So sad!!!!

[DDH]

Just thougth I would post a note and ask that you all keep my family in your thoughts. We found out this week that my big black goofy German Shepard has bone cancer. He is 11 and the vet said that once they start showing symptoms it has already spread and at his age, they wouldn't suggest us amputating his leg becase it really does not gain anymore time at this stage than he already has.
He has 3 to 6 months to live but they will be surprised if he makes it past about 3.
I took him in because he had been limping on and off for about a month. One day or two, he would be fine, and then for several days he would be limping.
Trust me, hearing he had cancer was the furthest thing from my mind. I really thought he had just pulled a muschle or something. It shocked me so badly. I know in the past, not hear but to others, I have complained about the big dumb dog and his insesant barking and when he use to jump the fence and run down the road to the neighbors to go visiting. I was always so mad at him. Mainly because he is big, black and very intimidating looking, but really he is nothing but a big goof, but if I saw him come in my yard and I had small children or a little dog and didn't know him, it would scare me, and living in the country people tend to shoot rather than shoo. I use to say, "I hope he runs away and doesn't come back". Now, he doesn't jump the fence anymore and hasn't for a while, but I keep thinking once he is gone this time, he won't be coming back.
The things we say and learn to regret later. I really have always tried to be very aware of what I say, because of that very thing. Once you say it, you can't take it back. I am far from perfect, and things like this make you very aware of it.

Anyway, we watch his every move now, and it scares me when he plays with the other dog because I am afraid if he fractures his already weakened shoulder then we will lose him that much sooner.

It's hard to lose them. I thought I had gotten older and learned better how to deal with these kinds of things. But deep down, I am a mess. If I wasn't busy and had time to sit quietly, with no one around, I would probably just really lose it.

Please keep us in your thoughts.

[Aquila]

I'm sorry to hear about your dog. They're such special companions and pack members. Your family is in my thoughts.

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Donna, I'm so sorry to hear this. It's always heartbreaking to know your little friend won't be around anymore. But he is lucky to have you to watch over him through his life. Take care.

[badger]

Firstly, I'm very sorry to hear about your dog. Secondly, I know VERY WELL how you feel about how you treated him or thought things. I, too, had very similar thoughts with my dog.

The guilt didn't hit me until the day I had to put him down, and the floodgates of emotion just poured out and I will admit that the grief has been one of the hardest thing I've had to deal with. I often wished to be out of the "contract" I felt I was with him, how he tested my patience to the limit on a very regular basis. But at the end of the day, I loved him very much and while I still get teary eyed thinking about him (it's been 10 months!) I do remember the good times we had.

If you're anything like me, you'll beat yourself up with the should'ves, could'ves, and the would'ves. But, unlike me, you have the opportunity to make the time he has left special. So give him all the belly rubs, treats, and snuggles he wants. Hugs to you.

[grey]

I am so, so sorry to hear this. (((hugs)))

[Selkie]

Donna - I'm so sorry to hear about your big old bear. I lost a dog to lung cancer, but she went very fast (we had only about a week to process/accept the inevitable). Agnes was the dog of my heart, just irreplaceable.

Don't beat yourself up over what has passed. Now focus on spoiling your sweetie and getting the most out of the time you have left together. Your dog knows that you love him and that you've given him such a great home.

Not long ago, there was an essay in the Washington Post written by someone who had to let go of two dogs, one very much loved, the other whom she didn't feel as connected to. The bottom line is that she had a very hard time with accepting that the time was right to let them go. In it, she describes "the look" which the dogs gave her when they were telling her it was time. She said that she realized that they knew they had a train to catch and here she was, keeping them from catching it. Both Maud and Agnes gave me "the look"---they knew better but I promised them when they were puppies that they would never, ever suffer. Such a hard thing to face.... When we take these sweet loving souls into our homes and our hearts we owe them the dignity they deserve.

Be good to yourself, too. Me and my three goldens (including the completely exasperating, ill-behaved, sassy puppy, Margot) send you and yours big hugs. Give your goof a smooch for us, ok?

[OakLeaf]

(((((((Donna)))))))

I'll be thinking of you through the very difficult months and the decision you have ahead. I'm so sorry you have to go through this.

[mtbdarby]

Donna - I am so sorry to hear the news. He's lucky to have you and may you enjoy the time you do have.

Just out of curiosity, how did they diagnosis him?

((Hugs)) from Zeus and I

[nancielle]

So sorry to hear this. As others have said, please be good to yourself during this time.

I think we've all been push to exasperation by our animals. The other night when taking Chloe for her last walk before bed she managed to find a bug in the grass that fascinated her. She even began digging the ground (she's not normally a digger)to get at it. I'm trying to drag her away because I've become the buffet table for a swarm of mosquitos but I would've had an easier time dragging the SUV parked next to her than I had trying to move her. I even tried to reason with her! :rolleyes: But then she'll "smile" and wag her tail...

Enjoy the time you have left with him.

[Serottarider]

Donna......I am sorry to hear about your dog. I recently lost a cat due to a tragic accident. It's amazing how these 4 legged beings make their way into our hearts and bring us so much joy, happiness (and frustration at times).
Then they leave us long before we're ready to let them go.


Don't be hard on yourself for things you've said or done in the past.....because well, thats the past. The dog knows you love him and is truly lucky to have you as his person. Make every day you have left with him a great day in spite of his pain and your tears.

I'll keep you in my thoughts and prayers.

Beth

[Aggie_Ama]

Donna I am so sorry as this spring we put to sleep one of our kiddos. They told us they didn't think she would have 2 weeks in December, thought we would be putting her to sleep in February but she kept fighting until late April. Don't look at how little time he has, he may shock you. Enjoy the days you still have and the ones you had.

Oh and trust me I know the guilt. When we got Maggie she wasn't house trained. I remember being so frustrated at that and her throwing food everywhere, I remember scolding her and wondering if she would ever learn. I would love to have her around to scold today, try not to think about anything mean you said you obviously love him and he remembers that, you should too!

[runningteach]

I am so sorry. We lost our shepard buddy almost 2 years ago and it was a tough time. It is time to spoil your boy and enjoy the time you have. Losing a beloved pet is heartbreaking.

[colby]

Hang in there, enjoy the time you have and know that he always knew your true intentions better than you expressed through words. They really are thinking and feeling animals, and understand more than just what comes out of our mouths. Sometimes dogs need that clear response of "what were you THINKING" when they do something stupid anyway. ;)

We had a shepherd when I was growing up, it was so hard to let go of him, he was always there for me. It was like letting go of my childhood (I was around 18 when it was his time - he was around 16 or 17). You lose something when you let go, but the memories I have of him are irreplaceable - and what he gave to me in unconditional friendship and love I hope to have the opportunity to give back to others (animals and human alike) over the course of my lifetime.

I think I better go enjoy some time with my dog. :)

[andtckrtoo]

HUGS!!! I'm so sorry to hear about your pup! Our pets are members of our families and it's so hard to lose them, especially too soon. You're in my thoughts.

[lo123]

Hugs... SOOO Sorry.

[Deborajen]

Donna,

I'm so sorry to hear about your dog. We had to have our 13-year-old Siberian Husky put to sleep a little over a month ago. It never gets any easier to go through this type of thing even as we get older.

I think dogs are completely loyal, and they just want to make us happy, you know? They're always happy to see their families even if we say things we shouldn't have. Give him lots of hugs and pets. And take care of you, too.

Deb

[Tri Girl]

(((((hugs)))))
I'm so sorry to hear about your baby. Love him lots and give him all the attention, treats, petting, cuddling you can. Let him do all the things he loves to do.
All my thoughts and prayers are with you.

[emily_in_nc]

Donna,

I am so sorry. So many of us have lost four-legged family members before so we know how hard it is. My heart goes out to you!

Emily

[DDH]

Donna - I am so sorry to hear the news. He's lucky to have you and may you enjoy the time you do have.

Just out of curiosity, how did they diagnosis him?

((Hugs)) from Zeus and I

He had been limping on his leg off and on for about a month and I finally took him in thinking it was a pulled muscle and the vet did xrays and it was very clear. The vet was showing me and talking to me and said see how this looks compared to the other shoulder and I was like "Yeah?" he said something is eating away at his bone, and still not thinking anything about cancer I said, "well what in the world would be doing that" and that's when he said he has cancer.

He was going to do a biopsy, but I was concerned after reading up some on the internet, about them drillling into an already weakened bone and possibly causing a fracture, and losing him all the sooner. So my husband went in and talked to the vet and looked at the xrays and they decided that it was probably best to just let him be and not cause him anymore pain or take any chances. He was sure that it was cancer and by the time you are seeing symptoms, it has already spread and really to late to do anything about it other than manage his pain. The vet said the money that we would spend on a biopsy for an absolute diagnose's would be better spent on pain meds, as he will need them more and more as time goes on.


I just read all your replys and I appreciate your thoughts more than you know. I am spoiling him, (not that he wasn't already) and watching his every move while I'm home. He's probably sick of me and my husband pawing all over him so much lately. He is still in very good spirits right now and is getting up and down the new ramp that my husband built for him a whole lot easier than going up and down those stairs.

I really appreciate knowing that I am not alone in getting so frustrated with him at times. He really is just a big goof without a care in the world. I always describe him as goofy going aroung looking silly saying (do da do da do). LOL
He's been a great dog, just as our previous shepards were.
I told my husband the other day, I just wish we could have 1 dog that just goes to sleep and doesn't wake up rather than us having to make this heart wrenching decision later.
When the first two died, one had a stroke at 14 and we had to take him in because he couldn't walk right and couldn't hold his urine, and my dogs have always been in door dogs so you can imagine that you can't have them peeing everywhere. The second had spinal myopathy and the vet told me that there would come a day when he would not be able to get up any longer, but to leave him until he is ready and that I would know when.
When he no longer wants to play or show interest in things he loved to do such as play ball. It was so hard, my husband had gone off to another state on a hunting trip and that very weekend he didn't want to play ball anymore and wouldn't eat, so that Monday I had to have the vet come out. I felt terrible because I had sworn I wasn't going to let him get to the point of not being able to get up, and by the time the vet got there on Monday he was not longer able to get up. Poor thing was just laying there and couldn't move anymore. The other dogs wouldn't have anything to do with him, like they were scared or something.

So really, I already know how hard it is, I guess that is why I am dreading this so badly.
I cannot imagine us without a German shepard in our lives, but I think this will be the last.

Thanks everyone for all your thoughts, it means a great deal to me to be able to read about others experiences and to know I'm not alone.

[solobiker]

I am so sorry, I am sending you a hug right now. My thoughts are with you.

[badger]

one thing that really helped me, and I still have to remind myself at times, is that there is no past or the future with animals, just the now. So whenever I was thinking about "I shouldn't have done/said that", I would have to remind myself that he wasn't holding a grudge or thinking anything towards me other than what was happening at that particular moment.

If only we can all learn from them and live for the now :)

[bmccasland]

((((((Donna & Pup))))))

So sorry to hear your Pup is ill. It is so hard to watch a fur-baby that was once full of life become seriously ill. Many of us have been through it. Hopefully he has some pain meds so at least he's comfortable.

[blackhillsbiker]

We still tear up when we think about Idgie, our yellow lab. She helped me raise the kids. She was almost 14 when we had to take her in. MDH and I were both crying so hard neither one wanted to drive home. Now we have a big doofus of a curly-coated retriever. He drives me nuts, mainly because he isn't Idgie, which, I know, isn't fair. I am starting to appreciate him for his own self. Our other dog is an elderly Scottie mix with lupus. So far so good.

Hugs to you!

[Maxxxie]

We lost our rottie, Katie, to an osteosarcoma, about 18 months ago. Like you, I didn't think much of her occasional limping or tenderness around her paw. It would come and go. Eventually, it didn't go, and we took her to the vet. The vet assumed it was a muscle strain, and gave her pain relief. A week later, it wasn't any better, and MaxBabe insisted on x-rays. I knew, when the vet called and didn't want to discuss it over the phone, that Katie was in trouble.

As with your puppy, her prognosis was 3-6 months, tops. We also decided against amputation, due primarily to the fact that by the time it was diagnosed, it was almost certain to have metastasised in her lungs. Also, she had arthritis in her other legs, and we didn't think it was fair to prolong her life in that way.

We elected for radiation therapy and pain relief. We took her to a doggie oncologist. We knew when it was time to send her to puppy heaven. In the end, it was almost exactly three months from date of diagnosis when the pain became too much for the medication to keep under control. The vets at the oncology place were wonderful. Katie received top-notch care.

The weeks following her death were very tough. I was comforted by remembering her in better times. It's obvious you love your puppy very much. I wish you all the very best in this difficult time.

Max

[arielmoon]

((((((DDH)))))))

Sorry to hear this!

[papaver]

(((hugs)))

[OakLeaf]

This is an old thread, that was revived by a spammer this morning. :mad::mad::mad::mad: Donna hasn't posted since the first week of September.

((((((((Donna,)))))))) if you're listening, I hope you're taking care of yourself. If your dog is still around, I'm sending vibes and prayers for relief from pain and a peaceful end; in any case, hugs and prayers to you for a clear path through your grief to the happy memories. Take good care, spend some time on the pet loss websites, cry as much as you need to.

[beccaB]

I'm sorry about your news Donna.
I wasn't going to post anything, but after I read this thread I had to get it off my chest. I am profoundly saddened by having to have my dog put down last Friday. Sparky was a mixed mutt that shared his life with us for 13 1/2 years.
I am astounded at how much this hurts right now. There were frustrations as well as the good times. But when I say profoundly saddened, I feel like my heart hurts, and I had no idea how many times I would look for him and how much he affected my entire life. My whole body aches, and I mean it feels like my muscles are cooked like after a 100 miler. I don't want to replace his memory, but my husband will probably never let me have another dog anyway. For 23 years he has let me have every animal I've ever wanted, and now it's his turn to not have one if he chooses. But my heart and my house are empty. Someone tell me please that this will pass.

[Tuckervill]

Oh Becca, I'm sorry. I'm sure you love your husband, but it seems rather cruel to have no hope for another dog.

Karen

[OakLeaf]

((((((((beccaB)))))))) I'm so sorry for your loss.

[Maxxxie]

Becca,

Losing a pet is agonising. When Katie passed away, I was absolutely heartbroken - even though we knew her death was imminent, and I thought I was ready for it. I want you to know that with time, your pain will ease. And you'll be able to think of your puppy with joy rather than sorrow. It won't happen quickly, but it will happen. Hang in there.

Max

[badger]

oh Becca, I'm truly sorry for your loss. I know so many of us here have lost our good friends and every one of us will tell you that it DOES get better.

I lost Chevy almost a year to the date you lost Sparky (Oct. 24, 2008). Ok, I won't lie to you; I'm crying as I type this because I still miss him every day. I long for another dog, but I know it's not the right time yet, so I spend quite a bit of time volunteering for a couple of organizations helping homeless cats and dogs.

It's so raw for you right now because it just happened. And I truly do ache in sympathy for your loss. Be good and kind to yourself during this time, and take heart that it WILL get better.

[beccaB]

Oh Becca, I'm sorry. I'm sure you love your husband, but it seems rather cruel to have no hope for another dog.

Karen


It does seem cruel in print-but I can understand where he's coming from. It was my dog, but somehow my husband became the alpha, so the dog always looked to him for play time, going out, etc. And there was so much hair! (not my husband, the dog:D)When we brushed him it was like something got massacred out in the back yard! I can smile a little at how a chickadee used his hair to line its' nest in one of the bluebird houses I had put out. I know that truly all I would have to do is beg pitifully and I would have another dog. But is it fair? My husband has been looking for a little freedom for us to travel, take day trips or whatever now that the kids are old teenagers, some of them aren't at home much, and we are "middle aged" so it really would be nice to just take off for some adventure without having to plan for it. I think there will probably, hopefully be another dog someday. Someone pointed out to me that we shouldn't replace our dog right away because we wouldn't want to tarnish his memory. Even though my house is empty and my heart is heavy, we should allow ourselves to get past the grief before getting another dog. I still have 2 cats, and maybe a compromise would be to have a dog after the cats are no longer with us. One little stinker has lived out some of her 9 lives already, but that is another story!

[Aggie_Ama]

When we put Maggie to sleep it was horrible. Even with kidney failure for 5 months, I wasn't ready. My husband took it even worse. It felt very lonely without her and only Heidi, so we got a cat which I would never subject my poor blind Maggie to. One day your husband might be ready and yes, it does get better. Now I think fondly of how wonderful and sweet my little Maggie Bear was. It makes me smile instead of cry. Hang in there Becca and it is okay to miss your pup so much it hurts.