This sucks...AKA it doesn't get easier...

stevekolt

stevekolt

Gold Member
Joined
Jan 9, 2007
Messages
3,081
Two days ago our 9 y.o. German Shepherd "Max" became paraplegic. Both of his rear legs became paralyzed due to some type of inflammatory condition with his spinal cord. Despite trying to treat him with steroids to decrease the inflammation, he continues to deteriorate. We'll be taking him for his last vet visit in the AM. Our Golden Retriever "Luke" is confused, and knows something is up. Kind of makes everything else aside from family (knives, guns, music) seem pretty trivial. This will be the fourth friend we will have to euthanize in the last 20 years...our kids are grown and our dogs have assumed that role for us. Sorry, but I just had to vent...
 
It's never easy to let a member of the family go. But as pet 'owners' it is part of out job as caretakers.

I've had to do it too many times over the years,
 
I lost one of my labs to cancer Easter morning this year. He would have been 11 in August, but it is never enough time. The decision was made for us when the emergency vet explained that they couldn't even operate due to his platelet count being so low. I have dealt with family members passing, friends passing, but it never seems to hurt as bad as losing your faithful companion pup.

My lab's sister was looking for him for weeks after. I was playing a video of him on my computer one day, 2 months ago, and she heard him panting and a bark. She got so excited and ran to the front door looking for him. I felt so bad, I shut it off as soon as I had realized what I did. I felt so bad for her.

Nope, it doesn't get any easier. When she goes, its going to be just as bad if not worse.

I am really sorry and wish I had some advice. Nothing I said or did in my lab's last moments seemed like it was enough in my mind. In the end I realized being there and making sure he passed calmly was all I could do.

Good luck.
 
I totally sympathize with you. My dogs are our kids. Max knows he loved and that Mom and Dad will do what is best for Max. Luke will be upset for a good while as his life will be altered as well. God bless you and your family through these trying times my friend. John
 
If Max does die, it is important that Luke be allowed a few minutes with the dead body. Dogs understand death. They know what it looks like and smells like. For Luke, seeing Max one last time will give what we humans call "closure." Otherwise, he will look for his friend Max and worry about Max for months.
 
I'm very sorry. Its so hard to lose a pet. Especially when its something like this.
 
...And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth.
Click to expand...

IMHO, the opportunity to have a relationship with a dog is a part of the blessing. In taking dominion over them, we assume responsibilities that go along with the rewards. Again, IMHO, there is a reason why dogs' lives are so much shorter than our own. As we say goodbye to one faithful companion, we are given the opportunity to renew that relationship again and again. Through them, we are able to watch the circle of life in a microcosm, to see our own flaws and enjoy teaching and watching our lessons affect a life in good ways and in bad ways. At the same time we are teaching them, we have the opportunity to learn from them ways to develop a sucessful relationship. This is why I strongly recommend dogs for children where possible, with parent supervision and guidence.

Don't misunderstand me, I'll never equate a dog with a human. They are much different in many ways as it was meant to be. I don't think of them in human terms, but there are some striking parallels. A good dog can enrich the life of a good owner. My condolences on the pending loss of your dog. Ease his passing and live up to your final responsibility to your friend, and don't wait too long to renew the relationship with another. That, again IMHO, is the best tribute we can pay to these companions.
 
I'm sorry for your friend, it sounds like he had a good life with you. "Good boy, Max."
 
You are not alone in your grieving, Gollnick is right, let the lab see his friend one last time. I am truly sorry for your loss.
 
Our Condolences.
Smoke and Prayer For You and your family, Steve, For understanding and healing.
Smoke and Prayer for Max to ease his passing in a gentle manner.
We just lost our best friend Marbles on Dec 4, I know how you feel. His back went Out too...he had a seizure on the operating table and was gone.
There is a place that is of great help to people in our situation. When you feel up to it take a look at Petloss.com.
If you feel the need to talk you can reach me by PM or Email anytime.
 
A cople of years ago my old dog Sammy was put down. The little dog Lucy did not see the body. She was confused and disorented for a few days, but then one night I said to Lucy, where's Sammy. Get Sammy? I swear the dog jumped up an looked around the room expectantly and then laid down and cried like a baby. Very sad. they do know when their buddies are gone. I never did that again.
 
Thanks for all the kind words. Max crossed the Rainbow Bridge on the 22nd with Mom and Dad, holding him until the end. He will always be with us in our hearts and memories. Luke is doing OK, and we will be going to our vacation/retirement home in WV for a week right after church service on Christmas morning. We have begun talking about a new companion for Luke.

Wishing you all a Merry Christmas, or a Happy Chanukah.
 
AKC said:
I'm sorry for your friend, it sounds like he had a good life with you. "Good boy, Max."
Click to expand...

That literally made me cry right here at work.

It's better to have loved and lost, than never to have loved at all. I think that goes with each and every relationship, whether human, dog, or whatever.
 
Again, thanks for all the kind words. Well, here we are in WV, and Luke was doing great. My better half has been looking for a new pup, and lo and behold, we now have an eight week old female German Shepherd/Lab mix that she has named "Jessi". Beautiful little pup, and of course Luke is a bit dazed, but he is a wonderful and intelligent boy and I'm sure they will be great pals in no time. Max was cremated, and we will be bringing his ashes back to our WV home when we come back, and will sprinkle them on our property. My wife and I still tear up at times thinking about Max, but he is truly in a better place, where he is in perfect health in he will be in his prime there forever.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top