My dog isn't doing well...

Sorry I haven't posted any updates on Clyde. Here's a quick note I had posted on another site... The only good news is that Clyde is coming home today.

11/05/2006
Good evening all! I'm afraid I have some lousy news about Clyde. His leg is still swollen and he is limping badly and falling down. I took him to the Central Jersey Veterinary Emergency Clinic about 4:30am for help who inturn recommended I take him to the Garden State Veterinary Specialists Clinic. I just got back at 5:45pm and Clyde is staying the night and will be seen by a surgeon tomorrow. X-rays of his leg haven't shown anything of substance yet... they will take more x-rays further up his leg + chest x-ray. Clyde also has a bad heart murmur which complicates a lot of things. If they find something (tumor, ???) they may need to amputate his leg.

Worse case scenerio: If the operation is needed, because of his age and heart problem he could die from the anaesthesia. (I felt like I was experiencing the scene in Butch Cassidy & The Sundance Kid where Paul Newman tells Robert Redford that they have to jump to the river below or they'll be killed. Robert Redford says he's not gonna jump because he can't swim. Paul Newman laughs and says don't worry... the jump will probably kill you.)

Best case scenerio: No operation needed and a miraculous recovery occurs.

11/07/2006
I've ruled out putting Clyde through any surgery. None of the tests that have been performed so far are conclusive. Tests are still being run today. I'm hoping to pick Clyde up tonight and letting him live out his life in familiar surroundings and relative comfort. Thank you for all your kind words, they are much appreciated.
 
I'm so terribly sorry to hear about Clyde. :( You're being a wonderful friend to him. It seems that dogs aren't the only creatures blessed with the capacity to love completely. You have it too. :o I'm confident that you are doing what is best for our friend Clyde. Please keep us informed as we care about you and Clyde both.

Do you have anyone nearby who can come by and sit with you for awhile from time to time? Human friends are also good to have around during difficult times like these. If I lived closer, I'd visit and sit with you and Clyde. :( Anyhow, I'll keep you both in my prayers.
 
I forget how old Clyde is. I'm glad you are getting all of the needed tests. I support your decision to bring Clyde home and let him live things out where he is most comfortable.

Two years ago I made the decision to put down two of my dogs. (I'm not suggesting you put Clyde down.) They were bro/sis and 15-1/2 years old. Health was affecting both of them and it had gotten to the point where I felt their quality of life was not at the level where they were comfortable anymore. I did not want to keep them alive just for my need to have them with me.

Once I made the decision and the appointment for them, I spent their final week with a Celebration of Life attitude. They were heavily medicated, so they weren't in pain. I gave them special treats, took them to the park, paid a lot of attention to them.

I even sent out party invitations. I had a Picnic in the Park for them the day before their appointment to go to Rainbow Bridge. They always loved going to work with me. They had a good time at work and everyone paid lots of attention to them. They got Kid's Meals from Jack in the Box. Even my boss walked over to the park to show his respect for them. They were as happy as I had ever seen them. (heavy meds are great!)

I knew that I had done everything I could for them and they both had wonderful and long lives. I buried them together, with everything they needed for their journey. I sat and talked to them as I added each item to their resting place. Water in case of thirst, food in case of hunger, their favorite toys, etc. I just talked to them and enjoyed the last look of them snuggled together. I then burned sage over them and said my prayers.

There was a lot of closure for me by approaching their last day proactively. I have pictures in my office that were taken of them at their Picnic in the Park. The joy in their faces continues to be a comfort to ME.

I wanted to share my experience with you, because it sounds like you have pretty much the same plan in mind for Clyde. It is so important that we make the decision to do what is best for our pet, our friend, instead of being selfish and allowing them to live beyond the quality of life. It's just not fair to someone who has been our best friend(s) for years and years. They deserve the best we can give them.

May Clyde have a wonderful rest of his life and I hope that he does not have too much pain. It sounds like you will know when it is time and will do the right thing for Clyde.

I will keep Clyde in my thoughts and prayers and you also.

Judy
 
well thoughts and lots of prayers going out to you and Clyde! , please let us know how he makes out:thumbup:


Jules
 
My heart hurts that Clyde isn't doing well. I am continuing my prayers!! I am glad that you are bringing him home too, where he can live out the rest of his life with all the love you have for him, in familiar surroundings. Please pet Clyde for me, and tell him I love him. Hugs to you Gary!!
 
I am devastated to hear about Clyde but I hope that your vet can give him some meds that will make his remaining time comfortable. You are lucky to have a friend like him.
 
bolth of mine are getting up in years-its never easy when the end is near,but its a much shorter time than the life you enjoy with them till that time-
 
I've had to have 2 of my beloved cats "put to sleep", and I've talked about it here at BF, so I won't go into it again here. Know that when the time comes for Clyde, if he has to make that last trip to the Vet, that you won't be alone in your hurt and loss.
 
It's been brought to my attention that I haven't updated you about Clyde's situation. I used to think that 'no news is good news' but I've changed my thinking. So without further ado, I bring you Clyde....

Last Sunday I had to carry Clyde into the Garden State clinic, Tuesday night he walked out under his own steam and this Sunday he actually took me for a short stroll to the telephone pole on our property and even took a ride around town with me. Here he is after this great adventure...

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Now you may ask... how the hell did he get up on the sofa with that swollen leg and feeling as weak as a kitten? The boy gots brains! I spent over $75 for a 7" thick orthopedic, fleece covered bed for his comfort when he was diagnosed with the heart, arthritis and edema problems. He only slept on it once... he uses it as a 'stepping stone' to get to his favorite spot on the sofa!

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Here we are watching some TV (I really don't think he's paying any attention to the storyline)...

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The commercials must have started... time for a little head scratch and chin rub! Looks like the prayers, well wishes and 'smoke' from his friends have helped Clyde get to this point. I don't think, at 12 1/2 years of age, that Clyde will become as energetic as he was but he will live out the rest of his time with me and the comfort of his home. Thanks to all of you, again!

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__________________
 
Smoke and prayers for your buddy.

It's definately hard when our dogs/pets get older, they're just like family and we always want the best for 'em.

My Shepards goin' on 11, she's goin' blind and, well I don/t wanna give ya a laundry list, suffice it to say she has the typical Shepard ailments.

All we can do is be there for them no matter what, they're always there for us.

Take care of yer dog and yer self
 
What a nice update! I really like the new stepping stool. It's great! :p :D Best wishes to you both. Give our boy a yummy treat for us. :)
 
I am very happy that he is home and doing better!! Smart doogy!! Love on Clyde for me!! Kirby Rufus and I will continue to keep him in our prayers.
 
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