My dog is a lot sicker than we thought**update p. 6 he's gone**

[BWVDenise]

Just the other day I was reminded of a dog we lost to cancer almost 20 yrs. ago. And I was shocked that I started to cry. Robin, I'm so sorry for everything you and your family are going through right now. You've got a lot on your plate, and now your poor dog.... Hugs to you.

 

[Pooh93]

I am so very sorry. Many {{HUGS}} for you, your family and beloved furbaby.

 

[Lisa L from MI]

Robin...I am so sorry...I too just lost our Bullmastiff Babe just this past Friday night. We had to rush him to the vet and it was a large tumor (most likely cancerous since it was so sudden) and it burst....and she was internally bleeding.....I posted on my original post....and I plan to post the whole story tomorrow.


It is HARD.....I am still not "normal" and can't sleep, eat etc......I am still "numb"......

Wishing you the best though....I feel your pain!!!!!!!

 

[Cindy B]

I'm so sorry Robin!

Ranger sounds like a really terrific dog. Here's a hug...

 

[damo]

That is so sad Robin. It is very hard to lose a pet.

 

[goin2disneyagain]

I am so sorry. I know this so hard for you and your family.

 

[2MuchOhana]

I am so very sorry for your loss. It's hard to lose such a loyal and faithful friend. Two years ago we had to put our black lab down due to an inoperable tumor. We had Mac cremated and he resides on our fireplace in a nice wooden box with his name engraved on it. There is a statue of a black lab that wears his name tag that sits on top of his box of ashes.

There is a great website that can help you with your loss. I think it is www.in-memory-of-pets.com. I go there to visit my Mac there! They have a beautiful candle light ceremony! It is very comforting.

Jodi

 

[Mimi Q]

 

[Kitty 34]

This is so sad. I'm so sorry to hear about your dog.

 

[orvilleair]

I'm getting teary eyed at the thought that you will have a long drive to Columbus, back home and then saying goodbye for the last time.

 

[Purrrrfecta]

"Did you know that golden retrievers are one of the breeds that is most susceptible to cancers?"


Yes, I am familiar with this. Many develop Lymphosarcoma. Iworked at a very large animal hospital, and this was all too common.

I can remember driving to The Ohio State from Louisville with my schnauzer, Poochie. They diagnosed his brain tumor.

I know exactly what you are going through. I am so sorry. This is never easy.

 

[Dan Murphy]

Remember, Robin, Ranger will be at the bridge, waiting, tail wagging, so many will be. Always sad to say goodbye. 's Robin.

<font face="Comic Sans MS">
<h1 align="center"><img hspace="5" src="http://www.petloss.com/poems/maingrp/rbowx.gif" width="74" height="37">Rainbow Bridge <img src="http://www.petloss.com/poems/maingrp/rbowx.gif" width="74" height="37"></h1>
</font>
<center><p><font size="+1" face="Comic Sans MS">Just this side of heaven is a place
called Rainbow Bridge.<br>
When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet
goes to Rainbow Bridge.<br>
There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and
play together.<br>
There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and
comfortable.<br>
All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor; those
who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember
them in our dreams of days and times gone by.<br>
The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss
someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.<br>
They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and
looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent; His eager body quivers.
Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs
carrying him faster and faster.<br>
You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you
cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses
rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once
more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never
absent from your heart.<br>
Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together....<br>
Author unknown...</font></p></center>

www.petloss.com

 

[poohbear1029]

My heart breaks for you. We had to put our Sammy down this spring.

My only wish was that I would have had the forethought to make a plaster mold of his paw print. I thought afterwards what a nice memory that would be. Maybe the kids would like that?

 

[Rock'n Robin]

I can't tell you how much all of your support means to me right now.
Thank you Dan. I remember reading that when our Rudy died in 1999. Didn't think I would need it again so soon.
Poohbear that is a great idea. I will see if DH can go to Michaels when they open because we'll be on the road by then. Once I have the dog I won't want to leave him until I have to. I started the hole tonight but DH will have to finish it tomorrow.
My sister told me about a children's book where dogs go to heaven so the children there can have someone to play with. I would love that for DS. Does anyone know what it's called?
Robin M.

 

[slo]

Robin, I am so sorry to read about the news you received today. As I said earlier, I went through the same thing with my dog at the same age. As painful of a decision you made, it is the best one. You are allowing Ranger to leave this world with the dignity he deserves and allowing him to go to another place where he will not hurt anymore and be able to eat as much as he wants again. He will be waiting for you at The Rainbow Bridge just like my Sampson will be waiting for me.

God Bless you and your family during this painful time. Hugs to you all, and if you ever need someone to talk to please post a thread so we can all give you our love and support.

 

[2BigKIdz]

Originally posted by Lisa L from MI
Robin...I am so sorry...I too just lost our Bullmastiff Babe just this past Friday night. We had to rush him to the vet and it was a large tumor (most likely cancerous since it was so sudden) and it burst....and she was internally bleeding.....I posted on my original post....and I plan to post the whole story tomorrow.


It is HARD.....I am still not "normal" and can't sleep, eat etc......I am still "numb"......

Wishing you the best though....I feel your pain!!!!!!!

We lost one of our dogs the same way in May. It is so hard to lose a pet.

 

[poohbear1029]

Robin, just remember its okay to have many a good cry about this....its very healthy! And then when you are ready...come back here for more virtual hugs!

 

[Pea-n-Me]

I absolutely love this dog, he is the best I've ever had, but I'm now scared to death to get another golden.

So sorry about Ranger, Robin, my heart goes out to you. If you love the breed, though, you shouldn't be afraid to get another (when you're ready, of course). There are no guarantees in health for either humans or pets. I'm a nurse so see all kinds of health problems in people; I myself developed breast cancer this year and couldn't believe it.

I have had German Shepherds all my life and they have known issues but with the two I've had for the past 13yrs I encountered many unusual problems healthwise. Losing a dog to a metastatic brain tumor was a first for me (she had skin cancer originally that spread to her brain), though the Shepherd I had before that died of osteosarcoma (bone cancer). In my research I've discovered that health problems in pets are on the rise as they are in people - particularly cancers and autoimmune diseases that weren't seen too often even 20 years ago. One veterinary study I read suggested we are over vaccinating our pets which is causing some of these problems. They sited how cats are developing tumors at the site of vaccination injection. I also wonder sometimes about our food and water supply. But at any rate I think no matter how much research you do on breeders and dogs, you never know what will happen - you just make a decision and hope for the best. There are some things that aren't within our control.

Another web site you might find helpful is www.PetLoss.com. The list of Healing and Inspirational poetry is hard to read but healing. They were written by others saddened by the loss of their pets which I found in and of itself helpful. For my vet's office I am compiling a list of those poems to keep in a book for others to read and copy when they are going through their own losses, and it will be dedicated to my two dogs, Cody and Kayla.

The worst part about losing Kayla that day in January this year, was that it was the same day all my hair came out from chemo. Talk about Bad Timing. (Believe it or not even in the poor state she was in that dog sat with me and stared at me a few days before when the hair loss started). I cried fitfully all night, then had my head shaved the next morning holding a picture of her in my lap. I'm dreading losing Cody. On a happier note, this June when I finished treatment I got a beautiful new GSD puppy named Liesl and she was just what the doctor ordered: she is leading me through recovery and truly helping me heal. I hope to do therapy work with her to help others who might enjoy the company of a good dog and someone who understands some of life's challenges. I miss all my dogs but know they're with me in spirit and look forward to seeing them again someday (just not for a long while )!

You, your family and Ranger will remain in my thoughts. I know it doesn't make it much easier but remember Ranger is suffering right now and the situation isn't going to change, as much as you wish it would. He trusts you with all of his being and knows you are helping him. Once again, he's a lucky dog indeed to have known such love and caring.

My Best,

 

[Pea-n-Me]

My sister told me about a children's book where dogs go to heaven so the children there can have someone to play with. I would love that for DS. Does anyone know what it's called?

Robin, I'm not sure this is the book you're looking for but it is a really nice book for children. My twins' kindergarten teacher sent a copy home with the kids after Kayla died and later my neighbor bought us a copy and posted a picture of our dog inside. So nice. It is called Dog Heaven and is written and illustrated by Cynthia Rylant. I know Borders sells it in the children's section for around $16. I think it helped me more than the kids.

 

[RNMOM]

Robin,

So sorry for your loss. As the mom of a golden, our second one in fact, I know they are not dogs. They really are just another one of the kids. He is smarter, more obedient and cuter than either of my real kids.

Time does heal but each time you see a golden that has the same color coat as Ranger you will feel him again in your heart. Just remember that wagging tail and happy smile are greetings to you from your Ranger and all of us who have been lucky enough to love a golden.