hypothyroid and Cervical Disc Disease
8 year old, 68 lb. female Golden Retriever
Austin, Texas
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So sorry to hear about Bach. My prayers are with you both and to your family
to get through this.
Alyson
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I was so sorry to hear of Bach's passing. The candles have been lit in our house. He is now at the Bridge with the beloved IBD dogs, and their friends, who have gone before him.
Kristin & Frankie (Clumber) Colorado
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I am so very sorry for you loss. I read Bach's webpage and what a
beautiful story it was. I was in tears the whole time. He was a
beautiful dog and may you treasure the wonderful years that you had
with him. He's watching over you and your family now. My
condolences.
Cynthia and Emma (IBD Lab in Sudbury)
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Hello Martin,
The memorial page for Bach can have on it anything you would like. I have
asked others for a couple of pictures and/or a poem, special words, etc. Also,
if you would like a special song in the background, just let me know the name
of the song. Please e-mail me with what you would like on the memory page.
Again, I am sorry for your loss. Your memorial page is wonderful. I cried
lots last night. I had to say goodbye to my Thunder last year at this time.
You can get to his memorial page here.
https://www.telusplanet.net/public/siriusb/Thunder.htm
Michelle & Ame (GSD)
AB, Canada
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I have been out of the loop for a few days dealing with human passings and I just read about Bach. I'm so sorry for your loss...Words cannot express how hard and horrible this disease can be.
Maybe because of the stress around this house, Tess is in a flare up right now. She vomited twice today (unusual for her) and has had very loose stools for the last few days (more common for her). She's on Flagyl now and hasn't dehydrated yet, but I am worried and will be seeing the vet tomorrow.
Hugs to all of you who deal with the more severe forms of this on a daily basis. I'm lucky that Tess' are infrequent.
Donna in MA
Tess (IBD GSD)
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I was so sorry to read of your loss. So many of us have lost our friends and can truly sympathize. Think of Bach as healthy and running with the others who have crossed. I am sure they are showing him the ropes! Take care.

Dorothy
Ont. Canada
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Oh Martin,
My heart breaks for you. What a handsome boy Bach was.
Ruth in Ab Canada
Maggie, IBD/GME Spinone Italiano
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Dear Martin and Chris
I am so sorry that Bach didn't make it, but once you found out that
there were too many things going wrong for him, letting him go was the
best gift you could give him, even though it's so painful.
I love his memorial page- he was a beautiful boy. Remember him with
pride and love and look up at the stars tonight - Bach is saying "thank
you" to you.
love
Trish, Western Australia
Ben and Tiger
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Hi!
I am so very sad to hear about Bach. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Ann and Scamp
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Words never seem appropriate in these situations. To know the love of such
a wonderful companion is like nothing else in this world.
I am truly sorrow for your loss. You are to be admired for the care and
devotion to extend his life and make Bach as comfortable as possible.
The days will seem empty but let the joyous memories comfort you.
Sadly
Denise
Co-Owner/Moderator
IBDogs
Auckland
NZ.
Longhair GSD Yani IBD/EPI 28.5.99 - 20.3.2002
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I'm so sorry, Martin. You WERE lucky to have Bach, and I will look forward
to seeing his web page.
Mary & Evie (IBD Westie)
Scottsdale, AZ
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Our hearts go out to you as well and to Sasha, who must be missing
her buddy terribly. They are both such beautiful babies.
Lots of prayers and GSD snuggles from this direction. We
are so sorry that your precious Bach is going through this right now.
Continued prayers,
Joy & Jola
2 y/o GSD w/IBD
Westminster, Maryland
Liesl
10 y/o GSD w/HD and DM
at bridge
Hawkeye
12 y/o GSD (Mr. Wonderful)
at bridge
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Candle from Sandy Atchison (Click on "SA")

From Sandy Atchison

Dear Chris and Martin,

This is a favorite poem of mine that I wanted to share with you:

FRIENDSHIP'S TAPESTRY
Author Unknown

So often when I think of you and all the times we shared,
My heart is filled with thankfulness to have a friend who cared.
You listened oh so quietly to all my joys and trials,
And you being there had often changed my tears to smiles.

The subtle love between two friends is so hard to define,
Especially when one is human and the other is canine.
It's somehow like a tapestry with colors soft and bold,
Yet deep within the weaving there are tiny threads of gold.

Yes, rare and oh so lovely are your friendship's threads of gold,
For they will last a lifetime and then when my story is told,
Someone will hold my tapestry and turn it towards the light,
And tiny points, those threads of gold, will gleam and shine so bright.

They may think it's just a thread like those of green or blue,
But you and I will always know that golden thread was you!

I've been thinking lately how you've touched my life just so,
Of how you're yet so dear to me with your warm heart and cold nose.
I feel you're still right next to me and though you did depart,
Your golden threads of  friendship and love still weave within my heart!

 

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