to the dogs

[wpbfjr]

excuse my off topic post, tho i see many of you have dogs in your avatars, so some may relate...

as a child, i was never allowed a dog due to 'allergies'... eventually, i out grew those allergies, and became able to own a home, and own dogs... wahoo!!!

in time, much like a motorcycle, i was able to choose a breed that was for me... i fell for the rhodesian ridgeback...

like a drug, i started with one (hank), then got involved with breed rescue (soooo many i wanted to keep), and then got my second ridgeback (dash)... life events happen, and i had to stop at two dogs, even tho i have the property for many, 2.5 acres, and even got to rename my street 'ridgeback run'... wahoo!!!

as with many others, i found solence in having the dogs, they were alive beings i could talk to and confide in, without the risk of betrayal or abandonment... you know, tell a dog anything, cry into its fur, go for long walk-abouts, take rides to anywhere or nowhere, it's all good...

late last year my first dog, hank, got bone cancer in his leg, and at 10 y/o and 100 lbs, taking his front leg to give him maybe a year more of life just did not seem fair... so, i kept my promise to him that if he ever got sick or had a problem that could not be cured, i'd be responsible and end his life before he began to suffer... i did just that in jan '06...

and so dash was left... and he got 110% of my love and attention... and then dash started acting wierd, and i thought he just did not like the new roommate... so i got rid of the roommate, but dash did not get better...

last week to the vet, a few tests, mild antibiotics, let us know how he's doing...

today to the vet, not any better... x-rays show a mass on the lung... could be infection, but with all the organ displacement, most likely a large cancer... but, give the dog a week of a super strong antibiotic just in case...

there's more personal drama and trama to my story that makes it all seem larger and more powerful than it is, but it still sucks...

and, i know it is nothing compared to the loss of larry 'lawinter'... or countless others cut off in their prime by left turning cagers and red light runners...

but, this is my homage to my dog dash...

thank you for reading...

dana

 

[SmokeWagon]

For you Dana

ONE MORE BREVITY

I opened the door so my last look

Should be taken outside a house and book.

Before I gave up seeing and slept

I said I would see how Sirius kept

His watchdog eye on what remained

To be gone into if not explained.

But scarcely was my door ajar,

When past the leg I thrust for bar

Slipped in to be my problem guest,

Not a heavenly dog made manifest,

But an earthly dog of the carriage breed;

Who, having failed of the modern speed,

Now asked asylum---and I was stirred

To be the one so dog-preferred.

He dumped himself like a bag of bones,

He sighed himself a couple of groans,

And head to tail then firmly curled

Like swearing off on the traffic world.

I set him water, I set him food.

He rolled an eye with gratitude

( Or mearly manners it may have been ),

But never so much as lifted chin.

His hard tail loudly smacked the floor

As if beseeching me, "Please, no more;

I can't explain---tonight at least."

His brow was perceptibly troubled-creased.

So I spoke in terms of adoption thus:

"Gustie, old boy, Dalmation Gus,

You're right, there's nothing to discuss.

Don't try to tell me what's on your mind,

The sorrow of having been left behind,

Or the sorrow of having run away.

All that can wait for the light of day.

Meanwhile feel obligation-free.

Nobody has to confide in me."

'Twas too one-sided a dialogue,

And I wasn't sure I was talking dog.

I broke off baffled. But all the same,

In fancy I ratified his name,

Gustie---Dalmation Gus that is---

And started shaping my life to his,

Finding him in his right supplies

And sharing his miles of exercise.

Next morning the minute I was about

He was at the door to be let out

With an air that said, "I have paid my call.

You mustn't feel hurt if now I'am all

For getting back somewhere or further on."

I opened the door and he was gone.

I was to taste in little the grief

That comes of dogs' lives being so brief,

Only a fraction of ours at most.

He might have been the dream of a ghost

In spite of the way his tail had smacked

My floor so hard and matter-of-fact.

And things have been going so strangely since,

I wouldn't be too hard to convince,

I might even claim, he was Sirius

( Think of presuming to call him Gus ),

The star itself---Heaven's greatest star,

Not a meteorite, but an avatar---

Who had made an overnight descent

To show by deeds he didn't resent

My haveing depended on him so long,

And yet done nothing about it in song.

A symbol was all he could hope to convey,

An intimation, a shot of ray,

A meaning I was supposed to seek,

And finding, wasn't disposed to speak.

Robert Frost

 

[Toecutter]

Thanks for sharing. The dogs are such good friends, we all hate to say goodbye.

We once responded to an unknown type fire in a backyard. We arrived to find a guy had built a campfire, and was sitting there on his back porch, with his arm around his dog, drinking a beer. It was his last night in his house, due to foreclosure. His wife had bankrupted him and then run offed with another guy. Your dog is always your last best friend.

 

[airboss]

Both Dogs to cancer, that really sucks.

I lost my 13 year old Collie to cancer some years ago, the vet give us the choice of putting him down or taking off his front leg and shoulder, and then maybe less than 50/50 it wouldn't come back. Losing that dog was like losing a member of the family. I was another 8 years before I could bear to allow another pet in the house. Then along came the Artful Dodger, the most fun loving,miscevious, intellegent, loving dog in the world. Life is good.

When I say I know how you feel right now, believe that I do.

This may not be the most approperate time to say this, but try not to do what I did and wait so long, there are a lot of good animals out there that deserve what you have to give them.

 

[dcarver]

Dogs and motobikes.. the two finest things in life.

Sorry to hear of your loss. Grieve a bit then get on with it.

This too will pass, although it may not seem like it right now.

 

[OrangevaleFJR]

I'm sorry for your loss. I still miss my first dog, Ben. I grew up with him from ages 3-17. The day he died hit me like a ton of rocks. He was the first loved one I had ever lost. I completely understand how important a man's dog is to him. Now I have Bonnie. Wait 3 weeks, then go get another dog.

 

[rocketdoc]

I have been a veterinarian for 26 years. I have seen so many great dogs come and go. The same with people too. I have seen kids, who grew up and had kids of their own, and the joy of the new puppy.

When we choose to share life with these noble creatures we accept that we will likely out live them. Whenever the end comes, it is too soon. And we have the choice to make their last moments peaceful and without pain.

Remember that grief whether it is a person or a family pet is an expression of the love you shared. It is painful, and it takes different time to pass for eveyone, to be ready to open up and truly be ready for another. Take your time. When you are thinking more about a new four legged friend, than the one you have said goodbye to, then and only then is it time to start looking.

Take care Dana, thank you for sharing with us.

 

[Mike-H]

+1 Rocketdoc...Dana...I know of which you speak & feel your pain....in time only the best of the past will remain....time is a great healer....Mike

 

[worldbound4now]

Dana,

Reading your post chokes me up a bit. Dogs have always been a part of my family. It is never easy letting go. Make extra effort to find peace in the comfort that Hank now has and find joy in keeping Dash happy and without needs.

God bless,

Peter

 

[boardsNbikes]

I always had dogs while growing up but they were never my dogs; they were mom's dogs and frankly unruly and untrained. In other words, they ruled the house. It wasn't until well after college graduation and after ending 12 years in a job that required weekly travel was I in a position to finally get a dog.

It's been six years since I adopted a Rotti-mix, named Rosie, that has been trained if only to assuage some of the fears that a 90lb dog brings out of neighbors and strangers. No matter where I go throughout the house, she follows. Happy to be near me.

She's now about 8-9 years and the very thought of her passing on gives me the shudders. I am closer to her than to any other member of my family. But when the time comes I know she'll be strong and I can only pray that I can match her strength and dignity.

Dana...I empathize with your loss. I trust Hank and Dash are playing tug right now, and in between, wondering what personality your new canine friend will have.

 

[Rogue]

Sad to hear about your loss, I had a close call with my Lab mix 2 weeks ago and we didn't think he would pull through but we got lucky.

 

[evilmedic13]

Sorry for your loss. It sucks to hear about animals dying of something other that old age. They really are our best friends,far more reliable than humans,maybe thats why i like them way more than people. :glare:

 

[NoCage]

I hate it for you Dana. Take solace in the fact that you gave them both a good life. I have a Cairne Terrier that will be 15 y.o. this year. He pretty much helped raise the kids. It's gonna hurt when he goes.

 

[BlueBear06]

Dana - so sorry for your loss, but try to take solice in the fact he is running around in the doggy afterlife where the gate is never locked and there is a bottomless water bowl and treat dish.

When you're ready, you'll find another rhodie ridge that will make the hole in your heart eventually grow smaller.

peace

Vicki

 

[panthercity]

Dana,

Our condolences for you loss. It is good to know that Hank was so loved.

Rocketdoc,

Thanks you for what you do. It's a tough job that needs doin'.

Mercy's story is here.

 

[wpbfjr]

hello all,

thank you very much for responding to my posting with kindness and stories of your own experiences...

the cycle of life is a wild and wooly ride, thanks for letting me know i'm not alone...

dana

 

[donaldb]

This for the most part is a copy of a e-mail I sent another forum member earlier today. It involves the passing of our dearest and closest friend of 15 years. My wife and I have been married almost 19 years. Four years into our marriage we learned that we could not have children. Shortly after that I found a new puppy. I found her in a muddy and filthy pen behind a trailer, there were several puppies in the very small pen. I was at that time, a claims adjuster and was working a claim on the trailer. I asked about the puppy's and was told they were cocker spaniels. They were a mess and I felt sorry for them all. One cought my eye, she sat alone away from the others, with a look about her that I could not turn away from. It was sorta like I could tell she was thinking....your not gonna pick me. She was the cutest little party color red and white puppy covered in mud and poop, she smelled awful, but I had to have her. I paid the guy 75.00, thinking she probably had worms and would die before long, but I took her to a vet, she got her shots and she has been the absolute light of our life for the past 15 years. I tell you this to lead into the story that unfolds beginning last Saturday, June 3, 2006.

The story picks up here: My fishing trip last weekend in South Louisiana

At about 11:30 a.m. +/- Saturday morning, our guide spotted a very nice redfish swimming along the edge of the grass bank, he pointed it out to me and said you see it? yup, cast over there about 5 ' in front of his nose, which I did. The fish saw the bait and absolutely pounded it, guide said wait......wait.......wait..........ok set the hook.....hard!!! which I did and man the fight was on, water boiling, fish thrashing, rod bent, drag was whining, trying to keep him out of the grass, I was running from front to back of the boat trying to control the fish as best I could, this went on for what seemed to be minutes but I am sure it was not all that long. It was a outstanding battle, from beginning to end, the hunt, the taking of the bait the fight, just absolutely awesome, with out a doubt I have never had something like that come together, it was like art. With time I got the fish all the way to the boat, he was a good 8-10 lb'r rich copper color beautiful fish. As the dip net went into the water, my line went limp, the fish never jumped, or anything, I was looking at him, it was as if the hook just fell out of his mouth. Oh man, my heart just sank, I watched as the big boy simply, gently, swim away, everybody in the boat sighed, even the guide said that was the best fish of the day--hands down. Oh well, it was a great battle and I got all the good out of him, except the frying pan and it made my day and worth every cent of the trip. I felt good!!!

I got back to camp trailer about 12:30, ck'ed my cel phone and saw that my wife had called, she left a message, she was upset and crying, she had called and left a short message about 11:30 (about the time I battled the fish) and said simply that Taz our pet of 15 years had just died on the cool linoleum floor in the kitchen where she liked to lay. I called her back immediately, she said she went fast, that something just wasn't right, she called the vet, he called his office and had someone meet her there w/a fluid pill. She drove up there, got it and drove strait back home, Taz was laying on the floor, she got up and Kellie gave her the pill hidden in a tiny piece of bread (that's how we got her to take her medicine the past couple years) she took it in her mouth, but never swallowed it, she laid down, took a couple gasping breaths and died. I guess she just wanted to wait until one of us was there so she could go.

For some reason I did not sleep good Friday night, very little sleep, I just tossed it up as strange room/different bed, etc. but now I kinda think maybe it was sympathy pains. Kind of a strange little analogy between the passing of our best friend of 15 years and the loosing of the fish-- at almost the same time--I know, but I just found it a bit strange that the timing was so close and the feeling of peace and fun even though the fish got away, I had my fun, and the fish got to live for another day. Usually I get upset at loosing such a nice fish in such a manner, but for some strange reason this time, it did not upset me, in a strange sort of way I felt at ease and was a little happy for the fish, after all I fish down there quite often and have over the years cought many.

The passing of Taz is a very emotional and painful experience and it will take some time. A local man runs a small nonprofit business, he does not make any money at it just enough to cover expenses because of his love for animals, he will cremate Taz and provide a little box w/inscription. Couple hundred dollars and our vet said we could trust him. That is what my wife wants, to put on the mantel w/Taz's picture. So we will meet him this afternoon at 4:30. Taz is now up at her vet's office in the fridge wrapped in her Tasmanian Devil blanket, Taz has slept on this blanket most of her life. It's old and faded but you can still see the Tasmanian Devil print. They will cremate her in the blanket. He will pick her up this afternoon. I can't bare to go see her. I fed her a tiny piece of my sandwich before I left Friday, she gobbled it right down, I petted her and told her by. So that's the way I want to remember her.

Sorry for the dissertation, guess I just needed to tell someone. Thanx for listening, somehow it seems to help. Bye bye Tazzbo!! I sure loved you and will miss you!!!!

:bye2: :bye2: :bye2: :bye2: :bye2: :bye2:

 

[FJRJeff]

Sorry for the dissertation, guess I just needed to tell someone. Thanx for listening, somehow it seems to help. Bye bye Tazzbo!! I sure loved you and will miss you!!!! :bye2: :bye2: :bye2: :bye2: :bye2: :bye2:

I'm sorry for your loss. I think we sometimes take how much our pets add to our lives for granted until we're faced with them not being there anymore.

Around the time my first marriage was falling apart I adopted a female rottweiler mix from the local shelter. She was found wandering alongside a Washington State highway. Whatever vet spayed her did a half ass job, and closed her up with wire, and she had kennel cough, so she was quarantined. Before I left the shelter empty handed, though, they brought her out to see me. She sat down next to my chair, put her head in my lap and looked up in to my eyes, and it was love at first sight.

One time when I was dating the woman I later married, I got home and let Sasha out back. She was going ballistic barking, all her fur was standing up, and she wouldn't come in. It was late, so I went out to see what was going on. Went over by my shed and there was a backpack with lock cutters in it. Just as I came around the front, some asshole jumped out with his hands up. I threw his ass out of my yard and ran in to call 911. Imagine how he must have felt when he breaks in to a shed in a house he thinks is empty, then a 100lb pissed off rottweiler decides he's going to stay in the shed. I've never felt so safe as when she was by my side, and even though I didn't get her as a puppy so I don't know her past, she loved little kids so much it was amazing.

Unfortunately, she didn't like other dogs though, and always assumed they wanted to fight instead of be buddies. One of the funniest memories I have of her was one day when an alarm salesman came and rang the doorbell. When I opened the door, Sasha was barking her ass off, I had my hand under her collar, barely containing her, and the guy visibly turned white and took a step back before pitching the system. I just smiled, nodded towards the dog and said "I got it covered." - he never knew she just barked at the doorbell, not him...

I took her to the vet once for a checkup, and the vet came back in to the room apologizing to me. I said what for? And she told me the dog had hip displasia, bad. I took her to a specialist, and they wanted $6K per leg to do a TPL surgery, and then maybe $10K for hip replacement, and told me she wouldn't live more than 2 years without it. I loved Sasha, but I'm not rich. I got her some Rimadyl and decided I would do the best I could to keep her comfortable, and not let her suffer.

She really showed those bastards though. She kept on going for years. Like 7 or 8 more. Never once did she not come over when I called her.

Then one day she was playing in the back yard, and she came in with a swollen leg. I figured she banged it on the retaining wall, but called the vet and asked for advice. He said don't panic, but bring her in to get a check up, so I did. I'll never forget that day. We went in there happy, and left with cancer and 30 days to live. I made the most of it. She got all kinds of people food, trips to the beach with just us, etc.

She made it past 30 days, closer to 90 or so. Just long enough to see my son born and meet him before she went downhill. My wife called me one day and said she was bleeding from somewhere and not moving much. I told her to put Sasha outside in the backyard (it was nice out) and I'd call the vet to have her put down. I went home early and took her in, God was it painful.

That was over a year ago, but I still miss her a lot.

 

[donaldb]

Taz had an enlarged heart (which in a ironic way seemed approperate) and she suffered from arthritis, she suffered two broken legs during her 15 year life (those damn squirrels--if she coulda just got one!!). We had her on enalipril for the heart and rimadyl for the arthritis. She was on this medication for the past 2 years. She was our "only child", Her red and white markings were vivid when she was young but faded pale in her old age. I returned from the fishing trip yesterday afternoon. Had a couple Jim Beams and water, her enlarged heart caused her to pant, the house last night was empty and quiet, this will take some time to adjust to. Some people get it, and some just dont. I thought about going on a long ride because that always seems to make me feel better, but my MSF instructor advised us not to ride while something weighs heavy on your heart and mind, you need to concentrate on the riding, not a heavy burden. I rode to work this morning, I kept her off my mind until I got to work. A lump is still in my throat, and a empty place in my heart. We will donate her meds to a local animal shelter, along w/her toys and food and water bowls. Her other bedding other than her taz blanket I guess we will toss out w/the trash--if that aint poignant I dont know what is---I don't think other dogs would want it given the scent, etc. and I don't want other dogs pissing on it to mask her scent, I'd rather just throw the old bedding away. Maybe another puppy someday in the future, I think we need some time to get over this one. I hope the next one will be stumbled upon in the same way I found Taz, just by some odd chance.