Posted on 03/16/2017 10:36:46 AM PDT by Joe 6-pack
My good buddy Ranger suffered a severe stroke sometime late Monday early Tuesday of this week. I've been working with the vet trying a few different meds to try and remediate the effects, but nothing has worked and there has been no improvement to his condition, and he's paralyzed on the right side from the neck down. He is comfortable and can drink his water when I hold his head up over the bowl.
We have an appointment for 8:30 in the morning, at which time we'll do what's necessary and Ranger will slip this mortal coil.
Please keep him and me in your prayers.
Thoughts and prayers.
Until Adam and Eve sinned, there was no death.
Gods original intention then was that animals would live forever. And they will again.
We have a Chow (our second and first Female) that we found through a local Rescue group.
If we had not adopted her she would probably have been euthanized, especially since she has Addisons Disease, a Medical Condition that requires a very expensive injection every 3-4 Weeks and daily Medication.
I told my Wife she is our four legged Car Payment.
The fact that she is a Chow and has an interesting disposition including being as dumb as a Box of Barbara Boxers (or she is just stubborn and treats us like a Cat treats Staff), certainly decreased her chance of Adoption.
We adopted our first Chow at a Shelter, and we found out later that he had Medical issues that weren’t addressed by the Staff there. We got him back on track and he ended up living until the ripe old age of fourteen (we think).
In both cases our Dogs were as lucky as Lotto winners finding us and it appears that Ranger hit all six numbers as well when you came along.
There is a reason that God decided that we outlive our Dogs, though I’m not sure I can explain what it is.
The answer is way above my Paygrade.
Take care my FRiend.
I’m so sorry Joe!
Ranger’s been kind of a fixture here.
God bless him and you!
I disagree.
I am alone, without an animal my house is sterile, empty.
In my 57 years on this planet I have been without an animal to care about for a total of 7 weeks.
Rescue dogs love you no matter what.
Sometimes you need that.
Oh man, so sorry to hear this! Prayers up!
Lord have mercy. I am so sorry.
“I was down, but now I’m flying
Straight across the great divide.
I know you’re crying but I’ll stop you crying
When I see you, see you on the other side.”
From “See You On The Other Side” by Ozzy Osbourne
The vets were very professional and it went quick and painless. I chose to be in the room when it happened and I would recommend the same for you. I'm sure your Ranger would want it that way.
It's a shame that a dog's life is so short compared to a human.
Dogs are truly man's best friend. I'm just about at the point where I'm going to get another dog because once you are a dog person, a life without one is quite lonely.
Oh, I know but this would not be fair to the animal. We are getting up there in years All is well but should anything happen to both of us, our friends would find themselves alone. No one to take both of them into their home, no where to go. I agree, with no close friend, life does have an empty corner. Three dogs have died in my arms over the past 60 years and each time was devastating. Our four legged friends have been always been ‘found and saved’ Under “normal” circumstances, we would have two to eat with us, play with us, sleep with us, love us. It has been 9 years since we lost our last. The first, I still see in my dreams. Eventually, one adjusts, I’m hoping.
You’re a good man, Joe.
12 years, can one really expect more?
Would 24 years be better?
12 years of love from you to him.
12 years of love from him to you.
Oh! The joy.
Oh! The fun.
Oh! The love.
My heart goes out to you my friend.
As my heart would go out to Ranger
had he lost you.
It’s hard, very hard, but what you shared
outweighs the pain and lasts forever.
t.
Yes sir!
That’s how it will be - once more and forever.
I had never experienced euthanasia on any of my animals
before “Twinkie” a few years ago. So, I didn’t know they
muzzled the animals while doing the procedure. She didn’t
resist; but she would not have bitten anyone. She lived to
over 16 years & was a snake dog who feigned snake killing
for “Pepper’s” sake. I loved her; and my FR name is
“Twinkie” in honor of her. (When I first met her, she was
just a puppy, at a garbage receptacle trying to find food.
I picked her up, put her on my truck, took her in to a vet
in town, told them I didn’t really know what she was as
she had mange and no hair left on her body. They treated
her and she was my girl from then on out. At the end, her
hind legs were paralyzed. I hope I’ll see her again. -
Just be forewarned that they muzzle them prior to giving
the shot & I can understand they almost have to do that to
avoid being bitten.)
Amazing how big a part of your life they become. Thoughts and prayers.
To have given a wonderful animal 12 happy, healthy bonus years is such a gift, FRiend. Ranger was so lucky to have had you. Hugs.
I’m so sorry. My prayers are said for you, your family and your dear dog.
No words can express my sorrow for you. May God give you the strength and mercy to do what is right for Ranger. Let him know the last thing he sees, hears, and smells is you and he will know that you are there, to the end.
Darling Ranger and you are in my prayers now and continuing. We are facing an unfortunate situation with one of our feline furkids. We’ll all meet at the Rainbow Bridge.
Thank you. He is tired and worn out from this week. Tomorrow is going to destroy me, but it’s the right thing for him. Yesterday when he voided his bowels and bladder for the first time since his stroke, he was visibly upset that he had done his business in the house.
As silly as it sounds, I was honored by the opportunity to clean him up and change his bedding and to reassure him it was ok and make him comfortable.
He’s resting soundly now. I got to spoil him tonight with some ice cream and hot dogs (two of his very favorite treats), but I do expect another accident before the morning gets here...and I’m perfectly ok with that. He will die with the same dignity with which he lived his life and I’ll accept nothing less.
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