I need to talk...
I need to talk...
My 21 year old daughter's dog went to the vet today. He's got to be around 16. I knew in my heart something was terribly wrong because my dogs have been smelling him in a certain way, which has always been a precursor here to bad news. He's in renal failure.
This little guy has given his all to her. She and two classmates found him running loose back in 1998, and he ended up going back and forth between the two classmates' houses (they lived catty-corner from each other). He started chasing cars, so the dad of one of the girls called the cops. They are animal control here. My daughter saw the cops pick him up.
She spent the entire weekend bawling because here the dog is at the pound for 3 days, and if no owner comes forward, it's euthanized. So first thing Monday morning I called the vet to bail Toby out. The vet said it was a good thing that I called, and he was actually going to hold the dog an extra day because he was such a nice dog.
Amber and Toby bonded like nothing I have ever seen. Fast forward to when Amber ran away at age 15 and was in the system for 17 months. Toby started throwing up after every meal. I took him to the vet's, and he couldn't find a single physical thing wrong with him. He said he honestly thought Toby was mourning the loss of Amber. I put him on sensitive stomach food, and no more vomiting.
He would lay in bed with me at night, and look off into the distance with such a forlorn look, and I just know he was wondering where Amber was, and if she had deserted him. It broke my heart a million times over those 17 months.
They were in the 4-H dog project for 7 years. He took reserve champion in showmanship the very first 4-H dog show he was in. I lost count of all the ribbons. After he was diagnosed with a bad disc in his back, she couldn't start him in agility, but they continued obedience and showmanship through her senior year.
Now when Amber gets in a 'relationship', she completely goes to the opposite end, is never home, and we're right back to him being depressed. I've begged, and told her that the day would come when he's gone and she'd wish she had been there more. I've been through that.
I've got a lump in my throat. I'm also pi$$ed off that she's tossed him aside the last couple of months on the weekends since she got involved in another relationship. I've been there for him...he sleeps with me at night when she's not home.
She called me bawling with the news. I was up watching the kids she normally watches because she had to pick Toby up, drop him off at home, and head out to her DUI impact class she has tonight, which is part of her gig for being popped with a minor in possession shortly before her 21st birthday.
I'm a mixture of emotions. He did eat well tonight, but I'm far too familiar with renal failure from working for my vet, and his days are very short.
I hurt for him. I hurt for her. And I hurt for me, dammit.
This sucks.
She snapped this pic of him a few months ago when he took advantage of one of the big dogs' holes in the backyard.
This little guy has given his all to her. She and two classmates found him running loose back in 1998, and he ended up going back and forth between the two classmates' houses (they lived catty-corner from each other). He started chasing cars, so the dad of one of the girls called the cops. They are animal control here. My daughter saw the cops pick him up.
She spent the entire weekend bawling because here the dog is at the pound for 3 days, and if no owner comes forward, it's euthanized. So first thing Monday morning I called the vet to bail Toby out. The vet said it was a good thing that I called, and he was actually going to hold the dog an extra day because he was such a nice dog.
Amber and Toby bonded like nothing I have ever seen. Fast forward to when Amber ran away at age 15 and was in the system for 17 months. Toby started throwing up after every meal. I took him to the vet's, and he couldn't find a single physical thing wrong with him. He said he honestly thought Toby was mourning the loss of Amber. I put him on sensitive stomach food, and no more vomiting.
He would lay in bed with me at night, and look off into the distance with such a forlorn look, and I just know he was wondering where Amber was, and if she had deserted him. It broke my heart a million times over those 17 months.
They were in the 4-H dog project for 7 years. He took reserve champion in showmanship the very first 4-H dog show he was in. I lost count of all the ribbons. After he was diagnosed with a bad disc in his back, she couldn't start him in agility, but they continued obedience and showmanship through her senior year.
Now when Amber gets in a 'relationship', she completely goes to the opposite end, is never home, and we're right back to him being depressed. I've begged, and told her that the day would come when he's gone and she'd wish she had been there more. I've been through that.
I've got a lump in my throat. I'm also pi$$ed off that she's tossed him aside the last couple of months on the weekends since she got involved in another relationship. I've been there for him...he sleeps with me at night when she's not home.
She called me bawling with the news. I was up watching the kids she normally watches because she had to pick Toby up, drop him off at home, and head out to her DUI impact class she has tonight, which is part of her gig for being popped with a minor in possession shortly before her 21st birthday.
I'm a mixture of emotions. He did eat well tonight, but I'm far too familiar with renal failure from working for my vet, and his days are very short.
I hurt for him. I hurt for her. And I hurt for me, dammit.
This sucks.
She snapped this pic of him a few months ago when he took advantage of one of the big dogs' holes in the backyard.
Oh no Freedom, I'm so sorry to hear it. It's hard to deal with others lack of empathy or selfishness isn't it? I can feel your heartbreak, and I wish there were a way to ease it
Prayers for you and Toby.
Prayers for you and Toby.
Aw man, I wish they could live forever. If I may say so, Toby is one fine looking piece of dog flesh!
I had a little muttlet for 16 years, got her from the shelter as a pup. I had been looking at dogs and was on the fence about her.
I was sitting in my truck and could see this family with 2 kids take her out of her cage and begin making a big deal over her. I hopped out and went in and snatched her out of a kids arms! Ah...memories! That family probably still talks about that crazy who stole their dog. BTW, that was back in my drinking daze!
I held her when the vet put her down. My feelings had been stuffed for years, but I surprised myself...cried like my heart was breaking. Loud and long.
I knew we would be moving in a year or so, we had a "pet cemetery" out back. Population: 2 cats, I couldn't bear the thought of "leaving her behind". So I had her cremated, she's in a little urn over on the shelf as we speak!
She was sooo smart. I would talk to her like a person, tell her to do stuff like get in the truck, etc. She had probably 20 or so things she could do, no "formal" training. She just under stood. She was also very "verbal", I swear it was like she was trying to talk.
She was a fine dog. Toby looks like a fine dog. I'm so sorry.
Thanks and God bless us all,
Coyote
I had a little muttlet for 16 years, got her from the shelter as a pup. I had been looking at dogs and was on the fence about her.
I was sitting in my truck and could see this family with 2 kids take her out of her cage and begin making a big deal over her. I hopped out and went in and snatched her out of a kids arms! Ah...memories! That family probably still talks about that crazy who stole their dog. BTW, that was back in my drinking daze!
I held her when the vet put her down. My feelings had been stuffed for years, but I surprised myself...cried like my heart was breaking. Loud and long.
I knew we would be moving in a year or so, we had a "pet cemetery" out back. Population: 2 cats, I couldn't bear the thought of "leaving her behind". So I had her cremated, she's in a little urn over on the shelf as we speak!
She was sooo smart. I would talk to her like a person, tell her to do stuff like get in the truck, etc. She had probably 20 or so things she could do, no "formal" training. She just under stood. She was also very "verbal", I swear it was like she was trying to talk.
She was a fine dog. Toby looks like a fine dog. I'm so sorry.
Thanks and God bless us all,
Coyote
I just finished reading Marley and Me and it's had me in tears, I'm such an animal lover.
I can so relate. I haven't had a book affect me like that if ever. I saw the movie, had to watch it again, and was in tears till the end. Dogs can affect us like no other.
The author talks about how he felt guilty for feeling a deep sense of remorse that he didn't feel for his closest friends, I remember that feeling, it's a weird thing dogs do to us.
My thoughts are with all of you. I've been holding my dog since I read that book.
We don't realize how much they shape our lives sometimes, but they sure do.
Your baby is adorable, and through it all has a very good life. Don't forget that.
((((...))))
:praying
I can so relate. I haven't had a book affect me like that if ever. I saw the movie, had to watch it again, and was in tears till the end. Dogs can affect us like no other.
The author talks about how he felt guilty for feeling a deep sense of remorse that he didn't feel for his closest friends, I remember that feeling, it's a weird thing dogs do to us.
My thoughts are with all of you. I've been holding my dog since I read that book.
We don't realize how much they shape our lives sometimes, but they sure do.
Your baby is adorable, and through it all has a very good life. Don't forget that.
((((...))))
:praying
To thine own self be true.
Join Date: May 2009
Location: U.S.A.
Posts: 5,924
Hey Lady. Thanks for the post. I've been thinking more and more of getting a little dog and your post is starting to convince me that that may be just what I need.
Anyway...back to business LOL...
I think I'm really good at this emotion thing so here's my two cents:
Sometimes when I have so much pain built up inside of me because I have been trying to be so strong for myself and for so many others, I accidentally do something like stub my toe or hit my wrist on something, and I just start bawling uncontrollably.
It's a certain way that I cry during these particular times, that I know this pain comes from deep within.
So the moral of my story is this: Take this opportunity to just let yourself feel everything there is that you feel. I find that anger is not productive during these times for working through the emotions so try to Let Go and Let God.
What I mean by that in this case is that I believe dogs are a very special one of God's creatures. I believe dogs are here to help us through these times and sometimes substitute for what other humans can't do for us. So, let God's purpose for your beautiful little dog serve you well. Let your attachment to him allow you to mourn everything in your life there is to mourn.
Anyway...back to business LOL...
I'm a mixture of emotions
Sometimes when I have so much pain built up inside of me because I have been trying to be so strong for myself and for so many others, I accidentally do something like stub my toe or hit my wrist on something, and I just start bawling uncontrollably.
It's a certain way that I cry during these particular times, that I know this pain comes from deep within.
So the moral of my story is this: Take this opportunity to just let yourself feel everything there is that you feel. I find that anger is not productive during these times for working through the emotions so try to Let Go and Let God.
What I mean by that in this case is that I believe dogs are a very special one of God's creatures. I believe dogs are here to help us through these times and sometimes substitute for what other humans can't do for us. So, let God's purpose for your beautiful little dog serve you well. Let your attachment to him allow you to mourn everything in your life there is to mourn.
I've often thought, "Everything I Need to Know About Love, I Learned From My Dog," - sort of like that book, "Everything I Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten."
I'm with Anvil... just be with him and let him know you love him in his last part of life.
LOL, I'll send up a prayer to my beloved 4 GSDs in dog heaven and let them know a great new guy will be coming in a bit to play with them, until we humans get there to be with them.
CLMI
I'm with Anvil... just be with him and let him know you love him in his last part of life.
LOL, I'll send up a prayer to my beloved 4 GSDs in dog heaven and let them know a great new guy will be coming in a bit to play with them, until we humans get there to be with them.
CLMI
DeVon, you are having a bad time just now and I send my prayers to you all. He's not just a dog, he has been so much part of you that he is really family.
I have only had 1 dog in my life, a beautiful collie my parents got from a dog's home the day before she was to be put down. She was my 5th birthday present and my best friend for over 15 years. Both mum and I bawled our eyes out the day a vet friend came to our home and gently gave her peace whilst I held her in my arms. That was 45 years ago, but seems like yesterday. Dog friends have a cosy place in our hearts, don't they?
I wish you strength for what is to come, and happy memories of all that has been.
God bless
I have only had 1 dog in my life, a beautiful collie my parents got from a dog's home the day before she was to be put down. She was my 5th birthday present and my best friend for over 15 years. Both mum and I bawled our eyes out the day a vet friend came to our home and gently gave her peace whilst I held her in my arms. That was 45 years ago, but seems like yesterday. Dog friends have a cosy place in our hearts, don't they?
I wish you strength for what is to come, and happy memories of all that has been.
God bless
Oh, Devon. I am sorry about Toby. How lucky he and you are to have had such a close relationship.
That is really cool about the 4H awards and Amber competing with him. Waht an awesome experience for them both! Amber sounds like she is acting her age, boys, boys, boys.
That is really cool about the 4H awards and Amber competing with him. Waht an awesome experience for them both! Amber sounds like she is acting her age, boys, boys, boys.
Right now he's getting anything he wants to eat, and is keeping it down. He prefers the shredded turkey from the local deli.
I guess the vet is going to prescribe a few meds to keep him comfortable.
Amber and I had a long talk last night, and I told her she owed it to him to watch his quality of life and not wait till he's suffering.
I'll be there with her and Toby when it's time.
I had a good long cry too yesterday, and one of those God things happened where my sponsor called me. So I had another good long cry while on the phone with him. He's in town on vacation so he's picking me up for an AA meeting tonight.
DeVon--oh I am so sorry. My heart aches for you, Toby and your daughter. You can tell by his eyes that Toby is a dog with a soul.
I don't know if you have ever read any Gene Hill--my vet told me about him once and I found a book he told me to get since I always have brown dogs (and his theory is that all breeds originated from the brown dog )
Anyway, when my Louis tore his cruciate ligament and the vet said he could not survive surgery because of his age I knew it was time. He let me take him home for the night. I found this in Gene Hill's book Laughter and Tears. Although it may make you cry I know you will see Toby in every verse. I was lucky that our vet came to our house so my best friend in the whole world could be put to rest while laying on his bed at home in the arms of the one who loved him.
I am so sorry and am sending lots of hugs and dog kisses from my new brown dog Murphy. You can see in the picture that Toby is one of a kind.
Just My Dog
He is my other eyes that can see above the clouds;
my other ears that hear above the winds.
He is the part of me that can reach out into the sea.
He has told me a thousand times over that I am his reason
for being by the way he rests against my leg;
by the way he thumps his tail at my smallest smile;
by the way he shows his hurt when I leave without taking him.
(I think it makes him sick with worry when he is not
along to care for me.)
When I am wrong, he is delighted to forgive.
When I am angry, he clowns to make me smile.
When I am happy, he is joy unbounded.
When I am a fool, he ignores it.
When I succeed, he brags.
Without him, I am only another man. With him, I am all-powerful.
He is loyalty itself. He has taught me the meaning of devotion.
With him, I know a secret comfort and a private peace.
He has brought me understanding where before I was ignorant.
His head on my knee can heal my human hurts.
His presence by my side is protection against my fears of dark and
unknown things.
He has promised to wait for me...whenever...wherever--
in case I need him.
And I expect I will--as I always have.
I don't know if you have ever read any Gene Hill--my vet told me about him once and I found a book he told me to get since I always have brown dogs (and his theory is that all breeds originated from the brown dog )
Anyway, when my Louis tore his cruciate ligament and the vet said he could not survive surgery because of his age I knew it was time. He let me take him home for the night. I found this in Gene Hill's book Laughter and Tears. Although it may make you cry I know you will see Toby in every verse. I was lucky that our vet came to our house so my best friend in the whole world could be put to rest while laying on his bed at home in the arms of the one who loved him.
I am so sorry and am sending lots of hugs and dog kisses from my new brown dog Murphy. You can see in the picture that Toby is one of a kind.
Just My Dog
He is my other eyes that can see above the clouds;
my other ears that hear above the winds.
He is the part of me that can reach out into the sea.
He has told me a thousand times over that I am his reason
for being by the way he rests against my leg;
by the way he thumps his tail at my smallest smile;
by the way he shows his hurt when I leave without taking him.
(I think it makes him sick with worry when he is not
along to care for me.)
When I am wrong, he is delighted to forgive.
When I am angry, he clowns to make me smile.
When I am happy, he is joy unbounded.
When I am a fool, he ignores it.
When I succeed, he brags.
Without him, I am only another man. With him, I am all-powerful.
He is loyalty itself. He has taught me the meaning of devotion.
With him, I know a secret comfort and a private peace.
He has brought me understanding where before I was ignorant.
His head on my knee can heal my human hurts.
His presence by my side is protection against my fears of dark and
unknown things.
He has promised to wait for me...whenever...wherever--
in case I need him.
And I expect I will--as I always have.
I am so grateful for all the support you fine people have given me.
Wife2kids, gads I got a lump in my throat reading that. It was so poignant. I will share that with Amber.
I thought he had a fever, so back to the vet's he went, and he didn't have a fever, which is good.
I had to run up and watch the kids that Amber babysits during the week, and Toby was so glad to see them and vice versa. He went to 'work' with her all last school year.
She had me leave him up there with her and the kids the rest of the afternoon. He went straight to Mr. Murphy's (the cat) food bowl and started eating his food.
We'll just love him to pieces and spoil him while God continues to grace us with his presence.
Wife2kids, gads I got a lump in my throat reading that. It was so poignant. I will share that with Amber.
I thought he had a fever, so back to the vet's he went, and he didn't have a fever, which is good.
I had to run up and watch the kids that Amber babysits during the week, and Toby was so glad to see them and vice versa. He went to 'work' with her all last school year.
She had me leave him up there with her and the kids the rest of the afternoon. He went straight to Mr. Murphy's (the cat) food bowl and started eating his food.
We'll just love him to pieces and spoil him while God continues to grace us with his presence.
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