What We Do for Our Pets

[kate42]

This is Mikey, my 5 year old Golden, who is slightly under the weather. Today he spent the morning at the vets having his ears cleaned (ear mites) and his hot spots treated. Other than getting his shots, Mikey has very little experience with the Vet and it took 3 0f us to hold him on the table. He even bit his tongue. Now he's home, getting the best care we can give him.

[Marge]

This forum has the best looking, cutest pets!

I was asked about Shaka today, well, more like nagged that there had been no updates here.

She's doing ok, but we are seeing some obvious changes over short periods of time. Definitely losing, intermittently a little more strength in her rear legs. Begs to swim and then spends only 10 minutes in the pool instead of an hour like she did in May. She gets excited about the thought of chasing the fish, but just enjoys watching it now...no chasing. Has gotten very demanding and vocal when she wants something...completely out of character but the vet says that is normal when they age and think we aren't moving fast enough to suit them. Sleeping more and definitely more soundly. Appetite is still all Labbie...more..more..more.

The vet said we would lose her by New Year's 2007 and here it is almost September. He assures us that it's not yet "time" and she is doing well enough. She has always had the worst health of all our extended family pets and as of last week, when we had to put my deceased MIL's (best MIL ever) cat to sleep, she has officially outlived all nine of them. So we know time is short, but what a great life together it has been.

[kate42]

Marge
What a great spirit Shaka has.

[Bugman]

It's with a very heavy heart that I have to let you know that our favorite hound dog, out court jester, and very loyal buddy died suddenly this afternoon. He was fine this morning when I went out to get the paper and let he and Sam out for their morning inspection of the front yard. He checked out both streets and the driveway before I brought them back in. He ate his breakfast with gusto and begged for a little cheese as Frances made cheese toast for us. Around 11:00 I finally got around to taking "Da Boys" for their daily walk. Sam was very excited, but Bailey came down the hallway very slowly. I thought maybe he got a little too rambunctious when he was out earlier and strained a muscle. He had done that a couple of times before. I put the leash on him and he walked slowly to the street and just a few feet down the street and then sat down and gave me a sorrowful look. I decided to take him back to the house. He walked slowly, went up the front steps and into the house. Then he lay down on the carpet in the living room and was breathing a little heavy. Frances said to go ahead and take Sam for a walk and she would stay with Bailey. I got less than a block from home and she called to say Bailey didn't look good. I went back and decided to call the vet. He was in surgery, but said to bring Bailey in at 3:15. He also thought Bailey had probably strained a muscle again. Bailey continued to act weaker, but would get up, walk around a little and then flop down again. Around 1:00 he got up and went out the doggy door and did his business outside. Then he lay down in the shade. After a little he tried to get up again, but was very weak in the hind legs. I helped him in and he would lay down for a bit, then get up and move. Finally, I helped him back to the sunroom and put him on his bed. He lay there and seemed to be resting. At 2:45 I got up to start getting the car ready to take him to the vet and he was already gone. He went very peacefully, but it has been a very rough afternoon for Frances and me. We called Megan and she was pretty distressed as well, since he was her first dog. A neighbor couple came over and helped us bury Bailey in our front yard.

Here is a picture of Bailey meditating in front of the fireplace in the sunroom. He loved to soak up the heat during the winter.

[ddmoit]

Sorry for your loss, Clyde.

[JTG]

Clyde
That is very sad news. A blessing that you didn't have to watch him suffer but what a shock to witness it all in one day.
How old was Baily?
JTG

[kate42]

Clyde
I am so sorry to hear about the passing of Bailey. My heart goes out to you and Frances. When my beloved Missy passed 5 years ago, we had her cremated and I still have her ashes. Somehow it's a comfort having a part of her so close. Take care.

[Wiley]

Clyde, Frances, I'm so sorry to hear that. I know how difficult it is what you are feeling today. I hope your pain is soon replaced by the great memories of the joy that Bailey brought to you for so many years. You two give each other a hug for me and we will see you soon.

[Scottish Tile and Stone]

Very sorry to hear...

[Marge]

Clyde and Frances, I just walked in the door a few minutes ago and read this. I'm sitting here typing with tear filled eyes. I am so sad and so sorry for the both of you and Sam. Such an unexpected thing.

I hope you know how much we care..words seem at a loss right now. And like Dave said, we'll see you in a couple weeks and share some hugs and memories of Bailey. Take care.

[flatfloor]

Clyde have a sip or two of Bailey's and reminisce about the good times with Bailey and read the Rainbow Bridge. So sorry for your loss.

[sgrandjean]

Clyde,
Boomer sends his condolences (me too!). Went through the same sort of thing when Jacques (my 3 1/2 lb holland lop rabbit) passed away 21 Jan 2005. Boomer was beside himself for several days, and I think I cried for a full week, almost non-stop. Don't know what I'm gonna do when it's Boomer's time to go.

[MudMaker]

Sorry here too Clyde..
Bailey by the fireplace, looked like a man of great character..

[dgunnels]

I just read. Clyde and Francis I am so very sorry. My heart is breaking for you. I'll foloow flatfloor's suggestion and lift a glass for the sweet boy tonight.

[dgunnels]

Clyde, Bobby and I toasted the old man last night with a shot of Bailey's. I'll never forget the picture of him trying to fit into the cat's bed after kitty took his.

Tippy had more lumps removed last week. Three places actually but you can't seem the one on her chest. Two are malignant and were sent to pathology.