My best and most loyal friend is dying ......

[Cajungator26]

Originally Posted by docicu3

It's probably not the place for this and you would think I should be a hell of alot better with this given I deal with human suffering and death every day of my profesional life but the one completely selfless loving being I have ever known is leaving our family and I am beyond devastated.

My 12 year old golden "Shadow" (sassy chance and shadow with those with an awareness of that family).....was diagnosed with metastatic lymphoma yesterday. He isn't suffering at the moment but is disinterested in eating and his usual activity......

All this animal ever did was....

1) raise my children ........he had the unique innate ability to lie with young boys at night when they didn't want to be alone until they fell asleep, knowning somehow by the change in their breathing that slumber had befallen them and he could now safely leave their sides each night. The security he gave my sons is not definable.

2) greet me each and every time I came through a door morning, noon or night as if I had come home from a war with the passion and happiness of lovers too long apart.

3) lived to make our family happy each and every day, never cross, complaining or difficult. How many people do you know in your life that haven't got one annoying habit or flaw.

He isn't apparently in pain and has periods of alertness with a wagging tail, alert eyes, affection craving. Is it cruel to hold on to further time together if you think it is quality time from both perspectives.

My friend has done more for me several times over than I have ever done for him, a selfless example of devotion who made every person he lived with a better creature by knowning him. An example of altuism when the word is used all too easily.

Euthanized is a word I have a great deal of a problem with if the animal isn't apparently suffering.

I love my dog so shoot me......the loss is a hole in my head and heart I'll not soon mend.

I'm at my desk in tears... this is what we went through with two of our goldens (one at a time.) Jagger and Nugget were the best things to ever happen to our family and I'm unsure of what I would have done growing up without the two of them by my side. Nugget was diagnosed with cancer about two years ago... she had a tumor in her spleen that caused her internal bleeding. Similar to your situation, she 'told' us when she was ready to go... I had to take her in myself and I didn't leave HER side the whole time. It was horrible, and I wish I could say that it will get easier, but it won't. Anyone who has shared that sort of bond with an animal will tell you that the pain never goes away.

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

[Payson Dave]

I can feel your sorrow....I had a Golden named Mika that I had from the time she was a puppy until I had to put her down at the beginning of her 14th year. It was real hard...Remember the life not the loss of it
Dave

[Cajungator26]

Originally Posted by Payson Dave

I can feel your sorrow....I had a Golden named Mika that I had from the time she was a puppy until I had to put her down at the beginning of her 14th year. It was real hard...Remember the life not the loss of it
Dave

Nug was 14 too.

This reminds me of Richi's post... (for those that didn't get a chance to read it.)

http://www.derbytrail.com/forums/sho...ghlight=Nugget

[Linny]

What a terrible time it is for your family. When I was a child my family had "Mikey" a golden/collie cross. He was a protector, a friend, a family member. When I was little, I called him "Mugadoo."
He was so important to me that on my first day of kindergarten my mom got a call from my teacher asking why I kept calling out "where's mugadoo??!" I guess I assumed that I'd be able to take him to school with me. He'd gone everywher else.
My firend with 3 little kids has a golden named Copper who is a mugadoo-clone.

I'm sure that you will do right by Shadow as he has done right by you for all these years. Having been there, my heart breaks for you and your family.

[ddthetide]

brian's right doc, he'll let you know. hug him and kiss him and love him while you still have him.

we just went through this first week in april with our cat, Callie.
her mind was still good but her kidneys were failing and her legs were failing.
the house is still empty.

[Seattleallstar]

doc hope u get through this ok, I remember a few months ago when my doggie was sick I thought it was it, but the ol girl is still alive and kickin. I know im fortunate everyday my doggie is alive

[lemondropkid1]

Like everyone else has said, he will let you know. And no, it isn't cruel to hold on if life is comfortable from his perspective.

I truly feel your pain, as I just went through this 2 weeks ago with one of my dogs. He ruptured a disk, it compressed his spinal cord, and he was paralyzed when I found him. He and I both knew it was the end. It was the hardest thing to do, but at the same time the easiest.

My thoughts and sympathies are with you in this difficult time.

[Suffolk Shippers]

It sounds to me that Shadow has been a loyal solider for you over the years. I'd think of it this way, he's been there for you and yours all these years and he needs you guys now more than ever.

That's the best you can do for him for all his years of getting you through day by day, and I trust he will tell you when he has had enough. Savior the days and cherish the memories which will last forever.