SamIAM21:
I feel your pain. About a year and a half ago we purchased a gorgeous male Golden Retriever puppy. He was one of 2 remaining puppies from the litter and was so sweet and interested in us that it was an easy pick. We were given paperwork from the vet that vaccinated the litter stating that there were no notable health concerns and no heart murmur was heard. So, thinking that he was a healthy guy we took him to our vet expecting everything to be confirmed that he was healthy. Well, that day was not uneventful. We found out that he had quite a loud heart murmur and were further told, when he was seen by a cardiologist, that he has a grade 5 out of 6 (6 being the worst). We were advised that he could have fainting spells during exertion and could ultimately die unexpectedly at any time. I was crushed and was driven to tears for days. With all the dogs I have raised I had never once had one with a health problem like this. I thought about the situation alot and decided that I was the best person to take care of him and that's why our paths crossed. We have watched him and cared for him as we do our other dogs, but have never treated him like he is sick. But for the fact that he takes medication and has to go for yearly ultrasound checkups on his heart, you would never guess that he is so sick. He is the picture of health and is absolutely a gorgeous looking dog with a very sweet, albeit mischevious, disposition. I never think of him as sick or dying except once a year when the reality slaps me in the face at the cardiologist's office. He has just turned 2 years old and the doctors have told us that he may be showing changes in his heart muscle that could mean a deterioration in his health. The point I am trying to make here is this: love Cody for the wonderful dog he is, for however long he has on this earth. Make his life full and loving and enjoy all the little things about him and his personality. You were meant to have him. You were meant to care for him. Enjoy all the time you have with him and do whatever is best for him. If something should happen and he should leave you quicker than he might if he was completely healthy, you and he will know that he was loved completely.
I believe in this for myself and how I care for my pup Thumper. It gives me some comfort with his situation, and hopefully it will put things into perspective for you too and give you some solace.
, pixie dust 
and a hug 
ixiedust:
