another one crosses the bridge

[Trek420]

I had to put DogTrek down. Always a bit of an alpha dog but a very sweet dog I dearly loved she had begun to fail and got more aggressive. She may have been in some pain at that point. I knew she had arthritis pretty bad.

Since it could have been the stress of the move we tried several things.

She'd just had a checkup from her regular vet who knew her all her doggie life. We had her checked out by a great vet here who also consulted with her Hayward vet, George. She was testing low thyroid and there had been many changes to her routine for sure with the move but she may have had some strokes.

We'd seen evidence of that and I had to make a very tough decision.

KnotDog went to stay with H while we had some days with TrekDog as an only dog. She was very spoiled during that time, it was her special time.

I watched to see if the behavior continued and if not, if she got back to normal we'd slowly re-introduce KnotDog. Maybe it was him being there but even with him gone while she never bit she was obviously on edge.

She seemed to have pain and actually growled at me. So we had to make a tough decision.

I'm very sad. She did have ::at least 14:: very good years which is a long long time for a dog!

If the shelter told a fib to get her adopted "Oh, she's only 9 months to a year old! :D" maybe she's older than that. I have to think if I'd just stayed put longer in the Bay area so she would not be stressed if she was having strokes she might have had maybe a couple more months.

She enjoyed her trip north! and we enjoyed having her with us.

She always liked going in the car. In her youth she'd camped, slept through thunder storms in a tent, even enjoyed boat rides. Adventure dog! And since I'd resigned we'd spent the last weeks she and I exploring favorite East Bay walks of hers.

On this trip she got to explore rest stops, walk a bit of Ashland and to see and smell Seattle and see and meet her "brother dog". But then may have just had an episode again like a suspected mini stroke she had recently.

The last 2 days have been all about her, just walks and endless treats.

I miss her very much, she may have been a handful and not the friendliest of dogs to other dogs, but she was always my dog and a sweet dog. She actually saved my life several times.

This picture is of her with my contractor during the remodel. TrekDog is gently sniffing a foster kitten.

[Wahine]

(((((Trek420)))))

I am so sorry. I remember many of your stories about Trek dog. Your experience with Trek Dog is part of what has inspired me to find a rescue dog again.

I'm so very sad for you.

[zoom-zoom]

That photo is so beautiful... What a gorgeous girl she was. You were all lucky to have one-another. I'm glad she had a peaceful passing and you helped her get there when she was ready and still comfortable. RIP Trek Dog.

[Trek420]

She's up there and chasing squirrels. Maybe she'll catch one! :o

[margo49]

(((TREK)))

14 years - wow
You two must have been a great team!

[Owlie]

Beautiful photos, beautiful dog. I'm so sorry for your loss.

[hebe]

I'm so sorry. That photo has brought tears to my eyes. You must have been such good friends. Rest in peace, DogTrek.

[indysteel]

(((Trek and Knot))). I'm so sorry for your loss. Such a beautiful dog.

[OakLeaf]

(((((((Trek & Knot))))))) I'm so sorry. What a beautiful dog. Thank you for giving her such a good life.

[murielalex]

Beautiful photos, beautiful dog. I'm so sorry for your loss.

^ This.

[ridebikeme]

Knot & Trek

I'm so sorry for your loss! Although this doesn't stop the pain, I'm glad that you are enjoying and sharing some of your wonderful memories! Take care and know that she had a great and loving home!!

[Pax]

I am so, so sorry. :(

[spokewench]

So, so Sorry Trek!

[emily_in_nc]

So sorry for your loss -- it is always a very hard decision to make, but sounds like you made the right one.

[Trek420]

Yes, it's always tough. I knew it'd happen but had no idea.

She'd been forgetting her friends like her buddy GingerDog in Sonoma, and was having pain like when I petted or brushed her. That saddened me because a) she always liked being brushed and b) I wanted to collect some TrekDog hair.

But in her few days in Seattle there's a lot of it here and it's everywhere :p

Hunting gophers, almost got it!

http://forums.teamestrogen.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=11654&d=1280116932

Yes, we were a good team!

[Norse]

Trek and Knot, I am very sorry about your loss. Sounds like she had a wonderful life with you gals.

[smittykitty]

So sorry for your loss. What a great send off for her (and her people), getting all that special time alone with you both before her crossing.

Now she happy and forever pain-free. Watch out squirrels!!!!

Big lump in throat, screen blurred by tears too. Thanks for sharing.

[Trek420]

Trek and Knot, I am very sorry about your loss. Sounds like she had a wonderful life with you gals.

She had a good long life I guess. I used to tell her "This is so much better than being abandoned in West Oakland, isn't it, Mae?" on our adventures. :)

I'm wearing her chip and tags with my roadid :( Doing a Tyler Hamilton :rolleyes:

[solobiker]

I am so sorrry for your loss. {{{hugs}}}

[Tri Girl]

Oh Trek...I'm so very, very sorry. I cry tears of sadness along with you. You gave her the best home, and you both loved each other. I know she appreciates the love and respect you showed to her over the years and in her final moments. My heart breaks for you. Much love right now. :(

[pll]

Trek... So sorry about your loss. Virtual hugs to you.

[spindizzy]

Trek - what a wonderful, thoughtful, giving of yourself to Trekdog in her last few days..she left in your warmth and love. (((Trek)))

[azfiddle]

You were caring and loving, and although she has taken a piece of your heart with her, she will be at rest now. Remember all the wonderful times you enjoyed. I'm sorry for your loss.

[makbike]

Trek I am so sorry for your loss. I fully understand your heart break.


Lend Me a Puppy

I will lend to you for awhile a puppy, God said.
For you to love while she lives, and mourn when she's dead.
Maybe for twelve or fourteen years, or maybe two or three.
But will you, 'til I call her back, take care of her for me?

She'll bring you her charms to gladden you and, should her
stay be brief, you'll always have her memories as solace for your grief.

I cannot promise she will stay, since all from earth return.
But there are lessons taught below I want this pup to learn.

I've looked the whole world over in search of teacher's true.
And from the folk that crowd life's land, I have chosen you.

Now will you give her all your love, nor think the labor vain?
Nor hate me when I come to take my puppy home again?

My heart replied, "My Lord, Thy Will Be Done"
For all the joys this puppy brings the risk of grief I'll run.
We'll shelter her with tenderness, we'll love her while we may
And for the happiness we've known, forever grateful stay.

But should you call her back much sooner than we planned.
We'll brave the bitter grief that comes, and try to understand.
If, by our love we've managed your wishes to achieve,
Then in memory of her who we loved, please help us while we grieve.

When our cherished puppy departs this world of strife,
Please send yet another needing soul for us to love all their life.

************** - Author Unknown -
**** Adapted from 'Thy Will Be Done' by Edgar Guest

[Catrin]

I am sorry Trek, my sympathies on the loss of your beloved dog!

[five one]

Mae was one lucky canine to have been the Trekdog. So sorry for your loss.

[snapdragen]

Condolences to you D. Mae was a lucky dog to have such a loving mistress.

[GLC1968]

I'm so sorry for your loss. She sounds like she led a very full life and I'm glad you got to share it with her. :)

[Trek420]

She sounds like she led a very full life and I'm glad you got to share it with her. :)

She had a very full life. I think I've said that in the divorce my ex got the house, I got the dog. I got the better end of that deal :) especially in light of what then happened to the real estate market ;)

Here she is at the start of my condo remodel. As I'm ripping out the carpet around her I had to make sure there were rugs including this very ugly one. She liked her creature comforts and sought the most comfy spot.

http://forums.teamestrogen.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=4945&d=1196223165

[owlice]

{{{Trek}}}

[Trek420]

Picking up her ashes today. Found another picture on the forum, Mae with cot and Kong. She had so many comfy beds:

http://forums.teamestrogen.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=14180&d=1328496844

[Melalvai]

We're getting to the end of our cat's life and having to think about When. Our vet suggested list her 10 favorite things to do and when she can no longer do 5 or 6 might be the time. She stopped eating but still recognizes and responds to us. But I think it's not long now.

Thanks for sharing about your dog. It's good to hear from others who have faced the same situations.