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My Old Dog
#21
A wild dog born under our home when I was 13. actualy 4 which we gave away 3 and nobody took the last. We had a champion bred white husky, King, but sadly on a chain because he was a runner. One night he wouldn't eat but after watching him, it turned out to be love. Their was a wild female, kind of brown beagle looking but certainly mixed of who knows what. It was very hard to see her as she was too scared but, we managed to catch glimpse from time to time. Fast as, any motion of our curtens and she'd disappear into the nights shadows. . About a month later we gave away King because it wasn't fair or right to keep on that chain. Months after that we'd herd puppies under the floor and my brother and I crawled under the house to investigate. 4 pups 3 with mixed colored fluffy husky hair and 1 light and short haired with natural short, tail. which As, we had just been watching the old TV series, 'Blondie'.

She had crawled deeper and further than we could get to so, we, at that time, didn't know what or who the mother was however, eventually we spotted her. Hence, it was then which we understood the love story that had occurred as King would not eat until she'd had her share.

So, anyways it was easy to give away the long haired pups and eventually 'Blondie' grew and began disappearing with his mother. I think he'd been 5-6 months or so old whenever I decided to trap him and make my own. That wasn't too tough because we feed him and his mother while she was raising the pups, and although he was timid, I could not touch or get near the mother, he'd let me touch as long as I didn't make any sudden moves.

In a short time he'd become best friend, we'd hunt , well actually chase stuff, in the hills, he'd go with me everywhere for the next 5 or so years. But after I returned from the service he'd gotten old, weak and uncared for, seriously poor condition kept in the home, unclean, unhealthy conditions, mange fleas etc.

I bathed him and began taking him out again yet my mother warned me harshly, that bathing would kill him. I didn't care for rhetoric. as, anything other than the care he'd had was 1,000 percent improvement. My mother and her husband were irresponsible alcoholics. She was a wonderful person but that's another story. He was a seriously happy camper once more but, as it turns, she was right.

the strangest thing happened a few weeks later. I was watching something on the TV as he crept out from the hallway with a scared look in his eyes. He walked up to me and from the look in his eyes, it was as if he was thanking me and saying goodbye at the same time. Telling me "Thank you, my friend" and that he was about to die, as he sat at my feet.

I didn't want to see that and seriously, what? MY dog just told me thanks and but I am going to die, right now? I went across the street to hang on porch where many kids had gathered through the years and told them of this.. Of course, none had believed me, how could they. But about 15 minutes later I figured it was over and returned to discover, it was true.

The bad part: when he died, he'd expelled the nasty-ist death poop ever. It took some time to try and clean out of carpet, yet, seriously, I don't think it could have been cleaned enough other than replacing the whole carpet.


Yet, we had such good times together and during my return too. Sadly he died but, for all the good times, I wasn't sad at all. Just happy to have been there for him. That all through those last few weeks, we were able to pal around granted, he was weak, but, buddies once more. And the best part. He totally communicated his last words to me.

So, don't be sad, be happy for all of the good times.
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#22
Dementia eventually got our 20 year old "coydog". In addition to a long list of other symptoms, she would take to pacing around the house all night, apparently not recognizing her bed, or us, or much of anything. We tried "crating" her, but she relentlessly struggled to get out. We locked her out on the balcony so WE could get some sleep, and she wound up knocking over some pottery, cutting her paw on the broken pieces, and tracing a bloody figure-eight of her endless pacing on the balcony. She no longer had the sense to stop pacing when her paw was bleeding. It was time.
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#23
Go to the vet and get an informed opinion about your dog's state of health. Don't assume he is not suffering, dogs are hard-wired to not show signs of pain, it would leave them vulnerable to attack.

Your vet has lots of tricks to help with the passing of beloved pets, my cat got IV "backpacks" to ease her suffering the last weeks of her life. It cost me around $300 total and she seemed much more content, money very well spent.

Aloha Veterinary Care in Hilo is very reasonably priced. Good luck!


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#24
I have had to euthanize both of my dogs (both lived to a ripe old 17 years). In both cases I have to say, honestly, that I waited too long. They were on pain meds but their quality of life was far gone.In the second case, the vet came to my house - a house call (this was on the mainland) and after the five-second death I burst into tears. The vet tried to comfort me and I explained, "I'm not crying for the death, I'm crying because it was so fast, so painless, and so tender. And because I wish the same drug were available if needed for humans." - I lived in Oregon which has a death with dignity law, but even that procedure is cumbersome and takes a while. The vet said the drug used has to be kept locked very securely by federal law. If you could find a vet who would come to your house it might be the best possible thing, although nothing can comfort you in the loss of your precious one.
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#25
When my husband passed away 9 years ago we had our 4 year old Brittany that never left my side during my sadness. She laid in bed with me for days, months - she never left my side - my head on one pillow hers on the other keeping a close eye on me. I knew I could always count on her to be there for me, when I got home from tough day at work she was waiting with a grin and a wiggly tail, she became my everything. Last November I had to make the decision to let her go be with her Daddy in Heaven and it was the most gut wrenching decision I have ever had to make by myself but when I looked her in the eye and told her how much I loved her she gave me a look of trust and love and I knew it would be OK.

We love our faithful companions so much and it is up to us to make decisions for them - so remember no matter what - your dog loves and trusts you! My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. Cathy
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#26
When our old Mastiff couldn't get up or walk anymore the Humane Society came to the house and while I held her head in my arms, the worker injected her and she "went to sleep peacefully". I, however, thought I was going to die but was relieved she was no longer in pain. This is just one of my dog heartbreak stories. But knowing how much love we gave each other all their lives makes me think that their souls carry all that love with them forever. I'm sure your dog had a wonderful life with you and try to remember all the good times. Heaven is a place where all the dogs you've lost come running to greet you. Aloha.
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#27
You are in our thoughts, Opihikao.
-Allison
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#28
I'm so sorry opihikao, my positive thoughts and prayers are with you. We had to euthanize our 140 pound german shephard last year when he was suffering from kidney failure. Still miss him so much!

Over 3000 dogs have died from the heartworm medicine Trifexis. One of the two drugs in it comes from China.
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#29
Aloha mai Punaweb ohana,

First, thank you for all the warm aloha, kind sentiments, and sharing your personal experiences. In our great loss, it is comforting to know people care.

Our big, old boy was such a great dog. He went to sleep peacefully, on his own. You will never know how much you folks helped me through this most difficult time.

We were blessed to have him, and I am blessed to have my Punaweb ohana. Thank you so very much. Each and every one of you. Mahalo plenty.

Bless you all.




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#30
So sorry he's gone, but I hope that his going to sleep peacefully was some consolation for you.
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