My dear, dear friend!

[SegRat]

It seems like 5 years ago was only yesterday. I remember driving down the street and seeing you out for a walk. I turned around, drove straight to the shelter. I saw you eyeing up that big snow bank just before the shelter. You dropped your head and smashed that snow bank. The very first time you made me laugh. Then when I got to say hi to you, Two big kisses. And that was all it took. I knew you were going to be coming home with me.

Your first day at home you gave me one heck of a scare. I didn’t have a crate for you yet, but I did have that kennel that I bought used. I had to put you in the kennel because I was scared you were going to chew things up in the house. When I got home from work I walked around back to let you out. But you were gone, kennel door laying on the ground. I was so scared that you may have got hit by a car. The following morning I went to the shelter and sure enough you found your way back. I was so relieved.

When I brought you home, I was a little nervous not knowing what to expect. I had lived alone for the last few years, however it was time for some companionship. I wanted to come home to something. You were exactly what I needed in my life. No matter how things were going in my life you were always so happy to see me. Your big smile, I will never forget that smile. I think of the days I shoveled snow. I would throw the snow at you and you would try to bite it before it hit you. I think of the time I had the hose out and would spray the water high in the air, You would bite at the rain drops as they fell on you. I think of the many, many miles we walked together. I remember the day you learned to swim. You almost drowned buddy, trying to climb up on his back as you both swam. Do you remember when we went with my dad to Waupaca to cut fire wood. I had you tied to a tree and when I came back, you weren’t there, you had chewed threw your leash. Then there was the day I was cooking my pizza. I heard the crash. When I got to you, you had eaten almost the entire pizza. And I will never forget the marinated hamburgers you stole off the counter. You must have ate at least 10 burgers that day. And what about that day that I had to take a vicodin, and you had to get a sedative to get your claw fixed. When we got home neither one of us could hardly walk. And we passed out side by side. You have brought so much comfort, joy, and happiness to my life. You have been a true best friend. You have been there for all the good and the bad in my life over the last 5 years. .

Today, 1/15/2010, I was hoping to find out you had a bladder infection and that was the reason you have been having accidents in the house. Instead I find out that you have diabetes. After finding out all of our options, we decided that it is best to put you to sleep. This is the hardest, most sickening, decision I have ever had. On Monday 1/18/2010 we will say goodbye. You will forever be missed. I will look at my tattoo of you every day! And you will never be forgotten. And hopefully one day we will meet again. I hope I have been a good owner and a good friend. You will always be my best friend and will never be replaced!

[DaddyTorgo]

:(

That sucks. I'm sorry Seg.

[path12]

Oh, man. Best wishes to you and your friend.

[Karlifornia]

Very touching tribute. Hang in there.

[M GO BLUE!!!]

I'm about to give my dog a hug, whether he likes it or not.

[Flasch186]

:(

[CleBrownsfan]

:( Sorry SegRat.

[CU Tiger]

:(

But my lab was diagnosed with diabetes 4 years ago, and he is still a happy tail wagging ball chasing fool....

[JonInMiddleGA]

Very sorry Seg.

[Kodos]

There's been too much bad news lately. Very sorry about your dog. You've helped him have a good life.

[Bad-example]

:(

[Castlerock]

So, so sorry.

[BYU 14]

Wow, I have tears streaming down my face right now. What a beautiful tribute, so sorry for your loss Seg.

[markprior22]

So sorry Seg. It's just me and my dog around here....I know what a tremendous loss that would be.

[bbor]

It's not much...but....

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

[MizzouRah]

:(

[Lathum]

Ugh, I know just how you feel having put our cat down a few weeks agao. We also have a 12 year old dog who doesn't have much jeft, who also loves the snow.

That was a great tribute and I am deeply sad for your loss.

[molson]

Not sure what to say except great tribute. I'm glad you guys found each other.

[SegRat]

It's not much...but....

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

Thank You!

[SegRat]

:(

But my lab was diagnosed with diabetes 4 years ago, and he is still a happy tail wagging ball chasing fool....



I have to put Gage down for 2 reasons. 1. I am the only one he will let give him his insulin shot. It sickens me that I cant be their for him 100% of the time.

And second, Is financially we cant afford the insulin. The Dr. siad the insulin that is only $30 is getting or has been taken off the market. The insulin that we are left with he said costs between $75 and $100 dollers. Because Gage is a large dog, he said that Gage would need 50 units twice a day. He said 1 bottle would last about 3 weeks. I cant swing that. Which in return makes me feel like I am not doing enough for him. The last 2 days have been hell on me and as Monday morining gets closer my anxity is getting worse and worse. At the time Gage needs me most, and I cant be there for him. That just sickens me. He is my best friend and the best I can do is put him to sleep. It feels like I have failed him.

[Jon]

I'm so sorry to hear that. On 12/31, we had to put our dog to sleep a week and a half after she was diagnosed with metastatic cancer. It came out of nowhere and the vet said that there was nothing we could. She gave us stuff to make her comfortable. She was okay at first, and we thought she would go peaceful at home, but her breathing became labored and she was up for three straight days. She didn't want to give up, but it was the right choice, because she could barely hold herself up and began crying a little after each breath. She's not suffering anymore.

Don't be down on yourself. Do what you can. Gage knows you love him and doesn't believe for a moment that you failed him. You gave him five years he may not have had otherwise. You haven't failed him at all.

[Passacaglia]

Sorry to hear, SegRat.

[Honolulu_Blue]

It feels like I have failed him.

No. You didn't.

[MrDNA]

I'll admit, I teared up reading this. Very touching and I'm sure you were a terrific owner and friend for him. Focus on all the wonderful times you had together and the opportunities you gave each other.

[CU Tiger]

I have to put Gage down for 2 reasons. 1. I am the only one he will let give him his insulin shot. It sickens me that I cant be their for him 100% of the time.

And second, Is financially we cant afford the insulin. The Dr. siad the insulin that is only $30 is getting or has been taken off the market. The insulin that we are left with he said costs between $75 and $100 dollers. Because Gage is a large dog, he said that Gage would need 50 units twice a day. He said 1 bottle would last about 3 weeks. I cant swing that. Which in return makes me feel like I am not doing enough for him. The last 2 days have been hell on me and as Monday morining gets closer my anxity is getting worse and worse. At the time Gage needs me most, and I cant be there for him. That just sickens me. He is my best friend and the best I can do is put him to sleep. It feels like I have failed him.

My thoughts are with you and Gage.
You have not faild him, you have given hum 5 years he did not have.

[cougarfreak]

Man, that stinks, but at least the suffering will end. Buy the boy a steak dinner tonight! Have him go out in style........

[SackAttack]

Man, that stinks, but at least the suffering will end. Buy the boy a steak dinner tonight! Have him go out in style........

A thousand times this.

[SegRat]

RIP Gage

[DaddyTorgo]

Sorry Seg.

[CleBrownsfan]

:( Hopefully Gage finds my dear ol' buddy Bailey - I'm sure they'll have a ball up there in doggie heaven...

[Lathum]

Sorry Seg.

It sucks that your final act of love for him hurts you so much...

[BYU 14]

RIP Gage.

Seg, I know it is tough, but he will not suffer and you gave him 5 great years. Hang in there.

[flere-imsaho]

:(

[Flasch186]

Seg, those 5 years for that dog were so much better than what couldve been. You loved him more than anyone couldve and he knows that as he stares down at you from heaven....but he has to run now because someone just threw a frisbee. He'll be watching over you though....right? I love dogs.

[RainMaker]

So sorry for your loss. :-(

[SegRat]

Are you fucking kidding me!

We have had a second dog for a few years. After my wife and I got married she wanted her own dog, so I said ok when you find the right dog we can get another one to go with Gage. She finally picked about a 5 1/2 month old mastiff mix. After we put Gage to sleep in january Gussy really settled down and became a really sweet dog.

So last week we started noticing that he didn't have much energy. He used to follow you in the bathroom when you were going to take a shower. He no longer got excited to go outside. Over last weekend he started crying while he would be laying down. And he started howling while outside. Neighbors started asking us what was wrong with him. Sunday night got real bad with him crying all night long. So we got him into the vet right away Monday morning. All his blood test urine test and limes disease test came back negative. He was running a fever of 104.1. So they gave us some ramydal.

Tuesday night was really bad. He couldn't lay down. He wouldn't stop crying. He lost his balance a couple of times. I don't think he slept even 1 minute last night. So this morning I called and begged to bring him in right away. They ran more blood tests and everything is twill coming back negative. He is going to have a spinal tap tomorrow.

I went to the vet to bring him home tonight. When I got there he was laying in his kennel. His water dish was laying on it's side and his head was laying in the dish in what water was left. Looking into his eyes, they looked blank, like nothing is there, just blank. He didn't look like he even recognized me. It took him everything he had to stand up. Once he was standing he never really had full control of his balance.

The doctor thinks he may have a neurological disease, possibly something attacking his brain. He can still see thing but he seems unaware of anything going on around him. Oh yeah he also had really bad tremors. Its going to take a couple of days to get the results of the spinal tap back. And in the mean time I have no idea how much longer he will be able to walk or even stand.

I can't believe this is happening again. 7 moths and probably going to lose a second dog. A dog that is only about 3 1/2 years old. I was just getting over grieving from putting Gage to sleep and really the last 2 months I was really starting to bond with Gussy! And now it looks like I am going to lose him. I feel just fucking sick, sad, angry, lost, empty.

[PurdueBrad]

SegRat, I am so very sorry and I hope the best for you, your family, and Gussy. I'm not big on prayer but I am going to offer one up for you guys. This is heartbreaking and you have my thoughts and prayers.

[samifan24]

Wow I'm so sorry. That's a terrible thing for you and your family.

[Lathum]

Sorry to here...

[k0ruptr]

Hoping for a miracle. hang in there ok?

[SegRat]

Thanks guys. This is really hard on me tonight. Losing Gage was really really hard. But even though Guss wasn't my dog is was comforting having him here. As the months have passed I have learned what a sweet dog guss is. I never gave him much of a chance while Gage was here. But now he has become my dog. He follows me everywhere. Now I sit here tonight with no dog in the house. It is so empty. I can only hope that just maybe with the spinal tap they find something and know of a cure. I jst can't bear losing another best friend. After seeing how bad he was tonight I found out real quick just how much I love him.

[the_meanstrosity]

Hoping for some good news for Gussy, Seg.

[BYU 14]

Just terrible news Seg, hoping they find the problem and it is cureable. This is just totally heartbreaking to hear on the heels of losing Gage. Keeping good thoughts for you and Gussy.

[DanGarion]

Very sorry to hear about this news. You guys are in my thoughts.

[Castlerock]

So sorry.

[saldana]

so sorry...been there myself...still hurts after almost 6 years.

[DaddyTorgo]

God Seg - I'm sorry. That's horrible.

[albionmoonlight]

thoughts and prayers.

[King of New York]

Very sorry to hear that, SegRat.

I missed the initial post when you made it in January--it's a beautiful and worthy tribute.

[Sun Tzu]

Very sorry to hear that, SegRat.

I missed the initial post when you made it in January--it's a beautiful and worthy tribute.

+1

..definitely

[MizzouRah]

Very sorry to hear that.. :(

[Kodos]

:( Sorry to hear this.

[Glengoyne]

I knew I shouldn't have read this thread. Tearing up in the workplace sucks.

Beautiful tribute back in January. I didn't man up and share similar here when we did this with our 15 YO corgi back in November. Nice tribute to Gage.

Best of luck with the current situation.

[Flasch186]

:(

[SegRat]

No update on Gussy today. They thought they would have had the results of his thyroid test back. But no such luck so the spinal tap is put off for another day. Also i was told that his condition has not improved or gotten worse since yesterday. I sure wish they could find out what the problem is fast.

[SegRat]

Gussy's thyroid test came back negative. So they went ahead with the spinal tap. They were able to extract some fluid, now we wait until Tuesday or Wednesday for the results of that. He was standing tonight so no damage appeared to be done during the spinal tap. However the doctor said Gussy is showing some aggressive behavior. Another bad sign.

[SegRat]

Not sure what to think with Guss now. I went and saw him after work and he looked much better. He was up and walking, alert he seemed happy to see me, he wasn't crying at all. He looked so much better. I just don't want to get my hopes up with him. Now we have to wait until Monday to see him.

[BYU 14]

Not sure what to think with Guss now. I went and saw him after work and he looked much better. He was up and walking, alert he seemed happy to see me, he wasn't crying at all. He looked so much better. I just don't want to get my hopes up with him. Now we have to wait until Monday to see him.

Hopefully this is a good sign!

[Super Ugly]

Good luck!

[kcchief19]

Best wishes ... I hope these are positive signs of a recovery. We had a similar series of illnesses and deaths with our cats a couple of years ago. First Murphy developed heart failure, and unfortunately went pretty quickly. He had been wheezing and weak, then started going downhill on a Saturday morning and passed away in my wife's lap the next night. We got another cat to keep Jake company, then about six months later Jake went into kidney failure. We had to make the decision to put him down when the pain got too much. Mazie was the cat we got to keep Jake company, and about a year later she also went into kidney failure. We got her from a shelter so we don't know how old she was, the vet thought she was only about 6.

Good luck. All the best.

[SegRat]

Well Gussy is home for the time being. He is better than when I took him to the vet on Wednesday but he is slow, looks depressed and just doesn't seem right. He also had an accident in the living room tonight. It was nice having him back home. One day at a time.

[Flasch186]

thumbs up

[SegRat]

Guss just had another accident in the house. He just doesn't look right. He does not look like a happy puppy. Hopefully we get an answer tomorrow.

[albionmoonlight]

Good luck. I hope that you do get your answer tomorrow and that it is a good one.

[PackerFanatic]

I've never had a dog myself (well, unless you count the one my family had when I was like 2, but she wasn't around long enough to form a bond with), but my wife did when she was growing up, and she always talks about what an amazing friend it was. Once we get into a bigger house with a bigger yard, we definitely want to get one. Best wishes to you and your family, Seg.

[SegRat]

Well the results of Gussy's spinal tap came back and of course nothing was found. Tomorrow we should here the results of a culture test. Then we just wait until after he is through with his meds and see how he responds. He is still peeing in the house. He no longer does the things he enjoyed. He is taking our food off the kitchen table. He does not look like a happy puppy. It just doesn't feel good to me.

[albionmoonlight]

I'm so sorry.

[SegRat]

We are going to put Gussy to sleep this week. He ended up going after one of the kids at our birthday party this weekend. Luckily my brother in law grabbed him by the neck. Wish we knew what happened to him, but we don't feel he is a safe dog to be around anymore. It will be a sad day at our house this week.

[albionmoonlight]

It is cold comfort to say this, but you are doing the right thing.

I am very very sorry.

[Butter]

Man, that sucks. Sorry to hear it.

[Lathum]

Sorry bud...

[Honolulu_Blue]

That really does suck. But you are doing and have done right by him for as long as you can. Try to take some solace in that.

[MizzouRah]

:(

[duckman]

Bummer.