Saying goodbye to my best friend

Calebz · 01-21-2009, 12:57 PM

In the fall of 1996, I went to the Tacoma animal shelter looking for a small dog to keep me company in my little one bedroom condo.

One of the Kennels had just the dog I was looking for. It was cute, little and not yappy.

Unfortunately, it also had no interest in me. Instead, this big dumb puppy ran out as soon as the kennel was opened and proceeded to cower between my feet.

Not quite what I was looking for, but she had obviously chosen me.

They told me she would be 40-50 pounds when full grown. A little bigger than I wanted, but doable.

By the time she was 5, she had reached her full weight. Just under 125 pounds.

She has saved the neighbors house by scaring off burglars during a break-in.
She has scared off a would-be mugger during one of our walks.
She convinced and overzealous police officer that perhaps screwing with me in front of my own house was an unwise idea (long story).

But more important than being my protector and the protector of my daughter, she has been my best friend.

When life fell apart about 8 years ago, she was my anchor. There was a time when a 12g slug was looking pretty tasty. Having her there with me made all the difference in the world.

In 2003, she and I made the trip from Tacoma to Dallas in my beat ass old subaru. A better traveling companion than any person I have known.

When my wife and I split last year, I made a terrible decision. We agrred that for the time being it would be best to leave Nala with my wife and daughter.

6 months later, she was unkempt, in desperate need of grooming and nail trimming. She had been attacked by another dog and the wounds had grown infected. Her long fur and old age had facilitated a bladder infection that had gone untreated for an unknown period of time.

The vet recommended she be put down then, citing her age and multiple infections. I refused, noting her still pleasant demeanor and apparent happiness with life.

So we shaved her, cleaned her wounds and plied her with antibiotics.

For the past 5 months she has been back with me. She has been happy and full of life. She runs (as well as a 13 year old dog can), and spends hours everyday sparring with Bob, the minpin.

Age had taken its toll though. She no longer moved as well as she once did, Though she didn't appear to be in pain. Playing with the big dogs was no longer an option. That didn't stop her from prancing, smiling and wagging her tail. But still, she is old. She ate less, lot weight (also lost it during her illness), and made it down to a skinny 90 pounds.

Night before last, she had a stroke. Her left side doesn't work so well and walking is a real challenge that inevitably leads to at least one fall. She even sits and lays down with a lean.

She no longer has a desire to eat. She doesn't seem to be in pain. She is still the inordinately happy dog she has always been.

But she can't maintain like this for more than another day or so.

The vet again suggested putting her down. He agreed that she wasn't in pain. But he also said that even if she did recover, it would never be more than about a 25% recovery.

I have lost friends and family over the years, just like anyone else. But never can I remember felling like this about it.

She is my last daily connection with my life before Texas. It never occurred to me that that would mean so much.

Sometime today or tomorrow, she and I will take a trip. There is a nice spot waiting for her at my friend's ranch. She can chase all the squirrels and rabbits she wants, for as long as she wants.

Goodbye baby. I am sure going to miss you.

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doubledribble · 01-21-2009, 12:59 PM

RIP little buddy...

DrewDeezy · 01-21-2009, 01:01 PM

my sorrows

Good looking dog

Ripper_AWD · 01-21-2009, 01:01 PM

May your travels be full of beggin strips.

shandra · 01-21-2009, 01:02 PM

thanks for making me cry. I can't hardly see my keyboard right now.

sorry dude.

TheRex · 01-21-2009, 01:02 PM

God dammit.

I hope she goes peacefully. So sad

Sharkbait · 01-21-2009, 01:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by doubledribble

RIP little buddy...

Whoa, whoa, I didn't read that he was putting her to sleep - just that she's going to his friend's place.

Caleb. I wish I knew what to say to make it better, but I don't. Just remember, the love she has for you and you have for her will always be. And you can share that love with another pup, too, so that her legacy will live on.

Kaiser · 01-21-2009, 01:03 PM

I'm sorry, dude.

She's a beautiful dog.

AdvtrKait · 01-21-2009, 01:03 PM

I'm sorry.
It's good she had these last months with you.

Schniz · 01-21-2009, 01:03 PM

off to find a happy thread....

Vectors2Final · 01-21-2009, 01:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Schniz

off to find a happy thread....

X2

impRSa · 01-21-2009, 01:05 PM

Sorry, sir.

Everytime I read these, I am amazed by how much our dogs give back to us.

Sideshowbob · 01-21-2009, 01:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shandra

thanks for making me cry. I can't hardly see my keyboard right now.

sorry dude.

Srsly goddamn I am work trying to hold it together here.

RIP

blue-sun · 01-21-2009, 01:06 PM

Sorry to hear. RIP =(

scoobymeg · 01-21-2009, 01:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by impRSa

Sorry, sir.

Everytime I read these, I am amazed by how much our dogs give back to us.

Too true...

Keep your head up knowing you sent her off happy. She will surely love you always. So sorry.

XWDPX · 01-21-2009, 01:07 PM

So sorry dude..

sadness

Brock31 · 01-21-2009, 01:08 PM

I'm am truly sorry for your loss.
Always remember the awesome life that you gave this dog and what she has given you in return.

Calebz · 01-21-2009, 01:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sharkbait

Whoa, whoa, I didn't read that he was putting her to sleep - just that she's going to his friend's place.

No Andrea, he got it right.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sideshowbob

Srsly goddamn I am work trying to hold it together here.

RIP

Thank god I work from home. This would be bad if had to actually BE somewhere.

samb · 01-21-2009, 01:10 PM

Damn dude.

mat420 · 01-21-2009, 01:10 PM

Sorry to hear this, sounds like a awesome dog that lived a long happy life. This is one reason I'm scared to get my own dog, I don't want to deal with the end.

My girlfriends dog just died last week after having surgery to remove a fatty tumor, I only knew him for a couple months but it still hurt and brought back memories of my last lab.

Time helps the pain and you will never forget her.

kbcr3 · 01-21-2009, 01:10 PM

if it helps at all, dogs of her age go almost instantly when put to sleep. our weiner dog died within about 15 seconds of the sedative. by that age, they're so weak, they can barely sustain themselve.

sometimes the "right" answers don't always feel like the "best" answers. the hard choice sometimes is the only choice.

fliz · 01-21-2009, 01:12 PM

Sad thread is sad.

Sorry to hear about your dog, at least you got her back for the last few months.

boxered · 01-21-2009, 01:12 PM

Sorry about your buddy Calebz.

Losing a friend who helps through a rough life patch is always very hard, I know. It will get better with time. She will be with you in spirit.

audio_file · 01-21-2009, 01:13 PM

very sad. sorry caleb- tough decision, but the right thing to do for your faithful friend . . .

doubledribble · 01-21-2009, 01:15 PM

i need to spend more time with our dog...she's seriously lacking some attention since the baby was born.

11 year old spitz who doesn't act a day over 2.

01-21-2009, 12:57 PM	#1
Calebz Scooby Specialist Member#: 54398 Join Date: Feb 2004 Chapter/Region: NWIC Location: USPS Armory Vehicle: 1980 CB400 Hawk 1996 GrandCherokeeLimited	Saying goodbye to my best friend In the fall of 1996, I went to the Tacoma animal shelter looking for a small dog to keep me company in my little one bedroom condo. One of the Kennels had just the dog I was looking for. It was cute, little and not yappy. Unfortunately, it also had no interest in me. Instead, this big dumb puppy ran out as soon as the kennel was opened and proceeded to cower between my feet. Not quite what I was looking for, but she had obviously chosen me. They told me she would be 40-50 pounds when full grown. A little bigger than I wanted, but doable. By the time she was 5, she had reached her full weight. Just under 125 pounds. She has saved the neighbors house by scaring off burglars during a break-in. She has scared off a would-be mugger during one of our walks. She convinced and overzealous police officer that perhaps screwing with me in front of my own house was an unwise idea (long story). But more important than being my protector and the protector of my daughter, she has been my best friend. When life fell apart about 8 years ago, she was my anchor. There was a time when a 12g slug was looking pretty tasty. Having her there with me made all the difference in the world. In 2003, she and I made the trip from Tacoma to Dallas in my beat ass old subaru. A better traveling companion than any person I have known. When my wife and I split last year, I made a terrible decision. We agrred that for the time being it would be best to leave Nala with my wife and daughter. 6 months later, she was unkempt, in desperate need of grooming and nail trimming. She had been attacked by another dog and the wounds had grown infected. Her long fur and old age had facilitated a bladder infection that had gone untreated for an unknown period of time. The vet recommended she be put down then, citing her age and multiple infections. I refused, noting her still pleasant demeanor and apparent happiness with life. So we shaved her, cleaned her wounds and plied her with antibiotics. For the past 5 months she has been back with me. She has been happy and full of life. She runs (as well as a 13 year old dog can), and spends hours everyday sparring with Bob, the minpin. Age had taken its toll though. She no longer moved as well as she once did, Though she didn't appear to be in pain. Playing with the big dogs was no longer an option. That didn't stop her from prancing, smiling and wagging her tail. But still, she is old. She ate less, lot weight (also lost it during her illness), and made it down to a skinny 90 pounds. Night before last, she had a stroke. Her left side doesn't work so well and walking is a real challenge that inevitably leads to at least one fall. She even sits and lays down with a lean. She no longer has a desire to eat. She doesn't seem to be in pain. She is still the inordinately happy dog she has always been. But she can't maintain like this for more than another day or so. The vet again suggested putting her down. He agreed that she wasn't in pain. But he also said that even if she did recover, it would never be more than about a 25% recovery. I have lost friends and family over the years, just like anyone else. But never can I remember felling like this about it. She is my last daily connection with my life before Texas. It never occurred to me that that would mean so much. Sometime today or tomorrow, she and I will take a trip. There is a nice spot waiting for her at my friend's ranch. She can chase all the squirrels and rabbits she wants, for as long as she wants. Goodbye baby. I am sure going to miss you. * Registered users of the site do not see these ads.

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01-21-2009, 12:59 PM	#2
doubledribble Scooby Specialist Member#: 42912 Join Date: Sep 2003 Chapter/Region: MAIC Location: Newark, DE Vehicle: 2003 Outback Sport bird **** & door dings	RIP little buddy...

01-21-2009, 01:01 PM	#3
DrewDeezy Scooby Specialist Member#: 160279 Join Date: Sep 2007 Chapter/Region: NWIC Location: Richland, WA Vehicle: 2004 STi Crawford Performance	my sorrows Good looking dog

01-21-2009, 01:01 PM	#4
Ripper_AWD PM me for pics of my sister Member#: 7774 Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: FAKKIN JOOCY	May your travels be full of beggin strips.

01-21-2009, 01:02 PM	#5
shandra Scooby Specialist Member#: 57797 Join Date: Mar 2004 Chapter/Region: NWIC Location: Everett Vehicle: 2010 WhiteSTiwagon Andrewsinternetgirlfriend	thanks for making me cry. I can't hardly see my keyboard right now. sorry dude.

01-21-2009, 01:02 PM	#6
TheRex Scooby Specialist Member#: 37813 Join Date: Jun 2003 Chapter/Region: South East Location: Vail, CO	God dammit. I hope she goes peacefully. So sad

01-21-2009, 01:03 PM	#8
Kaiser Scooby Specialist Member#: 7170 Join Date: Jun 2001 Chapter/Region: NESIC Vehicle: Aut Kaiser, aut nullus.	I'm sorry, dude. She's a beautiful dog.

01-21-2009, 01:03 PM	#9
AdvtrKait Scooby Newbie Member#: 155928 Join Date: Aug 2007 Chapter/Region: NESIC Location: VT Vehicle: 1996 Outback Sport	I'm sorry. It's good she had these last months with you.

01-21-2009, 01:03 PM	#10
Schniz Scooby Newbie Member#: 158349 Join Date: Sep 2007 Chapter/Region: NESIC Location: Nashua, NH	off to find a happy thread....

01-21-2009, 01:05 PM	#12
impRSa Scooby Newbie Member#: 6521 Join Date: May 2001 Chapter/Region: MAIC	Sorry, sir. Everytime I read these, I am amazed by how much our dogs give back to us.

01-21-2009, 01:06 PM	#14
blue-sun Scooby Guru Member#: 15934 Join Date: Mar 2002 Chapter/Region: MWSOC Location: Yorkville,IL RIP Chee :( Vehicle: 08.5 Mazdaspeed3 Crystal White Pearl	Sorry to hear. RIP =(

01-21-2009, 01:07 PM	#16
XWDPX Scooby Specialist Member#: 151123 Join Date: Jun 2007 Chapter/Region: SCIC Location: 626	So sorry dude.. sadness

01-21-2009, 01:08 PM	#17
Brock31 Scooby Specialist Member#: 128115 Join Date: Oct 2006 Chapter/Region: South East Location: Wilmington, NC Vehicle: 2004 4EAT Wagon PSM enginuity is cool	I'm am truly sorry for your loss. Always remember the awesome life that you gave this dog and what she has given you in return.

01-21-2009, 01:10 PM	#19
samb Scooby Specialist Member#: 177235 Join Date: Apr 2008 Chapter/Region: Tri-State Location: Gliese 581 b Vehicle: 2012 Mustang GT Silver	Damn dude.

01-21-2009, 01:10 PM	#20
mat420 Scooby Newbie Member#: 104655 Join Date: Jan 2006 Chapter/Region: MWSOC Location: Avon Lake, OH Vehicle: 2006 WRX Limited Steel Gray	Sorry to hear this, sounds like a awesome dog that lived a long happy life. This is one reason I'm scared to get my own dog, I don't want to deal with the end. My girlfriends dog just died last week after having surgery to remove a fatty tumor, I only knew him for a couple months but it still hurt and brought back memories of my last lab. Time helps the pain and you will never forget her.

01-21-2009, 01:10 PM	#21
kbcr3 Scooby Specialist Member#: 44170 Join Date: Sep 2003 Chapter/Region: Tri-State Location: Arlington, VA Vehicle: 2010 Forester XT 05 and 09 honda ruckus	if it helps at all, dogs of her age go almost instantly when put to sleep. our weiner dog died within about 15 seconds of the sedative. by that age, they're so weak, they can barely sustain themselve. sometimes the "right" answers don't always feel like the "best" answers. the hard choice sometimes is the only choice.

01-21-2009, 01:12 PM	#22
fliz Scooby Guru Member#: 30342 Join Date: Nov 2002	Sad thread is sad. Sorry to hear about your dog, at least you got her back for the last few months.

01-21-2009, 01:12 PM	#23
boxered Scooby Specialist Member#: 61884 Join Date: May 2004 Chapter/Region: International Location: buying guns	Sorry about your buddy Calebz. Losing a friend who helps through a rough life patch is always very hard, I know. It will get better with time. She will be with you in spirit.

01-21-2009, 01:13 PM	#24
audio_file Scooby Newbie Member#: 163971 Join Date: Nov 2007 Chapter/Region: NWIC Location: Everett, Wa Vehicle: OLD RXWagon	very sad. sorry caleb- tough decision, but the right thing to do for your faithful friend . . .

01-21-2009, 01:15 PM	#25
doubledribble Scooby Specialist Member#: 42912 Join Date: Sep 2003 Chapter/Region: MAIC Location: Newark, DE Vehicle: 2003 Outback Sport bird **** & door dings	i need to spend more time with our dog...she's seriously lacking some attention since the baby was born. 11 year old spitz who doesn't act a day over 2.