My girl is sick.

[ibcycling]

My rescue rottie boy Cyrus sends his love. It's so hard when they hurt and can't tell us where or why. I hope she improves and has many more years with you and bless you for taking her in when she needed you. Financially it can be very hard but there are places willing to help. I found a page with several links to pet-related financial help. I haven't dealt with any of them but have heard good things about IMOM.

http://www.brood-va.org/financialhelp.htm

What kind of arthritis medicine was she on? Did they test her liver function? My parents recently went through something similar with their dog Ralston. He had been on seizure medicine for a few years. Earlier this year he started becoming unstable on his feet, uninterested in stuff that normally excited him, and his appetite went downhill. They lowered his meds (he hadn't had a bad seizure in quite a while) and I suggested they put him on joint supplements. The vet thought it was arthritis in his hip. He improved for a few months and then went downhill fast. Turns out it was his liver and the vet didn't catch it the first time. If she's been on Rimidyl liver problems would be my first guess. There are ways to support the liver and help it regain function if that is the problem.


Good luck and sloppy rottie kisses,
Lora

[aly]

I truly appreciate everyone's well-wishes and suggestions. After much testing, discussing and research of other options, we eventually made the decision that, as difficult as it is, we had to put Jane to sleep. We tested everything. It was definitely a spinal injury. Her pain came and went, but her spine was so compromised in so many places, that it looked like a matter of when, not if, it would be injured again. She never regained any movement in her back legs and lost all control of her bladder and bowels. That was what finally put me over the line. She was in obvious discomfort and was peeing and defecating on herself. We discussed wheelchairs, but there were many reasons that it wasn't the right decision for Jane. We thought about waiting a few days, but it wouldn't have been the right thing to do.

We spoke to three different vets and all basically brought us to the same conclusion. Now it's done. The vet cried, we cried, but Jane went quickly.

I'm sorry for anyone else who has had to make such a decision, or who may in the future.

[fastdogs]

sorry it came to that, but the decision you made was for her, and I'm sure she'd have chosen that herself if she could. It is never easy, and you will second guess yourself, it's all part of the grieving process. I've had a bad couple of years with my dogs, most recently the loss of a 14 year old that I hand raised as a pup. They always occupy a place in your heart, no matter how long they've been gone from your life.
vickie

[sbctwin]

I am so sorry for your loss, Aly. You did the best for Jane. Just think of all the fun times you had with her and what the last year of her life was like. SHE WAS LOVED. She could not have asked for anything else. You made it possible for her to know that human parents were kind. My Kallie girl, Katrina and Tobydog are at rainbow bridge, welcoming Jane.

[Pax]

RIP Jane.

[Dogmama]

I truly appreciate everyone's well-wishes and suggestions. After much testing, discussing and research of other options, we eventually made the decision that, as difficult as it is, we had to put Jane to sleep. We tested everything. It was definitely a spinal injury. Her pain came and went, but her spine was so compromised in so many places, that it looked like a matter of when, not if, it would be injured again. She never regained any movement in her back legs and lost all control of her bladder and bowels. That was what finally put me over the line. She was in obvious discomfort and was peeing and defecating on herself. We discussed wheelchairs, but there were many reasons that it wasn't the right decision for Jane. We thought about waiting a few days, but it wouldn't have been the right thing to do.

We spoke to three different vets and all basically brought us to the same conclusion. Now it's done. The vet cried, we cried, but Jane went quickly.

I'm sorry for anyone else who has had to make such a decision, or who may in the future.

I went through this with my German Shepherd. When she lost movement, I put her to sleep. Quality of life is more important than quantity for dogs.

Here is what I believe. There is some little kid in Heaven that really needed a pup. God looked down, saw your baby with a big heart and lots of love, but a physical body that was suffering. God gave you the right decision. Now, the little kid is very happy and your pup is playing happily. You'll see them when you pass on.

I'm not particularly religious, but this little fantasy gets me through these times.

(((((((HUGS)))))))

[sundial]

I like to create a living memorial for my girls when they pass. I usually plant a dogwood.

[bmccasland]

I like to create a living memorial for my girls when they pass. I usually plant a dogwood.

Does that mean I ought to plant an acacia (cat claw?) for Erin? Need a soft plant for kitties, ***** Willows won't grow here (south Louisiana). Sorry for the slight hijack. Am a bit blue at the moment. Hope Jane likes kitties.

[surgtech1956]

I am so sorry.

[aly]

"Here is what I believe. There is some little kid in Heaven that really needed a pup. God looked down, saw your baby with a big heart and lots of love, but a physical body that was suffering. God gave you the right decision. Now, the little kid is very happy and your pup is playing happily. You'll see them when you pass on."

That is so perfect dogmama, thank you.

Sundial- I think a living memorial is a great idea. We'll do that.
Bmccasland- Jane will be thrilled to meet Erin. Erin may not as thrilled to meet Jane (our kitties just barely tolerated her!), but Jane is easily put in her place.

We're going to meet some dogs today- our house feels empty. We're meeting a German Shepherd and a Shepherd mix. I love the rotties, but the rottie rescue only has one that might fit our household right now (we have a large bird and two cats), the other rescues don't have any that are cat friendly. We'll meet her next week. It seems very quick, but it also feels really good.