Saying goodbye to a beloved dog

[DaddyTorgo]

what lathum said - way too many of these threads lately. sorry rodney

[MizzouRah]

[jaygr]

I hate to pile another one on. We lost our Golden Retriever on Monday. He had just turned 9. He had no signs of illness and the day before he was normal. But on Monday morning he was really slow and weak and we had to rush him to the Vet. He died from internal bleeding, which we later found was caused by tumors on his spleen and liver. The Vet actually went in and found the tumors after Jake passed to find out what caused the bleeding. We previously had no idea he had any issues, and as I said up until the day before he was perfectly fine.

We'll miss him a lot. Even tough he was a huge dog (not fat, just big. He was actually quite fit), I think he was the most gentle dog I've ever met. I was really looking forward to how he was going to do with our first child. It was so sudden that I don't think he suffered, but it certainly was a very hurtful shock for us. It was a surprise too because even though was getting a older, especially for a large dog, he was doing great. I really expected him to be around a lot longer considering how healthy he seemed.

[Lathum]

Jaygr, that sucks and hits home hard for me. We have a golden who is almost 12. He is the best dog you could ever ask for, we just had a friend over with her 19 month old and he was so sweet and gentle with her. Even though she was a little rough with him as kids can be, he just laid on his side and let her pet him and gave her kisses. We are expecting a child in April, and I hope he makes it long enough to develop a relationship. He has cancer, cataracts, bad hips and suffers from seizures, but still always has a great attitude and disposition.

[claphamsa]

Originally Posted by Lathum

Sorry Rodney , been way to many of these threads lately.

I was just thinking that as well

[DaddyTorgo]

i lost my first golden after...8 or 9 years (i had her since i was a baby) when I was just a little kid. Grand mal seizures in the middle of the night and my parents took her off to the vet while i was still asleep and didn't even wake me. still miss that dog to this day.

[Poli]

I have had to deal with hives the past two days which I have to believe are stress induced.

I absolutely hate that I had to make the decision to put our girl down. I feel terrible. Just terrible. I wish I could have taken her place.

[DaddyTorgo]

awww poli

[Castlerock]

The Last Battle

If it should be that I grow frail and weak,
And pain should keep me from my sleep,
Then will you do what must be done,
For this, the last battle, can't be won.

You will be sad I understand,
But don't let grief then stay your hand,
For on this day, more than the rest,
Your love and friendship must stand the test.

We have had so many happy years,
You wouldn't want me to suffer so.
When the time comes, please, let me go.

Take me to where to my needs they'll tend,
Only, stay with me till the end

And hold me firm and speak to me,
Until my eyes no longer see.
I know in time you will agree,
It is a kindness you do to me.

Although my tail its last has waved,
From pain and suffering I have been saved.

Don't grieve that it must be you,
Who has to decide this thing to do;
We've been so close,we two, these years,
Don't let your heart hold any tears.

Author Unknown

[Poli]

Thanks, Castle, that was really nice.

[PilotMan]

Originally Posted by PilotMan

Our Greyhound, Boyd, is in exactly the same position. Same age, and same problem. His last physical, the vet said that his kidneys were starting to fail, along with a large tumor around his hip we can only assume is cancer, and not just a fatty tumor. We have had Boyd for 10 years, and he has lived longer than I ever thought. He cries a lot more now, but still manages to jump the three steps up our deck outside.

My wife and I know that he probably won't make Christmas. We have been taking turns petting him, loving him and thanking him. I am going to cry when his time comes. He hasn't been a real loving dog, but he has always been there, sleeping. He has a sweet temperament and kind eyes.

We are just trying to remember that we gave him a good life, and he has been happy with us all these years. I don't know what my other dog is going to do. She will miss him too. It's going to be sad. I am so sorry about your loss. Try and stay positive, and remember all the great that you gave and received.

It looks like decision time has finally come. Boyd made it to Christmas but the last 2 weeks have seen a steady decline. He looks like a dog skeleton and has lost weight. It's sad. I know the decision is a hard one, but I would say that at the best he probably has 2 weeks on his own. We are going to talk to the vet this week. I can't see too many scenarios where we don't end it honestly. This will be the first death that we have had to deal with as a family. It's not going to be easy at all. I don't know how the boys (14,8,6) are going to handle it. It's not going to be easy at all. We have been saying goodbye. I did a long survey to get a good idea of this true age:

Boyd's DogAge is 89.3!
That's 14.4 years older than the average DogAge for Boyd's breed.

That's impressive for any dog.

[Lathum]

Godspeed Boyd. I am hoping our 12 year old golden makes it unroll the baby is born in April.

This thread makes me sick

[DaddyTorgo]

this thread makes me cry

[CraigSca]

Just put down our cat yesterday. Been with him for 15 years - longer than I've been married and the kids have never had a home without our cat. My wife always joked that he thought I was his "Mom" and I guess I was. He was a good friend and would just sit there, watch me, and want to be with me 24 hours a day.

I felt bad for the animal hospital. If they had any other customers while we were in there (frankly, I was oblivious to a lot of things yesterday), I'm sure they were wondering why 4 people (me, my wife and two kids) were in there crying uncontrollably.

No more pets for me, thanks.

[SnowMan]

Originally Posted by Castlerock

The Last Battle

If it should be that I grow frail and weak,
And pain should keep me from my sleep,
Then will you do what must be done,
For this, the last battle, can't be won.

You will be sad I understand,
But don't let grief then stay your hand,
For on this day, more than the rest,
Your love and friendship must stand the test.

We have had so many happy years,
You wouldn't want me to suffer so.
When the time comes, please, let me go.

Take me to where to my needs they'll tend,
Only, stay with me till the end

And hold me firm and speak to me,
Until my eyes no longer see.
I know in time you will agree,
It is a kindness you do to me.

Although my tail its last has waved,
From pain and suffering I have been saved.

Don't grieve that it must be you,
Who has to decide this thing to do;
We've been so close,we two, these years,
Don't let your heart hold any tears.

Author Unknown

That's great, thank you.

[RainMaker]

Originally Posted by CraigSca

No more pets for me, thanks.

Same boat. Putting my dog down literally destroyed me. Was in a depression for a good month and still get sad everytime I see a Beagle. Probably makes me sound like a pussy but I just don't know if I could handle going through that again.

[PilotMan]

Today has been hard.

[Lathum]

ugh, not another one

[Glengoyne]

Originally Posted by DaddyTorgo

this thread makes me cry

+1

[General Mike]

R.I.P. Blizzard

[Lathum]

[Castlerock]

So sorry General Mike.

[General Mike]

I feel so bad about having to put him to sleep, but his quality of life wasn't good anymore. His hips were shot, he couldn't see and I think his hearing was going too. He'd fall down on the kitchen floor and wasn't able to get enough traction to get himself up.

[JediKooter]

I can only read this thread every now and then

I'm sorry for everyone's loss and it's obvious that they were all loved very much.

[Rizon]

Girlfriend's roommate put his cat down yesterday. 18 1/2 years old.

[Silver Owl]

I'm going to go hug my dog.

[DaddyTorgo]

I just snuggled mine.

Sorry for your loss GeneralMike.

[molson]

Originally Posted by General Mike

I feel so bad about having to put him to sleep, but his quality of life wasn't good anymore. His hips were shot, he couldn't see and I think his hearing was going too. He'd fall down on the kitchen floor and wasn't able to get enough traction to get himself up.

It was definitely time. That was your last (of many, I'm sure) loving acts towards him.

[SegRat]

Sorry to hear it G. Mike. Putting down my dog a month ago was one of the hardest things I have ever gone through. It still hurts.

[MizzouRah]

Oh no.. GM! Looks just like my American Eskimo - Boo Boo

I'm so sorry...

[General Mike]

Originally Posted by MizzouRah

Oh no.. GM! Looks just like my American Eskimo - Boo Boo

I'm so sorry...

Blizzard was a Samoyed. We got him from the animal shelter in the town we live in when Blizzard was about 4 years old or so. I don't know how someone could let such a beautiful dog run away or whatever.

[Poli]

I'm sorry for your loss, Mike.

[MizzouRah]

Originally Posted by General Mike

Blizzard was a Samoyed. We got him from the animal shelter in the town we live in when Blizzard was about 4 years old or so. I don't know how someone could let such a beautiful dog run away or whatever.

Beautiful dog!!!

[PilotMan]

I am sorry Mike, the loss of Boyd is still very fresh for us. Our other dog, Echo, keeps waiting for him to come home.

[path12]

I hate this thread.

Sorry, Mike. Blizzard was a good lookin' boy.

[Lathum]

Well, things not looking so great for Bernie.

Couple of days ago he seemed tired and was drinking a lot. We were taking him to the vet anyway for an ear infection. The did some blood tests and found a thyroid problem and elevated white blood cells. Gave him some antibiotics and thyroid meds.

This was 3 days ago. He still isn't feeling well. Now he isn't eating and refused a treat for the first time I can ever remember. Also pooped in the house again today. He is walking really slow and just laying around doing nothing.

We called the vet today and they said the antibiotics should be working by now so we are bringing him in tomorrow. They are going to do an x-ray and check for tumors. They say there is a medicine they can give him if it is to buy him a few months but the way he is now I have doubts he will make it through the night, and TBH this is no kind of life for him.

The bottom line is he is 12 and has had a good life, I am just afraid he will be making a one way trip tomorrow. It's just that the timing couldn't be any worse.

[DaddyTorgo]

NOoooooooooooooooo Lathum.

I'm pulling for him.

[JonInMiddleGA]

I freakin' hate this thread, not that it's here for us but that we need it to be here for us.

It always sucks, it always hurts and my sincere condolences go to everyone who has to go through this, I couldn't bring myself to wish this particular sort of loss on anybody.

[RainMaker]

I'm sorry Lathum. Fingers crossed that it's not as bad as it seems.

[Honolulu_Blue]

That sucks, Latham. Hang in there.

[General Mike]

Bernie will be in my thoughts tonight Lathum. Give him a big hug for me.

[BYU 14]

Sorry to hear Lathum, keeping Bernie in my thoughts and hoping it is not as serious as it seems. Hang in there.

[Lathum]

Thanks everyone, sadly I think it is official.

The one thing the vet asked us was if he was throwing up and they continued to tell us the fact that he wasn't is a good sign. Well, took him for a walk and he came up and drank a ton of water then proceeded to throw it all up plus the last meal he ate. He obviously is in very poor shape. Not ready to throw in the towel but midnight is approaching fast for him, and what really sucks is tomorrow is my birthday.

[DaddyTorgo]

Yeah - I didn't want to mention that part of it either Lathum - that hardly seems fair. I'm sorry to hear that- it's been a long road with Bernie. Soon he'll be at peace though I imagine, and you've made a huge difference in his quality of life here lately.

Give him a hug for all of us and treasure the rest of the night.

[CleBrownsfan]

Sorry to here about your loss Lathum - it's never easy losing a part of the family

[Castlerock]

Every time I see this thread bumped, I say "Oh no".

So sorry, Lathum.

[Passacaglia]

Originally Posted by Lathum

Thanks everyone, sadly I think it is official.

The one thing the vet asked us was if he was throwing up and they continued to tell us the fact that he wasn't is a good sign. Well, took him for a walk and he came up and drank a ton of water then proceeded to throw it all up plus the last meal he ate. He obviously is in very poor shape. Not ready to throw in the towel but midnight is approaching fast for him, and what really sucks is tomorrow is my birthday.

That sucks Lathum. Especially with all the other good news going on in your life. It was the same with us -- we found out that our cat, Keebler, had cancer on the day of our ultrasound, where we found out our baby was a boy.

It gets easier, which may not be what you want to hear, because you might not want it to get easier. Sorry to hear about it -- we're all here for you.

[molson]

Whatever happens, he's definitely a lucky dog that had a very lucky life.

[BrianD]

I don't know if this will help, but you could always write or blog about Bernie. I started a blog about my cats as a way to reminisce about a semi-recently passed friend and to chronicle the joy of our other cats while they are still with us. Finding a way to put your love out into the world can be very therapeutic.

[Lathum]

Well....

We had him at the vet all day today. They took some x-rays to determine if it was cancer and nothing definitive came back which I guess is good. They noticed his liver was having some problems so they are changing the antibiotic he was on thinking that may be it. To combat the not eating they gave me an appetite stimulant and an anti-nausea medication.

The vet thinks this could be the problem but cautioned us to not be overly optimistic, but we wanted to try all options within reason. I am very happy to have him home and pray this works.

Thank you all for the support, it means more than you guys know, being able to put things into words helps collect my thoughts. Bernie thanks you guys also.