Aging beloved pet.

[dickysty]

Hey guys,

Obviously by the sheer number of post you can see I’m more of a lurker. I always enjoy reading the many post here an find you're excellent group of guys that are witty , intelligent , companionate and at times very strange.

I have a situation that I’m a really having a hard time wrapping my head around.

It’s about my 11and1/2 yr old Labrador, Maddie that I’ve had since she was about 6 weeks old. She was really sick last week and although she’s getting better I now realize she’s not going to be around all that much longer. Longer meaning she could pass anytime from now until maybe 14 or 15 yrs old. Anyhow, last week was about the hardest week of my life. Now I know some of you are probably thinking “It’s just a dog”, but I’m telling you it almost killed me to think she was going to die.

I do consider myself a pretty level headed rational person. I knew going into this pet thing that dogs have a relatively short life, but I never thought the hurt that I felt could be so painful. So I’m asking you guys if you have any wisdom , stories or down right good old fashion advise that could ease my mind.

[DaddyTorgo]

the only time i've ever lost a dog was when i was much younger (9 or 10 maybe?). My golden retriever that I had had since it was a puppy and I was just like two had a series of grand mal seizures in the middle of the night and my parents took it to the vet and they had it put down right there.

needless to say when i woke up and she wasn't there...i was a wreck. It hurts, there's no question about it. it's like losing a family member. hell i can't even imagine the tears i'll have when the dog i have now passes (fortunately that should be a good 9 years or so away at minimum).

[Anthony]

that's so ironic, cuz just this saturday my wife and i took home Jack, our 10 week old yellow Labrador Retriever.

every now and then when i've see him sleeping this deep and comfortable sleep he seems to get into i get a little sad, cuz i know he'll only be with us for the next 10-15 years. he's just a little baby, and already i'm hesitant to part with him. he's so small and child-like, and i know this time next year he'll be almost 4x his current weight and height. gonna be a big boy.

just found it weird, this whole circle of life thing, reading about how your guy is winding things down, and my little Jack is just starting out, and how eventually i'll be in your shoes and Jack will be too old or sick to chase us around our house and someone else down the road will just be bringing home their new yellow lab.

life, she's a motherfucker.

[DaddyTorgo]

careful HA or some people might get the wrong idea about you.

too true though...too true. life is a cruel mistress

[Mustang]

Now I know some of you are probably thinking “It’s just a dog”,

Those kind of people can go fuck themselves.

[oliegirl]

This is weird...I read the book Marley and Me and finished it over the weekend...sat there with big crocodile tears rolling down my face and then just burrowed my head into our dog, Leo, and told him how much I loved him and just laid there with him for a while. The thought that he won't be around forever kills me, and the thought that Anthony, plus any other children we have, will have the time to fall in love with him and then go through losing him just kills me all over again. But then Leo does something crazy and Leo-like and I laugh and smile and realize how blessed we are to have them in our lives for the time that we do. I'll be thinking about you and Maddie and hoping that you get all the time you need and that both of you are ready for the inevitable when it happens. If you think you can stand it, I'd highly recommend reading Marley and Me...although it's depressing, it's an amazing book and might actually help you as the author went through something like what you are describing.

[Anthony]

careful HA or some people might get the wrong idea about you.


if you cut me - do i not bleed?

[Solecismic]

To give you an idea of how I feel on this issue, late last year our cat (Penelope, whose picture appears in FOF2) was diagnosed with feline diabetes. The other FOF2 kitty died in 2002.

I was given syringes and insulin and told to inject Penelope twice a day. She's 13 years old and I was told if I didn't do this exactly as he told me, she would die soon.

I surfed the net to learn about feline diabetes, and found a web site where owners exchange knowledge. This is a hard-core board, and they thought my veterinarian was an idiot. They told me to halve the insulin dosage and change her diet immediately to what they call "Catkins," which is essentially eliminating carbs from a cat's diet.

They then recommended getting blood testing equipment and testing Penelope's sugar levels several times a week. I relayed all this to my vet, and he said I'd end up killing her, made it clear I wasn't welcome there if I didn't do what he told me.

So I followed the board's advice, changed the diet, only gave her 1 cc bid of insulin and learned to draw kitty blood, which is a heck of a lot harder than giving kitty shots. The diet worked wonders, and I was able to take her off the insulin in two weeks. I still check her blood sugar about once a month now, and I haven't had a single reading outside the normal range.

So, to answer your question, not only do I understand that pets can be an important member of the family, I'm a firm believer in taking an aggressive approach to providing them with decent health care. That doesn't mean keeping them alive when they're in severe pain - they don't understand and it's kindest to just let go. But I know what it's like to lose a pet, and I have a lot of sympathy for your situation.

[Honolulu_Blue]

I found this poem in the paper when I was a kid. My mom might have cut it out for me or something, I forget. It made me cry back then and still gets ole H_B a little misty-eyed every time I read it. It's pretty fitting though (if even a bit cheesey).

TREAT ME KINDLY
Treat me kindly, my beloved friend,
For no heart in all the world is more
rateful for kindness than the loving
heart of me.


Do not break my spirit with a stick,
For though I should lick your hand
between blows, your patience and
understanding will more quickly
teach me the things you would
have me learn.

Speak to me often, For your voice is
the world's sweetest music, as you must
know by the fierce wagging of my tail
when your footsteps fall upon my ears.
Please take me inside when it is cold
and wet, For I am a domesticated
animal, no longer accustomed to the
bitter elements. I ask no greater glory
than the privilege of sitting at your
feet beside the hearth.

Keep my pan filled with water, for I
cannot tell you when I suffer thirst.
Feed me clean food that I may stay well,
to romp and play and do your bidding,
to walk by your side, and stand ready,
willing and able to protect you with
my life, should your life be in danger.

And, my friend, when I am very old, and
I no longer enjoy good health, hearing
and good sight, do not make heroic
efforts to keep me going.

I am not having fun. Please see that my
trusting life is taken gently. I shall
leave this earth knowing with the last
breath I drew, that my fate was always
safest in your hand.
--- By Beth Norman Harris 1968 ---

Almost 12 years ago I had to put my dog to sleep. I got her when I was 5 and she was around for 15 years. One of the hardest things I had to do. She was a great dog throughout. It's horrible. Hang in there.

My family ended up getting a puppy from the pound about 2-3 weeks after we put her to sleep. I am not sure if you're ready for another dog, but it worked wonders for me. The new dog (now the ripe old age of 12) was by no means a replacement for my first dog, but having him around really helped.

[DaddyTorgo]

stopit H_B. that poem just made me cry

[jonesz]

I can feel for you. My dog's pushing 10, and even though she still runs around like an idiot, I know she's approaching senior years. I just dread the time she gets really sick and just hope it goes quick. Pretty much like humans we care about I guess.

Since we're on the topic of poems as well, this one, even though it brings a significant lump to my throat, I really like. I enjoy trying to picture it in my head.

Rainbow Bridge
Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.

When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge.
There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together.
There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.

All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by.
The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.

They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent; His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.

You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.

Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together....

-Author unknown

[terpkristin]

Hey guys,

Obviously by the sheer number of post you can see I’m more of a lurker. I always enjoy reading the many post here an find you're excellent group of guys that are witty , intelligent , companionate and at times very strange.

I have a situation that I’m a really having a hard time wrapping my head around.

It’s about my 11and1/2 yr old Labrador, Maddie that I’ve had since she was about 6 weeks old. She was really sick last week and although she’s getting better I now realize she’s not going to be around all that much longer. Longer meaning she could pass anytime from now until maybe 14 or 15 yrs old. Anyhow, last week was about the hardest week of my life. Now I know some of you are probably thinking “It’s just a dog”, but I’m telling you it almost killed me to think she was going to die.

I do consider myself a pretty level headed rational person. I knew going into this pet thing that dogs have a relatively short life, but I never thought the hurt that I felt could be so painful. So I’m asking you guys if you have any wisdom , stories or down right good old fashion advise that could ease my mind.

Gosh, do I remember what that's like. We got a black lab (3 years old) when I was about 12, and we finally had to put him down when I was 23. That dog had been through so much with me and my family, everybody was hit hard, including my dad who tried to be "tough."

No real advice per se, just continue to take care of her and don't take her for granted. Putting down Luke (my old lab) was a tough thing to do, but in the end, it was for the better. Pure labs have shorter lifespans, he had a long good life (he was 14 when we had to put him down), and really stuck it out until the end.

And when the inevitable happens (because it will, be it tomorrow or 2 years from now), remember you have friends here who can at least sympathize with you. It's not "just a dog," any pet like that really is a member of the family. Anybody who says differently is either lying or has never had a pet.

Good luck..
/tk

[Franklinnoble]

We had to take our son's dog to the vet a few weeks ago. He was a 14 year old corgi (old for that breed, apparently), and he'd already lost his eye several months earlier.

It broke my heart to have him put down. I cried like a baby, and I still get choked up just thinking about it.

So, don't feel bad for being upset over your dog. Unfortunately, we'll all probably outlive our pets, and it only makes it more difficult if they've been with us for a long time.

[Lorena]

Deep thoughts, by Hell Atlantic:

that's so ironic, cuz just this saturday my wife and i took home Jack, our 10 week old yellow Labrador Retriever.

every now and then when i've see him sleeping this deep and comfortable sleep he seems to get into i get a little sad, cuz i know he'll only be with us for the next 10-15 years. he's just a little baby, and already i'm hesitant to part with him. he's so small and child-like, and i know this time next year he'll be almost 4x his current weight and height. gonna be a big boy.

just found it weird, this whole circle of life thing, reading about how your guy is winding things down, and my little Jack is just starting out, and how eventually i'll be in your shoes and Jack will be too old or sick to chase us around our house and someone else down the road will just be bringing home their new yellow lab.

life, she's a motherfucker.

[Huckleberry]

I had to put down a 3-1/2 year old Dalmatian/Rottie mix. His mother had died when he was just a newborn puppy and it started his road to behavioral issues. He was simply too jumpy and nervous to be around kids. He put his mouth on my older daughter when she patted him on his back one day. Didn't break the skin but she described it as a bite. This was the culmination of a lot of growls and other aggressive/defensive behavior toward the child.

We immediately paid for multiple evaluations and thoughts from all kinds of experts in the Austin area. He had already completed basic dog training and all that. He was a great and well-behaved dog other than the one jumpiness issue. Super sweet and loving. Problem was that none of the experts would say they felt he could be cured of this issue. They said he was just wired that way. I couldn't give a dog away that I knew had bitten a child and therefore may again. Certainly couldn't sell him. None of the shelters would take him.

One of the experts ran a test with him where he tried to provoke him while he was restrained to a wall. He had me stand off to the side. At the first provocation he growled at the guy. He reacted to the next one by tucking his tail and trying desperately to break free of the chain so he could hide behind me.

Poor guy was simply a scared little dog in a big and powerful dog's body. One of the worst days of my life was when there were no more options and I had run out of people to get a different opinion from as to what to do. Had at least a dozen experts and veterinarians tell me the only thing they could recommend was to put him down. At least as many shelters that said they couldn't take him. I still feel like an ass for it every time I think about it. Came to find out later that one of his siblings suffered the same fate for the same reason.

Good luck and enjoy the time you have. I often think of the Rainbow Bridge story cited above.

[flere-imsaho]

I get sad whenever I realize that I'll one day have to put down our dog, when he's old and gray. Best of luck, losing a pet is very sad indeed.

[st.cronin]

Like Ha, I recently adopted a dog. His name is Winston, he's a sort of German Sheperd/Chow/Husky mix. He's about 7 months old, and has had two operations to fix his hip/hind legs (he was apparently thrown from a moving car by his previous 'owners').

Also like Ha, there is a part of me that already misses him.

[Cringer]

Guys in my league know a bit about this. Warning, this will end up being long I am sure.

I had 3 dogs. Have always had 3 dogs (and once 4) for the last 9 years. Three have died, two more came in at ponts along the way. As of 6 days ago I now have two dogs.

The first dog was Hoss. I got him 10 years ago, right after Loren and I got together when I still lived in Spokane,WA. I traveled a couple hours north to get him, and picked him out of the remaining boys, they were mix Great Dane/Rottweilers. He was still left because he looked more like a Great Dane, and I guess most people just wanted a taller version of a rott.

Hoss was a great pup, but trouble. Had parvo, survived. Jumped out of a second story window, was fine. Later on jumped out of my moving Willys Wagon, was fine. Makes it sound like he wasn't trained well but he was. He listened like no other dog I ever had. We would always play/fight. I mean I we would really go after each other. He would charge me and I would push/shove/smack him. He would grab on my arms, never too hard though, he was always great about not biting down hard. He knew it was playing. I loved playing with him like that, it was basically wrestling. He was pretty much my best friend for the last 10 years with the exception of my wife. He moved down here with us of course, tucked between us as a puppy still.

Fast forward past a whole life story of him now I guess, because I could write a damn book I am sure.

A few months back he started having some trouble. He had arthritis, and we found out heart worms. He got on meds for the arthritis and starting getting his strength back, as we put of doing anything about the heart worms until he was stronger.

Two weeks ago, with no real warning, he stopped walking. Just wouldn't get up. I was on the road, and when I got home it had been two days since he had gotten up. Loren had been 'nursing' him. We were going to put him down that Sunday morning. I went to take him outside for a while before we went, and the bastard started to walk for me. He got stronger as he did it more, and so we called of the trip to the vets. He was doing great in a couple of days.

Then friday comes. I get a call on the road, he is not eating now. Refuses to. I get home Saturday and he still won't eat. He eats some stuff out of the fridge for me, but throws it up a couple hours later. Monday comes and he still is not eating. Walking and drinking some water yes, but won't eat. We take him to the vet, I was planning on putting him down again. His normal vet isn't in, and the other one doesn't want to do a whole lot because it's not his case. They take blood to see if they can find anything and we decide to wait to make sure we are not jumping the gun.

Tuesday of last week we talk to the vet, he still has not eaten. The blood tests show nothing. I then take him down to the vet so he can stay over night, hooked up to an IV, to see if it helps any.

Wednesday morning we get the call. He died overnite. I knew it would be hard, but it was harder then I thought trust me. Went down and picked him up, brought him home and put him in a grave I had actually dug on Monday. Then I had to leave for the road that night, and that made it a little worse I think.

This weekend has sucked. He is not around, and I am not even sure why. He had those big, active, eyes the whole time. I thought he would pull through atleast for a little while longer. And yeah I have cried, the big bad trucker. I am tearing up now some.

Not sure what else to say. I probably mangled the story some but it's not easy to spit out and get everything in.

dickysty, best of luck with Maddie. Enjoy your time with her. If anything is good out of this, I am atleast a little happier knowing that I spent a lot of time with Hoss over the last few weeks.

[tanglewood]

Man HA, you're just destoying your hard-earned rep in this thread.

[JeeberD]

My older cat is a little over eight years old, and while he probably he's still in great shape, it's saddens me to think that he probably only has a good three or fours years left. :(

[Izulde]

I've had pets my entire life, most of them dogs. Like Cringer, we've usually had 3 dogs at a time and for a while had some rabbits, too.

It's always hard losing a pet, especially one you've had a long time. I think the worst stretch we had was a few years ago when our basset hound had to be put to sleep because he was 16 years old and was in too much pain to go on anymore. Then, two months after that, our Great Pyreenes/Irish setter, who was only 7, died because of a cancer that was undetectable unless you went looking for it and there was never any reason to expect he was ill in the slightest.

But then we ended up getting a couple more dogs, both for us and for our greyhound, who was really depressed without any other dogs in the house. It's just the two boys now, as the greyhound had to be put to sleep last summer because she was 15 and had a neurological disorder that was rapidly getting worse. She wouldn't have lasted more than a couple of weeks.

But no matter how sad it is when we lose them, there's always the happy memories and silly little stories you have about each pet that'll always be with you, long after they're gone and it's those things, combined with the joy we get from them when they're alive, that makes it all worthwhile.

[st.cronin]

I should really take a picture of this: My new dog, Winston (@ 60 pounds), wagging his tail and furiously trying to lick my cat Luther (@ 10 pounds), who is punching the dog in the face Jackie Chan style and trying to rip his ear off.

[Easy Mac]

My mom's dog got put down last year. That sucked. He was my favorite of my pets that I've had. Very loyal, but it was hard seeing him the last year struggle with all his illnesses. I've only been home like 2-3 times since then, and I don't even notice or really think about it, which sucks when I do later. My dad's dog died my freshman year of college. The dumbest dog you'll ever know, but he was really sweet. I didn't see him much the last year of his life since I was in school. Never got to say goodbye. I've lost more cats than I can count. Never been a fan of the cats, and they've always come and gone as they pleased.

Of course, my fiancee and I just got a little dog, Baxter (after the dog from Anchorman). I met him for the first time Friday. He's so cool and cute. About 10 months old. we got him from a rescue facility. I've also thought "damn, he'll only be around 13 or 14 more years", but then I think, that's a long time from now, hell, the way I eat he'll outlive me, so who cares. Man, all this little guy wants to do is play though, and he's so cute I can't say no.

http://static.flickr.com/34/114371913_81d9f8934a.jpg

[IwasHere]

Had at least a dozen experts and veterinarians tell me the only thing they could recommend was to put him down.

That is wierd. I wonder why they didn't try any forms of drug treatment to calm him down. I think with the right medication he could of lived a productive life.



After first reading about that Diabetic Cat and now this dog I have to ask why don't you people ever seek a second opinion? Do you live in 1 vet towns or something? Godd call on checking the internet with the cat, I wonder if the internet could of saved the dog?

[Rizon]

I have a 17 year old dog on borrowed time. What's strange is that sometimes her hearing and sight doesn't work all that well. Except when you say "food" or "eat" her hearing comes back.

Then I've got a 12 year old that hasn't lost a step since since day 1. It's running at full speed 24/7. I'm wondering if she's a robot or something.

[condors]

Growing up i wasn't allowed to have a dog (my parents didn't think i would take care of it). Well i finally got myself a belgium sheppard and boy was she great. She was no different from any other family member. When it was time to put her to sleep(she was having strokes and was in alot of pain) It was a tough pill to swallow. I eventually got a cat and now she is my little buddy follows me everywhere(even sits in the shower with me) and will freak if i close any door behind me. I think my next pet will be a parrot they can live a long time and should outlive me :-)

[dickysty]

Guys,

I appreciate all the quick responses you guys are just awesome.

I kind of feel like I’ve learn some valuable life lessons this past week. I really have a much better idea of what it must feel like to lose a life long pet and a better appreciation for time that we have with them.
Again you guys are great!
Now go walk that dog or just give them a huge hug!

[RPI-Fan]

My dog is pushing 16 years old (I believe), and obviously he's starting to show signs.

When he does move on, I won't be all that upset in the sense that I'll miss him, but more in the sense that I'll feel bad for him. Despite having a hard time getting around, etc. he seems to be genuinely appreciative for what he does have. I'll feel so bad for him when he doesn't have that anymore. :(

[LoneStarGirl]

GE and I are volunteering at the local animal shelter. They have to put down dogs all the time and it breaks my heart. We just adopted a 2 month old inbred german shepard. They put down his three sisters because they were retarded, it was awful to see. Working at the shelter I have seen so many things that make me want to kill people. We just got in a 2 month old cocker spaniel that had to have his tail chopped off because a boy put a rubber band around it so tight. And we have a pit bull that was beaten with a stick and starved. So there are a lot of people out there that thing 'its just a dog.' But those are definitly not people I want to be associated with.

[DaddyTorgo]

GE and I are volunteering at the local animal shelter. They have to put down dogs all the time and it breaks my heart. We just adopted a 2 month old inbred german shepard. They put down his three sisters because they were retarded, it was awful to see. Working at the shelter I have seen so many things that make me want to kill people. We just got in a 2 month old cocker spaniel that had to have his tail chopped off because a boy put a rubber band around it so tight. And we have a pit bull that was beaten with a stick and starved. So there are a lot of people out there that thing 'its just a dog.' But those are definitly not people I want to be associated with.

retarded dogs?? howso? (sorry i dont mean that to come off as harsh but like...how can you tell?)