Man's Best Friend

devilfluff · Post by **devilfluff** » Wed Mar 19, 2014 9:05 am

The Sybian wrote:
Jerloma wrote:That dog on the left just sold for a record 1.9 million.

Yeah, but the new owner will more than make his money back selling the fleece to make sweaters.

Do you just pull it out, like on a bunny?

kranepool · Post by **kranepool** » Sun Apr 13, 2014 1:34 pm

My wife is the youngest of four girls. She was extremely close to her mother.

Growing up out in Eastern Long Island, for a few years they bred Briards. Briards are big, hairy sheepdogs. Working dogs. Smart, loyal working dogs. There are only a handful of breeders in the US today. Maybe seven or eight.

As my wife grew older, graduated, moved out and got married, there was a spoken understanding that - when my wife was ready - my mother-in-law would get her a Briard puppy.

Wife and I wed in 1997, had a son in 1998, and then my mother-in-law died of a massive heart attack in February of 2000 at the age of 62.

MIL had four cats and a dog up in the foothills of the Catskills. Each daughter signed up for a cat. We got the dog (Lucy, a rescue Border Collie).

Up to that point, I hadn't previously been a dog owner. I had no idea what I was doing. I didn't particularly want her, yet I wasn't exactly feeling that I had any leverage in this argument. I picked my battles. This wasn't one of them.

Lucy was an amazing dog.

Flash forward to 2007 - our 10th wedding anniversary. I had the amazing idea to fulfill a promise made by her mother many years ago. We found a breeder in St. Cloud, Minnesota who is expecting a litter. That summer, Daisy was ours. (Incredibly, we’d later learn that Daisy was a direct descendant of another dog my wife formerly owned, Bear.)

Daisy followed my wife everywhere. It stopped short of separation anxiety, but everything my wife did, Daisy wanted to do.

She was tremendous with the kids. Docile. Superbly agile. Protective, without being aggressive. Would always put a paw on you if you were near. Had to touch you.

Recently, Daisy stopped jumping up on the bed (which is quite elevated). More recently, she stopped jumping up on the couch, which concerned us. Additionally, it was obvious there was pain standing and sitting.

We took her in for a battery of tests last week, which led to the discovery of a mass on her spine.

Tuesday, she went to a specialist for a more thorough exam.

Cancer.

At and around her L7.

It had weakened the bone to the point where it was nearly see-through on the x-ray. One fall would permanently paralyze her and put her into even more excruciating pain.

We sent the biopsy for further testing. What kind of cancer? Was it treatable? Would it be worth it to drive an hour each way to put her under five times a week for radiation for three weeks? We could barely get her in the car. Would the bone restrengthen before shattering? Could we possibly drive for five hours to Yonkers, NY for a one time treatment instead for twice the cost? How much longer would she live, even in the best case scenario? Months? Maybe a year?

All the questions. Few answers.

Biopsy was to tell us more Friday. Doctor called Friday, but no results were in. It would have to be Monday.

Best case scenario, the doctor felt, is that some form of radiation would cure the cancer, depending on the type. Her bone would regenerate and strengthen. Probably live another year.

Worst case scenario, provided there is no fall or subsequent injury, is that she has weeks or a few months left.

Yesterday was Little League Opening Day. Wife went to see 15’s play, and went to volunteer at the concessions stand. After my work was done, I went to the park and caught up with the old team and parents. I had half of the boys last season when I was manager.

Call came in from my wife, who was in hysterics. Despite remaining in her crate, Daisy was injured. She couldn't sit. Her right hind leg sat awkwardly behind her left. Panting. Shaking. Wailing. Horrifying. I was home four minutes later.

It was 5:00pm. She managed to call a neighbor who was an oncology specialist and a vet. He arrived with his wife, and together we managed to get her on her side.

After determining that she still had feelings in her hind legs and toes, and sitting with her for an hour, we (she) needed to make a decision.

Daisy was in agony. She hadn't moved in an hour. She was still shaking.

We agreed that we couldn't remember her like this. And that we couldn't wait for Monday’s call.

We sat with Daisy and gave her a steady stream of two of her favorite things - Nilla Wafers and ice water from my cup. She never wanted her water. She only wanted my water.

At 7:00, after a trip to his office 30 minutes away, the vet returned to our living room with Euthanol. At 7:15 it was peacefully over. No more pain. No more fear. No more drugs. No more scary trips to the vet. No more steps or stairs. It took me 10 minutes of silence to realize that the vet and his wife were crying as hard as we were.

She was only 7.

rass · Post by **rass** » Sun Apr 13, 2014 1:47 pm

So sorry kranepool. This is probably an overused saying in general, but that's not fair. Really.

govmentchedda · Post by **govmentchedda** » Sun Apr 13, 2014 2:14 pm

Sorry for your loss.

Keg · Post by **Keg** » Sun Apr 13, 2014 2:39 pm

Damnit. I hate this thread sometimes.

Sorry Kranepool.

Brontoburglar · Post by **Brontoburglar** » Sun Apr 13, 2014 2:49 pm

No kidding. So sorry. Ugh.

cerrano · Post by **cerrano** » Sun Apr 13, 2014 3:03 pm

so sorry, ed.

Post by **Shirley** » Sun Apr 13, 2014 6:03 pm

Damn. I'm a little teary now. I'm very sorry for you and your family, Kranepool.

The Sybian · Post by **The Sybian** » Sun Apr 13, 2014 6:35 pm

Sorry to hear that. Beautiful dog, great that she had such a good home. As I've said before, dog stories choke me up more than people stories.

sancarlos · Post by **sancarlos** » Sun Apr 13, 2014 9:07 pm

Sorry to hear, Kranepool.

Pruitt · Post by **Pruitt** » Tue Apr 15, 2014 7:48 am

Not even sure if these messages help, but you have my fullest sympathy.

In many ways, I feel sorry for people who've never experienced living with a good dog. There's so much that they miss.

BSF21 · Post by **BSF21** » Tue Apr 15, 2014 10:01 am

Kranepool made it dusty.

So sorry for your loss. I've only had my pup for a month and I can't imagine anything happening to her...

Post by **brian** » Tue Apr 15, 2014 10:34 am

Sorry, Ed. Sucks to lose a good friend so earlier than you expect. You go into dog ownership knowing you only have a relatively short amount of time with them and paradoxically that's one of the reasons you love the little buggers so much, so it's not fair to lose one so soon, but it sounds like you loved her as much as you could and gave her a great life and really, that's all we can do for anyone we love.

Giff · Post by **Giff** » Tue Apr 15, 2014 2:14 pm

G-d damn, Kranepool...I'm sorry man.

devilfluff · Post by **devilfluff** » Tue Apr 15, 2014 10:53 pm

Condolences.

Thinking about that makes it dusty in here...

Steve of phpBB · Post by **Steve of phpBB** » Fri Apr 18, 2014 1:24 pm

My condolences, Kranepool. Damn, that's rough.

Rush2112 · Post by **Rush2112** » Fri Apr 18, 2014 1:48 pm

Sorry buddy. Hard to lose a good friend at such a young age.

Post by **Sabo** » Fri May 23, 2014 7:20 am

The Sybian · Post by **The Sybian** » Thu Jun 19, 2014 11:50 am

This guy clearly has a lot riding on Bosnia

Post by **Shirley** » Thu Jun 19, 2014 4:07 pm

If someone doesn't throw that dog a ball, I'm heading over there to play fetch with him myself.

Steve of phpBB · Post by **Steve of phpBB** » Mon Jun 23, 2014 7:29 pm

A few months ago, we finally joined the ranks ...

A three-year-old Australian shepherd/blue heeler adopted from a rescue organization.

Totally fucking awesome.

rass · Post by **rass** » Mon Jun 23, 2014 7:47 pm

Congrats steve, and it's great you went with a rescue. Pretty boy or pretty girl?

ETA: Where did you that throw pillow? My wife has been looking for something like that.

The Sybian · Post by **The Sybian** » Mon Jun 23, 2014 7:49 pm

Beautiful dog, Steve. Australian Shepherds are phenomenal dogs, but they require mental challenges. They are brilliant, but can get bored and cause trouble. Fantastic with children, though.

Pruitt · Post by **Pruitt** » Tue Jun 24, 2014 6:39 am

Maybe it's because I have a dog that looks like the one in the ad, but I fell for this manipulation hook, line and sinker.

A_B · Post by **A_B** » Tue Jun 24, 2014 7:05 am

The Sybian wrote:Beautiful dog, Steve. Australian Shepherds are phenomenal dogs, but they require mental challenges. They are brilliant, but can get bored and cause trouble. Fantastic with children, though.

Until you have a party in a yard with a bunch of kids and the dog starts herding them like sheep into the center of the yard. Which, actually was pretty nice too.

The Sybian · Post by **The Sybian** » Tue Jun 24, 2014 7:10 am

AB_skin_test wrote:
The Sybian wrote:Beautiful dog, Steve. Australian Shepherds are phenomenal dogs, but they require mental challenges. They are brilliant, but can get bored and cause trouble. Fantastic with children, though.
Until you have a party in a yard with a bunch of kids and the dog starts herding them like sheep into the center of the yard. Which, actually was pretty nice too.

My friend who lived across the street growing up had a Shetland sheep dog. Dog did the same thing with the little kids in the hood. It was hilarious to watch, as the kids had no idea they were being herded. She'd pack them into a tighter area, and slowly push them up the hill towards the front yard. I never noticed until my Mom pointed it out, and it happened every time the dog had a group of kids around. That dog could run all day without slowing down. Amazing to watch.

Steve of phpBB · Post by **Steve of phpBB** » Tue Jun 24, 2014 12:55 pm

rass wrote:Congrats steve, and it's great you went with a rescue. Pretty boy or pretty girl?

ETA: Where did you that throw pillow? My wife has been looking for something like that.

A very energetic boy. He does want to play all the time if someone is around, but fortunately he has not caused any problems when we've left him alone at home, or when we've finally had enough with the rope or the ball.

My wife got the pillow cover from Amazon.

testuser2 · Post by **testuser2** » Tue Jun 24, 2014 4:11 pm

testuser2 wrote:Our 11 year old Beagle decided to eat a bag of advil last week. It was the night before a week long trip to Disney and she dug them out of a zipped back pack on a bed. We're not sure how much she had. We're guessing between 5-20 pills.

She spent that night in the dog ER and the next at our regular vet. After that she was with the in-laws while we were on vacation. Last night was our first one home and we got to see her. She doesn't look good. The vet says that here kidney's were ok. However, she is drinking/peeing constantly. She went three times last night. Two of which she never even woke up. Kidney failure seems to be in the near future.

I never posted the good news. She has managed to pull herself together and is pretty much back to normal. Well... Except for the lyme disease and the vet bills. She's on some antibiotics for the next few weeks, but she's already moving around better. I'm awaiting the next dog related disaster.

rass · Post by **rass** » Thu Jun 26, 2014 6:42 am

Steve of phpBB wrote:My wife got the pillow cover from Amazon.

BOOM

Glad the beagle is feeling better testuser.

We're boarding our mutt this weekend for the first time since his bout of prostatitis back in March. While I don't think it was necessarily caused by the kennel, it came after a couple of weeks of him being there almost every weekday because we had contractors in the house. I'm a little nervous.

sancarlos · Post by **sancarlos** » Thu Jun 26, 2014 11:49 am

testuser2 wrote:
testuser2 wrote:Our 11 year old Beagle decided to eat a bag of advil last week. It was the night before a week long trip to Disney and she dug them out of a zipped back pack on a bed. We're not sure how much she had. We're guessing between 5-20 pills.

She spent that night in the dog ER and the next at our regular vet. After that she was with the in-laws while we were on vacation. Last night was our first one home and we got to see her. She doesn't look good. The vet says that here kidney's were ok. However, she is drinking/peeing constantly. She went three times last night. Two of which she never even woke up. Kidney failure seems to be in the near future.
I never posted the good news. She has managed to pull herself together and is pretty much back to normal. Well... Except for the lyme disease and the vet bills. She's on some antibiotics for the next few weeks, but she's already moving around better. I'm awaiting the next dog related disaster.

Good to hear, test user.

BSF21 · Post by **BSF21** » Thu Jun 26, 2014 12:06 pm

Any of you guys ever hear of grapes being poisonous to dogs?

Just saw it scroll across my newsfeed on FB a few days ago. I've probably dropped a grape or two for a dog over the years...

elflaco · Post by **elflaco** » Thu Jun 26, 2014 1:13 pm

heard it. never looked into it though.

Steve of phpBB · Post by **Steve of phpBB** » Tue Jul 01, 2014 12:25 pm

That fucker gave me the fright of my life this weekend. (But all ended well.)

Saturday morning we were driving down to pick up my daughter at a girl scout camp in the mountains, when we look in the back of the motor home and realize that the dog has vanished. He's just not there.

We had left a window open for him, and the fucker jumped out at some point when we weren't looking.

At the time we noticed this, we were on a slow speed forest road, but we had just turned off the highway. So we had no idea where he had jumped out. I assumed he wouldn't jump out at 60 mph, but I had also assumed he wouldn't jump out at all.

And the place we lost him was right on the edge of 20 square miles of rugged forested mountains.

Fuck.

So we spent the rest of the day Saturday and Sunday driving up and down the highway, calling the highway patrol and two county sheriffs to see if he had been found dead or alive, walking up and down the local trails, and just freaking out. He loves to go hiking in the woods, but this area is pretty serious wilderness where no one would be able to find him if he got lost there.

No luck on Saturday, so we have to give up and go home. Sunday I get up at 5 and print up flyers, and we drive back and spend the whole day Sunday putting up flyers anywhere we can find and calling all the authorities again. Finally in the afternoon he showed up at one of the summer cottage neighborhood near a city park we had driven through after turning off the highway. He must have thought the park was our destination, so once we got there it was time to go out. Fucker.

He has obviously lost his open window privileges for a while.

Post by **brian** » Tue Jul 01, 2014 12:28 pm

Aussies are fucking nuts. Be prepared for them to do anything at any time. Glad you were able to track him down.

Brontoburglar · Post by **Brontoburglar** » Wed Jul 09, 2014 4:10 pm

I have two hydrangeas outside my backdoor. Rabbits have decided that somewhere in the two plants would be a great spot for a nest. So Darwin has taken over and Toby has gotten two babies in the last 24 hours. Last night he dropped the dead one at the back door. Today, he just simply mortally wounded the other one and I had to get its still alive and flopping baby body into a bag.

I can't find the nest for the life of me (I've seen the adults in the hydrangeas but never realized they'd be so stupid as to make the nest) so I guess the next step is to not let him outside unescorted and see if he can lead me to it.

Pruitt · Post by **Pruitt** » Wed Jul 09, 2014 8:13 pm

Brontoburglar wrote:I have two hydrangeas outside my backdoor. Rabbits have decided that somewhere in the two plants would be a great spot for a nest. So Darwin has taken over and Toby has gotten two babies in the last 24 hours. Last night he dropped the dead one at the back door. Today, he just simply mortally wounded the other one and I had to get its still alive and flopping baby body into a bag.

I can't find the nest for the life of me (I've seen the adults in the hydrangeas but never realized they'd be so stupid as to make the nest) so I guess the next step is to not let him outside unescorted and see if he can lead me to it.

My Westie - who once slept while a mouse walked 6 inches from her head - killed three baby rabbits in two days a couple of years ago. She was very proud.

No fun wrapping the corpses and dropping them in the compost bin though.

Good news is that while some of my neighbours have nests of rabbits, it's been four years since they've been in my yard.

sancarlos · Post by **sancarlos** » Wed Jul 09, 2014 9:07 pm

Pruitt wrote:
Brontoburglar wrote:I have two hydrangeas outside my backdoor. Rabbits have decided that somewhere in the two plants would be a great spot for a nest. So Darwin has taken over and Toby has gotten two babies in the last 24 hours. Last night he dropped the dead one at the back door. Today, he just simply mortally wounded the other one and I had to get its still alive and flopping baby body into a bag.

I can't find the nest for the life of me (I've seen the adults in the hydrangeas but never realized they'd be so stupid as to make the nest) so I guess the next step is to not let him outside unescorted and see if he can lead me to it.
My Westie - who once slept while a mouse walked 6 inches from her head - killed three baby rabbits in two days a couple of years ago. She was very proud.

No fun wrapping the corpses and dropping them in the compost bin though.

Good news is that while some of my neighbours have nests of rabbits, it's been four years since they've been in my yard.

You're not supposed to put meat in the compost.

wlu_lax6 · Post by **wlu_lax6** » Mon Jul 14, 2014 9:59 am

Nice move by the Browns
http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/11212 ... dog-mascot" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

mister d · Post by **mister d** » Mon Jul 14, 2014 10:07 am

Steve of phpBB wrote:That fucker gave me the fright of my life this weekend. (But all ended well.)

I missed this the first time. That's a pretty insane story.

rass · Post by **rass** » Mon Jul 28, 2014 7:04 pm