I'm writing this with tears in my eyes-my dog's gonna die

[SyracuseDemocrat]

I have a chocolate lab, her name is Kira, and she just turned 9. I wrote 4 or 5 days ago about how my dog probably has heart disease, but with treatment she should be able to live out her full life. Well, I was wrong :( . We went to the ultrasound today and the vet said that she had 6 months to live at the most, and that she could die any day now. Well I burst into tears when she told me the news, and I still can't believe it that i'm going to lose her. I still have tears in my eyes now, in the afternoon, and I'm all mixed up. I can't even describe the feelings going through my head.

[Richardo]

1. I'm SO sorry, Syracuse....

I'm sending supportive and sympathetic thoughts your way... :-(

[commander bunnypants]

2. I am very sorry

Take time, take care, spend as much time as possible with your doggie and remember you DU shoulders to cry on.


DEMMAN

[CO Liberal]

3. I've Been There, Syracuse

But when my dog Cooter got out and was hit by a car, I had no warning - he was just gone.

Please visit the Rainbow Bridge web site. It helps.

http://www.rainbowbridge.com/

[msanger]

4. our prayers..

are with you and Kira.

michael in dc.

[berner59]

5. very hard....

So hard to deal with and the only way to do so is to know that you've given this dog all that you could and she of course gave back double... Try not to let her suffer and be with her all you can. My 9yr old Bernese Mountain Dog died in Nov of heart failure but did it naturally at home...very sad but peaceful... I read once the most beautiful passage from a book that stated that at the time of a dog's death, their soul is released into yours and that is their last gift to you...very sweet...

Hang in there...

[MotorCityMan]

6. My heart goes out to you, SyracuseDemocrat

I am so sorry to hear about your dog. I understand completely; I have a 15 year old cocker spaniel who is slowly declining in health and lost my other one two years ago.

Your post brought tears to my eyes. I have had such a hard time handling Chester's failing health. I have been through soooo much with him (and Susie, who died two years ago). There were times that I don't know if I could handled if not for my two buddies. I also find it is impossible for non-longterm pet owners to understand what this does to you.

[mitchtv]

7. take her to do all her favorite things

and foods, I lost my wolf hybrid after 14+ yrs in '99. We still talk about her, but by now We get mostly fond, happy memories, and don't break out in tears anymore. It took a long time for the crying to end, tho.But, it does end. I haven't been able to get a new dog , tho.

[AnnabelLee]

11. Yes

spend as much time with her as you can. I'm so sorry, SD.:-(

[Robb]

8. My sympathies

We recently lost one of the "pack", and it's devastating. It's probably too early for this (just call me Mr. Sensitive), but two things the folks here at DU told me when Big Jack moved on were that one, clearly God needed a good dog (not a religious man, myself, but a great thought); and two, remember that dog heaven is in the same place as squirrel hell. Kira's going to a great place!

Spend all the time with her you can. And hugs from all of us.

[commander bunnypants]

16. that is a great post-I hope you dont mind if I use it in the future

DEMMAN

[Robb]

37. Thanks to a DUer

who said it first, at least to me. I can't remember who it was.

Another thought I've kept since:

The Chukchi believed that their dogs guarded the gates of heaven, and that the way you treated a dog in this life determined your place in heaven. Your dogs wait for you, asleep until you come across, then they pull your sled through and into heaven.

[madmax]

9. So sorry

I understand, having lost 2 of my fur babies. Hugs for you and Kira. I hope I don't sound cruel but, I would ask the vet for an honest assement of Kira's condition and not let her suffer if that is the case.

When you need it:
http://www.rainbowbridge.com

[oneighty]

10. Great love brings

Great pain. I am sorry for you and your dog.

180

[caduceus]

12. My favorate quote

I don't know if I remember it verbatim anymore, but this is a quote from, of all places, 1984, by George Orwell. I feel it applies to what you're going through now.

"If you love someone, you love them. And when you have nothing left to give, you still give them love."

This applies to both you and Kira.

[caduceus]

17. Correction

On research, the actual quote is...

"If you loved someone, you loved him, and when you had nothing else to give, you still gave him love."

Ch. 7, 1984

[SoCalDem]

13. Boy.. I know how you feel.. I have been there many times..

In one summer, we lost our two labs (mother & daughter..13 and 11) to cancer and our little poodle/mutt (17 yrs or so) also to cancer.. They all went withi a month.. It was terrible, but we had the consolation in knowing that they had wonderful lives and they were always loved, never mistreated..

Our beloved cat (14 yrs old)that we had from the time we were newlyweds, and who we moved with us to five states in four years, died of cancer/heartdisease.. She had lasek, and fluid removal treatments and surgery and lasted a few more months than if she had not had the intervention.. She lived a good life until she just breathed her last in my husband's lap one night..

It's so devastating to lose a pet, but it's what we sign on for when we take in that cute little puppy/kitten..

Pat yourself on the back for doing such a good job taking care of and loving Kira, and do her the favor or being open to love another dog when the time is right..

There are always going to be far more pets who need love, than there are people to love them..

as you can see from my rogue's gallery below, we have taken in waaaaay more than we ever "needed", but they needed us :)

Hugs..

Spoil her rotten while you have her and she will let you know when you need to do more:(

[Darth_Kitten]

14. I am so sorry for the pain you are going through.

Please know that you are not alone, you have people here who care and understand.

[mac56]

15. I am so sorry.

Do as much as you can with Kira. Tell her how much you love her. She understands, and loves you too. The Rainbow Bridge suggestion is a good one.

Every dog deserves a loving owner like you, and every person deserves a loving dog like Kira.

[UrbScotty]

18. NO! Sorry to hear that!

Spend every minute you can with her.

I wish you the best.

[Feanorcurufinwe]

19. We are with you

I feel for you. I just went through this myself. Give her the best end you can and be strong. But it will be hard. For me, my dog was actually a source of strength for me cuz he knew what was happening and faced the end with such dignity. I will skip the rest of the platitudes and just say, cherish her.

[Dr. Mullion Blasto]

20. Don't give up - 'can't always believe the docs - I know!

They told my brother he could go "at any moment" of congestive heart failure - 5 years ago! He is doing great - working out every day, etc. Put your lab on a strict diet - go veg. Our Maltese eats only brown rice and veg and beans - a teensy bit of free range ground round meat - and his vet raves about his health and teeth.

[SyracuseDemocrat]

21. I was just downstairs

And i went over to pet kira, and she turned her head away from me, like she didn't want anything to do with me :(. It hurt deep down. then when i moved her head back and started to pet her she got up and went in her crate away from me. So now, not only is she gonna die, but she apparently doesn't even like me anymore. :(

[SoCalDem]

23. She may just be upset from the vet ordeal

just keep at it.. and realize too, that sometimes nature instinctively compels sick animals to go off on their own.. It may be instinctive and she has no control of it..

Our little Willie was takenby his mother to a pile of dirt far away from her nest of her other kittens, because she knew he was going to die.. Luckily for him I spotted him and raced him to the vet, but he would have been dead within the hour if I had not found him.. Nature can be offputting to humans sometimes..:(

[Kolesar]

31. Our dog would go back into her pen when she was scared

Now that her pen is not there, she hides under the legs of the dining room table. I think she thinks of it as her den.

My heart is in my throat thinking about the two of you.

[nini]

22. so so sorry.

it's so hard to lose a pet.. :-(

give her all the love you can and know we're all sending hugs and strength to you.

[AnnabelLee]

24. She could be acting that way

because she's still unsettled by having gone to the vet. I know some of mine do that for a while after we get home. Don't take it personally, she knows you love her, & she loves you. Give her a little time to settle down, & she will probably approach you on her own.

[thom1102]

25. I am so sorry for you and Kira.

I lost my cat last year, and couldn't beleive how painful it was. Hobbes had a bowel obstruction after swallowing a piece of one of his favorite toys, and he died from complications from the surgery to remove it. It was sudden, and heartbreaking. I echo the advice other posted have given you. Enjoy the time you have left doing things that you both love.

Peace and love.

[synthia]

26. we got the same news this AM

about Nicky.....cancer...we hoped the surgery was in time but no luck.

syn....formerly she-bear

[AnnabelLee]

29. I'm so sorry, synthia n/t

[BurtWorm]

27. I love chocolate labs. I've known a few.

They're such sweet dogs. Sorry for your pain, and hers.

[amazona]

28. I'm sorry

I would be in tears too. It's hard. Their lives are so short.

[SyracuseDemocrat]

30. There is no god

i mean, how could god do this to me?

[sinkingfeeling]

32. Now I'm Crying Too......

I'm so very sorry for you. Boy, have alot of us been there. I'm waiting to hear from my vet this afternoon on the condition of my 7-yr.-old Samoyed, Crissy Ann. I rushed her to an all night hospital last night and they moved her to my regular vet's this morning. She has had years of medical problems and takes 8 tablets a day.

Dogs are such wonderful animals...their unconditional love, abilities to assist humans, silliness, playfulness, etc. make them the role models. I only wish more humans could find the same ability to love others and give of themselves.

I am single and have loved and lost many dogs over the years. I have all of their ashes and when I depart this world my only request is that their ashes be merged with mine and we will always be together.

Can't see to type for my tears.

[GoddessOfGuinness]

33. You might want to get a second opinion...

Surely you'd want one if a doctor told you that you only had six months to live.

That said, take one day at a time. Enjoy every moment you have left with her...and with all your dear ones.

Life is never so appreciated as when we realize its brevity.

That said, ~huggggggggggggggggs~

[Bossy Monkey]

34. You have my sympathies

So sorry to hear this

[JackDragna]

35. I'm sorry for your loss..

Dogs are such great pets, but alas, we have much longer lives than they do. If you've got enough love to take care of a dog, then keep giving that love to another dog, maybe one in a shelter. I've lost a few pets in my life and it does me good to know that I can help some others.

[Tyler Durden]

36. Dogs are enlightened creatures...

...They live forever in the souls of our minds.

We NEVER lose them. They're just waiting for us to catch up.

Take heart, we all meet again.


"If dogs don't go to Heaven, when I die I want to go where they do." Will Rogers

[davidinalameda]

38. I'm sorry!

I hate this--I never know what to say except that I'm sorry and when it's her time to go, she goes quietly and without pain

[ProfessorGAC]

39. Damn It!!!

I had my fingers crossed for you and your family. I had a friend whose dog had a similar problem and that dog did well for years. I was really hoping that would be the case for you folks, too!

Darn it anyway. That's a real drag.

Take care of yourself. I'll be thinking good thoughts for you and yours.
The Professor

[gypsy11]

40. I'm so sorry

I know how hard it is to loose a beloved pet. I just lost my cat of 14 years in May and it was one of the hardest things.
Sending warm and caring thoughts to you and your family.

[ScreamingMeemie]

41. Syracuse, I am so very sorry...

I wish that pets lived a heck of a lot longer than they do. I hope her last months with you are pain free and happy ones. take gentle care, Laura

[Submariner]

42. Benny the Cat

SyracuseDemocrat, I lost my 17 year old Benny last year. I miss his glaring stare at 6:00 AM inches from my face waiting for my eyes to twitch so he could finish waking me up by tapping my cheek with his paw, which is cat language for "Get the hell up and make my breakfast!"

Sorry for what your going through.

[mkregel]

43. My heart goes out to you....

deepest sympathies....I would be very hurt if my Samoyeds Tigger and Sitka passed on...

[GoddessOfGuinness]

44. Update?

How are you holding up?

~huggggs~

[Scout]

45. oh that sucks so bad for you!

how awful you must feel, especially after the "good" news, only to find out it could be anytime.

;(

I must go home and hug both my dogs, but first my 8 year old chocolate lab.

(((( SyracuseDemocrat ))))

[roxdog]

46. keep your head up

keep your head up...energy isn't created or destroyed...it merely takes another form.....

[SyracuseDemocrat]

47. Update on Kira's condition, as requested.

Well, Kira is pretty much refusing to eat now. I have to handfeed her and force the food down her throat pretty much. I think that one of the meds that is on is making her nauseous. I called the vet and they said that they would get back to me on whether I can take her off of it or not so maybe she will be able to eat. We let her swim some but I am afraid to let her exert herself too much for fear of losing her. She has gotten very picky about her food as I said above. She was eating her original dog food fine and then one day she refused to eat it. So we went out and got her another brand, brought it home, and she gobbled it up. She ate it all fine the next day, too, but the day after that she refused to eat it. Now she refuses to eat the stuff that we have at the table, it all has to be forced down. I'm not sure what to do, and the vet doesn't really have any advice. She said that there isn't much I can do. :(

[Capn Sunshine]

49. I wish something I say would make it all better

I still have a major hole in my heart where my dog boy of 13 yrs used to be; he a lab also, although a gold one. Best dog ever ; smart , empath, articulate, powerful and helpful. One of the family. Beloved by everyone we knew and much of the neighborhood. Often when walking him people we didn't know would call hi to him; he somehow made his presence known all over our neighborhood, probably via his love of children.

He was a doddering old man in the end; still an empath and still the best of companions. One day, he wouldn't get up. He asked if he could please go now but I insisted on the vet. He died on the table.
I got to say goodbye, but wish to this day I could have just been with him one more day.

Just cherish what you have and keep it going until she doesn't go anymore; let her know you know what she is going through. Give her anything she wants; anything. Prime rib. Cheerios. Chicken soup.

God bless all dogs who surely add humanity to this crazy place.
Nothing will bring them back but we have those wonderful times together.

[noonwitch]

53. I don't want to sound cruel, but if she's not eating....

You have a really difficult decision to make. I had to do that for my Rosie 5 years ago, and as hard as it was, I couldn't let her suffer any more. But I am so sorry for you, because I know how hard it is. My eyes are tearing up just thinking about it, both for Rosie and for you and Kira.

[GoddessOfGuinness]

54. ~hugs~ for you both...

I'm sorry things are so tough right now...

Have you gotten a second opinion?

[Individualist]

48. I'm so very sorry

for the pain you're going through. Our pets are very special to us.

[SiouxJ]

50. So sorry

I have an old dog with a heart murmur, arthritis, deafness and a bad eye. I know he won't be with me long either and it's impossible to think about him not being here with me.

If I were you I would get a second opinion though. You never know with vets. I've had one tell me one thing and another one tell me something completely different. Just a thought.

Sending positive thoughts your way.

[crawfish]

51. You have my sympathy,

But hopefully your story turns out like mine.

Our miniature daschund, at age 7, was diagnosed with a heart condition and the vet gave her about 6-9 months to live.

She died...but at the ripe old age of 17.

[Lady Freedom]

52. I am soooo sorry!

I wish I could say something to make you feel better. :(

[proud patriot]

55. Tears as I type

Make the most of this time . Give kira the quality
time of doing what she loves . Write about all the little quirks
that are kira so you might never forget them .

:-(

[geniph]

56. It's one of the hardest things in life

saying goodbye to our furred and feathered companions, whose lives are so short. I've had to do it altogether too many times, and every one takes a piece of my heart. But the kindest thing is to know when to let go and ease a beloved pet peacefully on. She'll tell you when it's time if you listen to her.

I'm so sorry. I know how hard it is. Nothing will ever fill that Kira-shaped hole in your heart, but your memories will live forever.

[ulysses]

57. well-said, Geni

(Hi, btw!)

Syracuse, enjoy the time you have left with Kira, short as it may be. Geni is right - when she's ready, it'll be best to let her go, as hard as that is. All peace.

[Tinoire]

58. My thoughts and heart are with you & Kira

I pray you get through this as peacefully as possible. You're both very lucky to have each other. If it's any consolation, try hard (I know this is difficult) to appreciate that you have the time to keep loving and to say your good-byes to each other. Also that you can be there for her to help her through this transition as gently as possible. Kira will always be with you...

Peace SyracuseDemocrat and Kira

[grasswire]

59. thoughts re: feeding

Cats who are unable to keep food down or have lost their appetite are often helped by Pepcid. No kidding. Ask your veterinarian about it. My cat Chester (who was starving to death) takes 1/4 of a Pepcid AC chewable tab every day and it has made all the difference in the world.

Other hints about feeding: sometimes the animal has lost his/her sense of smell and strong-smelling food attracts their attention. Sardines, for cats, usually works.

And another thing. After trying every freaking kind of prescription and commercial cat food on the market with little success, and after keeping Chester alive with home-made chicken broth we finally found something that he thinks is yummy.

It's available in health food stores. The brand is Petguard. Natural ingredients, very high quality. You can also order through their web site at http://www.petguard.com. Chester simply gobbles the beef-wheat germ flavor. I believe it has saved his life.

[SyracuseDemocrat]

60. Another update about Kira:

My dad, a medical doctor, suggested that we take Kira off one of her medications, Digoxin. I read up on Digoxin and listened to what he said, and it is his opinion that Kira is very nauseous because she is on this medication, Digoxin. Digoxin is designed to slow down her heart beat and help her, but it can also cause throwing up and can make her urinate a lot. Any of you folks ever heard of this happening? :(

here is the link i found about digoxin with the side effects:

http://familydoctor.org/handouts/241.html

Thanks guys. Any advice would be much appreciated and welcomed.

[MuseRider]

61. I am so sorry to hear this.

We have lost many dogs but have been fortunate that they have all died of old age. This is premature and that probably hurts even worse for you right now. You can always tell a good person by the way they respond to their pets. I know she has been happy with you, you obviously love her a great deal. Because of that just remember she had a good life here with you. I am not overly religious but when I get upset or worried I often think of all my pets just waiting to jump all over me when I die and go to wherever we go. I just know I will see them again. Take care of yourself, let us know if we can help. From one lab person to another I wish you and your Kira an easy time.

[SyracuseDemocrat]

62. UPDATE: Kira's doing a lot better!!

The reason she wasn't eating was because of one of the meds she was on. We took her off it, and now she eats plenty. She's eating 6 or 7 cups of food a day and goes swimming every day with me. I make sure she has enough fresh water and it seems like she has a boundless amount of energy. I'm so glad :).

[GoddessOfGuinness]

64. That's WONDERFUL news!

I know how much it means to you, too...
:D

[nothingshocksmeanymore]

65. Wow that is great to hear!

Sorry, I just now read this thread. Nothing personal but I get so depressed when people's animals and families die...every once in a while I don't click.

I am so glad to hear this...may she hang in there a while..I had a golden that lived 17 years.

[Kolesar]

67. We have been giving our old dog water filtered through a Brita filter

It is a water pitcher with a Brita filter. The filter lasts about two months. It gets the chlorine out that makes the water smell funny. Dechlorinated water has to be better for her, and us too! It makes better coffee, by the way.

We keep the pitcher in the fridge and when we pour her a bowl, she really slurps it up with gusto.

Your good news made me happy, too.

[ProfessorGAC]

70. That's Really Good News

I never uncrossed my fingers for you folks. I'm really glad to hear that.
The Professor

[SyracuseDemocrat]

63. Oh i almost forgot:

Thank you all for your kind words and prayers!!

[Dude_CalmDown]

66. Make her happy until she dies - All people food all day all night

I know that my dog is running low on time so I've been doing everything that makes him happy - walks whenever he can, people food is a must, - I've basically stopped saying "no" to him.

[bearfan454]

68. It's okay. Your dog is going to the rainbow bridge.

The rainmbow bridge is a magical place where dogs go when they pass on. It is very magical there. All the old dogs are young again. All the sick dogs get well again. It is Spring weather all the time. there is plenty of food and water for all the dogs. All the dogs play and play all day long and have fun forever. Then one day, your dog looks up from her bowl and gets very excited. She is excited because she sees you are on the rainbow bridge with her. You and your beloved pet are together for eternity. Everything is good and you are both very happy.

I hope this helps. My mother sent it to me when my dog died. I cried a lot, but this did make me feel a little better.

[Blue_Chill]

69. Being a person that sometimes cares too much for animals

I understand your feelings. It's horrible to learn that your pet that you love so much is going to be taken fom you. Your post brought tears to my eyes as well.

I'm so very sorry for your loss. I will pray that God provide you with some comfort to aid you in these coming days.

However keep your head up. Your dog had the joy of having a caring person such as yourself in it's life, a joy most animals will never know. Find peace in knowing that your friend loves you back and is greatful for your kindness.

God be with you.

[LuLu550]

71. I'm sorry...

I have lost two dogs over the past two years to different circumstances and it is heartbreaking. My sympathy is with you. You may want to try www.petloss.com. It was a great comfort to me when my one dog was very ill and after they both passed.
LuLu