After a long battle with perianal fistulas, my Bella started hemmoraging yesterday and I had to make the decision to have her put down today. My heart is heavy...she was my best friend...
In 30 years, I never had a dog before her I considered breed-worthy...despite my having prepared a really nice whelping box for her, she decided to have her first pup in the wood storage compartment of my fireplace...
(http://keithgrossman.com/MVC-021F.jpg)
She loved her work...
(http://keithgrossman.com/bellatr.jpg)
(http://keithgrossman.com/Bellalg.jpg)
Rest in peace, my friend...I love you...
(http://keithgrossman.com/File0058.jpg)
I am sorry for your loss
Quote from: mcgonser on April 20, 2009, 05:29:08 PM
I am sorry for your loss
Thank you...really...you have no idea how much this hurts.
Sometimes it feels like a heart isn't large enough to hold the grief.
Said "good-bye" to four-legged friends too many times.
Hope the hole in the air where Bella used to be is filled by her spirit.
I too know what you're going through. The grim reaper is reaching out for my brother-in-law.
I'm sorry for your loss Ex.
Quote from: Exterminator on April 20, 2009, 05:50:37 PM
Thanks, PH; I haven't commented on your situation with your mom since I really don't know what to say...lost my mom last June and my younger brother last fall...my mom died of lung cancer after smoking three packs of cigarettes a day and my brother drank himself to death.
Bella was just a dog...a really great dog but...
'just a dog' my butt. You put every bit as much into them as the two kids you helped to raise. I see no difference in feeling the loss you do. And I'm sorry that you are grieving right now. :(
I'm very sorry Ex. :'(
Sorry to hear about your loss Ex. :'(
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qUNJjIwlHk8 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qUNJjIwlHk8)
For all our best friends.
I am with CC on this one....Bella was like your kid...you put your heart and soul into raising her. I know how much it hurts to have to make that decision for your pet...I had to have my Mr. White(cat) put down last September....it still hurts. Sorry that you are grieving ...
Sorry Ex,
One final toss for The Dooze.....a touching story about mans best friend
http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/page2/story?page=simmons/090122 (http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/page2/story?page=simmons/090122)
That's terrible news, Ex. What a fine looking pup. I'm sure she was a great companion for not nearly enough years. Best wishes, M&P
She was aptly named. There's no such thing as "just love". There are obviously different forms, but who can rationalize the depth?
I know you'll miss your friend tremendously. :(
Sorry for your loss Ex. She looks alot like my son's Shepard mix. I am not looking forward to the end of him either. We put our old dog Werner down a year and a half ago, and I miss him everyday. He was the first house dog we had, and we really bonded. :'(
As PH said, another ball of fur will come along, and while it will never replace Bella, it will help soften the blow.
Ex, I am very sorry for your loss....ten years ago, two months after my mom passed, I also lost my dog, that i have had for ten years....he was MORE than just a dog....he was honestly, next to my wife, the BEST friend I could ever imagine to have....he was part german shepard and part collie...and I honestly believe part human.......THAT dog always KNEW when I was down or upset....and he could ALWAYS find a way to make me feel better.
THAT was a tough year for me...losing a Mom AND a BEST friend....
so, I DO feel for your loss.
Thanks, everyone.
As hard as this is for me, it seems even rougher for her son, Aldo, who, with the exception of some time away from home for training, has never been without his mom. He's seriously bummed. Somehow the two of them together was greater than the sum of their parts.
Does he have offspring? or can he? Nothing will replace her, of course, but maybe if he had a part of himself to nurture which is technically a part of her as well...that might help...then again...maybe that's a bad idea since he's so bummed. It's just reading that put a mental picture in my mind of him passing on his mom's love for him.
As one who counts among friends more dogs and cats than humans, I feel your pain.
I am so very sorry for your loss.
I'm sure it was a hard situation and I hope you're going to be ok and your other doggy too. I'm not an expert about animals by any means,but I have seen my neighbors dog not eat,play,or even hardly move once his doggy pal passed away.
My bassett haunted me after she died. I could hear her nails clicking on the pool deck as she walked, I could hear her distinct bark. This went on for about 3 weeks after she died. I think she was mad at me for putting her to sleep, but she'd had mammary cancer and one operation and the huge lump on her neck grew right back. She was panting all the time and her eyes were glossy. I believed it was time, and I guess she didn't. A vet came over to put her down, and didn't do a great job. It's all very sad.
Everything was just fine when I left for work in the morning but something wasn't right with Aldo when I returned yesterday evening...nothing specific, he was just really lethargic which is completely uncharacteristic. Bloat was my first thought but his abdomen wasn't distended and he stays inside so I knew he couldn't have gotten into anything; I really didn't know what could be wrong with such a healthy, strong, athletic 6 year-old. I resolved myself to waiting until this morning and taking him to the vet if he wasn't back to his usual self. He died on my kitchen floor during the night and I'll never know why.
Way to go, God; you've killed off both of my dogs in the past 3 months...you really do suck!
(http://www.keithgrossman.com/images/aldo.jpg)
Damned! My deepest sympathy Ex! :'(
That just sucks hard! :'(
Sorry to hear that Ex. A friend of mine is on her way to put her companion of 16 years down. The appointment is at 2:15 PM. My condolences to you and to her. :(
I'm sorry to hear that. You've lost a couple of good friends lately. :(
Quote from: pariann on July 28, 2009, 02:14:44 PM
I'm sorry to hear that. You've lost a couple of good friends lately. :(
My best friends, really.
I'm very sorry to hear that, EX. I know your pain.
Sorry to hear that Ex :'(
even though you think I'm a moron douche bag....I am sincerely sorry Ex. THAT really does suck, and my heart goes out for you.
Quote from: Henry Hawk on July 28, 2009, 03:09:14 PM
even though you think I'm a moron douche bag....I am sincerely sorry Ex. THAT really does suck, and my heart goes out for you.
Thanks, everyone...and Henry, it's ok because you're
my moron douche bag. :razz:
Quote from: Exterminator on July 28, 2009, 02:17:14 PM
My best friends, really.
Didn't I see both of them out running around you when I came down to your friends house that time? They were certainly beautiful, well mannered animals!! :yes:
There aren't words that I can find which would adequately express my sympathy. I can't even relate to such a huge loss in such a short period of time. I think I'd lose my mind. I'm sorry, Ex. R.I.P Aldo
Quote from: pariann on July 28, 2009, 03:24:26 PM
Didn't I see both of them out running around you when I came down to your friends house that time? They were certainly beautiful, well mannered animals!! :yes:
Yes, that was them and thank you!
(http://keithgrossman.com/ab.jpg)
Ex, I am sorry for your loss. We had to put down our Cocker Spaniel we had for 15 years. First time I ever saw my husband cry. Pups are the best friends. They forgive almost anything.
Quote from: Anne on July 28, 2009, 05:06:05 PM
Ex, I am sorry for your loss. We had to put down our Cocker Spaniel we had for 15 years. First time I ever saw my husband cry. Pups are the best friends. They forgive almost anything.
Actually, they are willing to forgive virtually
anything. It's up to us as their people to never betray that confidence.
my chihuahua had brain cancer I had to have him put to rest last september.I send you good thoughts and silent prayer.I know exactly what you feel .
Ex, I am so sorry. There is nothing I can say, or any of us can say, to soften the blow. There simply ain't no justice.
I'm unable to use the quote function when I post from my cell, but I thought about Ex's comment "...it's up to us as their people to never betray their confidence" everytime Benji looked up at me last night. He always has so much love, trust and happiness in his eyes and sadly, I don't always pause to notice how much he says with his eyes. I did last night and took him for an extra long walk, I took him off his leash at a safe point in the trail so that he could have a bit of freedom and I even let him run into the lake to tease the ducks a bit - which is his favorite game. I'm sure he may have wondered what he did to get a walk with ALL the extras, but I felt like he deserved it for being such a loyal friend and a mini-celebration b/c I'm fortunate to have him in my life. Maybe this wasn't the best place to put my comment, but I wanted to let you know how your comment effected us yesterday.
It's a perfect place to put your comment, Sandy, and I'm glad that something good came from my tragedy. I'm reminded of the quote, "The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated." If that's true, we pretty much suck and I am reminded of how badly every time I volunteer at the humane society...but that's a subject for another thread that I'll start after I've had the opportunity to upload some pictures to my web site.
While I don't plan to get another dog soon, I started the process of looking today. I saw a dog at the North American Sieger Show last year that really impressed me and who seems to be producing good progeny. I think I might want a pup from him so I called his breeder today in Delaware to introduce myself and begin what will probably be months of dialogue. The pups aren't cheap and the waiting list is long but I can wait. I guess it's to be expected from the dog who won such a prestigious event...for the second year in a row!
(http://www.vonniemeyergermanshepherds.com/images/teejaystlouis.jpg)
Sorry for your loss. I always send this tribute to my friends who lose a pet.
"Near this spot we deposited the remains
of one who possessed beauty without vanity, strength without insolence, courage without ferosity,
and all the virtues of man without his vices. This praise, which would be unmeaning flattery if inscribed over human ashes, is but a just tribute to the memory of Boatswain, a dog."
--Alfred Lord Byron
Ex, serious question.
What is the motivating factor into buying an expensive dog, IF your only reason is to have a family pet? Are there any REAL advantages? I can understand if you are 'showing' or competing with a dog.
Quote from: Henry Hawk on July 31, 2009, 12:44:53 PM
Ex, serious question.
What is the motivating factor into buying an expensive dog, IF your only reason is to have a family pet? Are there any REAL advantages? I can understand if you are 'showing' or competing with a dog.
I do show and I train in schutzhund but in answer to your question, yes, there are real advantages. The requirements for breeding a German Shepherd dog if you want its progeny to be recognized in my world are very stringent. The dog has to be trained and titled in schutzhund which is a dog sport consisting of obedience, tracking and protection work; the dog has to have stood before a German judge for a Körung which is a breed survey in which the dog's physicall structure is rated against the international breed standard; the dog has to have completed an Ausdauerprüfung which is a 20 kilometer endurance test after which the dog cannot appear fatigued; the dog must have clear hips and elbows and the dog has typically been shown several times. All of these things are intended to prove the dog has the physical structure, stamina and correct temperament to do the work for which is was intended and the process of training and campaigning a dog is time consuming and expensive itself. In Germany, you simply don't get papers on your puppies if the breeder doesn't meet these requirements. Here, of course, it is not mandatory but there are a lot of us out here who feel strongly enough about the breed that we hold ourselves to the same standard.
The advantages, then, are that even if you are buying a dog as a pet, you are getting a dog that has all of the attributes of a real German Shepherd dog, especially as it relates to temperament. The dogs you see at Westminster are not held to these standards...they just have to be pretty and people like me wish they would create a different breed classification for them...maybe American Shepherds...because they aren't even the same dog really. I've had both, trust me, there's a huge difference and I will never own another American bloodline dog.
So there you have it...long answer to a short question. :biggrin:
Henry, go here (http://wilhendorf.us/) and click on "We Believe".
Pretty cool....very serious dog owners. We "lost" our Golden Retriever last October. I got it for my daughter, about a year and a half, prior.....and I became very close to it. He vanished within a five minute period of time. The gate to our backyard was left open. But he never, ever ran off before.....I have NO idea what happened to him. We searched the area for several days. We had posters made. Ran ads in the three different papers. NOTHING.
I am considering getting another dog. I have always liked German Shepard's, but my daughter is crazy about Golden Retrievers.
Quote from: Henry Hawk on July 31, 2009, 02:29:02 PM
I am considering getting another dog. I have always liked German Shepard's, but my daughter is crazy about Golden Retrievers.
I think this has a lot to do with the whole German vs. American bloodlines issue. A real German Shepherd is a working dog with a lot of energy and too much dog for many people...I think they really want a Golden Retriever in a German Shepherd body.
Very interesting. Even in labs and goldens there's a distinct difference between those with American bloodlines vs Scotland/England/Newfoundland
I'm curious to know what you mean by "too much dog". Are you talking about personality qualities like stubbornness or sense of independence or their powerful physical attributes?
I like obedience training because I think it's necessary for a well mannered animal, but I don't do the trials. Our yellow lab was extremely compliant when it came to training. Benji, a golden retriever was also, but he still has a mischievous streak. :biggrin: I can see it in his eyes right before he tests the same limit he's tested from time to time throughout his young life. ;D
Quote from: Sandy Eggo on July 31, 2009, 03:10:11 PM
I'm curious to know what you mean by "too much dog". Are you talking about personality qualities like stubbornness or sense of independence or their powerful physical attributes?
Certainly their physical strength is a factor but I am speaking more to their strength of character, intelligence and attentiveness. Again, these are working dogs so they must be trained and need to feel like they have a job or they get bored and invent ways to amuse themselves that are probably things we'd rather they not do. They can be fiercly protective and are always on so you have to be as well. They also have to be constantly involved in whatever is going on and having a dog constantly at one's side is disconcerting to some people. I'm not one of them but will admit that their constant state of motion makes them seem like they take up a lot more space than you would expect from an 80 lb. dog.
QuoteI like obedience training because I think it's necessary for a well mannered animal, but I don't do the trials. Our yellow lab was extremely compliant when it came to training. Benji, a golden retriever was also, but he still has a mischievous streak. :biggrin: I can see it in his eyes right before he tests the same limit he's tested from time to time throughout his young life. ;D
Correct and I'll take it a step further; obedience training is necessary for a happydog. Being the alpha means having to make the decisions and dogs are much more comfortable without that responsibility.
"obedience training is necessary for a happydog." My dog's obedience training makes me happier with him, but I've some some seemingly happy dogs who had no training.
Quote from: Exterminator on July 31, 2009, 04:00:35 PM
Certainly their physical strength is a factor but I am speaking more to their strength of character, intelligence and attentiveness. Again, these are working dogs so they must be trained and need to feel like they have a job or they get bored and invent ways to amuse themselves that are probably things we'd rather they not do. They can be fiercly protective and are always on so you have to be as well. They also have to be constantly involved in whatever is going on and having a dog constantly at one's side is disconcerting to some people. I'm not one of them but will admit that their constant state of motion makes them seem like they take up a lot more space than you would expect from an 80 lb. dog.
Correct and I'll take it a step further; obedience training is necessary for a happydog. Being the alpha means having to make the decisions and dogs are much more comfortable without that responsibility.
The admiration and respect you have for your dogs is apparent in the way you write about their attributes. I don't know if it's any comfort, but they had it all and they knew it and they had the happiest life a dog could ever hope for.
I thought about my question a little more and kinda came at it from a different angle based on personal experience. In a nutshell, the end result of my thoughts were, powerful dogs don't belong in the hands of idiots. In my case, I was the idiot. ;D
While in college, my boyfriend at the time and I had a rottweiler. He had been in the military, had been to Germany and fell in love with the breed. Like you, he had researched, talked to breeders and was really certain that he knew exactly what he wanted when he got her. She came from very large parents and she was a big girl herself somewhere between 120 and 140. Although she was a big dog, my biggest fear from this oversize puppy was that she'd not want to get up if she laid across my lap and I'd be stuck. :biggrin: My boyfriend did lots of formal obedience training with her and started doing the trials as a hobby. Her size kept her from the "beauty contests", but she did very well in the obedience trials. She was extremely smart.
Anyway, my boyfriend was in the reserves at this point and was away on weekend drills and a co-worker walked me home from work. I walked in the door and she was laying across the couch. The little nub started wagging. I walked towards her and so quickly that I didn't realize what was happening she was up. The guy that walked me home was standing in the foyer and she placed herself between me and the guy with her back hip against my leg, teeth bared and growling. Instinctively, I reached down to grab her collar, but that would have been a futile effort if she would have decided to attack because she could have easily dragged me along behind her. I could feel her muscles shaking against my leg. My co-worker looking like a frozen frog said, "what should I do" and I told him that I thought he should leave. He backed out and closed the door. She ran to the door and sniffed and turned around and trotted back towards me, nub wagging, happy to see me again. LOL I can laugh now, but that could have gotten ugly quickly. I had never needed to control her and had no idea how to do so. Thankfully, she controlled herself.
So, education about pets is good, but when someone is dealing with a pet that is SO powerful, it's vital.
Ex, I haven't been on the Zone in a while, but you hve my sincerest sympathy. I know what it is to lose a beloved friend, companion, family member. Our pets are so much more than just pets. We mourn their loss as deeply and keenly as we do the passing of a human family member.
This is certainly off topic (sorry Ex) but does anyone know if the vets around here use a flea repleeant or killer named Vectr? My daughter has three dogs, a German Shepherd, a cocker spaniel and a St. Bernard. When they lived in FL the vet gave them that to use on the dogs. She says it was very effective. She lives in VA now and the vets there haven't ever heard of it. The Frontline is not working well, she has to use it more often that it recommends. She lives on a horse farm. Thanks
Quote from: Anne on August 09, 2009, 09:26:32 AM
This is certainly off topic (sorry Ex) but does anyone know if the vets around here use a flea repleeant or killer named Vectr? My daughter has three dogs, a German Shepherd, a cocker spaniel and a St. Bernard. When they lived in FL the vet gave them that to use on the dogs. She says it was very effective. She lives in VA now and the vets there haven't ever heard of it. The Frontline is not working well, she has to use it more often that it recommends. She lives on a horse farm. Thanks
The product is called Vectra 3D and works very well but probably shouldn't be used on dogs that are in close contact with cats because it contains permethrin which is highly toxic to them.
Frontline is also an excellent product but I've read that because it's been around so long, some resistance to it has been seen. If your daughter can't get Vectra, tell her to ask for Frontline
Plus...that should take care of her problem.
What type of heartworm medication does she use? I always used Sentinel which also controls fleas and never had any problems with them.
Quote from: Exterminator on August 10, 2009, 09:35:26 AM
The product is called Vectra 3D and works very well but probably shouldn't be used on dogs that are in close contact with cats because it contains permethrin which is highly toxic to them.
Frontline is also an excellent product but I've read that because it's been around so long, some resistance to it has been seen. If your daughter can't get Vectra, tell her to ask for Frontline Plus...that should take care of her problem.
What type of heartworm medication does she use? I always used Sentinel which also controls fleas and never had any problems with them.
Thanks, I will talk to her tonight or tomorrow and ask her about the heartworm medicine. The spaniel is pretty old (15 years) and has had some skin problems that were exacerbated by one of the heartworm medicines so she had to change and I don't remember which one she uses now.