Aces High Bulletin Board
General Forums => The O' Club => Topic started by: Ripsnort on August 14, 2006, 08:43:09 AM
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Went outside, and he can't stand up without tipping over. His breathing is very heavy. We're taking him into the vet at 7:30am. He's 15+ years old so his health deterioration is not unexpected. The kids are in the office here laying next to him comforting him.
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sorry to hear that :(
loosing a pet is really hard on both the kids and the adults. Never forget when we lost our flatcoated..
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Sucks to hear that Rip. I know how that feels to lose a companion.
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Sorry to hear that Rip. I've lost a few pets, including one who was my friend longer than any other friend I ever had.
Any chance the dog got into something toxic like radiator fluid or rat poison? A quick sweep of the house and yard before going to the vet might help save you some expensive lab work if you find something suspicious like a chewed up bottle of radiator fluid...
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Very sorry to hear that, Ripsnort. :(
I hope everything goes as well as it can.
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We'll leave in 15 minutes. I hope its only a intestinal tract thing or something like that...thanks's for the support guys. He's been a good family dog so far, we want him to stick around alittle longer if he can!
Photo taken last Christmas:
http://pic4.picturetrail.com/VOL767/2726312/8668097/122143996.jpg
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Originally posted by Ripsnort
Went outside, and he can't stand up without tipping over. His breathing is very heavy. We're taking him into the vet at 7:30am. He's 15+ years old so his health deterioration is not unexpected. The kids are in the office here laying next to him comforting him.
:( <> Rip
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Bummer Rip.
Hope he makes it.
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i am going through the exact same thing. my dog pablo kept falling over the other day. he struggled so hard but couldnt stand up. i had to carry him back into the house. he seems to have recovered though and i think that it might have been a stroke. the look in his eyes was heartwrenching. he's checked out okay since, but he has some pretty bad arthritis in his hips and he cant stand for too long without getting tired.
we thought we were going to have to put his brother "wigglebutt" down recently too, he couldnt even lift himself. but it turned out to be a hard case of diabetes mixed with fatassedness. now he gets a shot in the butt everyday and a special diet. we joke and say that we are now renting time with "lazerus the wonderbutt" at the cost of about 275 a month.
so there is hope.
still, these episodes have made me come to terms with the fact that i am going to have to say goodbye to both of them soon.
they are both just getting old.
i'm probably writing this as much for me as i am for you, but i want you to know that someone out here understands what you are going through and is in the same boat as you are.
its a terrible thought, but i think that you will agree that it's better to have known them for all these years. they are my family as i am sure yours is for you.
heres hoping it goes well today and i hope you will accept a few prayers from me and my old fellas on your best friends behalf.
ripsnort and friend.
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sorry to hear that rip
I had to put down our shepard/akita mix last month
she was 13 years old - that was the hardest thing I have ever had to do
just remember to do what is best for them, they should not suffer for our selfishness
(http://www.pogbird.com/X45/winnie.jpg)
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I lost a cat to rat poison, burried it myself.
Hang tough Rip:)
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Good luck RIP. I hope everything works out.
Brings tears to my eyes at the thought. I hope my lab goes on his own when its his time.
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Good luck. When I was kid, we had dogs, but they were outside dogs. We were typical kids - cry for a dog, love them to death for 3 three weeks, then pretty much ignore them. I didnt get another dog till I was 42. He lives inside (all 7 lbs of him) and is more like a family member than a dog. I can imagine how gut wrenching it is for you.
Hope he's ok
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One of my Danes had what seems to be the same problem. She lost equlibrium, had mini convulsions and was listless. The Doc diagnosed her with canine vestibular diasease.
Read this and see if it fits your dogs symptoms...
http://www.peoriahs.org/vestibular.html
The good news is that it will pass with a bit of TLC.
My Dane was only 7 when this happened, she lived to 12 with no bad effects of the disease. 12 is about 3 years more than a typical for a Dane.
I realy hope that this is all it is Rip, kind thought comming your way.
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Well the prognosis isn't good. He has internal bleeding and his hemogloban count was down in the lower 20's. They said at his age, its unlikely that he'd survive exploritory surgery/fixing the problem. They said there is a chance it might "fix itself" so they're going to monitor his hemogloban count until 3pm today. If it continues to deteriorate, we'll put him down this afternoon.
I'm off to dig a nice spot for my hunting companion to rest in under a nice shady tree.
The kids are not doing too good right now. My oldest is skipping football practice to be with his buddy during his last moments.
Thanks all, you've been very supportive.
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Rip,
I'm so sorry to hear about this man. We lost a longtime dog and had to put down the wifes 12 year old cat that had cancer. Both of them were great pets and members of the family. It's hard to lose one that you have known and loved for so long.
I hope your's recovers. It's all part of life but you don't have to like it. :(
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My condolences RIP.
It's like losing a Family member.
Hang in the Buddy.
Mac
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been there RIP, dang tough stuff.
"We may not
be together
In the way we
used to be
We are still
connected by a
Cord no eye
can see"
"So whenever
you need to find me
We're never
far apart
If you look
beyond the horizon
And listen
With your heart"
{For Kayla my Friend 1994-2006}
The pain is the love leaving your heart to take your friend to endless fields, to wait in the sun for his family.
Take care
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I feel for you Ripsnort.
The family dog, who would have been 13 in Sept, had to put down a couple of weeks ago. One day she was fine and the next day she took a turn for the worse. Took her to the vet and the prognosis was not good. Old age had caught up to her.
When ever I went over to the parents she was my shadow > followed my everywhere, even if the house was full of people. She was great with toddlers and babies considering she was a Cocker Spaniel. Never growled or snapped at them, no matter what they did. A real 'people' dog.
She is buried in the backyard.
She is missed. :( :(
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:( :cry I read this this morning and now my parakeet Butschi who is 8 seems to have suffered a recurrence of whatever he had last week. We took him to the vet last week, it cured him and he was almost his normal self but he seems to have gotten worse today. I am hoping he pulls through he is such a cool little guy and a member of the family. Hes sat on my shoulder as I flew on AH sometimes and would give commentary on my flying. It sucks when pets get sick.
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It's just as hard to give up a four-legged friend as it is a two-legged one.
Jake was my favorite of all the dogs I ever owned. He would curl up around my head, at the top of the couch after I got home from work. Half catahoula, one quarter blue heeler, one quarter beagle. Best companion I ever had.
He developed cancer. So we took him to the vet and had him put to sleep.
For three days, every time I thought of him, I squawled like a baby. But turning loose was better than his continued suffering.
One of the best stories I ever read about the relationship about a man and his dog was Corey Ford's "The Road to Tinkhamtown." One of the greatest short stories ever written. If you've nevere read it...get a copy...but be forewarned...it really tugs at the heart strings.
This isn't quite in that league, but I think it explains how we all feel about our animal companions.
http://www.thehighroad.org/archive/index.php/t-121899.html
Regards, Shuckins
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Grew up with a German Shephard always at my side.
Chang was a huge shephard and I will never forget him chasin buffalo in Oklahoma in his later years, or layin the neighborhood's tough guy tomcat's head on the back porch for mom to find.
Then I raised my own.. had two great Shephards ..Dino .. he acted exactly like the Fred Flinstone character ..just cracked me up when he charged thru the screen door barkin his fool head off at a cat in the yard.
Brutus was the other .. great dane size, pure-bred german shephard. I miss playin tackle in the front yard with him .. an watchin him pretend to sleep so he could catch pigeons, crows, sparrows .. anything that got close.
I don't know if I will ever get another Shephard . . I think I would ..when I get a place with room to run for him.
My condolences Rip and others .. I have been there holdin an pettin when they passed away, and yes .. It took me awhile to regain my composure.
-GE ( I agree ... it is one of the hardest things I have ever had to do )
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Rip, my condolences to you and especially your kids. To this day I remember losing the dog I had through my entire childhood. I get misty and wistful when I think about her.
It's a stark reality that loved ones die, I wish there were magic words to make the hurt go away..... Know that, in time, you'll look back on the times you had and laugh/smile.
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Prayers sent, hope he makes it
Its funny how those critters become such a big part of our lives.
Must be that unconditional love they pour on us.
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We just came back from the vet, with a living dog! His hemogloban didn't drop. They said to take him home and monitor him for a few days. They think that it is a tumor that bled suddenly, but seems to have stopped on its own. (X-Rays apparently don't pick up tumors as well as ultra-sound does) The vet mentioned that if it bleeds again, it could bleed quickly and he may die, but for now, "nothing we can do for him except full blown surgery which is worse on a dog his age"....
He's walking around, albeit slowly now. He's not heaving and panting like this morning....strange! This morning I thought this was it! Tough ol' mutt. Thanks for your support guys....false alarm on my part but if you'd seen this dog this morning...
I just want to thank all you guys for your stories and your support. Gordon, my 10 year old and I read them together today to help us get through this mini-crisis. It is heart-felt. Now our dog Sol gets to sniff around the 4 ft. deep hole I dug for him...who knows, might be inspiration for him to live another year or two! ;)
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Great news! I love reading posts like your last one.
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i know what you mean about seen a dog this morning sir. that's how mine was.
great news!!
way to go doggie!
wtfg!
yay!
:D
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Thats great news Rip.
Dogs arent just pets or possesssions for most of us. They literally become another member of the family. In the truest sence.
So when one gets sick, or you loose one it literally is like worrying or mourning one of your family.
I think alot of us. Including myself have been in your shoes at one point or another.
So we all can relate.
Great news
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Rip.
Good to hear the old bloke pulled through :-)
Hope he keeps hanging in there for you.
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Glad to hear great news about your dog Rip
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Knowing how pampered that garage is, Im sure he's living the good life with you guys!
Glad to hear he's on the mend.
I've checked back a few times hoping for good news
:)
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If they have to send your Doggie down for the long nap, bring a big blanket he likes to the vet. Sit on the blanket, put his head on your lap, and they'll administer the meds to him right there. Just rub his neck or whatever until he conks out for the last time (down here at least).
It happens very, very fast and there is no drama. I'd say a kid of over 12 or 13 would probably be okay with the whole situation (being there, petting the dog or cat, etc.) but I'd 2x check with the DVM and of course you have kids and I do not. :)
But in my book, that's the 'right way' to do it. When you send them off to wherever they are going, you should be the last person with them.
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that's great news, enjoy him!!
and wulf is right, that's what my 20 year old and I did
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Wulfie's right.
My ex gf couldnt bring herself to watch her old dog be put down. So I stayed in there with him. I just sighed and pet my buddy to sleep.
Then I went in the car and cried like a baby.
Sigh
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Originally posted by Ripsnort
We just came back from the vet, with a living dog!
Fantastic news Rip! :aok
Cheers,
asw
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First, I'm happy he's doing better. Enjoy him and spoil him with love.
In my time I've put down three of my Labs. Without doubt some of the hardest, saddest days of my entire life. There is nothing sadder than having to make the decision for an old dog. We owe them a dignified end, however, and the time comes when pain and fraility rob them of meaningful life. Then we have to serve them well one last time.
Time to buy a pup, Rip. Only way to get over losing one is to have another at home to continue the journey. Might as well get ahead of the curve.
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Originally posted by Ripsnort
We just came back from the vet, with a living dog! His hemogloban didn't drop. They said to take him home and monitor him for a few days. They think that it is a tumor that bled suddenly, but seems to have stopped on its own. (X-Rays apparently don't pick up tumors as well as ultra-sound does) The vet mentioned that if it bleeds again, it could bleed quickly and he may die, but for now, "nothing we can do for him except full blown surgery which is worse on a dog his age"....
He's walking around, albeit slowly now. He's not heaving and panting like this morning....strange! This morning I thought this was it! Tough ol' mutt. Thanks for your support guys....false alarm on my part but if you'd seen this dog this morning...
I just want to thank all you guys for your stories and your support. Gordon, my 10 year old and I read them together today to help us get through this mini-crisis. It is heart-felt. Now our dog Sol gets to sniff around the 4 ft. deep hole I dug for him...who knows, might be inspiration for him to live another year or two! ;)
Down in New Orleans, we call this time "lagniappe" (or something extra). Grill him a piece of chicken or 6 when you get the notion :) Good news, hope it works out for a long time!
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Rip,
Hows the critter doing?
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Mav,
Havent' seen him today as I left at 4:15am this morning. The oldest son reports that he's just lounging around the backyard like nothing happened... (Except for the $423 vet bill check I wrote! yikes!)
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Good to hear.
One of my dogs got ran over last year. I spend some 2000 dollars on the fixing. She's fine (with a little limp and thereby restricted max speed ;)) and everyone is happy ;)
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Hi Rip,
Originally posted by Ripsnort
Mav,
Havent' seen him today as I left at 4:15am this morning. The oldest son reports that he's just lounging around the backyard like nothing happened... (Except for the $423 vet bill check I wrote! yikes!)
Glad to hear of your doggie's recovery, their relatively short life expectancy compared to humans is the hardest part of owning a dog.
Just a funny story to share with you about the above.
After a friend's Labrador puppy managed to chew and swallow several of his son's Legos, they rushed the understandably uncomfortable dog to the vet, who performed surgery to remove the ten or so blocks. After they got the bill for the surgery, which cost over $1K, my appalled friend apparently took it and put it in the puppies face and said "Bad Dog! Baaaad Dog! No Surgery next time!
Surprisingly, he hasn't eaten any more toys since then....
- SEAGOON
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My favorite Dog (and I've had many) was my black Lab named Brooks. He was a great friend. Had him until 1999. He was 15 and I had to put him down. He could only drag his back legs. Hardest thing I ever had to do was sit next to him on the Vets table....with my arm around him. like I would put my arm around my Son and he looking into my eyes while the Vet gave him his last shot. He just fell asleep in my arms. A lousy moment in life.
But...I have many fond memories of him....he had habits. If I were working in the Yard he was always with me. And one particularly hot day I sat down on our concrete back Patio......Brooks sat down next to me....his rump right next to mine.....looked into my eyes as if to say..."OK....whatta we do next?" Unreal communication. I still smile when I think of that.
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Rip, so sorry to hear. Don't know what else to say.
hap