Pets are people, too

We have had Milo for over two years and a few weekends back were able to get his cousin Maddie. The two are doing great together and turning into best friends.

 

It’s been a tough year...
We had another loss today.
Miss Cathy”s pride and joy Dory Dog had to hit the rainbow bridge.
Rear legs became non functional and her little heart (on heart meds) was pumping double time. Heavy breathing and not moving she became miserable so we took her to our awesome Vet in Castaic.

Pretty sure Cathy would have chose Dory Dog over me, but she’s stuck with me.
Bummer of a day, I’ll rustle up some pics when I feel like it.

 

Sorry to hear about Dory Dog Mike and Cathy. Take care

 

There aren't really any words for that... It just sucks. Sorry.

 

Very sorry to hear of this @Mikie. RIP Dory Dog.

 

Dammmmmnnnn.... sorry to hear. Romp in Peace little Dory Dog.

 

Sorry Cathy and Mikie, that’s a hard decision to make.
We lost my daughter’s dog of 18yrs last week, we didn’t know whether to take her in or let her go naturally at home. She made the decision for us. It’s rough but at least she’s not suffering.
You done good brother

 

Oh man. RIP to your beautiful dog.

 

Sorry to hear that Mikie.

 

Prayers of comfort for you and Miss Cathy

 

Sorry Mikie

 

Sorry for your loss Mikie.

 

Sorry for your loss, major bummer!

 

You guys gave her a great home and a wonderful life full of love. Such a difficult decision to make. RIP Dory dog...

 

@Mikie, our condolence to you and Mrs. W.

Keep all those great memories with Dory prominently in your hearts – eventually they will obscure the loss completely. Meanwhile, take solace in the great life you two gave your little sweetie. Good job! Lucky dog. Namaste, my friend.

 

Dang, Mikie. It does sound like you've had a tough run with fur family loss. Heartfelt condolences to you guys.

 

I'm so sorry @Mikie . However, she is not in pain anymore and her purpose in your life was complete. I know that doesn't really help ease the pain of your loss, but I know she had the best humans any dog could ask for and had a better life than most and she won't be alone on the other side of the bridge. Big hugs to both of you.

 

Dude, sorry about that. It's always tough.

 

Thanks all.
I actually didn't want to come back after posting and read these as I knew I would get all weepy (what a woose, right?) and I am.
With all the crazy Sh!t going on right now, just one more kick in the crotch losing a sweet innocent little buddy.

I think that is why I am so passionate about this place staying "other topics free" so that we can come here and just talk smack about bicycles.
I need this place, and I need my friends, You are all my friends and I thank you.

 

Thanks for keeping level through everything, brother Mikie. Yes, you do have friends here. ...

 

Not my pet, but this guy paid us a visit here in Truckee! Pretty cool!

 

Sad day for @horsebikerider


Today she sent her beloved Licorice to greener pastures.

 

Sorry Jason and Suzanne for your loss

 

Yes, the world lost a legend today. Everyone that had the privilege of meeting the handsome Licorice was struck by his gentle heart and beautiful soul. The relationship I, personally, had with this magnificent being is beyond words. I can only echo what I have been hearing from so many people that Licorice and I shared a bond and visibly mutual love and connection. Purchasing him 12 years ago, at the age of 17, was, without a doubt, the best and most rewarding investment ever. He found the light in me that I couldn't find. He tolerated all of my lack of knowledge of horsemanship and loved me anyway. He always gave me 100% of his heart. We just knew each other so well.
He developed advanced arthritis in one of his front legs about 8-10 years ago, for which I did my best to keep him comfortable with light exercise and NSAIDs. He would have acute issues where I thought, "is this the end" but he would always surprise me and come back even stronger. He was my Comeback King!
However, a month ago he wasn't eating. I thought it was just some sort of bug and he would shake out of it in a couple of days. Well, after 7 days, it was still a struggle to get him to eat and he was losing weight fast. After a vet check to confirm he didn't have an infection, colic or teeth issues, and his blood work was normal, we decided to treat him for ulcers. This treatment seemed to help a bit, but after 10 days he developed a fever. After another vet visit 2 weeks after the first one, his blood work showed a significant infection, but we didn't know where. So, we now added antibiotics to his treatments. He was improving and he finally broke his fever after 5 days and his follow up blood work, 2 days later, showed significant improvement of the infection. However, something still wasn't right and he still wasn't eating well. We decided to continue on the treatment of antibiotics and then administer anabolic steroids the following week in hopes that would help his appetite. That was last Friday. He seemed to be doing better with his appetite and his energy was a bit improved, but on Monday of this week, he had developed some sort of respiratory issue that was causing discharge from his nose, My barn owner was having a dental specialist coming to do her horses on Wednesday, so I took the opportunity to have this vet check him out and really asses to confirm he didn't have any teeth issues. This vet did a thorough history physical on him before looking in his mouth. When he was listening to his heart he told me that he had a heart murmur. I couldn't remember if I had been told about that as if wasn't a big deal or not and he confirmed that this isn't something benign it is significant and was the cause of the swollen sheath. Now, putting a heart issue on top of the new lung issue really hit home for me. We were now dealing with something that would be very difficult to cure, so I made the decision to send him over the Rainbow Bridge. The vet told me, after watching him walk, that Licorice was in a significant amount of pain. I had been keeping my rose colored glasses on as this is something I deal with every day. Seeing him through someone else's eyes really helped me with the decision, which is 100% the hardest part of this experience.

Fortunately, when this morning came, I took Licorice over to the vacant yard next door to the barn where there is a nice expanse of grass (one that he has visited a few times when his gate got left open) and I let him graze...or at least grab and spit out due to his lack of molars. He was in his happy place. So, I then decided, this will be the place for his final spot to lie down, rather than on the dirt at my barn. I am telling you, the whole process could not have been any more peaceful and beautiful. When the drugs were administered, he went down quickly and was completely gone before I knew it! He was ready!!

He is now running free among greener pastures across the Rainbow Bridge.

I am so blessed, beyond words and comprehension, from all of the unconditional love and support from all of my friends and family.

Broken hearted, but relieved.

 

Oh Suz and Jason, I’m so so sorry for your loss and heartache!
You’re in my prayers sister and I thank you on behalf of Licorice for being an amazing and loving mama...you have loved him well and there is no greater gift than that!

 

Sorry for your loss, guys.

 

@horsebikerider, so sorry for your loss. Our pets are family members too and it is really hard to see them go. But there is a sense of relief when the end comes in a way such as it did for Licorice.

RIP Licorice

 

Yes, very true about the relief. I know it will come, but I have been worrying about him for such a long time that it may take a few days to settle in after the sense of loss softens a bit. But I know it will come

 

Heartbreaking!!! Always green pastures Licorice!!!