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! 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.