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I may be next

blastoff99

Gold Supporting Member
Supporting Member
Dec 17, 2011
1,820
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Under the flight path
***Update - see post #24 ***

Seems like we've had more than our share of 'parting with companion animals' threads lately. Every one hurts. I've been there - and I may be about to be there again.

I could type a lot, but the details aren't really important. Cody's the best friend I've ever had, the best friend I'll ever have, and the last link to my old life. He's an odd dog but a great one, and his individual health issues are not huge but I sense that he's tired in lots of ways. A couple of days ago I had the talk with him, and gave him permission to go. He may be taking me up on that much quicker than I anticipated. He seems resigned, and last night he gave me a look that I couldn't read. It might have been 'I'm scared,' or it might have been 'Who are you?' or it might have been something else. It wasn't happy.

He did eat today, for the first time since Wednesday morning, so the immediate crisis is averted. He doesn't appear to be in any pain, but he's totally not himself either. I'm very fortunate that his vet is someone I trust completely. We've been in contact via email this morning, and he has a 'senior wellness' appointment scheduled for Wednesday.

I gotta save anything that remotely resembles crying until after he's gone. This dog hates it when people so much as sniffle. He gets up and goes to the farthest away part of the house. It's going to be brutal on me when his day comes. It's not like it would be any easier three weeks or three months or three years from now; I'll never be ready to lose him. I have done right by him for nearly 13 years, and I will do right by him in this too. I'm grateful to have had him, and I'm grateful for whatever time we have left.

Here he is on the window platform his grandma made him so he could look out. He adores her, and he's the first dog she's ever loved. He's an ambassador for Good Dogs everywhere.

Hug your furkids, everyone.

window.jpg
 
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Well I’m not ashamed to admit I’m a little emotional just from reading your post & looking at the photo. Dogs are such naturally bonding creatures with their human masters. And vice versa. They don’t judge us, they don’t nag us over our bad habits. They totally accept us. They’re ready to go somewhere with us on a moment’s notice and they won’t complain that it was boring or they’ve seen it before.

Sorry man.

-dave
 
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Man did this thread tug a heart string. Like Cody our toy poodle is fading fast. Blind, deaf and really frail but up till a day or so ago, tail always wagging. I feel for you Bro. There is a real rough patch heading our way. I will be forever thankful for the time and lessons I have gleened from the dogs I have had in my life as I am sure you feel the same. Hoping your Vet relieves some of your present concerns.
 
I *just* went through this, and it sucks. Even though you know you're doing the right thing, it's never time for us to lose our loved ones. I'm so sorry you have to endure this.
 
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Speaking from experience from a few years ago with my diva ( who eventually passed ) she had a kidney issue that had her looking like she was on deaths door. After the med run she was much more like her old self. Granted, she was 24 at the time and was not spry by any far stretch, but maybe take the old fella in, could be something curable.

Either way, it sounds like you both had quality time together. There is nothing to compare to that bond.
 
Thanks to all who have offered support. We have a reprieve here, and even though it's likely to be relatively short, I'm glad to have it.

Cody's vet is pretty sure what went on is a continuation of something that happened over a year ago. We don't even know what it is (we haven't done an ultrasound and aren't going to) but it's liver or pancreas, or something. He's been on a supplement since then that has held the fort, at least until it didn't. Vet thinks that this was another attack of whatever that was, or something similar like blocked bile duct, or gallstone shifting, or who knows. The lack of specificity is not important - gut inflammation / infection is all treated by the same antibiotic and/or pain med.

She has a three-part course of treatment, and it's 'as needed / if needed' and neither expensive nor invasive. If I have to get to the third part of the treatment, I'm to give her a call at that time. Fair enough.

The goal for the last couple of years has been keep him eating, keep him moving, and keep him doing Happy Dog Things. We are back to that, although a puddle of bile-y barf greeted me at the door last night. I know I don't have a whole lot of time left with him. The inevitable hasn't been cancelled, just postponed. I'm still relieved.