The sun is shining and the sky is clear blue. There is zero chance of rain in today's forecast... and it's one of the worst days in my life. Joann and I had to make the choice that every pet owner dreads, taking our 14 year old Labrador Retriever, Petey, for his last car ride... to the Vets.
He had given us a real scare about 6 months ago when he got a case of Old Dog Vestibular Syndrome. It is an inner ear problem that makes old dogs look exactly like they have had a stroke. But the Vet came to the rescue then, and let us know that he would likely come out of it on his own. And he did, almost completely. We are thankful for those last few months
But the last couple of days things were different. He was off his food, becoming lethargic, and not getting around too well. Last night I had to carry him up the stairs to his dog bed. He has slept in our bedroom every night for the past 14+ years, and there is no way he would have been happy staying downstairs when we were up in bed.
This morning at around 4 AM he vomited and couldn't get himself up, couldn't do much more than lift his head up a little. At around 5AM I carried him back downstairs and outside to relieve himself. He was able to stand just long enough to pee, but right after that stumbled and fell back to the ground. We saw the hand that was dealt, and waited for the Vet to open at 7:30 to call for an appointment.
I tell you, that was a long couple of hours to wait. His breathing was labored, body was mostly flaccid, and he began to shake and shiver with every breath. I moved him (mostly dragging him) over to a spot in the morning sun, and the three of us waited it out together. The Vet was kind enough to get us right in, and the trip was made.
At least I know that he is comfortable now.
Goodbye, old boy...You were the best dog that I've ever known; the best dog that there ever was.
Damn it. I miss him already.
He had given us a real scare about 6 months ago when he got a case of Old Dog Vestibular Syndrome. It is an inner ear problem that makes old dogs look exactly like they have had a stroke. But the Vet came to the rescue then, and let us know that he would likely come out of it on his own. And he did, almost completely. We are thankful for those last few months
But the last couple of days things were different. He was off his food, becoming lethargic, and not getting around too well. Last night I had to carry him up the stairs to his dog bed. He has slept in our bedroom every night for the past 14+ years, and there is no way he would have been happy staying downstairs when we were up in bed.
This morning at around 4 AM he vomited and couldn't get himself up, couldn't do much more than lift his head up a little. At around 5AM I carried him back downstairs and outside to relieve himself. He was able to stand just long enough to pee, but right after that stumbled and fell back to the ground. We saw the hand that was dealt, and waited for the Vet to open at 7:30 to call for an appointment.
I tell you, that was a long couple of hours to wait. His breathing was labored, body was mostly flaccid, and he began to shake and shiver with every breath. I moved him (mostly dragging him) over to a spot in the morning sun, and the three of us waited it out together. The Vet was kind enough to get us right in, and the trip was made.
At least I know that he is comfortable now.
Goodbye, old boy...You were the best dog that I've ever known; the best dog that there ever was.
Damn it. I miss him already.
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