If you don't want to read a story about a dog, now is a pretty good time to move on from this post (although the real post, which is not so much about dogs, begins with the fourth paragraph). A dog is not a child, or a parent, but love is also not rational and to the extent that I have ever had a baby, Poochini is mine. Known as "Poochini the Wonder Dog," this beagle mix has been a physical marvel, acting, at 13 years old the way many dogs act at 2 years old, and causing many who see him in the park or on the trail to ask, "Is he a puppy?"
Then suddenly two weeks ago, Poochini didn't want his dog food, which is odd considering he will spend hours pawing at a piece of raw carrot that is wedged under the dishwasher. Then he got weaker and then he nearly collapsed. Blood tests showed he was severely anemic but x-rays and ultra-sounds didn't show why. On two anti-ulcer medications, he rebounded within 48 hours and was once again jumping up and down for his dinner and running laps in the park. Phew, that was a scare - now he can go on living forever.
Then Saturday, he didn't want his dog food again and by early Tuesday morning he had collapsed in the middle of the night, wailing and unable to get up. His red blood cell count that was supposed to be around 30% was at 6% and he was losing blood fast - from an ulcer, a tumor, a cancer, or an auto-immune disease, we still didn't know. And that's where the story really begins.
Rushed to an emergency clinic in San Leandro on Tuesday morning, Poochini, we were told, needed two transfusions just to save his life for now, and we were presented with the recommendation that he then have an endoscopy, to try to pinpoint the problem, followed by surgery to remove the ulcer or tumor they might find. We said yes to the transfusions, which required Poochini to be kept overnight, and said we would think about what to do next. We kept thinking, "If it's an ulcer, we should treat it with medication and not subject him to surgery, and if it's something else, we should let him die and not subject him to surgery." In other words, if we know what the problem is, will it really change what we should do about it?
I didn't sleep well Tuesday night. And I came to realize that while I was worried about Poochini I was more haunted by the knowledge that he was suffering, in a strange place with strange people, when all he wanted was to be at home, in his doggie bed, surrounded by the people he loved. Poochini has lived a wonderful life by any animal's standards, and this is how his last days were going to go? Two transfusions, more torture to identify the problem, and more torture yet on a weak and bewildered dog, to try to fix him? When all he wanted to be on his doggie bed, where he feels safe, even if it meant dying?
We have decided to go with hope instead of scope. As I look at Poochini right now, curled up in a little ball trying to get well, he is still weak and he may get better or he may get worse and I don't have any illusions about the odds. But he's where he wants to be and he's with those he wants to be with, and he's happy. Right now, in this moment, he's happy.
And for all the unconditional love, and all the joy, he has given me over the years, I feel the least I can do for my beloved dog is to let him live or die where he wants to be, with the people who love him in the place he feels safe. I would give the same advice to you or to the people and pets you love. I guess I think sometimes we should go gently into that good night, since the only alternative may be not to. Right now I think that "gently" is Poochini's only request.
Thanks for listening.
0 recs | 82 comments
Good wishes to Poochini...
had a similar scare with my dad a week and a half ago. He’s home now and doing fine. Hope the same for the pup.
FoolshGame22 - February 4, 2009
my prayers
to you, your family, your extended AN family, and especially the dog
closetasfan - February 4, 2009
I waited so as not to not be the first commenter...
I don’t know what to say to things like this. I have no wisdom to impart. I don’t pretend to know how to make you feel better. I am not religious and so cannot truthfully offer any prayers.
But I’m here, so: I hope Poochini gets better soon, and I hope the obvious love he has from his humans is enough to make that happen. Hang in there, Nico.
HigherPie - February 4, 2009
LOL ... I should have mentioned I don't need people to say
“all the right things” – I’d rather they share any stories or thoughts that come to mind. I am assuming that most people would just as soon that my dog live rather than die, all things being equal. Although the Community Service poll has me wondering…No, I still think most of you probably wish Poochini the best, so consider it assumed!
Nico - February 4, 2009
my two greatest losses in my life...
have been two dogs. Fujigmo, a feisty Cocker Spaniel, when I was 5, who my parents put down when he was suffering from advanced age. (10 points to anyone who gets the derivation of his name… no googling allowed.) And, Misty, a Weimaraner, who completely trashed our house and they felt they couldn’t handle. They sent my brother and I to spend the weekend with our grandmother and gave Misty to a nice sort. She went onto live a long, healthy life, doing what she was bred for… hunting. In fact, the guy who got her hit a deer on the road and Misty jumped out of the truck and delivered the coup de gras.
I purposely didn’t vote in your poll, but I’m sure you know how I would have voted. I like animals more than people. I’m kinda socio, that way. Okay, maybe I’ve shared enough.
FoolshGame22 - February 4, 2009
Good luck Nico and Poochini!
Nico. I hope the best for you and your very special friend (Family member). Dogs are so GREAT! So happy to see you and can put a a smile on your face even on the worst days.
Good luck!
calas - February 4, 2009
Shitty :(
It’s never easy losing a 4 legged family member.
Good on you for bringing him home where he wants to be. You know it, he knows it. You’re doing the right thing. Sometimes that’s the hardest thing to do.
mikev - February 4, 2009
Sorry to hear about your dog.
I think you’re doing right by him.
jeepers - February 4, 2009
Pets are family.
I know I’d rather die at home too. Was that Good Samaritan by chance? When it came time for Bruce (our primary shop dog named for The Boss) to go gently, they were wonderful. I miss him still. He used to open my office door and come lay his head in my lap hoping for a back scratch. I always accommodated.
lynnzgal - February 4, 2009
It's hard enough to live on your own terms -
Seems like it’s even harder to die on your own terms.
Nico - February 4, 2009
Right?
My BFF and I have a pact.
lynnzgal - February 4, 2009
Sorry about Poochini!
As you know, we lost Molly back in June, and we still find ourselves looking for her or thinking of what she would be doing. Sometimes you think the dog will live forever, and other times, it’s clear they won’t, and it can be heartbreaking. Wishing you both the best.
louismg - February 4, 2009
I've thought about you, wifethereof, and Molly a lot this week,
for obvious reasons. Sigh.
Nico - February 4, 2009
I know the pain of losing a dog.
but my story is a little more sudden. My first dog was a Lhasa Apso. The most attitude I have ever seen from a dog, she wandered, she had spunk. But I’ll be damned if I didn’t love her. She would always curl up on my feet when I played video games, and always slept on her back snorin on a blanket in my room. Over time she aged, and with that her eyesight deteriorated. Sure, it was funny to watch her bump into walls, but her age showed. She seemed fine up until when she died. She started coughing blood, and yelping. I came down to help her, and she stayed calm. If I fell asleep she started yelping. I held her through the night, and right as the sun rised I felt her go limp. I cried for most of that day.
I can only hope that your pup makes it, and that you don’t have to deal with what I did for quite a while.
At least I have a new rambunctious black lab pup to keep me busy >_>
Morgasm - February 4, 2009
ahhh... Lhasa Apsos...
another fond memory, of the first and only time I’ve been bitten in my private parts. Drew blood, too. Even the police dogs didn’t do that. LOL
FoolshGame22 - February 4, 2009
damn, I thought I clicked reply...
guess I didn’t.
FoolshGame22 - February 4, 2009
lol!
Yeah, craziest dogs I have ever been around. Love em to death though.
Morgasm - February 4, 2009
Owner was so scared I was gonna sue...
but, he became my best (male) friend, after that. Doesn’t hurt that he’s now the vice chairman of the bank I work for.
FoolshGame22 - February 4, 2009
Having to let my dog Fang go when the time came
was the hardest thing I’ve ever had to do, ever. Hang in there Nico.
FreeSeatUpgrade - February 4, 2009
I tried so hard to keep my kids from getting dogs.
Now I’m stuck with three of them. I always had dogs when I was growing up. They’re such a pain in the rear to take care of, but the worst part is the attachment that develops over time. You can’t help yourself, they grow on you no matter how much of a pain in the ass they are. Then the worst part comes, and it usually involves doing right by them when the time comes.
alox - February 4, 2009
Thanks Nico
This story really hit me hard because our family is going through the same thing right now with our dog. Unlike Poochini, our dog is a lot less active and a few years older, but the pain of losing her will be just as harsh. She suffers from arthritis and bunch of other difficulties and seems to be in a lot of pain whenever trying to go to sleep or get up. Medicine is not helping and trips to the vet seems to make her worse. My dad and I had a talk about it yesterday and what you said pretty much summed up our decision:
“I feel the least I can do for my beloved dog is to let him live or die where he wants to be, with the people who love him in the place he feels safe.”
It’s selfish for us to keep her around while she suffers but it’s just a testament to how great of a dog she is that we have such trouble letting her go.
Anyway it’s good to know someone else is going through what we are and your words made the pain a little bit sharper but ultimately made me feel better about the situation.
Best wishes
chipper1001 - February 4, 2009
Sorry about your dog, chipper.
It is so difficult to watch someone you love be in pain. My heart goes out to you.
IM4Oakgal - February 4, 2009
We never owned a dog in our entire marriage.
Then three years ago our middle daughter purchased a dachsie. I had always thought that people who loved dogs like family were way off base but from the minute that we met Ralphie we thought of him as our Grandson. We made the trip to visit him so often that our daughter got sick of seeing us in sac and tactfully let us know that 20 somethings don’t want their Mom and Dads hanging out with them every weekend. So we decided to buy a dog of our own. We went to the same breeder as Melanie and got Ralph’s half brother. We named him Sam after my husband’s deceased but beloved Grandfather. Now I can’t imagine anyone who has a dog and doesn’t feel as if they are a family member. Their unconditional love is astounding to me as someone who had never had pets. This is my way of saying to you Nico that I am so sorry that Poochini is ill. I am glad that you are with him to comfort him now and to show him how much you appreciate that unconditional love and friendship that he gifted you with.
IM4Oakgal - February 4, 2009
When I was 15
I watched my childhood dog (got it when I was 5) die right in front of me. I mean, I literally saw the lights go out. I had to hurry up and bury her so my mom wouldn’t see the corpse. It was 4 degrees outside that day and the ground was frozen solid. It took me two and a half hours to do it.
Dogs make great pets though. They’re loyal and unselfish. Maybe I’ll get another one someday.
VORP is too nerdy - February 4, 2009
Best of luck to you and Poochini, Nico
When I first started dating my girlfriend, I found her dog (Jack Chi mix) incessantly annoying; he was always crawling onto the bed at….inopportune moments, that being part of his protective nature.
Now, I seriously can’t imagine life without him.
lenscrafters - February 4, 2009
Best Wishes to Poochini
I feel the pain.
I have always and will always do anything to save my pets. I have had many pets over the years. Many dogs when I lived in New Zealand. I had one that lived to 17 1/2 years old. She lived inside with ther family, ate what we ate and slept in a clothes basket with a sheepskin rug. Her mother the same (she lived to 15 1/3 years old)
One time we took her to the vet and he advised that he keep her overnight so we left her there. About 10 that night the vet calls and said, “You’re dog has gone” and I my heart sank and I asked what happened and he said she jumped over the top of her cage and was gone. No dog had ever jumped that high and escaped before.
The Vet was out in the countryside about 10 miles from my house on a main highway and I was shitting myself wondering how we would find her before something bad might happen. We drove for miles looking on the side of the road and calling her name for about 2 hours and about 5 miles from where she escaped we saw these bright eyes in the grass running alongside the highway and it was her. I have never seen a dog so happy to see it’s owners. She jumped in the car and slobbered over me all the way home.
That was 30 years ago and it still seems like yesterday.
I have 2 cats now (1 of which acts like a dog and comes on command and fetches rubber balls etc or anything I throw for it)
Mulder and Zito are their names, GO FIGURE. They are 6 years old or they would have no chance of being named after those two, especially Zito the way he sucks now.
Anyway, I am praying for Poochini and hope he has a speedy recovery and that you somehow find out the cause or that his problem does not reoccur.
You are doing all you can Nico and Poochini needs to be at home in a safe environment with his parents. No matter how sick he is, he is in the right place in his bed at home.
I sincerely hope you have a positive update in the next day or so telling us that he is getting better. I know my animals are like children to me and Poochini is obviously very special to you so best wishes and fingers and toes crossed.
Trainman - February 4, 2009
still glad I didn't name my kid...
Galt Zito Gordon. Your cat, I’m sure, still regrets to this day that you didn’t name him/her Hudson.
FoolshGame22 - February 4, 2009
First let me say I hope your little Poochini gets better and at the very least, does not suffer.
So, hang in there Nico.
Believe it or not, the closest/attached I have ever been to pets was my two rats I bought at the local pet store. One was brown and the other was white. For you Grateful Dead fans out there, I named them Althea and Cassidy. And wouldn’t you know it…….their favorite music was THe Grateful Dead, swinging heads side to side and all! I shit you not!
Althea was the white one, more gentle and sweet, and a little more passive. Cassidy was the dominant one and like to get into all kinds of mischief and would always try and test me. But I loved them both like they were my kids and they were best pals for sure. Both of them were super smart and both were very sensitive to my moods, no matter what kind of mood I was in.
Anyways, after two years, Althea got sick first with tumors, and she actually died from a heart attack at the vet’s office. I was devastated and it took me a whole day to finally find a suitable place to bury her. I laid her to rest under one of my favorite trees near my work, complete with shoebox casket and all.
Cassidy was very sad and did not eat for a several days, missing her bud. She did eventually come back to being herself except that she became more loving and wanted to sleep next to me all the time. Very sweet.
When her time finally came, she let me know and refused to leave my side, literally! She was with me for almost a good 48 hours straight, except to eat, drink, and poop. The last night she was alive she had a burst of energy, running crazy laps on her wheel, running back and forth along my dresser, and rolling around on the floor, showing off for me. She finished up and laid down right next to me on my pillow that night, and passed away in the morning, crawling back up to her cage to die in private.
Like her sister and friend Althea……….I buried Cassidy under that same tree 6 months later. Best and most fun pets I ever had. I miss them still.
mrod - February 5, 2009
Give Poochini a big wet sloppy slurp on the side of the cheek for me...
I seem to recall each time I’ve met him, he’s greeted me the same way. And tell him if he gets better, he can have my crust at the next Chez Nico.
Let me know if you need anything, k?
gigglingone - February 4, 2009
Hang in there Nico....
Poochini is lucky to have you and vice versa. Hope he gets better……
OaktownPower - February 4, 2009
In my short 22 years of life I've never own a dog...
…but I always dreamed of the day when I graduate college find my own place and adopt a yellow lab from the local humane society.
Thankfully that day is very near and reading the love you had for Poochini is simply beautiful and I hope I can feel that kind of love with my future Trigger.
Best of luck.
jwnewman - February 4, 2009
I can relate.
I just went through something very similar with my cat. Around Thanksgiving she stopped eating. By the time I got her to the vet, she had jaundice. I also found out she was anemic. She was hospitalized for 4 days over Christmas. After many blood tests, an ultrasound, meds and forced feedings, she was stable enough to come home. When I took her back for a recheck, they said she wasn’t improving and her body was shutting down. It was the most difficult decision I’ve ever had to make. I never knew how much I loved that cat. I miss her.
I hope Poochini fares better.
ZigFan31 - February 4, 2009
losing my dog was the hardest thing ive been through
he was truly my dog, and my family rescued him as a scared pup, then watched him become an outgoing dog who was loved by everyone. losing him was so hard, but he lived a great life and he was so important to me. i wish you the best nico, and just try and think of the great times you’ve had with your dog.
travdog6 - February 5, 2009
I have lost my favorite pet, though in my case, Lobo was taken from me. My best friend.
And now I look at Abua, and I know she’s getting up there in age. She’s the only girl I have left, and I can’t even think about her being in any kind of pain.
Best wishes for Poochini.
67MARQUEZ - February 5, 2009
Doggie kisses.
Leopold Bloom - February 5, 2009
I have had the pleasure of meeting Poochini
and watching his high energy leaps of joy…I had no idea he was 13 years old.
Dogs are wonderful…they give their person unconditional love, which is a great thing to experience. My best wishes for Poochini, hopefully to recover, or if it’s time, to say goodbye at home, surrounded by those he loves.
OaklandSi - February 5, 2009
Here's my Cocoa
Cocoa came to us from the Humane Society shelter in Santa Clara. At first, I regretted it almost immediately (for example, the carpet seen in the picture was actually clean), but over a few months, she managed to win my heart.
She’s 14 1/2 years old now, so this is pretty much how she looks most of the time. Last month she started having trouble getting up in the middle of the night due to her arthritis, so Mrs doctorK got her a heated dog bed which has helped quite a lot. I still dread the day that she decides it is time to go get her eternal doggie treat, but I’ve cherished (mostly) the years we’ve had together.
doctorK - February 5, 2009
Get Well Soon Poochini
My dog Toto is 16 months and acts it. His favorite thing is to go out cross country skiing with me (we have about a foot of snow on the ground in the boston area) – I ski about 4-5 miles, and he runs about 10-15 best as I can figure.
I know that, assuming the normal course of events, I’ll have to go through the same things with toto eventually. And my kids with me.
Sorry you’re going through it now, but seems like you’ve got your head on right and that eventually helps.
eastcoasta'sfan - February 5, 2009
a moment of silence
and good wishes from alison and gillian sonoma county bassets.
oakath - February 5, 2009
Here's hoping
My parents called me in 2007 during the middle of my first semester of grad school to tell me that they put my golden retriever, Rebel, down. He was 14, which was pretty old for a purebred, and he had pretty much gone as far as he could go; he couldn’t even get through his dog door anymore because he didn’t have enough strength in his back legs. We’d walk out into the garage and just see him standing in the door, half outside, half inside. Looked like a weird Dali painting.
I was 23 when they let him go, and if you told me beforehand I’d still be able to sit on the edge of my bed and cry for a good 20 minutes, I’d have tipped a skeptical eyebrow. God, I loved that dog. To the point that I still have dreams from time to time of just sitting with him, scratching him behind the ears. Maybe it’s weird to have fond dreams of an animal, but I cherish them.
Best of luck with Poochini, Nico.
Joey C. - February 5, 2009
I still have dreams about a cat I lost more than 20 years ago.
They’re incredibly realistic. I think they’re actually visits, so no, I don’t think your dreams are weird.
Poppy - February 5, 2009
Thank you
And yes, they are realistic. Which simultaneously makes it more painful and more wonderful.
Joey C. - February 7, 2009
Here's the original "man's best friend" speech.
George Graham Vest (case was a lawsuit against a man who shot Old Drum, Vest’s client’s beloved hound):
"Gentlemen of the jury, the best friend a man has in this world may turn against him and become his enemy. His son or daughter whom he has reared with loving care may prove ungrateful. Those who are nearest and dearest to us — those whom we trust with our happiness and good name — may become traitors in their faith. The money that a man has he may lose. It flies away from him, perhaps when he needs it most. A man’s reputation may be sacrificed in a moment of ill-considered action. The people who are prone to fall on their knees to do us honor when success is with us may be the first to throw the stone of malice when failure settles its cloud upon our heads. The one absolute, unselfish friend that man can have in this selfish world — the one that never proves ungrateful or treacherous — is his dog.
"Gentlemen of the jury, a man’s dog stands by him in prosperity and poverty, in health and sickness. He will sleep on the cold ground, where the wintry winds blow, and the snow drives fiercely, if only he can be near his master’s side. He will kiss the hand that has no food to offer; he will lick the wounds and sores that come in encounter with the roughness of the world. He guards the sleep of his pauper master as if he were a prince. When all other friends desert, he remains. When riches take wings and reputation falls to pieces, he is as constant in his love as the sun in its journey through the heavens.
“If fortune drives the master forth an outcast in the world, friendless and homeless, the faithful dog asks no higher privilege than that of accompanying him to guard against danger, to fight against his enemies. And when the last scene of all comes, and death takes the master in its embrace, and his body is laid away in the cold ground, no matter if all other friends pursue their way, there by his graveside will the noble dog be found, his head between his paws, his eyes sad but open in alert watchfulness, faithful and true even to death.”
Best wishes to you and Poochini! I have no doubt you’ll do right by him.
The Dogfather - February 5, 2009
For Nico! -- Sent you an email on what could be wrong
Nico,
I dropped you an email at your nico@lmi.net account about some information that could help Poochini. Hope you see it soon.
BlueMoonMan - February 5, 2009
Thanks, everyone, for doing right by me
Poochini is pretty alert this morning, walking a little, licking faces a little, not eating a whole lot. I’m just glad he’s home.
Nico - February 5, 2009
All the best to you and Poochini!
I’ll be thinking of you and sending you wishes for good rest and recovery. I can imagine how you must feel and I applaud you for thinking of him first and what is best for him. My lab Bronte lights up my life so much (with all apologies to Miss Debbie Boone.) I don’t want to even imagine how my life will change when the time comes for her to go. It really is such a huge reminder to treat them well and appreciate their company while you are blessed to have them.
batgirl - February 5, 2009
I'm pulling for Poochini
Dogs are not offer unconditional love but they also are a big part of your personal history, and giving that up is a highly painful passage. I recently lost my 18 year old Lhasa Apso mix and it was a terrible blow, although he lived a good long life and was pretty healthy to the end.
Just remember not to let him suffer in order to prevent your own suffering. I’m sure that you won’t because anyone who loves an animal this much puts the animal first.
Be sure to keep him hydrated well, even if his appetite is off.
All the best to you and your friend. You’re in my thoughts.
coffee roaster - February 5, 2009
oops
The first sentence should start with “Dogs not only offer unconditional love…” Got a little distracted by CSPAN for a minute.
coffee roaster - February 5, 2009
Nico
Maybe Poochini got into some rat poison or something of that nature. I am only guessing but I googled trying to find answers for you. Something is destroying his red cells. I will keep looking
http://www.justanswer.com/questions/1oa7p-dog-collapsed-2-days-ago-blood
Trainman - February 5, 2009
Thanks - I thought that for a while, but he went down, then came back up
(with anti-ulcer meds), then went down again, and has clearly lost blood each time, so I don’t think it’s that. Best guesses appear to be a bleeding ulcer no x-ray or ultra sound has been able to see, or a cancer/tumor type of issue in which case…only invasive treatment could even potentially help. Thanks for checking – it’s actually really comforting to know people are taking the time to search for possible answers for my beloved poocharooney.
Nico - February 5, 2009
If it's a bleeding ulcer then they could regulate the type of food you can give him
and surely they can give him some medication for that. Let’s hope that is the worst it can be.
I love animals and hate to hear anyone going through stress like this so if I or anyone here can help, we are only too happy to. This is one big A’s family so to speak to we are here for ya bro.
Trainman - February 5, 2009
:-)
Gracias.
Nico - February 5, 2009
Hang in there...
I also think you did the right thing by bringing Poochini home, and I hope the rest of his life is comfortable & peaceful. We had to have our 19-year-old cat put to sleep a couple of weeks ago — she was diagnosed with an inoperable facial bone tumor in November. The cancer was not a type that’s responsive to chemo or radiation… and even if it might have been responsive to aggressive treatment, considering her advanced age, I wouldn’t have wanted to pursue anything that was just going to make her more uncomfortable and have a questionable prognosis. So we took the palliative route because she seemed pretty well and pain-free for the time being. But she had a hard time eating as the tumor grew and encroached on her palate, and she was dropping weight pretty fast. She finally reached a point where she was just too uncomfortable to eat even the prescription liquid diet that she liked. She spent her last three days eating and drinking absolutely nothing, but still interacting with us, sitting in our laps and purring… still not seeming to have any constant pain, but there was no way I was going to just let her starve to death. Starvation is NOT a comfortable way to go. So the day before school started, I just spent the entire day sitting on the couch crying, watching movies with her purring on my lap. When we took her to the vet later that day, we held her while she went to sleep. I didn’t like the fact that we had to take her to the clinic (because she hated the clinic), but we were able to stay with her and she wasn’t in a cage… so I think she was relatively happy that she was at least with her people.
Poppy - February 5, 2009
Hugs and thoughts to you as well
my condolences on the loss of your cat. 19 years—wow, now that’s a life for a cat!
batgirl - February 5, 2009
Her life was very, very good & comfy. :)
And, I might add, she was an INDOOR-ONLY cat. That’s how most old cats got to become old cats.
Poppy - February 5, 2009
Same with our kitty Poppy
She’s gotta be at least 16-17 years old by now but she still looks like she is a young little whippersnapper, sometimes. Beautiful coat, still and the only way you can tell she is old is her morning crankiness and stubborn attitude.
mrod - February 5, 2009
Hmm...I think I was old when I was 5, then.
Nico - February 5, 2009
You could be an old soul, Nico.
That is if you are familiar with Buddhism…
mrod - February 5, 2009
I'm familiar with wearing my shoes too long
And with eating bad fish.
Nico - February 5, 2009
Best wishes and prayers for Poochini
I always had a dog growing up and I can’t imagine life without one. I wish the best for Poochini and, at worst, that his remaining days (however many) are spent peaceably and comfortably.
JLeverenz - February 5, 2009
Remaining decades, you mean?
I’m still a tad bit in denial.
Nico - February 5, 2009
Even decades can be numbered as days!
But I get your point, I retract and amend my previous statement.
JLeverenz - February 5, 2009
True, but it's morer days which is gooder.
Nico - February 5, 2009
geez, I thought this was a Bill Simmons rip-off.
Don’t read without tissues or a long sleeve.
http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/page2/story?page=simmons/090122
ChrisCEIT - February 5, 2009
oops.
wanted to fix the link.
Bill Simmons Post
And, I needed a long sleeve just to post it.
ChrisCEIT - February 5, 2009
It's a great writeup
Thanks for linking it.
Nico - February 5, 2009
I hope Poochini gets well soon.
This thread is making me sad. I’m dreading the day when my 13-year-old dog heads down that path. Pretty sure I won’t be able to handle it.
whiteshoes40 - February 5, 2009
You should probably blow your brains out tomorrow -
It’s the only sensible course of action.
Nico - February 5, 2009
Why put off tomorr..
Oh.
67MARQUEZ - February 5, 2009
I didn't see this until just now, Nico
I’m really sorry Poochini and you are going through this. Pets really teach us a lot about how to deal with loved ones, I guess, and one of the sad things they teach us is how to deal with getting old and sick and dieing. None of the cats we’ve had has had the option of spending his or her last days comfortably at home — cats can deteriorate very quickly, from healthy to last gasp in just a day or two, so we’ve never been able to plan comfy hospice-type care for them. But animals can recover quickly, too. In any case, being where he loves to be with the people he loves is the best thing for Poochini, and luckily it also happens to be, under the circumstances, the best thing for you as well.
Nick - February 5, 2009
Thanks - I don't know if he'll get better (he's a little better today)
or worse (more likely, since he relapsed once and we still don’t even know exactly what’s wrong), but he’s so much happier right now. I’m just enjoying every day with him; essentially I’m treating him like he’s “day to day” and the only thing I know for sure is that the thumb guard Larry Davis gave him really isn’t helping anything.
Nico - February 5, 2009
Keep Larry Davis as far away as possible from Poochini....
gigglingone - February 5, 2009
nico try to remember
That there are so many dogs out there that don’t get the chance to have an owner, and many get neglectful/abusive owners. I think if Pooch was lucky enough to have a loving owner for 13(hopefully more) healthy years, then he’s had a pretty damn good life and you should be proud of that. but i know this probly doesnt help right now.
9Custs - February 5, 2009
That's what I don't want to reverse at the end
I felt so bad knowing that when he most needed me, he was getting transfusions and sleeping in a cage at a strange place – but it was necessary, and he’s doing better right this moment. I just don’t want much of that when all he wants is to be here.
Nico - February 5, 2009
hang in there Nico - went through very similar thing
hey Nico -
I’m sorry to hear about Poochinie – my wife and I had a very similar situation with our rescued dachshund, Weezy. Sounds a lot like what we dealt with, complete with the initial indications. Ours was diagnosed with IBD, and we spent roughly 5 mos., (and about 10k) up / down, trying to get things under control. We lost her in July, and what kills me about it is that on the final days, when I knew it was the end, we continued trying. She SO badly wanted to stay with us the last night, but we thought there was still a chance, so we both dropped her off at a specialist who we’d been working with. She had a massive seizure early the next morning, and we never saw her again.
Keep your chin up – there will be good and bad, but hopefully in the end, it turns out that everything gets better. You’ll get to hang out with Poochinie and that’s what’s great – cherish that time, and know that you’re doing the best thing and that Poochinie knows it.
catfish hunter - February 5, 2009
Best of Luck to your pooch
An avid dog fan ( and A’s lifer) we have been there with you. Four Boston Terriers roam the house and property daily here in Morada. Good luck you made the right choice.
Morada Mudshark - February 5, 2009
Hang in there Pooch
…and Nico!
swerv - February 5, 2009
Thinking good thoughts
As a (former) beagle owner, I know what a joy hounds can be. :) Our most recent beagle lived to the ripe old age of 17 1/2. He did go through a rough spot around the age of 13, though, where we thought we might have to put him down. But he wasn’t done wreaking havoc on our lives yet. ;)
There’s nothing like the unconditional love and loyalty of a canine. I’ll continue to keep you and Poochini in my thoughts and prayers!
anomaly_kat - February 5, 2009
Poochini is lucky to be so well loved ...
Here’s to the best …
devo - February 5, 2009
Living With a Sick Dog
My dog Esau is eleven and has had pretty severe arthritis for a couple years. He’s on a variety of medications that seem to pretty much cut the edge off the pain. But his movement is severely restricted. It’s sad that he can no longer run. He has better and worse days. But he still always gobbles down his food and is otherwise full of life.
I know that things will sooner or later get worse. I hope I have the courage and wisdom to judge when his life has become too much of a burden for him.
You and Poochini are in my thoughts, Nico.
GreenNGoldSooner - February 6, 2009
I feel you to, Nico....
…you just have to think of the good times…they were worth it. The hardest part of owning a pet is at the end…hang in there.
baseballgirl - February 6, 2009
that's "too"
baseballgirl - February 6, 2009
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