Another Super Suckage: Dog Has Tumor . . . You Know What That Means . . .

[Butch]

So I have a 17 year old dog . . . had her since I was 8 . . . absolutely adore the little pooch. Well, she's lived a wonderful long life . . . she's been in declining health, but still comfortable. Anyway, she had a sonogram yesterday and it turns out she has a large tumor in her bladder. The vet says the tumor is not yet bothering her much, but it is inevitable that it will . . . and, clearly, this will require putting her down.

I was really hoping she would be able to pass naturally . . . she has lived for so long and been with me for over 2/3rds of my life . . . really didn't want to have to make the decision to put her down . . . although, I suppose it is a bit easier to do knowing that this is really a no brainer, I suppose . . . it has to be done . . .

Don't know how much longer I'll have with her . . . but will have to make the most of it.

[Jenny]

Damn. *hug* Sucks...

[ShawnLee]

I'm sorry to hear that dude. I hope she's not in too much pain.

[whitak24]

man, that sucks. sorry to hear about that

[topane]

I'm sorry, that totally sucks.

[nickel]

[Nija]

Well, you can have one last time with it.

[ray]

Sorry to hear about that. Our Pekingnese who was 15 years old was diagnosed with a tumor as well.

[Kevster]

Make sure your dog is comfortable and enjoy your time with her as much as you can. When you start to hear her wimpering in pain, that will be the time. My family has been in this situation before and it is never an easy decision.

[Butch]

Thanks for the kind thoughts.

After speaking with the vet, an appointment has been made for Tuesday afternoon.

[chrissy]

[Butch]

The little sweetheart passed in my arms . . . absolutely killed me . . . it all happened so quickly. I'm very thankful I had a long weekend and beautiful weather to say goodbye to her. We spent a lot of time in the park even though she couldn't run around or anything . . . I carried her pretty much everywhere . . . she just sat on my lap for an hour earlier today by the river. She never used to be able to sit still for more than 2 minutes at a time. It was quite darling.

I'm going to miss that little pooch. I've been fortunate enough to never have any close family or friends die . . . so hers was the first death that ever really struck me.

Rest In Peace, Smudge

[dbax791]

I'm sorry Butch. RIP Smudge.

Rainbow Bridge Poem
Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge. When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.

All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor. Those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind. They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent. His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.

You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.

Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together....

Author unknown...

http://rainbowsbridge.com/Poem.htm

[Burzhui]

damn i can take this news about people easier than about dogs

[ShawnLee]

That sucks. Hope you can grieve and move on comfortably.

[johnnymk]

Animals are so simple and innocent. Whan they pass away, the loss is overwhelming.

[Kevster]

OMG I feel for you Butch. I really hope you feel better soon.

[Butch]

Once again, thanks to all . . . I knew this would hit me when the time came . . . but I had hoped the long weekend would give enough time to prepare and make my peace.

To an extent, it did . . . the fact that she is no longer here doesn't bother me quite so much as how she passed . . . I know we did the best thing for her by putting her to sleep.

What kills me is the memory of feeling her last heartbeat and feeling her go limp in my arms. It was a terribly profound moment for me - a moment that I think will ultimately have a positive impact on me, I hope - but for the moment, it's something that pains me to think about.

For some reason, there's something about the death of a dog that bothers me so much more than the death of a human - I guess it's their innocence and the unconditional love they give. Will definitely miss that pooch.

Thanks again, folks.

[attgig]

:-( hope your next dog sticks with you just as long as your first. (yes, kinda bad thinking about the next one so soon, but I figure...)