Could really use some support guys

[Russianwolf]

Have been crying since noon yesterday it seems like and trying to consol Lillian in between.

Lakota our nearly 10 year old Husky was diagnosed with liver and kidney cancer. They say he has about 2 months on the outside.

I got Lakota nearly 9 years ago and he has been teh best friend I could ever have. When I met Lillian she was terrified of dogs and Kota won her over. He is special in so many ways.

So far he isn't suffering. but his appetite is nearly gone and the doc says his kidny and liver functions are down with low calcium levels and he is anemic. I have antibiotics that I have to IV drip between his shoulders to help prevent further infection.

He isn't even gone yet and I already feel so much grief. Lillian is the same way and this is the first pet she has ever lost, and he's her favorite.

[kajendo]

Mike,
I am so sorry for your grief. To have a terminally ill member of the family is just awful. My wife and I send our deepest regards. We have found comfort in "The Rainbow Bridge" and hope you can too.

Our thoughts are with you,

Jim

[JimK]

Mike,

I'm really sorry to hear about Lakota. I have at least a small understanding of what you're going through. My dog "Lucky" is about 13 years old now. My brother has a Black Lab that's been with them for about 12 years. He is suffering from Diabetes and has a tumor. They are right now at the point where they have to start considering putting him down. This all hits home with me because Lucky is showing signs of old age and I don't even want to think about the time when I may have to make a decision.

When Lucky was about 2 years old he started having seizures. Some people told us that he might not be around much longer. He's been on medicine every since for the last 11 years and we consider every additional day as a bonus. I've been very conscious of his age right now and try to make an extra effort to get him out for the walks when I (and he) can.

As another dog owner I know how they become a close part of the family. I know when it comes time for Lucky I'll want to think of how thankful I am for the time we did have. My heart goes out to you and your family and I wish you the best during this time.

Jim

[cabinetman]

Mike

I know exactly what you both are going through. We are pet people. Right now we have two German Shepherds and three cats, and many fish, and some miscellaneous insects indigenous to the Congo. Our last German Shepherd was with us until she was 10 years old, and developed liver cancer. We cancelled replacing a vehicle trying to keep her alive. One of our present dogs has had TPLO (tibia ligament) surgery on a rear leg and two surgeries on a front leg to remove tumors. This is our retirement dog. Needless to say the money spent isn't the point. All of our pets are rescue animals, that were doomed until adopted. They become part of the family and play a significant role in our daily lives. Our animals come before our personal needs. Our present home was purchased because of the size of the yard.

Yes, we have an idea how you feel. We are there with every animal we've ever lost. The life that we provide for them is a good one and gives them the love and attention they deserve. We don't hesitate to adopt when we have a loss. We're not ones to say "We're not ready yet". Our losses are minimized by the love and affection we give to those that remain and the potential newcomer on the way. At times like this we try to concentrate on how good a life the pet enjoyed.

I've had German Shepherds all my life and have been with many during their last moments. I get teary eyed just typing this, but I think at that moment they know how much they were loved.

[Ed62]

Sorry to hear about the situation. They seem like they are part of you after having them so long. A few months ago, we had to have one of our dogs put down, due to old age and failing health. We had him since he was about 4 months old. That's the problem with having dogs. They just aren't here long enough. It's a very hard decision, but please don't let your pets suffer.

Ed

[Alex Franke]

I'm so sorry to hear about this -- my thoughts and prayers are with you. Several years ago I lost my cat Rum the very same way. It was a terrible thing to live through buecause our pets are so much a part of our families. I took comfort, though, in what I good friend told me: "Just as you know that she has been so close to you, she knows that you have been her rock, and I can't think of a better way to go than having that person by my side."

[cwsmith]

I understand and sympathize with your feelings for Lakota. Cherish the time that you have had with him, but also understand that at some point your love for him will be the deciding factor to easing his pain and suffering. Tough call and only you can make that decision. Loosing such a loyal and dear old friend is very hard.

I got a Beagle pup when I was 14 and many years later, I had to make the decision to ease his suffering. That was more than forty years ago and it still bothers me and I could never bring myself to getting another dog. Corky was a major part of my teen years and early 20's. He gave me more great memories and I fondly share these with old friends and even my grandsons.

Dogs are like that, they give us far more than we can ever give them. Cherish his friendship and give him all the love and attention you can to make his final weeks and months as comfortable as possible, and when you see his suffering is too much, give him your understanding.

CWS

[SARGE..g-47]

Sorry about Lakota. I have been through basically the same with 6 dogs and 4 cats over the past 35 years. When my final shepperd MIss Sadie had to be put down with hip problems about a year ago, my wife wanted to get me a new puppy. I had to decline as I am almost 60 and can't gurantee I can be around for a fulll cylce.

It is the most difficult thing in the world to do, but when the quality of life is gone an at the 1st hint of suffering.. prolonging their life because you can't seem to let go is not the right decision. I basically had to make that decision with my 93 year old mom 2 years ago who had demensia at the end. When their sprit and soul departs and all that is left is pain.. I persomally see it as the only humane choice even though extrmely difficult to do.

My deepest sympathy...

[Rand]

Really sorry to hear that. It's so hard to lose a pet. It's like they are a cross between a best friend and a child and it rips your heart out to say goodbye.
Unfortunately the critters just don't live as long as we do. It's the price we pay for all that unconditional love and affection. It's a steep price to but I think it's worth it.

When I last lost a pet I sat down and wrote his story. From the day I took him home til that last afternoon at the vet. All the stories about him and the funny things that happened in his short life... I found it therapeutic - I still read it sometimes to help me remember him.

Maybe you can write the story of Lakota and share it here.

I feel for you Mike, take care!
Rand

[lrogers]

I share your pain. Having a member of the family (2 or 4 legged) sick and/or terminal is not an easy thing to take. Hold on to the good times and he'll be with you always.

[TheRic]

Sorry to hear about Lakota. Try to spend as much time as you can with him in his final months. IT will benefit both you & your wife and Lakota. I have had to put my past dog down, she was 18 years old. She could barely walk, her hips were very weak we think from an auto accident 10+ years before. It's not easy to do, but when you look at it's actually better for the dog to ease it's suffering.

[mater]

Sorry to hear about Lakota. That is a sad situation to go through.

[ChrisD]

Mike, sorry to hear about Lakota. I had a dog who had been with me since I was in high school and was still around to see my first-born. Losing a good friend is never easy.

[wassaw998]

Sorry for the news Mike - I know loosing a pet can be hard - I have lost several, and we really get attached to them. Hang on, you'll make it. Enjoy the time you have with him and make the best of the memories.

[Hoakie]

Russianwolf,

Sorry to hear the news. We lost our dog last Monday she was 12 years old and always "daddy's girl". She also had cancer and was treated and lived for two additional years. Unfortunately, we noticed she was behaving oddly when we picked her up from my BIL who is her vet last sunday . The next day she collapsed and my wife found her on the floor. We both rushed over to the vet and were able to be with her as my BIL went through all the tests. He found that she had a ruptured spleen and the only course was to operate if we wanted to give her a chance. We were able to get both kids out of school to say goodbye just in case. She got through surgy just fine. Apparently she had cancer in her spleen, and also on one lobe of her liver. My BIL gave us two choices. He could sew her up and she would probably have 6wks before she had another rupture or he could try and take the lobe (extremely risky) and give her a chance to for another year or two. We decided to have him try. He finished the surgery but something happened as the blood pressure rose after surgery. I am very thankful that she didn't die until we got back from vacation.

I will pray for you and your dog as I share your pain. The little "beasts" sure have a profound impact on our lives.

God Bless

John