Saying goodbye to a beloved dog

[Castlerock]

Hate seeing this thread bumped. Loved your tribute.

So sorry.

[timmae]

Aegon sounded like a great dog... and I know he had a great friend in life providing for him. Thoughts are with you bud... I'll toast to Aegon tonight.

[BYU 14]

So sorry HB :(

[claphamsa]

:(

[General Mike]

:(

[MizzouRah]

:( so sorry!

[Edward64]

Nice tribute.

[GoldenEagle]

This is Patches. She was an amazing dog.

http://i.imgur.com/eM0YYAP.jpg?1

We found her when she was a puppy. My wife coached softball for a local high school, and one of her players found the puppy wondering around outside the field. My wife brought her home. Our plan was to take her to the shelter the next day. But they told us that since it looked she had pit in her, she would be put down. We decided to keep her and she became dog #4 of our family.

Loyalty was her best trait and she had it in bunches. She was my dog. She would follow me anywhere I asked her to go. She loved to get in the car and go for rides. When we moved to our new house, she could easily clear the 6ft tall wooden fence and would do it on a routine basis. But she never ran off. I would simply open the garage door and most of the time she would be there, waiting to come back in.

She loved her rubber ball. She would always have it in the backyard with her. She also knew several tricks. My favorite one was when I would yell "BANG" and she would fall to the ground dramatically like she had been shot. I would award her with a belly rub, which she loved getting.

I found her earlier Monday morning, breathing heavily. She had been sick over the weekend but we didn't think much of it because our German Shepard had just gotten over something similar. I picked her up and put her in bed with me and stayed up with her. She died with my arm around her. In a way, it was a beautiful way to go.

That is the part of her of that I want to remember. But I can't help but to think she left us to early. She was only eight and a half. I should have seen the signs that she was sick and taking her to the vet on Saturday. We even went for a car ride Saturday morning, so it would have easy to do. I know everyone will say that we gave her a great life and that is true. But that doesn't help me.

We went for a walk together Friday morning with a foster dog. She was ok then, but at the end of the walk she lagged way behind me. That should have clued me in. Maybe something bit her during that. I guess I will never know.

We have been fostering dogs since April of this year. It has been a great and rewarding experience. We have the time, space, and financial means to do so. We have saved 7 dogs and sent them to forever homes in the Northeast. If we didn't step in, these dogs would have been put in bad situations that they probably would have never gotten out of. We have also helped raise money for an organization that desperately needed it.

But Patches was an alpha dog and she hated when we brought in new dogs. I can't help but to think it added to her stress level and contributed to her death. I actually thought the reason she moped around on Friday and Saturday was because we just got in a new batch of four puppies in. That contributed to me missing the sign that she needed vet attention.

My heart is torn. My wife and I have basically committed our lives to saving dogs. We had 8 of our own before Patches and Bear died. We have several fosters in the house including the four puppies. We want to keep doing it. But Patches's death feels wrong and completely preventable.

[molson]

My heart is torn. My wife and I have basically committed our lives to saving dogs.

When you put yourself out there like to help others, I think you're signing up for some heartbreak, stress, grueling decisions, etc. It's inevitable, and it's part of what makes real generosity so difficult. It's what makes doing what you've done so important, because it's not easy and not everyone wants to do it.

There's only so far any of us can go with being that vulnerable. We're human, we have limits. But reaching that place where you're close to your limits and where you're really struggling with how much you can do says a lot about your character. You've reached a stressful place that you can only reach when you've done a lot of good.

[Honolulu_Blue]

I'm really sorry for your loss, GoldenEagle. Patches sounded like a great dog.

Having just gone through it - heck, I'm still in the midst of it - I know just how painful a loss it is.

I echo everything molson said. You're doing great, important stuff and that can be hard and takes sacrifices.

Thanks to you and your wife for investing all of that time, energy, emotion, and everything else that's required.

[claphamsa]

good on you, more people need to help out in the world....

[Sweed]

So sorry GoldenEagle for your loss. Patches sounds like a great dog!

You did give her a great home and on top of that rescued other dogs. Did your divided attention in some way cause you missing signs of sickness? I don't think you'll ever know for sure. What you can be proud of is your treatment, compassion, and dedication to both having and saving dogs.

Without your and your wife's big hearts Patches never has a home nor do 7 other dogs in forever homes. I cried for Patches as I read your post, what a great story. I also cried for the dogs you have saved thinking of the lives they now have. I sincerely hope time heals your pain....

[timmae]

Thoughts are with you GE.. Patches sounds like an awesome dog, glad you guys found each other. Don't let thoughts of what could have happened cloud your generosity for the future. There are new possibilities which it'd be a shame to pass up. Keep fighting the good fight. My wife and I are a foster forever for our little stray cat. He's awesome too!

[claphamsa]

RIP JD, I first thought he may have a UTI 3 weeks ago, turns out he had a tumor under his tongue...never really explained the symptoms that concerned me...but they are all irrelevant now. he was a pure bred Maine Coon and the rarely live long enough for cancer. Im just numb. pored myself a 3X of the Glenlivet 18.

[Sweed]

RIP JD, I first thought he may have a UTI 3 weeks ago, turns out he had a tumor under his tongue...never really explained the symptoms that concerned me...but they are all irrelevant now. he was a pure bred Maine Coon and the rarely live long enough for cancer. Im just numb. pored myself a 3X of the Glenlivet 18.

Sorry for your loss claphamsa. :(

[MizzouRah]

Sorry for your loss claphamsa :(

[JonInMiddleGA]

I know the thread title says "dog" but I'm going to include my feline here rather than start another thread.

One of those nearly unbearable days, as we had to say goodbye to our eldest cat Coal. Age and long term health issues combined to bring his time with us to an end.

He was the most noble cat I've ever known, with character that was unforgettable. How he learned & matured after we rescued him from the shelter, it'll always stay with me. He learned to trust & love again, and how to accept love, and it was a joy to be a part of.

He wasn't easy, by any mean, and Lord knows we had our share of contentious moments ... but he was magnificent beyond all else & much loved.

I am truly grateful for answered prayers, because despite his condition and the horrible nature of the day, he was comfortable throughout, restful. The vet described the scenario as the most serene she'd ever witnessed. For him, that's what I hoped & prayed for most of all.

Love you buddy, see you on the other side.

Rest in peace Coal (2001-2016)

[BYU 14]

Sorry for your loss JIMGA :(

[claphamsa]

sorry for your loss :(

[Sweed]

Sorry for your loss JIMGA.

[cuervo72]

Sorry, Jon.

[thesloppy]

:(

[MizzouRah]

Sad to hear :(

[Thomkal]

sorry for your loss Jon. I have a cat too, so I can sympathesize. :(

[JonInMiddleGA]

I'll just be honest, I finally lost it last night about 6 or so. That's why I slept from 630p til around 11p.

That's the third time I've had a pet literally die in my arms, (not counting our Callie who was put to sleep after her cancer returned with a vengeance). I'm truly thankful beyond all words that it was so peaceful for him. The other two were decidedly not peaceful, and I'm not sure there are many days where I don't recall one incident or the other, if not both.

Think what you will of me on any number of scores but one thing I take as seriously as anything in the world is the notion of responsibility toward animals in our care. And these situations are ... hard doesn't even begin.

My thanks for the support. He really was a grand animal in many ways, if nothing else I wanted to give him just a little bit of his due here. He deserved that & a lot more.

[chinaski]

Had to put my dog to sleep yesterday, after 17 loving years. That, coupled with the election, is making life reaaaaal hard. Fuck everything.

[MizzouRah]

So sorry for your loss :( a long life though, for sure and great parents I'm sure of!

[claphamsa]

:(

[Edward64]

Condolences.

[samifan24]

So sorry for your loss. Dogs are beloved members of the family and rightfully so. Thinking of you and your family.

[JonInMiddleGA]

My condolences Chin.

[Sweed]

Condolences Chinaski.

[chinaski]

Thanks fellas, means a lot. Feeling better today, no tears! But I keep getting up to let her out, thats a bit rough.

[Fidatelo]

Over 12.5 years ago we picked up an Old English Sheepdog puppy from a UPS hangar by the airport (she was air-mailed from Saskatchewan). Today I'm afraid that Molly isn't going to see her 13th birthday in March, and quite possibly won't make it to the end of this month.

Her back legs having been going for a couple years now, and she has developed some reasonably bad anxiety over the years as well. This spring we had the vet put her on medications for her legs and the anxiety. At first they zonked her out completely and she would wake up in a puddle of her own urine. Then after a week or two she adjusted, and for a time the anxiety meds seemed to help, at least a little. But as the summer wore on her legs kept getting worse and the anxiety returned.

So near the end of August we took her off the meds and she made a fairly noticeable turnaround almost immediately. The anxiety didn't really change (maybe a slight improvement) but her legs seemed to get stronger throughout the fall, and by early December she really did seem to have turned the clock back a year or more.

Unfortunately you can't outrun father time. She's been getting a bit more wobbly again over the past few weeks. Slipping on our hardwood floors more often and unable to get up once in awhile. Struggling with the (carpeted) stairs up from the basement.

Last night she fell going up those stairs. I heard the thump and ran over to see her looking up at me from the midpoint, splayed out clinging on. I ran down and tried to begin lifting her, which at almost 100lbs isn't super easy. She must not have liked where I was lifting and began to struggle, shaking me off and then falling down the stairs, rolling into a door at the bottom. I sat with her for a few minutes as she shook and then carried her up to the top.

Since the fall last night she is shakier than ever. Twice in the night she went outside (she gets hot) and then couldn't get up off the deck to come in. She is at about 15% for the day on trying to get up on the hardwoods without assistance, and has collapsed onto them a few times from a standing position. She can go down the stairs, which she does frequently because she likes the carpet down there, but won't even attempt to come up now, just standing crying until I come and carry her.

I'm not sure what to do. I don't want to put her to sleep, but it's hard to see another option if she doesn't improve. The anxiety has been tough on all of us for a long time now, as she spends the evenings stressed out, going in and out of the house about 30 times (or more). Now, though, I can't leave her at home alone for hours while I'm at work knowing she's likely to not be able to get up off the floor. I cant work from home every day, either. And no one else in the house can carry her so we can't even take shifts or anything.

And yet the guilt of making that decision is tearing me apart. I see pictures of dogs with little wagon-wheel setups for their back legs and I think maybe I'm just a bad person for thinking that kind of thing can't possibly work for us and our giant dog and our two-careers. I feel like maybe a better dog owner would be able to calm her, or maybe that something about me or our family has caused the anxiety in the first place. When I see her sleeping like she is now I wonder if everything is really that bad in her view, and how can I take away her life without truly knowing.

:(

[thesloppy]

Aww, sorry for your struggles Fidatelo. About the only helpful thoughts I can offer is maybe getting some cheap runners/rugs for the hardwood areas to keep her from slipping as much and give her more traction/confidence in those areas?

[Fidatelo]

Aww, sorry for your struggles Fidatelo. About the only helpful thoughts I can offer is maybe getting some cheap runners/rugs for the hardwood areas to keep her from slipping as much and give her more traction/confidence in those areas?

I suppose that could help. However a part of the problem is that she likes to sleep on the hardwoods because they are cool. We have a big comfy doggy bed by the window for her but she hardly uses it because she gets too warm (even when shaved in the spring and fall). There is also a carpet by the front door but she only lies there sometimes. She likes the basement because the carpet is cozy but the temperature is cool.

I imagine she would walk on the runners but probably lie down on the floor, though I guess the only way to know is to try.

[Edward64]

Our Dalmatian got to the point where she could not go up or down stairs. She couldn't go down the back deck stairs to our fenced-in backyard so we built a small wooden ramp for her to go out the garage 2 step stairs and out the front. It did get to the point where we had to help her up/down the ramp also.

She had epileptic seizures and the vet gave some medicine that controlled it but I think it made her drugged up. We did take her off the medication and she seemed better but the seizures came back. Ultimately we took her to the vet and put her to sleep.

I slept on the carpet beside her in the final days. I like to think it gave her a sense of comfort. She always liked to snuggle (unlike our current Lab) and so I would watch TV on the carpet beside her (didn't want her on the sofa).

Wife and I said in retrospect that we should probably have put her to sleep 4-6 months earlier.

I know there's no easy answer and you are going to have to make the call when the time is right or not.

[BYU 14]

Man, so sorry to hear this. It is a gut wrenching thing to go through, as there are so many emotions involved.

I know they make shoes that may help her with slipping. Wishing you all the best my friend.

[thesloppy]

Depending where you are on the wacky/desperate scale, there are a lot of folks who have claimed some level of success from giving their dog THC/CBD cannabis oil for many fatal ailments (though mostly skin cancer, epilepsy/seizures and pain).

[claphamsa]

that sucks, she will tell you when its time to go...just keep her as comfortable as possible until then :(

[MizzouRah]

So sorry.. it can be so tough. I'm sure whatever you decide to do, it will be the right choice. :(

[Fidatelo]

Last week we made the decision, and on Friday we said goodbye. One of the hardest things I've ever had to do. I still keep seeing her in places in the house out of the corner of my eye, or catching myself moving food or kids toys up to high surfaces before realizing they aren't at risk of a devouring anymore.

RIP Molly :(

[Honolulu_Blue]

Last week we made the decision, and on Friday we said goodbye. One of the hardest things I've ever had to do. I still keep seeing her in places in the house out of the corner of my eye, or catching myself moving food or kids toys up to high surfaces before realizing they aren't at risk of a devouring anymore.

RIP Molly :(

That sucks, Fidatelo. I know the pain, the sorrow, and how hard a decision that is, but know you made the right choice. It didn't sound like Molly was capable of enjoying much anymore and know that you and your family gave her a pretty incredible one.

I kept seeing my dog out of the corner of my eye for weeks after he passed.

All the best to you and your family.

[Thomkal]

Very sorry about your loss Fidatelo. But it does sound like you made the right decision for all involved.

[BYU 14]

So sorry to hear buddy, there is never anything easy about having to do this and while the memories will always be there to make you smile, they always leave you wishing there was more. I though I had finally come to grips with losing our Boxer this past August, but just Monday I was out doing some cardio and thought about him and broke into tears in the middle of my run.

Wishing you comfort through the healing process my friend.

[Butter]

Sorry about your loss. Thanks for the picture. I know sharing my dog's story with others helped after the fact, hopefully it will for you also knowing that other people care about what you're going through.

[MizzouRah]

Sorry for your loss :(

[claphamsa]

:'(

[General Mike]

Hayley the dog passed away overnight. I was kind of resigned to her being near the end and we were going to take her to the vet to discuss putting her to sleep, but I guess God answered my prayers to end her suffering.

[molson]

Sorry to hear about Hayley....was this the three-legged dog you posted about a few years back?

(I couldn't believe I remembered that, I went back into that thread to confirm that was you - on the other hand though, I tend to remember peoples' dogs far more then their kids, both in real life and on the internet).

And ya, when your dog reaches the end you can't help but go through the different scenarios in your mind for what the end will be like....I'm glad Hayley was able to pass in a way that minimized her stress and suffering and relieved you of those end-of-life decisions.

[Thomkal]

Sorry for your loss Mike :(

[Warhammer]

Sorry to hear about this. At least you did not have to make the tough decision.

[MizzouRah]

Sorry to hear GM. :(

[Sweed]

Sorry for your loss GM. :( Be thankful she passed at home.

[BYU 14]

So sorry, always sad to lose a treasured pet.

[PilotMan]

Sad to hear of your loss Mike, but glad that she went peacefully with you.

[Fidatelo]

Sorry for the loss, very sad :(

[tarcone]

My 12 year old lab is in bad shape. She isnt eating. She pukes if she does eat. Her arthritis is horrible. She has an appointment tomorrow at 4. I think I am going to go ahead and put her down. I think it will be for the best. Lucy is the best lab ever. She has been the neighborhood dog. She went down and partied with the neighbors and they loved her. They want a picture for their garage of Lucy. She was just a gentle soul. Loved everybody and everybody loved her.

I am really broken up. Im struggling tonight. This is one of the hardest decisions Ive ever made. But her quality of life just isnt good.

Greatest dog ever.

[PilotMan]

Sorry buddy. That's a hard feeling. Sending good thoughts your way so you can rest and feel comforted.

[molson]

Sorry to hear that tarcone. You gave Lucy a great life.

[Ryche]

Never easy but once you have to start considering its almost always the right one. So sorry

[Edward64]

Sorry to hear, always very difficult but do what's best for your companion.

I agree with Ryche, we have a Lab now but think we waited too long with our Dalmatian.

[Fidatelo]

Sorry to hear, Tarcone. :(

[MizzouRah]

Sad news Tarcone. :( she had a great 12 years with you and your family though.

[claphamsa]

thats tough :( sounds like shes telling you its time to go...

[tarcone]

Sorry t keep on this. I was talking to neighbors tonight. I have some food to get rid of and they have dogs, so was offering it different neighbors.

Everyone loved Lucy. She would stop by their house and get a pet and say hi and move on. She was loved by everyone in our cul de sac. They all knew Lucy and loved to see her.

She was the best dog ever. She was everyones dog. I really miss her.

[Radii]

Sorry t keep on this. I was talking to neighbors tonight. I have some food to get rid of and they have dogs, so was offering it different neighbors.

Everyone loved Lucy. She would stop by their house and get a pet and say hi and move on. She was loved by everyone in our cul de sac. They all knew Lucy and loved to see her.

She was the best dog ever. She was everyones dog. I really miss her.

I'm so sorry :( My cat died last march, over a year ago now. I did some basic cleanup in the immediate aftermath to distract myself and then kinda collapsed a bit. I've still got a few cases of cans of cat food in the corner of one room, it got to be one of those things that I just forgot was there and just don't even see when I'm in that room, its like its part of the decor now. I should fix that, at this point its not even an emotional thing, though it was for awhile.

Hang in there, and keep on the topic as long as you need to as part of grieving and healing, its a devastating loss.

[tarcone]

My wife was talking to a neighbor earlier today. It was the house Lucy would go down to and hang out until 2 in the morning. Both of the neighbors kids are away at college. She told me the other day she didnt want to tell her kids until they got home from college. her son called today and the neighbor told him Lucy was suffering and he told her to tell us to wait until he got home to say good bye.

Such a great dog.

[molson]

Coco raced for two years in Kansas City, then bounced around fosters and greyhound rescue groups before ending up with my girlfriend's family. She had some great years with them. She then moved in with us 2 years ago after my girlfriend's parents retired and hit the road in their RV, a lifestyle which became more difficult for Coco as she got older.

I hope we gave her the best retirement possible. There were lots of dog blankets and walks and treats. I didn't know a thing about greyhounds, but they are a very quirky breed, it was fun to get to know her.

She was trucking along pretty well until she fell Tuesday morning and had 10+ seizures over a pretty short period of time.

You wonder when your dog gets older whether she'll die in her sleep, or whether it will be a drawn out thing where you have to make a decision. This was kind of in between. It became clear it was the end, and also clear that it would very difficult to get her into the car. It took a bunch of calls to find the in-home euthanasia vet who could get there the fasted but, it was still a few hours. Coco passed away a few minutes before they arrived.

I'm glad we were both there, and that we could be with her and get her to her favorite bed.

Coco was sweet, funny, kind of dumb, stubborn, and a real fighter to the end. I think the absence just hit our other dog, he was very mopey yesterday.

https://i.imgur.com/Oq6931I.jpg

[claphamsa]

:(

[MizzouRah]

So sorry for your loss :(

[Chief Rum]

Sorry molson

[Warhammer]

Sorry for your loss.

[Edward64]

Yup. Sorry for your loss.

[tarcone]

So sorry. Its a tough loss to handle.

[PilotMan]

Coco was sweet, funny, kind of dumb, stubborn, and a real fighter to the end. I think the absence just hit our other dog, he was very mopey yesterday.




This was exactly what we experienced with our greyhound. Our other dog went into deep depression after he left. I'm sorry for your loss molson.

[Sweed]

Sorry for your loss Molson.

[thesloppy]

:(

[Atocep]

I'm weak - Front Office Football Central (https://forums.operationsports.com/fofc/showthread.php?t=73783)

Had to unexpectedly put down the guy from that thread today. Most difficult thing I've done in my life.

Some pics of the best cat I've ever owned. These were from the first few years we had him, but they capture his personality really well.

https://imgur.com/a/1hw2YUD

[PilotMan]

I'm weak - Front Office Football Central (https://forums.operationsports.com/fofc/showthread.php?t=73783)

Had to unexpectedly put down the guy from that thread today. Most difficult thing I've done in my life.

Some pics of the best cat I've ever owned. These were from the first few years we had him, but they capture his personality really well.

https://imgur.com/a/1hw2YUD




Aww man, I'm sorry to hear that.

[thesloppy]

Aww, goodbye fuzzy buddy.

[GrantDawg]

Sorry for your loss.

[MizzouRah]

Sorry for your loss :(

[Butter]

So sorry, looks like he was a great friend.

[tarcone]

Sorry for your loss

[Sweed]

It's hard enough when you know the time is coming but when it's unexpected it's even more heart breaking. Sorry for your loss. :(

[Edward64]

Sorry to hear. I know its hard

[Fidatelo]

Sorry to hear, that is so hard and sad :(

[claphamsa]

:(

[Sweed]

Mocha, my beloved chocolate lab. Only 11 yrs old figured I'd have her for a few more years. She had a seizure back in early December but came out of it over a couple of days. Went about 3 months totally normal then 2 weeks ago had another that only lasted a couple of minutes, nothing like the one in December. Yesterday morning at this time she was having fun and bringing her toy to me wanting me to throw it. Last night she went into another seizure and didn't recover.

She was an awesome dog, my friend, and who I came home to at night. Always there, always a happy greeting. Her favorite thing in life was her squeeky toy (her binky). I bought it for her 6 years ago and it still squeaks, she treated it like a baby. She loved to play fetch in the snow. She loved it if her toy got buried and she had to dig it out.

I haven't posted in the cancer thread but a month ago I had surgery for prostate cancer, started out with expected 90% cure but they're not quite as sure of that after pathology, still waiting for the next test. Mocha has been supporting me through recovery and on two very painful days wouldn't leave my side. I'd get up and walk hoping it would help and she would be right beside me.

The funny thing is when we would go for walks I tried to train her to stay right next to my knee but, she would always move ahead of my knee a few inches, I didn't mind since she wasn't pulling on the leash. But on those 2 painful days when she walked next to me in the house she stayed in a perfect heel position without a leash. I know at the time I thought it was very cool and showed just how in tune a dog can be.

Having a dog means this hard time is going to come but man, it just hurts so much. I'll miss you Mocha....

https://i.imgur.com/FlAAzRX.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/ekLnvkC.png

[PilotMan]

Sorry Sweed. That's a lot to be dealing with. Dogs are the perfect companions when we just need a buddy to hang around with and help out. Mocha will certainly be missed.

[molson]

Sorry to hear about Mocha. It's very difficult to see them go through those seizures.

It's never long enough, but I'm glad she got as much time with you as she did.

[Thomkal]

Very sorry to hear this Sweed, sounds like she was a very good friend indeed. Sorry too to hear about the prostate cancer-I hope that you are very much in that 90% cured rate.

[Warhammer]

Very sorry to hear this Sweed, sounds like she was a very good friend indeed. Sorry too to hear about the prostate cancer-I hope that you are very much in that 90% cured rate.

A big ,+1 here. Sounds like she was a great dog.

[Edward64]

Sorry for your loss. Perfect companions is right. My lab is getting up there too.

It'll be rough for a while. Hang in there.

[Sweed]

Thanks everyone, the kind words do help.

[GrantDawg]

Sorry for your loss. It is tough to lose our furry family members

Sent from my SM-N960U using Tapatalk

[BYU 14]

She is absolutely beautiful, so sorry for your loss :(

[thesloppy]

:( Goodbye, Mocha.

[PilotMan]

I'm really sorry to bump this thread.

I just got back from the Vet. My Mom had been pet sitting for us. It was partly due to her being alone and the pets added extra companionship for her in this weird time. But she called us to pick up our cat, Gingy. He just wasn't happy with her. He was sleeping a lot and pretty lethargic. That was about a week ago.

He is somewhere between 12 and 14 years old. A stray that I brought in the house. It was hard to tell if he was normal or suddenly getting old and acting his age. He had clearly lost more weight and was bony. I finally decided to get him in to be seen.

It wasn't good news. Gingy has a large mass in his digestive system and he's terminal. The doctor didn't give us a time. We could decide what was best for him. I feel very sad. My middle son (18), who is the most like me, has cleaned his box for 11 years without complaining, is crushed. Having seen how he's gone downhill the past few weeks, I have to believe that his time with us will be shorter, than longer.

He's been a one of a kind cat. The most patient, chill, fun and social cat I've ever seen. I figured we'd have at least 4-5 more years with him, but it's clear that his time with us is at it's end. :(

[Lathum]

ah man, that sucks.

[Castlerock]

So sorry. I hate when this thread gets bumped.

[BYU 14]

Man, so sorry my friend, I always hate seeing this thread bumped :(

[thesloppy]

Goodbye, Gingy. So sorry, PM.

[Thomkal]

Very sorry about your friend PM.

[Sweed]

Sorry to hear this PM. :(

[molson]

Sorry to here that pilotman. Your act of kindness and compassion 11 years ago changed that cat's life forever, and your family's. It's crazy how animals can end up just fitting in and being a part of everything as if there could have been no other way.

[GrantDawg]

Sorry to hear, PM. That just sucks.

[MizzouRah]

:( Sorry to hear that PM

[tarcone]

Sorry PM. Cats are awesome. You gave hin a much better life than the streets would have,

[PilotMan]

Thanks guys. He clearly looks like he knows that things are not going well for him. He's been hiding away from us much more than normal and for longer periods of time. He still seeks us out for pets here and there and purrs for us, but with the little he's eaten and drank he just doesn't have long. My boys are both handling it differently. My youngest takes it in stride, and acknowledges that it's life and was only a matter of time, and my middle one, is much more sentimental like I am and is taking it very hard. The oldest has already been through it with some dogs and he's doing ok too. The way they are handling it is making for some issues between them as the middle one gets mad that the youngest isn't taking it seriously enough.

[MizzouRah]

So sorry Sweed. :(

We had a wonderful Golden Retriever who had seizures and we thought we had them under control and one day he had 9 in a row and had to be put down.

It was horrible watching him go through that.

[PilotMan]

I'm really sorry to bump this thread.

I just got back from the Vet. My Mom had been pet sitting for us. It was partly due to her being alone and the pets added extra companionship for her in this weird time. But she called us to pick up our cat, Gingy. He just wasn't happy with her. He was sleeping a lot and pretty lethargic. That was about a week ago.

He is somewhere between 12 and 14 years old. A stray that I brought in the house. It was hard to tell if he was normal or suddenly getting old and acting his age. He had clearly lost more weight and was bony. I finally decided to get him in to be seen.

It wasn't good news. Gingy has a large mass in his digestive system and he's terminal. The doctor didn't give us a time. We could decide what was best for him. I feel very sad. My middle son (18), who is the most like me, has cleaned his box for 11 years without complaining, is crushed. Having seen how he's gone downhill the past few weeks, I have to believe that his time with us will be shorter, than longer.

He's been a one of a kind cat. The most patient, chill, fun and social cat I've ever seen. I figured we'd have at least 4-5 more years with him, but it's clear that his time with us is at it's end. :(


Had to say goodbye to our buddy yesterday. It was brutal. My big teenage boys were in tears, I was in tears, and my wife was holding all of us together. It was so unfair.

He had been progressing downhill and had a really bad night a couple days prior. Then the night before yesterday he finally told us he was in pain and he couldn't walk. We were able to relieve him with some benadryl, but it was clear we had to make the hard decision. My middle son slept with him and wouldn't leave his side all night long. We talked it through a bit and loved on him as much as we could.

This is the 3rd pet I've been through this with, but it's the first for my kids. Afterward we were able to spend some time together playing together and distracted us from our realities. I still looked for him on the couch looking out the window when I came downstairs this morning. His loss will linger for quite a while.

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[JonInMiddleGA]

Beautiful boy PilotMan, and I'm sorry for your family.

Been through this too damned many times, I know the anguish too well :(

[BYU 14]

So sorry my friend, I know you had been dreading this day. Love to you all and take comfort in knowing you meant as much to him as he did to you.

[thesloppy]

So sorry PM.

[Thomkal]

Sounds like you made the right decision here PM as painful as it might be. He knew how much he was loved before you had to say goodbye and that will be a good thing for your family as time goes by. :(

[molson]

He was very handsome. So hard to lose a member of the family. I'm sure your family was a great comfort to him at the end.

[Dreghorn2]

Never like to see this thread pop up.

Sorry to hear about your loss.

It never seems to get easier.

[Lathum]

Sorry buddy, always tough

[Warhammer]

Yeah, always hate see the thread bumped. As hard as it is, the good times always outweigh the bad though.

[molson]

I posted just 3 months ago in the other dog thread about Loba, our senior foster we took in February. Unfortunately her health declined and we had to say goodbye to her this week.

She was a perfect fit for our home. So friendly, loved the other animals, loved her walks. COVID had paused adoptions for the rescue group we were working with (which requires home checks). The rescue director told us that she was getting a lot of adoption applications for Loba, and I remember just panicking. I knew the goal was to get her stable, evaluate her, advocate for her, let potential adopters know everything about her - and then find her a great home so we could do this again. But not having control over her destiny was a lot more difficult than I thought it would be.

She had a history of seizures, and went without them for a while, but they started with us too. A previous vet suspected a brain tumor. Shortly after the seizures started up again, she started losing her mobility in her front legs. It just got worse every day for about a week. They tried some drugs, she was at the vet clinic overnight for some tests, but nothing helped.

At the end, she just wanted to be around us. We camped out in the downstairs TV room where she was. My girlfriend slept next to her. If we went too long without petting her, she'd whine a little. (She was quite dramatic in that way even when healthy). At one point I heard my girlfriend snoring and then also petting Loba at the same time. That was our life for a while. It was nice that we could still give her the thing she wanted most, our attention.

The rescue got her to the clinic and got her back to us so she could see if the drugs worked, or, could at least die at home. Before that, she officially went from being a foster to a hospice. Symbolic, but, she was ours at the end. Fortunately, the at-home euthanasia people were still willing to come to the house, as long as we were all outside and wearing masks. The last thing she did was whimper one more time because I wasn't petting her for previous 5 seconds.

The last week was a pretty brutal experience, but, she has such a great time with us. They thought she was 12-13 years old at the start, but after some time with us, they lowered that estimate down to 10 based on her energy level and excellent mobility before the seizures started. We took 100+ walks by my count, trekked in the woods, had a deer sighting, lots of other adventures. I miss her a lot already, but I feel a great relief that she's at peace, that we were able to gift her a great few months, and also, just a sense of accomplishment that we did this and we went all-in. Something I always wanted to do. It was so worthwhile. And we're going to do it again and be broken-hearted all over again. It's hard, but I feel like we're really good at this and it's just our calling.

On the vet's instruction we kept a seizure journal, detailing all those terrible events. Tonight we're going to drink around the firepit and burn that journal, and say goodbye.

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[PilotMan]

Aww man, you're making me tear up. I grew up with Shepherds and know just how loving and awesome they can be. I'm glad that she was able to be with you guys for that time and felt the love and care from you that she wanted. You did good and you're life was more full because of her.

[thesloppy]

Awww, she looks like a sweetheart, Molson.

[Dreghorn2]

Goodbye Loba.

[Thomkal]

Very sorry to hear about Loba Molson. Bless you and your girlfriend for taking her in and giving her all she wanted in her last days.

[Sweed]

So sorry Molson to hear about Loba. What a great thing you guys did for her, they only look for a little love and affection and return it a thousand times over.
God bless you and your girlfriend for giving her a place where she could feel happiness and love.

[spleen1015]

Had to put our dog down today.

We got this dog for my daughter for her 4th birthday. She's 17. I always joked that we got my wife a dog for my daughter's birthday.

I've talked a lot of shit over the years about this dog because he drove me crazy. :D I always said I hated the dog because of who he was, but in reality who he was made him a really great pet.

What drove me nuts was he was very much into routine. He knew that when we came home he needed to go out. If my wife came home 5 minutes after I did, he still thought he needed to go outside. Every time anyone came home, he had to go out. Just the way it was.

He slept with my wife and I. My wife typically goes to bed around 9pm. Every night around 9pm he would sit in the middle of the living room and whine until my wife decided to go to bed.

Every time we would go some where and he would see us putting on shoes, etc., he would go sit in his crate because he knew that's where he was supposed to be while we were gone.

Since COVID started, I have worked from home every day. Every day he would hang out with me in the office while I worked. He would sleep at my feet all day.

I'll never forget the day we brought him home and took him out into the backyard. He went nuts. He circled the backyard for 10 minutes just running his little ass off. It was because he had never had freedom like that before.

I haven't had too many pets in my life. He was awesome.

We gave him a great, long life. Joey would have been 15 in September.

[Lathum]

Sorry to hear. They really are better than us.

[molson]

What drove me nuts was he was very much into routine. He knew that when we came home he needed to go out. If my wife came home 5 minutes after I did, he still thought he needed to go outside. Every time anyone came home, he had to go out. Just the way it was.

He slept with my wife and I. My wife typically goes to bed around 9pm. Every night around 9pm he would sit in the middle of the living room and whine until my wife decided to go to bed.

Every time we would go some where and he would see us putting on shoes, etc., he would go sit in his crate because he knew that's where he was supposed to be while we were gone.

That's the sign of a dog who took great comfort in his home and family and the stability and care you gave him.

Very sorry for your loss. I'm sure he, like millions of dogs in the U.S., greatly appreciated the opportunity COVID gave to spend some extra time with you. They didn't understand what the hell was going on, but they loved it.

[BYU 14]

So sorry for your loss my friend. I always hate seeing this thread bumped :(

[MizzouRah]

Sorry for your loss.. sounds like both of our dogs who are very into a daily routine.


One of our dogs barks at me around 10pm because he knows it's close to bedtime and is waiting for me to get into bed first.

[Sweed]

Sorry for your loss spleen :( Sounds like a great dog and as molson noted his behavior was a good indication of how comfortable he felt in his home.

[PilotMan]

Sorry spleen. You were trained to those routines so well, you're going to notice when you don't need them anymore. That is almost as hard as the loss itself. I'm glad that you were able to share all that time together. I'm sure it's hard on your whole family.

[JPhillips]

Looks like I'm taking our dog in for surgery Friday. He has a tumor near his anal glands. Hopefully, it's benign, but we won't know for sure until next week.

[Ksyrup]

Sorry to hear. We will be going through something similar soon, although our oldest dog is a fighter. Diagnosed the bone cancer in March of 2019 and given 3-6 months, she's lasted until now with a bone growth on the top of her head, a cyst bulging her left eye out and now a mass on her spleen. She just keeps on truckin'. We got a puppy last summer and now another one last week and it seems to be making her somewhat more active.

Vet gave her weeks to live after finding the spleen issue, but the same vets also gave her 3-6 months, so...

[Thomkal]

Joey sounds like he was a great friend spleen. So sorry for your loss. My thoughts are with anyone who are dealing with this right now.

[JonInMiddleGA]

:( Always very tough days and I'm sorry for your loss

[spleen1015]

You guys are awesome. I appreciate everything from you guys.

[Warhammer]

Sorry to hear that. Our second dog, Duke, is very much like yours. Every night at 9 PM, he will whine until my wife sits in the office where he will climb up on the bed and chill out while I am on the computer and my wife reads.

In the morning, when you wake up, he has to go out. When you get home, he has to go out. Great dog, but don't get him out of his routine.

[tarcone]

So sorry to hear. I was walking our pug and thinking about Lucy my lab. I still miss her. The loss of a family member is so hard and long lasting. Take comfort in the life you gave Joey. He will be chasing bunnies and getting treats waiting to see you again.

[PilotMan]

Lots of emotions right now. Had to put our last family pet down today, our beloved, broken little beagle, Dixie. A pound dog, who was supposedly 7, then 5, then maybe 3 after we adopted her, lived with us for 10 years. She had been abused, didn't trust men, or anything above her head. Was timid, kind, patient, and overly submissive. She smelled awful and was our 'bridge dog' that helped my old dog, Echo, rebound after her buddy, our racing greyhound passed. She gave Echo another year with us, and then she and our kitty (who we said goodbye to in May) graced us together.

She was the family dog for our boys while they grew up. Even though she wasn't your typical dog, she slept most times, was generally aloof to most everyone, but she would always have a little nudge, a tail wag, or a quiet lick. She rarely barked, but would look for any reason to sneak out of the yard and rummage through the neighborhood. Thankfully, she always found her way home and didn't get into too much trouble, unless you count being completely covered in mud.

She was a buddy for my wife, as they both had trauma in their pasts and understood one another. My middle son took her into his room, and loved on her like nobody else in the house. He's leaving for college in just over 2 weeks, and now he's had to say goodbye to his two best buddies.

Today sucked. She had been going downhill the past few years, but we were convinced that she was just going to live forever. Even two days ago, she was bouncy and excited and ready to play at the ripe age of 14-15. She started having seizures the past few days and the one yesterday she never seemed to recover from. Today was a miserable experience for her. She was in a constant state of hyperventilation and couldn't get comfortable. We all knew.

The doctor said that her heart was failing and while we could try, that it wouldn't be an easy process and there was very little hope of much. We all knew it was time. So tonight we become a family with no pets. A great sadness has fallen once again, and we are stunned. The world is a bit more grey today without her.

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[thesloppy]

So sorry PM

[Atocep]

That was tough to read. I'm sorry for your loss. It sounds like Dixie was an amazing animal and you were blessed to have each other.

[Sweed]

Sorry for your loss PM :( She looks like a happy dog. Take heart in the fact your family gave Dixie a loving home.

[Edward64]

Read it as my dog was gently snoring at the foot of sofa. Had to give her a belly rub.

Sorry to hear PilotMan.

[MizzouRah]

Sorry for your loss :(

[BYU 14]

Oh man, that is so sad, so sorry brother

[Warhammer]

Sorry to hear. I dread when I will eventually be posting in this thread. As tough as the next few days will be, your days were certainly brighter having her a part of your life just as the family brightened hers.

[GrantDawg]

Sorry for your loss.

[Thomkal]

Very sorry to hear this PM, Thanks for taken a chance on a "broken" dog and "fixing" her with all the love and attention she clearly needed. I see far from a "broken" dog in those pictures. RIP Dixie

[Breeze]

PM, sorry to hear about Dixie.

[Dreghorn2]

Very sorry to hear about your dog.

They are incredible loving creatures and the effect they have on individuals and families is simply without measure.

Once again sorry for the loss.

[molson]

So sorry to hear about Dixie. She sure hit the jackpot with you guys. And she knew it. And that gave her great comfort and happiness. Sounds like it was a very compassionate act to let her go when you did, and when she let you know it was time.

[PilotMan]

Thanks everyone. I am down today. Trying to keep myself distracted, but can't seem to get into anything either.

We are now a family without pets. I've honestly been waiting for this moment for a decade. I've been a loyal pet owner of dogs and cats for like 23 years. However, this transition on the heels of our cats surprising loss in May is plenty to handle.

My son was struggling this morning and saying how he hadn't realized just how much she filled his thoughts in a day All the little things he did with and for her. He was her primary caretaker. I replied to him that I'm struggling the same way with him going to college. It's not exactly the same, but it's similar enough, on the heels of everything else, that I'm struggling to deal with the change.

[spleen1015]

Sorry for your loss, PM.

[lungs]

My turn for this... My dog, Trevor (Trailer Park Boys fans will understand his name) passed away today. He survived a lot in his day... deathly sick as a puppy, attacked by coyotes, and getting hit by a manure truck going full speed. All in all, he made it to a ripe old age. After we sold the farm, he still wandered over there to pay the new owners a visit (and check if there were any dead cows to chew on). Overall, it was a good run for a good dog.

[Ksyrup]

Sorry to hear, lungs.

I have a slightly uplifting/funny story to share.

My aunt is a nut. She lives in California, so... But anyway, she is a huge dog lover and lost her older dog earlier this year. She was devastated, but she got a younger dog a few months ago. Well, that dog unexpectedly passed away a few weeks ago from an undiagnosed heart issue. I think that one was even worse because it was totally unexpected.

I guess because animals are in demand due to more people staying home thanks to Covid, dogs have been in high demand and there's basically a competitive application process to adopt them. She's been trying to get a new one and has had no luck. She finally got an "interview" for a dog and it came down to her and a family to adopt the dog. So when she interacted with the dog, it was all over her. Couldn't stay away from her. They ended up letting her adopt it. Turns out, she put a couple of pupperoni's in her bra and that's why the dog wouldn't leave her alone!

[Thomkal]

LoL Ksyrup!

And very sorry to hear about Trevor lungs. :(

[Lathum]

So sorry Lungs

KSyrup, that is an amazing story.

We adopted a dog in May. They told us they got over 200 applications for him. My buddy is convinced they look at google maps when deciding. We have a big yard, on a cul de sac, fenced in yard, and quiet neighborhood.

[Castlerock]

Sorry to hear about Trevor.

[spleen1015]

Sorry for your loss, lungs. RIP Trevor.

[tarcone]

Sorry to hear, Lungs. RIP Trevor

[BYU 14]

so sorry for your loss my friend, R.I.P Trevor <3

[Sweed]

Sorry for you loss lungs :( Sounds like he had quite the life, cherish the memories.

[PilotMan]

Sorry lungs. The chewing on dead cows part made me chuckle. I'm sure there's a story or two there. I don't remember our farm dogs doing that, but I don't know if my Grandpa or Uncle would have told me about it anyway, but it made me smile. Tough to lose such a good dog.

[lungs]

Sorry lungs. The chewing on dead cows part made me chuckle. I'm sure there's a story or two there. I don't remember our farm dogs doing that, but I don't know if my Grandpa or Uncle would have told me about it anyway, but it made me smile. Tough to lose such a good dog.

Thanks all.

I think I posted something in the dog food thread about never having to buy dog food until we sold the farm. Whenever a cow would die, we would stage it for pickup by a company. Any dog we ever had would claim ownership of the carcass and start working on it, so to speak. The guy who would pick up the carcass always had a dangerous job as some farm dogs didn’t take too kindly to having their seemingly endless supply of meat hauled away. So that guy would always carry dog treats with him (the company turned carcasses into dog treats) and distract the dog while he loaded up the dead cow.

[Ksyrup]

Sorry to have to bump this thread, but we're finally going to put Callie down tomorrow. She was diagnosed with bone cancer in March of 2019 so she made it 21 months with bone cancer that spread to behind her left eye, then a tumor on her spleen, and finally her kidneys are starting to give out and she has barely been eating since Thanksgiving, so it's time.

Gentlest, sweetest dog I've ever been around. So quiet and docile that she wouldn't even lick you if you had PB smeared on your face. When she was younger, she would "act up" once or twice a month by galloping around for a few seconds, and that was it. All she wanted was to be petted and fed and to roll around in the grass in the summer. She'll be missed. The girls are pretty torn up, especially since this has been inevitable for so long and we expected it so long ago. It seems like we've gone through the "goodbye" phase 5 or 6 times.

[Edward64]

Sorry to hear about Callie.

[MizzouRah]

So sorry to hear about Callie, sounds like she had a great life with you and your family.

[GrantDawg]

Sorry for your loss.

[Thomkal]

Sorry KSyrup and family :(

[molson]

So sorry for your loss. 21 months is really a testament to the care you gave her and how much she enjoyed her life.

[BYU 14]

So sorry my friend, hugs to Callie and your family.

[tarcone]

So sad. Tears me up. Sorry for your loss.

[Lathum]

Sorry my friend

[Ksyrup]

Thanks guys. Definitely the right thing to do but having it scheduled for tomorrow, it has been strange knowing this is her last night.

[rjolley]

Sorry to hear that, Ksyrup.

[Sweed]

Sorry for you loss Ksyrup :(

[lungs]

Sorry to hear. :(

[PilotMan]

I know that today will be hard for you and your family Ksyrup. You all are in my thoughts.

[molson]

We lost our sweet Lucy almost 2 weeks ago. I remember announcing his arrival here in the new dog thread almost 10 years ago now.

He was diagnosed with terminal cancer about 3 months before he died. The vet gave him 1-2 months, but we got him a little further, maybe thanks to a great diet. He got salmon and a homemade veggie concoction at every meal. And we had a great time the last 3 months - 3 weekends away at rural cabins, a 10th birthday party, walks in all his favorite parks.

When I met him I was still relatively new to Boise, and didn't have a lot of friends yet. It was me and him for a while. We walked everywhere - I did the math, we probably had about 6,500 walks all over Boise, the Idaho state parks, and the Boise foothills. No matter what was going on my life, those walks kept me grounded, happy, healthy - it was always something to look forward to every day.

He only slowed down the last week or so and stopped eating a day or two before the end. The tumor was growing and I knew I wasn't going to let him needlessly suffer. I was very worried about COVID protocols with euthanasia and not being able to be there with him, but, we managed to set something up outside on a relatively warm day, with some propane heaters so it was very comfortable.

It's been a rough year for a million reasons of course, but especially with this kind of thing around here. We lost our senior foster Loba a few months back. We had nursed her back to health and adoptability, but then her seizures came back and she lost the use of her front legs. We have another senior hospice foster in the house (that just means she's not going anywhere), and I'm hoping she makes it at least a few more months.

This has all happened during a pretty extraordinary time at work where my boss has been in the hospital with COVID and I've been thrown into some heavy stuff with very little notice or pre-existing knowledge about how to deal with it. In has been very difficult to balance it all. I feel like I am holding it together, and that almost surprises me kind of, like I'm waiting to break. It all certainly has a way of focusing you on what matters. Hoping to relax some this week!

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[PilotMan]

That was a special tribute molson. Sorry that you had to lose your best buddy. RIP Lucy. He was a good dog.

[BYU 14]

Agreed beautiful tribute and the bond you had is apparent. Wishing you peace my friend, Lucy sounds like an amazing companion.

[Edward64]

Sorry to hear. Always a heartbreak to lose a friend.

[Racer]

Sorry Molson.

[Thomkal]

Sounds like Lucy was a great friend to you in the "wilds" of Idaho, and I hope those great memories of him will bring you comfort Molson.

[tarcone]

So sorry to hear. I remember moving to a new area by myself and how important a pet was.

[Dreghorn2]

Very sorry for the loss of your friend Lucy.

They are extraordinary creatures.

That was a nice tribute.

[MizzouRah]

So sorry for your loss :(

[claphamsa]

:(

[Sweed]

So sorry for your loss Molson. Cherish the memories and take comfort in the life and times you two shared.

[lovelyjohn]

Sorry to hear!

___________________________________
Lovely Home Fench Bulldogs – Lovely Home Fench Bulldogs (https://www.lovelyhomefenchbulldogs.com/)
https://luxuriousfrenchbulldogsonline.com/

[Honolulu_Blue]

It's very sad when pets die. Even when they are sick, you still worry about them like your own child.
I have a dog and I love him very much. His name is Boner, his breed is Cane Corso. He has been living with me for 6 years and he is a very active boy. However, lately I have been very worried about him, because he was ill. He had problems with his front foot, he needed surgery. I was very worried about his health. He had an operation, now everything is fine, and I am happy that he is fine.

That’s tough, but I’m glad to hear it all worked out and your Boner is fine.

[molson]

I've googled coconut00, he has talked about his dog boner in other contexts, but here recognized that this was a thread about dogs who have passed away. Impressive. He's gaining intelligence rapidly and it's clear now that there is now stopping him. Coconut00, I wand to get in on the ground floor of your murderous bot regime when it takes power - can be in charge of the treasury or something?

[AnalBumCover]

We had to make the extremely tough decision to put down our beloved Peanut today. It all happened so fast, labored breathing this morning, Vet visit in the afternoon, X-ray and bloodwork discovered an enlarged heart and tumors in her lung and diaphragm. Emergency hospitalization would only delay the inevitable. So with a three way phone call with the Vet and my wife, who was still at work, we decided on euthanasia.

Peanut was our beloved dog for the last 13 years. A ShihTzu/Terrier mix with the cutest underbite. We received her from a coworker when she was just a few months old. Hated other dogs - until she got to know them. She loved people - except the UPS guy. She welcomed our newborn daughter without a fuss. We taught her all her tricks: Sit, Down, Shake, Roll Over, Speak. She knew the difference between a vet visit and a road trip. We took her to my daughter's school one day, and she loved the attention the classmates gave her. She just discovered the Starbucks Puppuccino.

Though everything happened lightning fast today, I'm glad that my wife was able to rush home so she, my daughter and I could have a chance to say goodbye. It's a very emotional time for us right now. But we did find closure, in such a sudden event.

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[BYU 14]

Man, that is rough ABC, so sorry for your loos. All the best to you and your family. R.I.P Peanut.

[tarcone]

So sorry, ABC. Such heartbreak.

I

[JPhillips]

Sorry to hear. Pets are great, but the ending is a bitch.

[MizzouRah]

What a cute dog ABC, so sorry for your loss. :(

[thesloppy]

So sorry, Peanut looks awesome!

[Honolulu_Blue]

Very sorry to hear this. She sounded like a great dog! You all did right by each other.

[SirFozzie]

Our turn in the barrel comes in the morning, as Bailey the Wonder Dog crosses the Rainbow Bridge to a well deserved rest.

She's a good girl. Grand ol dame, of 19 years, but age and illness finally caught up with her.

[RainMaker]

Very sorry to hear. 19 years is a great life. I hope you can take some solace in that.

[BYU 14]

So sorry, Fozzie, what a great life she had and I know you are left with amazing memories, that will live forever with you.

[Lathum]

Sorry buddy...

[rjolley]

Very sorry to hear that, SirFozzie.

[Edward64]

Sorry to hear. 19 years is a long life and I know you treated her great.

[SirFozzie]

Bailey the Wonder Dog Update: There's still some fight in the ol' girl: She is still unable to stand up on her own (or stand unassisted for more than a couple seconds), but she's able to eat solid food (for the first time in days), and we're hoping against hope that with some time, she'll recover from the dehydration (she didn't drink just about anything too). It's a super long road to an unknown destination, but we're willing to see her down that road as long as we can go. No trip to the vet this morning. ��

[Thomkal]

Go Bailey!

[MizzouRah]

Yes, Go Bailey indeed!

[SirFozzie]

So, after a couple more days, it was clear that the situation was not going to ever get any better. Her system wouldn't allow her to take the pain killing medicine, and without the pain killing medicine, she wouldn't be able to get back to normal. So today, Bailey went to cross the Rainbow Bridge.

Wait for us on the other side, K, Bailey-girl?

[Castlerock]

So sorry. Not much else to say.

[Lathum]

Sorry Foz....Not even remotely comparing the two but rough couple days for the FOFC world....

[Thomkal]

Sorry Foz and Bailey. :( You have 19 years of memories to look back on and laugh

[SirFozzie]

Sorry Foz....Not even remotely comparing the two but rough couple days for the FOFC world....

Agreed, nothing compared to what others have gone through, but throughout the weekend and yesterday, it was hoping against hope.. that each time she raised her head when we skritched her, and each time we tried to give her food or checked her water dish, our heart broke a little bit more. I know that Bailey (and our other Dog, Duke) knew their Humans were having a rough time and did their best to make them happy.

Part of me really wanted to believe that it was going to get better, that she was going to beat the odds one more time, but it was obvious that she was suffering, and it was cruel to prolong it.

At the end, I have to use somewhat of a quote from my brother. "I don't feel sad, because I know this is the best for her.. I feel sad because I'm remembering all the good times we had".

To that, all I can say is "Don't let good times ending make you sad, try to smile because you had the good times to start with". Not easy advice to self-take.

[Lathum]

We went through the same with out golden several years back. I was at the point I was carrying him down the stairs and we realized we were keeping him alive for us, not him, and it was time to let him go.

It sucks, they really are better than us in so many ways.

[MizzouRah]

So sorry Foz.. :(

[stevew]

Today was the first time in 12+ years that I woke up and my boy wasn’t around. He’d been slowly fading for a year or two. The last several months were kinda bad. He was basically blind and deaf and couldn’t do stairs. And more importantly he couldn’t really judge the distance to get out of bed and therefore pissed the bed a few times. I had him on diapers which actually work well. We had some internal discussions about taking him in, but on Sat night he started having seizures and it was brutal. He’d walk around in circles for a long time afterwards. Living where we do, there weren’t any close 24/7 clinics and I dunno if an hour + drive after no sleep all night would have been safe. A place nearby did have Sunday hours and we were able to see him off. This morning I guess I’m somewhat relieved that I didn’t have to grab him and carry him downstairs and get him outside ASAP but at the same time I’m devastated. His shitgoblin looking sister is still around here and relatively healthy. She’s ok I guess, but it’s never going to be the same.

Also don’t buy black on black on black dogs if you ever want to have good photos of your pet. The only ones I even have kind of suck. :(

[Lathum]

Need some good thoughts. Currently at the vet ER. Duncan ate my sons rather large chocolate Easter bunny. I caught it quickly but still really worried and my son is flat out in hysterics.

[Thomkal]

oh man Lathum, hope everything is okay with Duncan!

[thesloppy]

Fingers crossed.

[BYU 14]

Sending positive vibes brother, catching it so fast will definitely help, wishing Duncan all the best

[Lathum]

So he is going to be OK. I caught it fast. The vet gave him a shot to make him puke, and in the vets words he threw up A LOT of chocolate. Then another shot to make him no longer sick. He seems fine and the vet said there is virtually zero concerns. Glad I saw the wrapper on the ground. My 12 year old was beside himself and had the dog died, while tragic, that would be the kind of thing my son would blame himself for the rest of his life.

[Thomkal]

whew!

[BYU 14]

Great news

[BYU 14]

I have known for several weeks I would be adding to this at some point, and this afternoon we will taking our male Min Pin to transition. I knew I would be a mess today, so I wrote his "obituary" last night. He and his sister were inseparable throughout their lives and I feel for her as much as myself :(

In loving memory of Duke Crooks.

Duke “Dukie Duke” Crooks was born July 24th 2008 and crossed the Rainbow Bridge peacefully on May 13th 2022. During his almost 14 years with on this earth he brought his family untold moments of joy and happiness, and we hope he felt the same about us as we held his paw and kissed his head for the last time.

Duke was a character, the runt of his litter, he was spunky and protective. He had a favorite corner in the yard, where he loved to “talk” to the birds in the afternoon. He would stand there barking at the sky, listening intently for their chirped response, so he could answer and always get the last “word” in. He loved dancing for his afternoon snack, spinning around before finally sitting as his tail went a million miles an hour. He would then take his snack and sprint to the same spot in the game room, where he would eat it, always keeping a wary eye on his sister to make sure she didn’t steal it. He had a favorite chair, where he would sit beside me and watch sports, especially Baseball, eventually vacating his spot to join me in my chair when it was time for a nap. He also enjoyed the cooler weather, when we opened the front door. He and his sister would park themselves there for hours, regulating the neighborhood and greeting passersby.

But most of all, he loved belly rubs and the slightest touch on his ribs would result in him immediately flipping over onto his back, legs on the air, gazing intently at whoever happened to be there, as if to say, “get going!!” He would stay frozen in that position, often reaching out with a paw to coerce a few more rubs out of you, if you dared stop before he was ready to stop. These moments are the ones we will miss the most!

Duke is survived by his sister Daisy and son Deezel, as well as his extended human family, who will always miss him and cherish the time we were blessed to have him in our lives. In lieu of flowers, Duke’s last request was that you give your Fur Babies a hug and tell them you love them. Finally, he asked everyone to remember, “Who was a good boy?” Duke was a good boy!!!

https://www.flickr.com/photos/191413128@N06/52069727912/in/dateposted-public/

[Lathum]

Rip Duke. Sorry my friend.

[Thomkal]

Man that was rough to read, what a loving tribute to Duke, I'm sure when he crosses the Rainbow Bridge he still be "talking" to the birds and demanding belly rubs, My cat Cloud, whom I love very much, share in your grief, and I will add a few extra pets when she flips over for a belly rub in honor of Duke and all your family.

[BYU 14]

We are home now, and man that was rough, this one is going to take a while. But, I want to share a small story of human compassion that touched me. First off, the staff at Banfield was absolutely amazing. We have our pet insurance through them and they all know and love Duke from his twice a year visits. You can tell they do this purely for the love of animals.

As we walked out of the room, both in tears. an elderly lady wearing a mask got our attention. She pulled her mask down and told us how sorry was, and you could just see the sincerity and empathy on her face. She could have turned away like many do in those awkward situations, but she made it a point, even stepping towards us, so we noticed and as she spoke she put her hand to her heart. It was a small gesture, but it brought me joy in a deep moment of sadness so I want to acknowledge it. To whoever you are, thank you!

[AnalBumCover]

Our pug also does the dancing spins before meal/snack time. It's those quirky things that we remember so fondly. I'm so sorry for your loss. RIP Duke.

[Sweed]

Sorry for your loss BYU. :(

The love you and yours have for Duke comes through in the tribute as well as how much Duke loved all of you.

RIP Duke.

[Edward64]

Our Lab is getting up there and I dread the day. Sorry for your loss.

[Honolulu_Blue]

A very beautiful tribute to Duke, BYU. Loved reading it. His personality really came through. You did right by him.

I gave my dog, Scully, a big hug for him. She’s going to be six this year and is already starting to grey a bit. I hope I have many years left with her, because losing her will be very rough. I’ve never had a dog so attached to me.

[BYU 14]

Thank so much everyone. I am really struggling with this, but have gotten a lot of love on Dukes behalf and I appreciate it greatly. I can't post pictures here for some reason, but this links to my FB post and has a few shots of him engaged in the activities mentioned :)

https://www.facebook.com/leeanthony.crooks/posts/5197984263574307?notif_id=1652480112492582&notif_t=feedback_reaction_generic&ref=notif

[Edward64]

Off topic but somewhat related.

My Lab is pretty old now and on some anti-inflammatory/arthritis medicine. We have been giving it to her with her food but when she's fussy, she leaves the pill in the bowl. We would then put in a small peanut butter sandwich for her.

She's now rejecting PB but we found cream cheese works really well! We put the pill in the cream cheese and let her like it off our finger.

[GrantDawg]

I still don't understand why they don't make more dog medicine in some kind of bite size treat. I am guessing dosage control would be too hard?

Sent from my SM-G996U using Tapatalk

[Lathum]

Off topic but somewhat related.

My Lab is pretty old now and on some anti-inflammatory/arthritis medicine. We have been giving it to her with her food but when she's fussy, she leaves the pill in the bowl. We would then put in a small peanut butter sandwich for her.

She's now rejecting PB but we found cream cheese works really well! We put the pill in the cream cheese and let her like it off our finger.

My dog sometimes avoids his pill, but he will put literally anything else in his mouth.

We wrap it in a piece of American cheese and he swallows it whole.

[Lathum]

We lost our old cat Guiness today. We adopted her a month after my oldest was born, 12 years ago. She's been through this crazy journey with us as we grew as a family and I'm gutted that she is gone. She was a rescue from a hoarders house where they found over 80 cats. She was nursing another cats liter because the mom had died. At the adoption drive it was all kittens and her. When we heard her story we knew she had to come home with us.

We knew she was sick, been throwing up blood. Had her at the vet last week and they thought it was something they could treat and still give her some quality of life. She was scheduled for an ultra sound today to confirm. My daughter woke up and found her under the couch this morning struggling. She came and woke me. By the time I got downstairs she had died, literally in my 9 year old daughters arms.

Wife and kids are a mess and truth be told I'm struggling. She really was an amazing cat. When my kids were younger they would carry her everywhere, swing her around, dress her up, etc...and never once did the claws come out. I'm going to miss her like crazy.

[Ksyrup]

My dog sometimes avoids his pill, but he will put literally anything else in his mouth.

We wrap it in a piece of American cheese and he swallows it whole.

Pill pockets. Expensive, but if you find a flavor your dog likes, worth it.

[Edward64]

Sorry to hear Lathum. Pets are like family and losses are emotional. Hope your daughter and kids feel better soon.

[Castlerock]

So sorry Lathum.

[Thomkal]

Sorry to hear about Guiness Lathum :(

[BYU 14]

So sorry for your loss Lathum, I know it is rough and this is no consolation, but you gave her a great life after that terrible situation she was in and the fact that she was nursing other kittens speaks volumes of how special she was. Hugs to you and the family.

[Sweed]

Sorry for your loss Lathum.

You and your family gave Guiness a home full of love and affection. The pain will fade but the memories will always be there. And when they come they will bring a smile to your face.

Take care.

[Ksyrup]

I'm happy to see that this thread hasn't been bumped for 3 months.

However, I came here to pay tribute to my brother's dog, a pug named Cosmo. I believe he was about 10 or 11 and had recently been diagnosed with cancer. He passed away in his sleep last night.

It's a huge deal for my brother and his wife. We all talk about how our animals are like family members, but they didn't have kids, so Cosmo was their kid. They took him everywhere. Recently, my brother began bringing him into his eye practice exams to meet his patients and generally hang around the office. They took him for steak, lobster, etc. They basically made up a bucket list for him and were ticking things off.

They had already put him through 3 chemo treatments in hopes of extending his life into 2023 (and coming to visit for Thanksgiving when we're all gathering at my house), but sadly, it wasn't to be. He'll be missed by all of us.

[Galaril]

We have a cat I know th thread is for dogs but they are pets too:-)..we have two dogs but the cat we have is maybe more dog then the6 are. His name is Joe and is a 5 year old Forest cat that is 17 pounds no not much fat just burly. Anyway she was the first thing I. Ought my wife after we got married 6 years ago so he’s a lot of sentimentality attached to him. Long story short Joe stopped eating and drinking water two DHS ago along with vomiting when he tried. We took to the pet ER and they tested him and did X-rays. He has a low white blood cell count and we are fear.ful it is bone marrow cancer which is more or less untreatable for cats. They are keeping him over night giving hi. Antibiotics and an IV with the hope he will have a better count tomorrow. If not it might be a though day.

[Lathum]

Gool luck joe!

[Thomkal]

Cats are absolutely pets Galaril. C'mon Joe, you can do it!

[Galaril]

Thanks guys! We actually named him after Joe Biden for what’s that worth. So he is a fighter.