My best and most loyal friend is dying ......

[Bigsmc]

Hang in there Doc. Cherish the last time you have left with Shadow.

I lost my Dalmation, Abby (named after a Greyhound that I cashed several tickets on in Miami, Anna's Abby) 2 years ago and this is the first I have spoken of it. It absolutely crushed me and still does just writing this. She was 13 and her first 8 years were when I was single and it was just me and Abby. We had many long talks about life and she was the best listener. The last 5 years were with my wife and kids and she took the change well and became one of the family. She was a wreck in the end. Bad heart murmer, going blind, bad hip etc...when the incessant nose bleeds began, we knew it was time.

My wife and kids want another dog, but I have put them off because I don't know if I can go through that again.

[Cajungator26]

Originally Posted by Bigsmc

Hang in there Doc. Cherish the last time you have left with Shadow.

I lost my Dalmation, Abby (named after a Greyhound that I cashed several tickets on in Miami, Anna's Abby) 2 years ago and this is the first I have spoken of it. It absolutely crushed me and still does just writing this. She was 13 and her first 8 years were when I was single and it was just me and Abby. We had many long talks about life and she was the best listener. The last 5 years were with my wife and kids and she took the change well and became one of the family. She was a wreck in the end. Bad heart murmer, going blind, bad hip etc...when the incessant nose bleeds began, we knew it was time.

My wife and kids want another dog, but I have put them off because I don't know if I can go through that again.

I just rescued another one from the pound. She was going to be put to sleep.

As hard as it is when you lose them, sometimes having another one around causing trouble eases the pain. I got Coal (lab rescue) a few months after we lost our younger golden, Jagger. Jag had a brain aneurysm and it all went downhill from there. I got Coal to keep Nug company... Nugget was devastated when Jagger was gone.

[Derby73]

When our shepherd died at age 6, that was the first dog since childhood that I had to say goodbye to, and I wondered if I wanted to go through that again. But my wife and son were adamant about moving on and we got two dogs to replace Keno; one just couldn't do it, and frankly they haven't "replaced" him. That being said, they have brought us a lot of joy the last two years.

It's a cliche, but the "better to have loved and lost..." line is correct, I think. Or as Bruce Springsteen says in Badlands: "Badlands you gotta live it every day, let the broken hearts stand, that's the price you gotta pay."

Again, good luck during this difficult period.

[Scav]

Originally Posted by Bigsmc

Hang in there Doc. Cherish the last time you have left with Shadow.

I lost my Dalmation, Abby (named after a Greyhound that I cashed several tickets on in Miami, Anna's Abby) 2 years ago and this is the first I have spoken of it. It absolutely crushed me and still does just writing this. She was 13 and her first 8 years were when I was single and it was just me and Abby. We had many long talks about life and she was the best listener. The last 5 years were with my wife and kids and she took the change well and became one of the family. She was a wreck in the end. Bad heart murmer, going blind, bad hip etc...when the incessant nose bleeds began, we knew it was time.

My wife and kids want another dog, but I have put them off because I don't know if I can go through that again.

Get another one. I thought the same thing but trust me, it is just as awesome as it was with the old dog. Even better becuase you know to cherish everything even more

[byalip]

I am truly sorry that you and your dog are going through this. I've been there...

Here's some advice, from experience.

When my 15 year old Border Collie started to fail (hind legs failed and cancer) the vet said that as long as he could mitigate his pain, our dog was happy and content to be with us. For the last 6 weeks of his life I made him cheese omelets with protein and vitamin powders in them to try and keep up his nutrition. He had little interest in regular dog food but rallied when served people food. I also took him on "walks" in a kid's wagon. He enjoyed sniffing his usual bushes and could meet up with his old doggie friends.

Not to get too graphic, I even "helped" him go to the bathroom by supporting his mid-section. He caught on to this right away and understood that I was their to hold him and he "did his thing" just fine.

Do what you can for as long as you can. Cherish the opportunity to give back 100%.

Thankfully, my border collie (the love of my life) died on his own terms. That was HIS final gift to me.

[packerbacker7964]

Hate to hear that your pal is not doing so good. My friend has a dog that's doing so good also. I've known them both for 7 years. He's a beagle and he's not going to make another Michigan winter we both decided. His arthritis has goten so bad when it gets cold he won't even be able to move outside of the pole barn. When the family is away he digs because he's lonely. Then he has a hard time getting around after all of that digging. I told him I'll do the deed of the staying with him when they put him to sleep. He says he can't do it and I don't blame him for it either. I've got a cat who's going to out live me so I'll be alright with him.

[hoovesupsideyourhead]

sorry doc..

[deltagulf]

sorry doc,

for your pending lost. it hurts deeply, cause i lost to pits that help with with my kids. and it really hurt when we lost them. like it was family.
hang in there and just remember the good times with shadow.

[Rileyoriley]

Originally Posted by packerbacker7964

Hate to hear that your pal is not doing so good. My friend has a dog that's doing so good also. I've known them both for 7 years. He's a beagle and he's not going to make another Michigan winter we both decided. His arthritis has goten so bad when it gets cold he won't even be able to move outside of the pole barn. When the family is away he digs because he's lonely. Then he has a hard time getting around after all of that digging. I told him I'll do the deed of the staying with him when they put him to sleep. He says he can't do it and I don't blame him for it either. I've got a cat who's going to out live me so I'll be alright with him.

Cosequin works great for stiffness and arthritis. I use the horse one for my dogs. The dog pills are much more expensive.

[DerbyCat]

When I lost someone close to me, a friend wrote this in a card (and it has stayed in my mind for over 20 years):

"We are, all of us, molded and remolded by those who have loved us. No one, no experience, can cross our path without leaving some mark upon us forever."

Your best and loyal friend has helped to make you the man you are today and will be tomorrow. Your amazing dog will be with you forever... in your mind, your heart and in your children for a lifetime... what an amazing legacy to leave behind.

You're in my thoughts tonight... please keep us all updated about Shadows progress.

[AeWingnut]

This brings back some dark days.

I couldn't be there for Nick when he died. Long story - basically jerks at work. I've never got over it. Gretchen was special. I prepared all of her food in her twilight. She actually told me in her way - it was time. She walked up and gave me a kiss good-bye and she was not a kissie dog at all.

I'm sorry you are going through this. There is no way around it.

[LARHAGE]

Originally Posted by docicu3

It's probably not the place for this and you would think I should be a hell of alot better with this given I deal with human suffering and death every day of my profesional life but the one completely selfless loving being I have ever known is leaving our family and I am beyond devastated.

My 12 year old golden "Shadow" (sassy chance and shadow with those with an awareness of that family).....was diagnosed with metastatic lymphoma yesterday. He isn't suffering at the moment but is disinterested in eating and his usual activity......

All this animal ever did was....

1) raise my children ........he had the unique innate ability to lie with young boys at night when they didn't want to be alone until they fell asleep, knowning somehow by the change in their breathing that slumber had befallen them and he could now safely leave their sides each night. The security he gave my sons is not definable.

2) greet me each and every time I came through a door morning, noon or night as if I had come home from a war with the passion and happiness of lovers too long apart.

3) lived to make our family happy each and every day, never cross, complaining or difficult. How many people do you know in your life that haven't got one annoying habit or flaw.

He isn't apparently in pain and has periods of alertness with a wagging tail, alert eyes, affection craving. Is it cruel to hold on to further time together if you think it is quality time from both perspectives.

My friend has done more for me several times over than I have ever done for him, a selfless example of devotion who made every person he lived with a better creature by knowning him. An example of altuism when the word is used all too easily.

Euthanized is a word I have a great deal of a problem with if the animal isn't apparently suffering.

I love my dog so shoot me......the loss is a hole in my head and heart I'll not soon mend.

I can feel the love and pain in your post, don't be embarassed about loving an animal and suffering their loss. I know how you feel, and trust me a lot of my animals who have passed on have meant FAR more to me than a lot of people. It's a fact that our animals are an integral part of our lives, their loss is no more devastating because they have 4 legs, it's how much they mean to us, I spend a lot of time everyday with my dogs and my horses, they become a part of your life and you rely on them so much.
I think you will find you will know when it is time to let your pal go, they let you know, and again, my sympathy to you, what a lucky dog to be loved so much.

[docicu3]

I have tried three times before this to write this reply but I am so overcome by the swell of support and kindness from all of you, most of you I haven't met, that my keyboard stammers and stutters. In an hour 150 people looked at the original post and 20 from around the country took time from their busy day to ease my pain and support my family.

About a year ago I came upon a website about horse racing and somehow I left with a membership in a family from all walks of life that typifies what is good about the human condition and how we share each other's emotions good and bad, happy and sad.

Thank you all for your kindness during my hour of need and may we all pause for a moment this evening with whatever family means to you to simply enjoy the gift of the connection with them because it makes us all better people as you all have made me feel today.

Sumwonlovesyou........and it may be the community of Derby Trail.

God Bless You All.....

[Scav]

Originally Posted by docicu3

I have tried three times before this to write this reply but I am so overcome by the swell of support and kindness from all of you, most of you I haven't met, that my keyboard stammers and stutters. In an hour 150 people looked at the original post and 20 from around the country took time from their busy day to ease my pain and support my family.

About a year ago I came upon a website about horse racing and somehow I left with a membership in a family from all walks of life that typifies what is good about the human condition and how we share each other's emotions good and bad, happy and sad.

Thank you all for your kindness during my hour of need and may we all pause for a moment this evening with whatever family means to you to simply enjoy the gift of the connection with them because it makes us all better people as you all have made me feel today.

Sumwonlovesyou........and it may be the community of Derby Trail.

God Bless You All.....

Word Doc....Word...

I got this itchy burning sensation I need some help with, any advice?

[Cajungator26]

Originally Posted by Scav

Word Doc....Word...

I got this itchy burning sensation I need some help with, any advice?

I hope to God it's your fingers 'itching and burning' to forward me some of that cash flow and not something else! Hehehe

[Scav]

Originally Posted by Cajungator26

I hope to God it's your fingers 'itching and burning' to forward me some of that cash flow and not something else! Hehehe

just trying to lighten up the thread a little bit....For the record and all the DT ladies that are eagerly awaiting Scav's arrival to Toga, there is no itchy burning sensation

[docicu3]

I can spot you a little antimicrobial supply SCAV'S just in case your ROLL spills over into other parts of your life.







.....I haven't lost my sense of humor Shadow would never allow it!!!

[PPerfectfan]

I am so sorry for you pain. Do not feel like you cant post your thoughts. I lost Reno my 14yr old Rott., who I had since she was 5 weeks old. The biggest (125lbs) lap/bed dog you would ever meet. Did not like to be outside unless to do her business, she said that it was to hot for her not to be in the A/C.lol If the truck left, she was gonna be in it. Figured I would break her of wanting to go everytime the truck left, so took her with me to Delta Downs, from Baton Rouge to pick up a horse. I just knew the long trip would do the trick,,,yeah right. Got back at 4pm, decided to go to the store at 5pm and she was waiting at the truck door by the time I got my cell phone and purse on my shoulder!! I dont care what anyone says, they are like family and it hurts so much when they go, it has been 5 years and I still miss "Fatty Patty" every day.

[Holland Hacker]

Doc,

As others have said, Shadow will let you know when it is time to say good bye. In Feb. I had to put my our cat to sleep and it was probably one of the most difficult things I ever had to do. I knew that it was time, and I was comformted by the fact that the Vet. said it was the absolutly the right thing to do for the cat.

My thoughts are with your in time of need.

[Downthestretch55]

Originally Posted by docicu3

I have tried three times before this to write this reply but I am so overcome by the swell of support and kindness from all of you, most of you I haven't met, that my keyboard stammers and stutters. In an hour 150 people looked at the original post and 20 from around the country took time from their busy day to ease my pain and support my family.

About a year ago I came upon a website about horse racing and somehow I left with a membership in a family from all walks of life that typifies what is good about the human condition and how we share each other's emotions good and bad, happy and sad.

Thank you all for your kindness during my hour of need and may we all pause for a moment this evening with whatever family means to you to simply enjoy the gift of the connection with them because it makes us all better people as you all have made me feel today.

Sumwonlovesyou........and it may be the community of Derby Trail.

God Bless You All.....

Doc,
Your words say so much.
Yes, all things happen, though at times we don't understand.
I believe that there is intent beyond our understanding.
Yes, it pushes us to connect (see the waterfall metaphor).
If anything is demonstated by all of the posts in this thread, please find that we all have the capacity to "feel"...and to "love".
God bless, and peace.
DTS