Ode to a good dog

Uncle Yuan · August 04, 2007, 10:04:46 AM

For the last several months our 12-year-old Golden Retriever, Red, has been ailing. Assuming it was his hips (something Goldens famously have difficulty with) we started him on pain meds and focused on keeping him active. However, over the last couple of weeks he began having serious trouble getting up stairs, then walking, then even standing up. The last two days he has been off his feeds and has about one good spontaneous independent stand-up-on-his-own before he craps out for the day. We just got back from the vet, where an X-ray shows a huge abdominal mass - to the point where it is compressing his stomach (and probably explains why he isn't hungry).

We have him home right now, and we'll see. I get my son for the week starting tomorrow, so we wanted to wait and make any decisions about what to do until he has a chance to see Red. If the next two days go like the last two we'll probably have to have him put down on Monday or Tuesday.

All-in-all it's been a pretty crappy year for death in the Yuan household - a cat to feline luekemia in February, my brother in June and now our dog. I pray we can just get through the rest of the year unscathed, but I'd feel more sanguine if my Grandfather hadn't just been hospitalized with pneumonia . . .

El Condor · August 05, 2007, 05:08:33 AM

I'm praying for you, amigo. I've always had dogs - I know what Red must mean to your family.

Your year has been unbelievable. There's really nothing more I can say accept, "you are not alone".

EC

The Phantom Eyebrow · August 05, 2007, 03:51:14 PM

Jeez Yuan you've had a right shocker of a year; I hope to Christ things turn around and this is the end of the bad news for you for a long, long time. Speaking as another dog lover I know how attached to them you can get and all I can do is echo Condor's words and say we're here for you if you need a shoulder to lean on.

Glitch Girl · August 05, 2007, 06:57:29 PM

Oh man Yuan... To lose so many that are so close to you. :(

I'm very sorry to hear this. My prayers are with you and your family.

Alaric · August 06, 2007, 10:09:47 AM

That kind of thing is always very, very hard. You, your family, and Red have my sympathy, and my thoughts.

ow_tiobe_sb · August 06, 2007, 10:18:47 AM

You have my sympathies, UY, from one pet lover to another. 'Tis difficult saying goodbye to a creature who only wants to be happy and to make you happy. My wife lost a most lovable Scottie (not her husband, mind you ;)) to a cancer that had metastasised several years ago, and my own sweet border collie, April, passed away due to congestive heart failure in 1994. Only time heals those wounds. Take care of yourself, sir, and good show for bringing the lad into this tough decision. 'Tis a family decision, to be sure.

ow_tiobe_sb
Phantom Bunburyist and The Prat in the Hat

Panther_Gunn · August 06, 2007, 11:49:57 AM

Quote from: ow_tiobe_sb on August 06, 2007, 10:18:47 AMOnly time heals those wounds.

However, new, adorable, furry additions to the family can help to be a soothing balm, as those wounds heal. As I'm sure our Purple Prat will attest. ^_^

Uncle Yuan · August 06, 2007, 02:45:03 PM

Quote from: Panther_Gunn on August 06, 2007, 11:49:57 AM
Quote from: ow_tiobe_sb on August 06, 2007, 10:18:47 AMOnly time heals those wounds.

However, new, adorable, furry additions to the family can help to be a soothing balm, as those wounds heal. As I'm sure our Purple Prat will attest. ^_^

We're not having another child!!

Uncle Yuan · August 10, 2007, 02:14:00 PM

Well, despite our predictions, Red hang on throughout the week. Granted I had to physically carry him outside to pee as he was too weak to stand. Late last night he started to get very agitated and early this afternoon he suddenly became nearly unresponsive. So, we took him to the vet one last time . . .

Everybody knows a good dog or three, and in that regard ours was hardly unique. But he was special. . .

Glitch Girl · August 11, 2007, 08:42:53 AM

Oh Yuan. :(

I'd give you a hug right now if I could. :(

Protomorph · August 12, 2007, 10:23:05 AM

Sorry to hear of your troubles with the ailing family member. You did the right thing, though and ended the suffering.

Spam · August 12, 2007, 10:38:07 AM

*runs through the computer and hugs Yuan*

I'm sorry to hear that, dude... I've always been an animal lover, and just seeing them like that is always hard to watch...

I'm sorry for all your losses this year... Just don't lose your mind, m'kay?

The Phantom Eyebrow · August 13, 2007, 10:02:41 AM

Very sorry to hear the news Yuan, although it was very much on the cards based on your initial post. I notice though that you posted this a few days ago and there was me yapping to you yesterday in CoH with my usual inconsequential nonsense and I didn't mention it at all. Hope you didn't think it insensitive of me not to say anything, but I hadn't seen your last post here at the time.