Farewell to a good friend.

[Fishing Rhino]

I haven't fished much since the Road Trip. Both of our dogs have had health issues which required our constant care.

Our white Boxer girl was diagnosed with cardiomyopathy in January, and our male had a benign tumor in two vertebrae of his spine which had grown and compressed the spinal cord.

On the day before we took him for surgery, Ava (the white girl) could not move her bowels. Off to the emergency 24 hour vet hospital. She had a mass which was reducing the size of her colon, resulting in a blockage.

Because of her heart condition, we had no practical options to deal with the tumor. After we dropped Indy off for surgery, we dropped Ava at our regular vets. A series of enemas and meds softened her stool so it could pass.

Aside from that, she was the picture of health.

Indy recovered from the surgery and is dramatically better. But Ava was given two months, max.

So we took her home monitored her diet carefully, scrupulously meted out her meds, and kept her comfortable and happy.

She was gradually failing, but we were able to keep her comfortable and happy to be with us, until today.

I went out early this morning with her and when she tried to urinate, all she could do was a little dribble. A few steps, squat, and get rid of a couple of tablespoons, if that. Back into the house, around the kitchen table, and back to the door. Repeat the process, twice.

She finally got rid of enough to be comfortable, came in, and fell asleep. Not interested in food, and only a couple of sips of water.

She wasn't in obvious pain, but she was struggling. It was obvious that it was time to call it, as much as we hated to do it.

Today at noon, we took her to the vet's and held her as she was put to sleep.

So, while her demise will allow me more fishing time, it's not a fair tradeoff.

Indy is doing very well, and begins radiation next week to shrink the meningioma even more. The prognosis is that he could have a year and a half to two years before it will grow enough to impact the spinal cord.

If so, he'll be nearly eleven, which is old for a Boxer.

Here they are with Indy at a year and a half, and Ava at nearly five months.

[Hammer 4]

RIP..Ava. I know how it feels to lose one of your best friends. I miss my pup everyday, since a year ago. In the case of our dog, it was akin to losing a family member.

Time will help..hang in there, and I hope your other pup does well..

[fishfordollars]

So sorry to hear this. I had to put Casey, my birddog down a couple of years ago and I still miss her every day. They are family, but it is part of being a responsible pet owner.

It may help to rescue another quickly. It helped my wife and I.

Good luck

[Sam]

Dogs are a big part of our families and it is always hard to lose one.

You did the best you could and you can't be asked to do more.

Sorry for your loss.

How about a new puppy???? 

[SoFlaBassAddict]

Sorry to hear that.  I grew up having tons of animals always around the house.  Really stinks to lose a pet.  They really are part of the family.  The dog I have now was a rescue and is starting to get to that point where we realize that she's getting really old.  I'm not looking forward to the inevitable.  I really don't know how my daughters are going to take that.  They've never dealt with that before.

My brother has a Boxer that I absolutely love.  Goofy looking thing.  When I decide to get another dog, if I don't get a Doberman for the third time; it will most likely be a Boxer.

[frogtog]

Sorry for your lost, I know what you are going thru. I have one ( Sally ) I have got to put down any day now and I'm not looking forward to it. :'(

[1inStripes]

That sucks.  Theres just no two ways about it.

[bocabasser]

sorry for your loss rhino. i just put my jack russell down after 15 years. my wife had to take him to the vet because i could not do it. the hardest part was consoling my six year old son who was torn apart. time will heal a hurting heart. ALL dogs go to heaven.

[MMan16]

My sympathy goes out to you. Its not an easy thing to go through. I lost my childhood dog 3 years back to cancer. Took me 2 years till I could get another. Just didn't feel right getting another one right after. Still miss him but my new pup is great.

[Red]

My folks had to put my dog down a couple years ago.  He was almost 15, that is super old for a dalmation.  He was awesome and super smart, his name was Bilbo.  Sorry for your loss.  Time will help like someone said above.

[A-Jay]

Rhino - So sorry you had to say farewell to a great friend ~ she will be in your heart forever so you never have to say good bye. Our thoughts are with the both of you and Indy.

Run free Ava.

Lynn & A-Jay

[J Francho]

Sometimes losing a dog is worse than losing family.  Sorry for your loss.  I resisted getting a dog for this very reason, the past three were gut wrenching.  Gave the wife the go ahead for a Boston puppy.

Good luck to Indy, and RIP Ava.

[adclem]

Sorry for your loss. Dogs are such a big important part of our live as well.

Sorry, :'(

[Glenn]

So sorry to hear of your loss.  It's tough man, no way around it.  This may be hard to read, but it really helps over time.  I read it every now and then...gives me something to look forward to:

http://www.petloss.com/poems/maingrp/rainbowb.htm

[Grey Wolf]

Sorry for your loss. I definately feel your saddness.

[Nine Miler]

Sad news for sure.  Send me a photo and I can donate a portrait.

Send a pm if you are interested and I can shoot you my contact info.  Dogs are one of my favorite subjects.

[Uncle Leo]

Tom,

I hope Ava is running and playing with all of all dearly departed friends. I am sure My Honey which I lost last February will welcome her.

Leo

[llPa1nll]

Sorry for your loss. Losing a pet is always like losing a family member. RIP Ava.

:(

[b.Lee]

Sorry to hear that, when I lost my pup I was devastated.

My condolences

[Dwight Hottle]

Sorry for your loss, Tom. I have been in your shoes before and it is tough to lose a pet.

[Long Mike]

My old dog was seventeen years old.  The night before he died he could no longer walk.  Knowing that I was going to have to take him in the next morning and have him put down, I sat with him and wept.  To my emotional great fortune, he died in his sleep that night.  He spared me the torment of having to take him in and watch him die.  Gawd, how I miss that old dog!

[SMfisher]

  sorry for your loss Fishing Rhino. i have two dogs of my own and dread the day that i will lose one of them. i take them fishing with me almost every day. we have so much fun even with small fish.