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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 24 of 24. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Dinah on September 7, 2003, at 1:02:07
We had to have my old obedience dog put to sleep today. He pretty much quit eating, and was getting weaker and weaker. He'd fall down and couldn't get up. When I tried to help him, he sort of snapped at me. He was just shy of fifteen. He'd been living with my parents, and was my the darling of my father.
Now my thirteen year old, my favorite living dog, is shaking and obviously not feeling well. And I just realized that his belly has been expanding. He doesn't feel like he's gained weight overall, but specifically in his narrowest part. He's seemed "off" for months now. He'll sit slit eyed with ears to the side, which usually means they don't feel well. I've made a few appointments with the vet. But every day it's time for the appointment he seems better. And since he's rather obviously been eating my son's Legos (if you know what I mean) I have been assuming his tummy gets upset now and again.
But after having just put one to sleep, I'm worried. I'm going to make an appointment for Monday, and keep it this time. I don't know what I'd do without the little guy. I've got five dogs, all old, but he's my darling. I just can't stand the idea of losing him. Not at the tender age of thirteen. He's a little dog, and thirteen just isn't that old. Oh, I can't even believe he's that old.
Posted by fallsfall on September 7, 2003, at 7:38:45
In reply to My dogs, posted by Dinah on September 7, 2003, at 1:02:07
Dinah,
I'm so sorry about your dog. I know that he was very special to you. He worked hard at his obedience training just to please you. The unconditional adoration is so sweet. And when you show love to a dog they are so, incredibly thrilled. This dog will always be special to you, you were blessed to know him.
Now, this youngster - your 13 year old - he eats Legos, huh? Must make him popular with your son. I've gone through periods like you are where as soon as the vet appointment comes things look better. I really want to take my dogs in if the vet can help, but I don't want to take them in and have the doctor say "And WHY are you here?", and then get to pay to hear them say it. It can be a hard decision. It sounds to me like if you take him in on Monday and everything is fine that the Vet fee will be worth it for your mental health. I wonder if Legos show up on X-Rays?
Posted by justyourlaugh on September 7, 2003, at 10:25:18
In reply to Re: My dogs » Dinah, posted by fallsfall on September 7, 2003, at 7:38:45
dinah,,
again you express such love and compassion for all living things..
i am sorry of your loss and understand how gods little creatures are very much part of our lives and happiness..
the circle of life is painful.
be strong for your little friends..
peace dinah..
j
Posted by galkeepinon on September 7, 2003, at 14:00:55
In reply to My dogs, posted by Dinah on September 7, 2003, at 1:02:07
Oh Dinah~I'm so sorry to hear this, my thoughts and prayers are with you. I had to put down my dog 2 years ago and it is sad. I looked in her eyes and said 'thank you' it was like she was saying to me 'hang in there', hang in there' Animals touch our lives like no human can and I really hope your other dog stays healthy at this time, my thoughts and prayers are with you!!!
Take care,
gal (a dog person :-))
> We had to have my old obedience dog put to sleep today. He pretty much quit eating, and was getting weaker and weaker. He'd fall down and couldn't get up. When I tried to help him, he sort of snapped at me. He was just shy of fifteen. He'd been living with my parents, and was my the darling of my father.
>
> Now my thirteen year old, my favorite living dog, is shaking and obviously not feeling well. And I just realized that his belly has been expanding. He doesn't feel like he's gained weight overall, but specifically in his narrowest part. He's seemed "off" for months now. He'll sit slit eyed with ears to the side, which usually means they don't feel well. I've made a few appointments with the vet. But every day it's time for the appointment he seems better. And since he's rather obviously been eating my son's Legos (if you know what I mean) I have been assuming his tummy gets upset now and again.
>
> But after having just put one to sleep, I'm worried. I'm going to make an appointment for Monday, and keep it this time. I don't know what I'd do without the little guy. I've got five dogs, all old, but he's my darling. I just can't stand the idea of losing him. Not at the tender age of thirteen. He's a little dog, and thirteen just isn't that old. Oh, I can't even believe he's that old.
Posted by Penny on September 8, 2003, at 7:25:43
In reply to My dogs, posted by Dinah on September 7, 2003, at 1:02:07
So sorry, Dinah, to hear about your dog. Mine are still pretty young - 4 and 5 years old - but one of them is starting to get pretty gray on her muzzle and belly and I just hate that they're growing older. I can't even imagine what I would do without them.
Fortunately, though, your dogs have had good lives with you. They've given you a great deal of love and pleasure, and you've given them the world in return.
Hoping the vet visit goes well for your 13-year-old. I'm thinking about you.
P
Posted by Dinah on September 8, 2003, at 10:00:02
In reply to My dogs, posted by Dinah on September 7, 2003, at 1:02:07
They're doing x-rays and ultrasounds. And the doctor, with much coaxing from me, says it may be something that isn't fatal. But it took a lot of coaxing.
I can't bear to lose my Harry.
Posted by fallsfall on September 8, 2003, at 10:35:45
In reply to Re: It doesn't look good, posted by Dinah on September 8, 2003, at 10:00:02
Oh, Dinah.
((((((((Dinah))))))))
Posted by Penny on September 8, 2003, at 10:42:07
In reply to Re: It doesn't look good, posted by Dinah on September 8, 2003, at 10:00:02
(((((((Dinah)))))))
I'm so sorry. Thinking good thoughts for you and Harry.
Posted by Gabbix2 on September 8, 2003, at 11:15:11
In reply to Re: It doesn't look good » Dinah, posted by Penny on September 8, 2003, at 10:42:07
I'm so so sorry,
I'm going to make a special Harry candle and light it for him.
Posted by Dinah on September 8, 2003, at 16:27:56
In reply to ((((((Dinah))))), posted by Gabbix2 on September 8, 2003, at 11:15:11
I'm afraid we'll need them. Tomorrow is exploratory surgery. There is too much fluid on his belly to tell anything. But apparently there are some possible noncatastrophic (though expensive and painful) reasons, as well as some catastrophic ones. I'll be sitting vigil tomorrow during the surgery, and I should know by tomorrow afternoon.
:((
Posted by fallsfall on September 8, 2003, at 19:51:02
In reply to Re: Thanks for your good wishes, posted by Dinah on September 8, 2003, at 16:27:56
Did one of those possibilities include eating too many legos?
I'll be thinking of you, Dinah, and Harry.
Patches and Sterling send their best, too. (Sterling mentions that his vet has lots of dog biscuits, and so Harry might try looking sad to see if he could get one)
Posted by kara lynne on September 9, 2003, at 1:11:19
In reply to Best wishes to Harry » Dinah, posted by fallsfall on September 8, 2003, at 19:51:02
Posted by NikkiT2 on September 9, 2003, at 8:20:51
In reply to Re: It doesn't look good, posted by Dinah on September 8, 2003, at 10:00:02
Dinah, I'm so sorry this is all happening at once. Loosing a pet is so tough.. you love them fo so long.
Keep us updated hun.. my thoughts are with you
Nikki xx
Posted by kara lynne on September 9, 2003, at 14:18:25
In reply to Re: It doesn't look good » Dinah, posted by NikkiT2 on September 9, 2003, at 8:20:51
I want you to know you and your beloved friends are in my thoughts and prayers. I want to say more, but this is one of the hardest things in life for me to deal with. The animals we share this planet with are precious gifts. I hope someday as a whole we begin to treat them that way. I'm so grateful to people like you who do.
Posted by shar on September 9, 2003, at 14:59:32
In reply to My dogs, posted by Dinah on September 7, 2003, at 1:02:07
Dinah,
This is heart breaking, and I am so very sorry for your loss, and your potential loss. I will pray for you (and hope it helps more than hurts), and I would be with you right there if I could.I have been through what you are going through, and I still weep at the loss of my dear, sweet Scruffles who taught me and my son so much about love, life, nurturing, and feeling full of love.
I read about this on admin (having to do with the expats posts), and don't know what that's about, but if anyone gives you sh*t during a time like this......there is always my cousin Guido we could call. Did I mention I'm half Sicilian?
Some things are unconscionable, and Guido is SO good at taking care of things like that!
xoxoxo
Shar
Posted by Dinah on September 9, 2003, at 15:55:21
In reply to Re: It doesn't look good » Dinah, posted by NikkiT2 on September 9, 2003, at 8:20:51
They did surgery today. It was touch and go, about an hour from when they told me they were starting the anasthesia till when I could go back to see him, and he died once on the table. They removed a large mass, which they'll have biopsied. But right now, it looks like everything that is left looks ok and is as it should be.
The vet seems to think that if he makes it through the post op period, he'll be ok. And he's a plucky guy, that's what I love so about him. So I have high hopes he'll recover. The next 24 hours will be crucial. And they said I can visit him tomorrow!
Thanks everyone for your good wishes. I'll be sure to tell him tomorrow how many people are hoping for his recovery. He'll love that, dramatic soul that he is.
Posted by Dinah on September 9, 2003, at 15:58:50
In reply to Re: My dogs » Dinah, posted by shar on September 9, 2003, at 14:59:32
Thanks Shar. I needed a smile. I'm trying not to be too giddily relieved quite yet. He's still got a battle ahead.
By the way, Scruffles obviously did a great job. :)
Posted by fallsfall on September 9, 2003, at 16:58:13
In reply to Re: It's looking a bit better, posted by Dinah on September 9, 2003, at 15:55:21
Dinah,
How wonderful to have such good news. He'll have to fight to get better, but he'll try his hardest for you. I'll be cheering him on.
He's lucky to have someone who loves him as much as you do.
(((((Dinah & Harry)))))
Posted by Dinah on September 10, 2003, at 7:36:44
In reply to Re: It's looking a bit better » Dinah, posted by fallsfall on September 9, 2003, at 16:58:13
He's up and eating already. And he'll be home by the weekend. It looks like the biggest danger is passed. I knew that if my little guy had a shot, he'd make it. I have seldom seen a more gallant little dog.
Whew!
I know that as he's thirteen, I'll have to face this eventually. But not yet. (big beaming smile)
Posted by Sabina on September 10, 2003, at 9:19:48
In reply to Re: It's looking terrific!!, posted by Dinah on September 10, 2003, at 7:36:44
Posted by fallsfall on September 10, 2003, at 10:37:33
In reply to Re: It's looking terrific!!, posted by Dinah on September 10, 2003, at 7:36:44
I'm so happy for you and for Harry. He sounds like a really spunky little dog. He is so lucky that his Mama loves him so much, and had the vet take good care of him.
Celebration time!
Posted by Susan J on September 10, 2003, at 12:12:14
In reply to My dogs, posted by Dinah on September 7, 2003, at 1:02:07
Dinah,
I just started reading this thread, but I'm sorry for the loss of your one dog, and the health scare of your 13-year-old. I'm soooo glad things seem to be working out for him. I know how hard it is losing beloved pets (or almost losing them), and so many people just don't seem to understand.
My five-year-old dog just had a cancerous tumor removed last month. Freaked me out horribly and I think sent me into this current bout of depression. And she's the ONLY thing that has kept me on this planet for the past 2 years.
I know this is late, but my thoughts and prayers are with you and your dogs. But other people have posted here saying you've given them wonderful lives, and that is so true. Just today I saw a woman kick her dog in the yard, and the dog looked really neglected at best. I didn't catch the address, but will on the way home, and call it in to Animal Control. Your pets are so lucky to have a human who cares about them so much. :-)
Susan
Posted by kara lynne on September 10, 2003, at 14:08:07
In reply to Re: It's looking terrific!!, posted by Dinah on September 10, 2003, at 7:36:44
Posted by galkeepinon on September 10, 2003, at 14:21:25
In reply to Re: It's looking terrific!!, posted by Dinah on September 10, 2003, at 7:36:44
Dinah, I am so glad to hear this!!!! Hug him and love him ALL weekend (gently of course:-)) I know you will. I am really happy for you.
Hooray for Harry!!!!
no.not yet and until that comes love him so
(big beaming smile)
Can my "Shilo" offer him a biscuit?> He's up and eating already. And he'll be home by the weekend. It looks like the biggest danger is passed. I knew that if my little guy had a shot, he'd make it. I have seldom seen a more gallant little dog.
>
> Whew!
>
> I know that as he's thirteen, I'll have to face this eventually. But not yet. (big beaming smile)
This is the end of the thread.
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