Twin, you've got extra strength happy coffee and my cyber-shoulder if and when you need it.

It IS an effin' bummer especially when one bad thing comes right after another.     It bites, it sucks...and it hurts like hell.

That's when you reach in and find your extra strength, that you know, Princess. 

The Palace Felines have their paws crossed for "Dakota" too. 

Keep me posted, please?  Lots of ommmmmmmmmmmms and chiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii coming your way from the Left Coast right now.

Hetty 

Twin - we lost both of our "children" last year.  It is a ***.  The house is soooooooooo empty.  But when the time comes, you have to be ready to let go.  We don't want our loved companions to be in pain for one extra hour, even if it means one more hour to say Gob Bless & Good By.             Tony

I'm truly sorry to be hearing this,twin.

Hang in there and remember all the great times.That helps in the grieving process and brings a smile to your minds eye.

Is the condition operable?

Are you at a regular vet and have you contacted the OSU vet?

Hopefully,if it is operable,DAkota will be able to enjoy a few more years with his family that loves him.

Ray 

Hi,

Gentle strokes and pats for Dakota

We still see our 2nd (almost human but canine) child every time we open the fridge
I still love her smile
It was so easy to make her happy

Here's the deal.

I can't stop crying.

He has laryngial paralysis, megaesophagus, possibly a tumor on the spleen. It doesnt' look good.

They are going to sedate him (not fully under) to examine his larynx. If one side is paralyzed it would be better, but not necessarily good. If both are paralyzed then they can still operate to open up the larynx permanently, but there is a anesthesia risk because of his heart arrythmia, there is risk of pneumonia coming out of anesthesia. If he makes it that long, there is high risk of pneumonia anyway at home with the larynx being open all the time. 

My poor baby. I saw him today and he sounds like a megaphone when he pants. It is awful. I know in my heart what is best. What I can't decide is if putting him down would put HIM out of any misery or put ME out of any misery. I'm trying sooooo hard not to be selfish

I know what the answer is. I just can't accept it right now.

This just sucks to high heaven.

Being that it is always easier looking back, I've had this uncomfortable feeling for a few weeks/months. You know, like the impending doom feeling? 

I JUST CAN'T TAKE MUCH MORE..... 

Ray, he's at MedVet in Columbus. I won't take any dog to OSU ever again. 

Dear Twin, just because you know the right answer doesn't make it any easier to face or carry out.  Acceptance is a way off yet.

We've been cyberfriends for years now.  Your moral compass and compassion for others have always come through strongly on these boards.  You'll do exactly what's best for Dakota.

Ray is so right.  Focus on the wonderful times you had, all the love given and received.

You and Dakota are lucky to have found each other in this Universe.  That's an experience and a beautiful memory that will never leave you and your family.

Hetty 

twin,

I too have gone through your experience. Between last Thanksgiving and Christmas, I had to put my cat and my first Old English Sheepdog down. Putting a pet down is one of the most difficult experiences a pet owner ever has to go through. You know when you first bring them into your life, that someday, this time may come.

My cat had a brain tumor which contributed to her having a stroke and going blind. It was also causing continuous seizures. There was no other humane way of dealing with her condition.

My dog had reached an age (17) where she could no longer even stand. She had given up eating and had become skin and bones.  When I took her to the vet, I think she knew what was coming.  She was so brave and so good. I sat on the floor and held her while the vet shaved her paw to prep her for the IV. I stayed with her until she had passed.

After putting down the animals, our vet wrapped them in burial sheets and taped everything all together. I buried both of them in my back yard, next to one another. When I'm mowing my grass, I'll stop a bit and talk to both.:) They're gone, but not forgotten.