Aces High Bulletin Board
General Forums => The O' Club => Topic started by: DREDIOCK on March 11, 2011, 07:23:42 PM
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Had to have our 13 year old golden retriever put to sleep this afternoon.
Best dog. And best friend this family has ever had bar none. He was indeed special. Moreso then any I've had before.We were truley blessed with him
He had been slowing down as all old timers do. but he was still pretty spy for his age. and just over a week ago while playing with our Choc lab he showed he could still kick her arse and pin her down without too much trouble. But then one day a few days ago. You could tell he wasnt feeling well. While he's always been very vocal, grunting and groaning
This time you could tell it wasnt his usual groan when he lay down. He continued even after he was laying down. Kinda rythmic Almost as if constipated. We figured he wasnt feeling good that maybe it was something he ate. So we gave it a day. and low and behold he was seemingly getting better.
Then it happened again. And we were going to bring him to the vet and suddenly he was better again. But we were getting concerned, Then last night he started again. I knew we were bringing him int to he vet this time. He went like this on and off pretty much all night long. I went out and slept on the couch and brought him up there with me. As being close to him seemed to comfort him and it wasnt as frequent.
Then today He was still at it. So my son and I brought him to the vet. My wife met us there. On the way we all kinda had a gut feeling how this was going to turn out but nobody said anything. We were all still hoping this would be something minor. Alas it was not to be.
Didnt take the vet very long. Though he tried to tell us as carefully as he could. Seems with dogs like these when they get old they sometimes develop little tumors in their spleen, which eventually starts bleeding internally. Unfortunately they often dont show any real symptoms until its too late. This is also closely followed by anemia, which he was also showing signs of.
We had options. He could perform surgery. But given the age of the dog and the fact he was going to need a transfusion. It was dangerous at best. Plus this is often only a temporary measure to a problem that could re-manifest itself within a matter of weeks. He explained that he had the exact same thing happen to one of his mastiffs last year and within 6 weeks he ended up having to put it down anyway because it came back aggressively.
The other option would be just to take him home and let him pass on his own.
By this time Im not ashamed to say we were all in tears because we knew there really only was one option. Surgery would have meant more suffering with a high probability it wouldnt help or work very long if it worked at all.
Taking him home would also have just meant we would have him around a bit longer for us. But also would have meant more suffering for him.
My son was the first to say what we all thought. "we dont want him to suffer" We all very quickly concurred that this was the best option. Not for us. But for him.
My son and I stayed while my wife left the room after looking at him look up at me. she couldnt take it. I admit I wanted to leave too after looking down on him but I knew I couldnt do that to him. Has to be one of the hardest things I've had to do. He just looked up at me the whole time. I dont want to try to describe it all. I CANT describe it. As difficult as this is. I dont even know why I'm writing all this other then I feel a compelling need to.
If nobody get this far in this post. Thats ok.
If anyone thinks Im a piece of garbage for writing all this. Thats ok. I am sorry.
My son wanted to drive home by himself so I rode with the wife. My son broke the news to my daughter before I got home.
My lab, greeted us at the door then started looking and smelling around for Jeb. She too I beleive senses what is wrong.
Now Im sitting at my desk with this big open space under it where Jeb used to lay for all these years, Serving as foot rest. foot warmer, and general companion.
I never played this game with rudder pedals because I didnt want to displace him. His blanket is still there and one of his balls right where he dropped it. But the space is so vacant now, and cold. Very weird feeling how one can sense the lack of a presence. How a being, even when silent can be felt when present and the lack of it noticed once absent.
If you've stuck around this long. I may as well tell you about him.
Jeb as I said was special. By far the smartest dog I've ever owned. Like problem solving smart. He proved to me beyond a shadow. that dogs can reason, imagine and plan ahead and learn very quickly. As with most goldens. "Ball was life" to him. We used to set his ball up in different increasingly complicated situations to see if he could figure out a way to get it. So long it was possible for him to get at it. He would figure out a way. You could just tell he loved the new challenge as you could just see the wheels turning inside his head thinking about it. And it wasnt just that. But alot of different little things that he would do that, well you just wouldnt expect a dog to think of.
Lemme put it to you this way. By comparison. Our Choc Lab. While a great dog. Is pretty typical for a dog. Just what you would expect. smart but nothing particularly keen in the bring department. I'll put it like this. her name is Zoey, but we usually call her "Dingbat"
And he had a certain manner about him. Cant explain it You would have had to witness it to understand. But every single animal we've ever had in this house in the time he's been here simply adored and was attracted to him almost likea magnet. This would include 4 cats, one of which he practically raised, And one that started out as a Ferrel.
and a Duck we had one summer (Whole nother story)
Protective, Hell, over protective sometimes. Even of the other animals. but particularly of kids and then women. I never had any qualms about leaving a small child out in the back yard alone so long as he was there
Considerate, if that makes sense. Like the way he would sneak onto our bed late at night when we were sleeping or he thought we were. the only way you would know is because the mattress would start to list to one side under his weight as he gently climbed aboard and settled down at the foot of the bed. If you noticed, he would look at you as though to say "Sorry. Im not trying to bother anyone. I'm out of the way. see?" During the day he would just hop up if we were awake. But if we were sleeping, Gentile as a lamb. Unlike the lab whom day or night will just hop up as if launched form a pogo sick half not caring where she lands.. Needless ot say, Jeb spent more nights with us then dingbat does.
He was royalty in this house and seemed to not only know it. But appreciate it as well and showed such respect in kind
These's just too much to describe. and Im not sure he can be discribed accurately. You had to have known him.
My eyes are wet, My head is pounding And Im starting to run out of steam. So I'll stop now And just say he wasnt just a family pet or even like part of the family. He WAS part of the family in every sense of the word other then physiology. And we were very much blessed to have him as such.
Words cannot discribe how much love and joy he brought us. Nor how much we will miss him.
To those that stuck this out to the end. Thank you. You didnt need to. As I said. I wrote this down for me. Because I needed to.
(http://i447.photobucket.com/albums/qq198/Drediock/Picture041.jpg)
(http://i447.photobucket.com/albums/qq198/Drediock/Picture040.jpg)
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Man that sucks, I'm sorry for your loss, but thank you for telling us about your great pup. I love dogs and one thing I have never done and can't imagine doing is putting down your best bud. It's an impossible situation, but that is life.
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Cute looking retriever there Dred, sorry to hear you had to put him down. :angel:
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:salute for a fallen comrade.
Losing a dog is like losing a part of yourself. I know exactly what you're going through.
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Wow man. I'm so sorry to hear that.
"Now Im sitting at my desk with this big open space under it where Jeb used to lay for all these years, Serving as foot rest. foot warmer, and general companion.
I never played this game with rudder pedals because I didnt want to displace him. His blanket is still there and one of his balls right where he dropped it. But the space is so vacant now, and cold. Very weird feeling how one can sense the lack of a presence. How a being, even when silent can be felt when present and the lack of it noticed once absent."
I teared up right there...
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:angel: Jeb :angel:
Look for a white dalmation named Ginger. (no spots).
:salute Drediok
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:salute
Same thing happened to my last Lab. Splenic Tumor at 12.
Where's my tissue?
wrongway
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Amazing dog and amazing post, sorry to hear about your loss. <S>
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Dred,
It's always a hard thing to loose an old friend but I'd rather put the dog down than see it suffer!
Over the years I've lost my share of dogs but I fondly remember each and everyone of them.
:salute
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Very sorry about your loss man, but truthfully...The best way to get over it, is to get a new one....i got one within a month, and it was like i had a new bestfriend.
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Pets (dogs especially) are part of the family, losing one is like losing a child, brother, sister or any other sibling. Not ashamed to say I had tears in my eyes here, reading that.
Dred, you did what was best for your companion - hard as it was.
:salute bud, carry the good memories and he will live on in your memories.
Wurzel
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I'm sorry for your loss buddy. We had to put our golden down on Monday. They sure are great dogs
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Sorry to hear Dred. I've been through some good days and some bad days but the days we've had to put our kitties down were right up there with the worst of em. They both had a good run at 17 years tho. Wish they could last forever. :frown:
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I know your pain too well. Very sorry about your friend.
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my condolences, i truly know how much of a heartbreak losing a dog is.
we used to have a Wiemerainer named Shadow. he was the runt of the litter, no one wanted him, but my mother found a special place for him in her heart. everyone loved him, he was just such a cool dog. when i was in the 5th grade, he developed a tumor in his mouth, and there was nothing we could do :(
we put him to sleep, he was 13. i mean, I'm the oldest of 3 in my family, and my mother found him 2 years before she had me. talk about heartbreak.
i'm truly sorry to hear about jeb, sounds like he was amazing :angel:
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Sorry for your loss sir
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Dred,
So sorry to hear about your fur kid. They are a big part of the family and you can't help but feel the loss when they are gone.
You did the right thing. It's a hard decision and even harder to follow through but it's best to be there for your family member when you let them go. We've lost 3 really close pets over the last 11 years. I don't look forward to having them put down but I can't justify their pain just to keep them near. I waited longer than I should have with the last one.
As someone already posted, give yourself some time to grieve and remember your friend. Then do what your friend would have wanted you to do and get another dog. A companion for your chocolate lab and a new family member to love as well.
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Always tough losing family member, even the four legged kind.
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so sorry sir. my dad walked dogs for a long time, so we knew all the dogs around. when we learned one dog had passed, we were always sad. but to lose a true friend... thats about as bad as it gets. known for 13 yrs, then just gone must be rough. so sorry. :salute to jed
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sorry to hear Dred.. :angel:
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Dred
I know where you are coming from with the dog, right now we have an 8 year old boxer and they are prone to cancer also, She is a lummox and my best friend. I can only give you condolences and with the knowledge you were given prior, you made the right decision.
My :pray are for ya and your family.
LawnDart
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So sorry for your loss Dred. I truly am at a loss after reading your post. Sounds like Jeb was a great dog. I'm gonna go pet my two old girls now.
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:salute
Epic Dog, that guy was SMART!
We need longer lasting dogs... it's awful to lose them after only a decade or so. :( I wonder how things will turn out with Dingbat.
-Penguin
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sorry to hear this dred...been through it a few times myself...always amazed me how they start out as pets and before you know it, they are part of the family.
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Sorry to hear about your loss. Tough decision for anyone to make. He dedicates his life, without question, to be your bud and protector for life.
Sounds like he had a great life, master and family. When the time came, his family made the decision that was best for him.
:salute
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Thank you all for you kind sentiments. I would like to express my heartfelt appreciation for taking the time out of your lives to read my words of an event that can only at best be described as a bummer.
As I said. I wrote that down because I felt an overwhelming compelling need to. For me.
Had nobody read or said a word. I would have completely understood. Some might not care, and for some it may just hit too close to home. Both are ok
I know there have been several who have posted of a loss that I just couldnt bring myself to respond to because they just hit too close to home. Know that I do take notice of all such posts. And I too have felt your pain with you more then once.
The fact that so many have read it. And so many have responded really says something about this community. We may be a bit dysfunctional at times. But we do tend to rally around one another in times of woe or need. Even when there may not be a damn thing anyone can do to make it any better. I think that knowing one is not alone somewhat helps.
I can think of no group that I can honestly say that I would rather be associated with.
<S> to you all and thank you again.
The comming days I know are going to be difficult as the morning process continues and the healing begins. Death has been no stranger to us over the last several years. My father in law the most recent back in Sept. But I didnt live with any of them. So this is a bit different.
Its just so weird the sudden emptiness. Places where out of the corner of your eye you almost see a familiar body then when looking at it straight on. The realization that its not there. Nor is it going to be.
Caught a glimpse of the love seat in our living room as I was walking by still covered in a sheet because we couldnt keep him off it, and well, by default it became his. But depending on how he was laying. He would sometimes share it with us is about the best way I can describe it. LOL
But as I was passing by before. I could almost see him there out of the corner of my eye. Instinctively I turned immediately realizing it was my imagination.
Just a weird feeling.
The minute changes in routine. Letting one dog outside instead of two. and back in again. Putting out 1 bowl of food just the little things
Very weird
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Ah Dude, had to put my 12 yr old German Shepard down like 4 years ago.
They are not just animals, they are family members and don't you dare feel silly for mourning like you would any other family member.
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<S>
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I am truely sorry to hear you had to put the dog down. I'm not ashamed to say that reading what your family went through also put a tear in my eye.
We have three dogs. They are part of our family.
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:salute
I feel your pain dred, your story really made me feel sorrow. It got me thinking about how Ive only got a couple more years with one of my poochies. Your dog sounds like he was one of a kind. I sure hope that your chocolate lab can keep you company like he did. I did like that first picture of him, looks like hes posing almost :aok
Once again Im very sorry for your loss.
:salute
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We just went thru this at my house, I cant say enough how sorry i am Dred. Crazy how a furry litte thing becomes such a part of the family, and a best friend.
Someone sent me this when my dog passed, not sure if it helped....maybe a little i guess.
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.
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When I had to put my Shepard Gypsy down I knew it was the right thing to do, she was 12 and big dogs don't live a lot longer than that.
The vet suspected cancer or valley fever and we waited until the valley fever test came back negative.
By then she was half gone already and we weren't about to put her through hell for the very unlikely chance they could do something about it.
She was unconscious when we carried her to the car and up to the vet.
We had 6 family members in the room with her. The tech had a hard time getting the needle in her and she woke up just before they administered the dose.
I bent down low nose to nose and and we looked into each others eyes the whole time until hers closed.
I'm not ashamed to say I wept like a baby, and not ashamed to say I have tears while writing this.
I know you know you did the right thing, and that helps, but the pain can only be lessened so much.
:salute
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I dated a veterinarian for about 4 years. She went in around 10pm at night to check on here patients. When one of her larger patients wasn't doing so well, she would call me to help her carry it to the exam table, then she called the family. I was always respectful carried them in my arms. They always looked me in eyes, which yanked at my heart. I had lost a few the same way as a kid.
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Dred:
Our situation was extremely similar to yours.
Max had been vomiting over a 3 day period and we took him to the vet. He also could have gone through a very "chancy" operation but the vet said it was a larget mass on his stomach and that it could easily have already spread to liver, etc. I could never, ever, put my best friend ever through any more suffering. Not one more hour. From the time we took him in to the time he was gone was less than 3 hours.
In my 50 year life, I have never had such a fantastic dog. He could spell simple words. I could go on for pages but the keyboard would just get soggy. The whole family was devistated and still can't yet bear to say his name.
To Maximillian von Richthofen 2001 - 2011
(http://www.entertainmentworlds.com/max1.jpg)
"The Bestest Boy On The Entire Planet"
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Sounds like Jeb was a great dog and I am sure he was very grateful for the family you guys provided him. I went through the same thing a few years ago with my dog Codie. I know what ya mean about "ghost" images around the house. It took me some time before I could move anything of his.
Pipz
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i remember a few days after Shadow passed, i was lying in bed, alone at my house.
down the hall, i swore i heard his footsteps clear as day, as weird as that may sound.
comforting to know that he found us, and is watching over us
:angel:
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I feel your pain Dred.
Three dogs had to put down, a mix (more Beagle than Collie) at 17, her pup at 16 and the one that hurt the most, a Cocker Spaniel at 13, just over 4 years ago. The parents took her home from the vet and buried her in the backyard with her 2 favourite toys. A most amazing dog with small kids, for a Spaniel. They could sit beside her food bowl while she was eating. In fact, she would stop eating and expected to be hand fed. When I would visit she never left my side except to check on the kids. If she didn't come back, it was time to see what the kids were into.
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Couldn't keep going when you mentioned his spot at the desk. I'm really sorry for your loss Dred. Actually my black lab just came up to me because she could tell I had tears flowing. There's a reason why they say a pup is man's best friend.
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when we had to put our dog down I had to take it in. my mom couldnt handle watching the poor thing die so she put me up to do it. i have to say, watching the best thing in your life die in front of you is one sad thing.
sorry about your loss.
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Dred
Let me just say this. My heart goes out to you and your family. Jeb was obviously one in a million and I'm not ashamed to say I've got a few tears in my eyes after reading your post.
I have no words that can comfort you aside from saying that I've been there and it's one of the hardest experiences a man will ever have to go through.
My prayers will be that someday you will meet him again. Until then :salute Jeb. I hope you're chasing the ball with the angels.
:salute to you as well Dred.
:pray
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:salute
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:salute
Hang in there. It isnt easy in any sense.
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Dred, I know your pain, and I truly feel your loss. I hope you and your family will think of the enjoyment you have recieved from such a wonderful friend rather dwell on the loss. :pray
It has been about a year and a half since I put my dog "bubba" down, was the most single painful day of my life thus far. I always think about the good days that we had, the playful days, the lazy days, the loving days.
I had his remains cremated and I also kept his collar and the last tennis ball he popped. (something he loved to do was pop tennis balls with one bite :lol)
(http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj131/bayoubeach/Picture020.jpg)
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Heres a picture of Codie after a long walk at the lake. He was a lot like Milo's Spaniel. He was a very gentile dog. I could leave him out with my sister's rabbit and he would just play with him. I wish I had taken a picture of that.
(http://i191.photobucket.com/albums/z207/Pimpzdog/CodiecruisininIROC-1.jpg)
(http://i191.photobucket.com/albums/z207/Pimpzdog/FunnyBunny.jpg)
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ohhh bro, I am so sorry, My little guy is 13 now.... wouldn't trade him for all the money in the world, words can't describe how sorry I feel for you.
geezzz man,,,,
I feel for you and your family..........
Sorry,
Mark
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We had to put our 14 y/o hound down last Tuesday.
Dred, that was a great write-up. You nailed the emotions felt right on the head. (My wife couldn't finish reading, as she started to cry.) We still look at her empty chair expecting to see her sitting there, and I can still hear her collar rattling.
Saucie
(http://i1202.photobucket.com/albums/bb362/saucie1/cakesandPats039.jpg)
:salute to man's best friend.
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I know how you feel Dred...I had to put down my first dog "Buck" (see avatar) 6 yr's ago after I found out he had cancer, he was almost 11 yr's. I still get tears in my eyes when I read posts like this. Then 2 yr's ago my 4 y/o golden was hit by a car and died of internal bleeding at the hospital an hr later. I've always gotten a new dog soon after the loss and this has helped me the most. Now I have a 4 and 2 y/o goldens to brighten my day.
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Melvin, is that a painting or a photograph?
-Penguin
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Melvin, is that a painting or a photograph?
-Penguin
Photo of her out on the pontoon boat a few years ago. This is how I like to remember her. The lake was her favorite place.
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Wow Dred, my condolences man. Tough thing to go through.
We lost Skrappy, our first "kid," last May - after 14 years and 1 week of him being in our family. It's never easy. Ya have to take comfort in the fact that you gave him an awesome home and a great life, better than a lot of doggies that weren't so lucky.
(http://a5.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/29484_1449488323292_1415742882_31200066_6157134_n.jpg)
(http://a1.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/29484_1449487043260_1415742882_31200064_6883634_n.jpg)
:salute
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That is a great picture Melvin.