Monday the 14th was a terrible day in our home. Our grand dog Mac died in the early morning hours. We were keeping him for our oldest son who is in the Air Force. We had had him with us this time for 8 months, and we had had him for 9 months a few years ago. Mac was really enjoying his stay with us this time, he had a big yard to romp in, and I was home with him almost all the time. To say his life was pretty good at our house was an understatement.
What killed him was a tumor on his spleen that ruptured. Come to find out, they are not uncommon on large older dogs (Mac was 12). Some live with them without a problem, others, like Mac, have them rupture. The only indication that something was wrong was on Friday evening. He went from his normal self, to laying down and being listless. We called the Vet, inspected Mac, but could not see anything outwardly wrong. No signs of stress, his gums were pink, etc. We just shrugged it off to an upset stomach due to a possible raid on the cat litter box.
Saturday morning he is up and about, and back to normal. Sunday all is well again. Melody get up at 2am Monday morning to go to the bathroom, and he is sleeping on the floor, on her side of the bed.
Monday at 6:30 she gets up and Mac is not on her side. She walks around to my side and does not see him. She then asks if I had let him out? I answer "no", and she goes off searching the house. Moments later as I am getting out of bed she calls for me. In another moment she cries out that Mac is dead. He was laying next to the sliding doors in the dining room, cold and stiff.
We took him back to the Vet that morning to find out what had happened. Later we looked up the issue on the internet to learn more.
We got very close to him. He was part of darn near anything we did around the house. He liked to stay close and keep a watchful eye out. I'm trying to mow this morning and having a tough time doing it. He would keep me in view wherever I mowed, following me as I made my way around the yard. Not having him there is tough. :'(
We sent him out for cremation to a place in Ft. Wayne that places the ashes in rose gardens. We have two other dogs there, as well as a couple of cats. Mac will be in good company. Greg was in Texas for training at the time, so we called him that evening with the bad news. He took it well, and said he was glad Mac was with us, and not in some kennel in California. He was with family who loved him, and always will.
(http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t271/mr442/Mack2large.jpg)
:'(
Quote from: Mr442 on May 16, 2012, 10:14:44 AM
Monday the 14th was a terrible day in our home. Our grand dog Mac died in the early morning hours. We were keeping him for our oldest son who is in the Air Force. We had had him with us this time for 8 months, and we had had him for 9 months a few years ago. Mac was really enjoying his stay with us this time, he had a big yard to romp in, and I was home with him almost all the time. To say his life was pretty good at our house was an understatement.
What killed him was a tumor on his spleen that ruptured. Come to find out, they are not uncommon on large older dogs (Mac was 12). Some live with them without a problem, others, like Mac, have them rupture. The only indication that something was wrong was on Friday evening. He went from his normal self, to laying down and being listless. We called the Vet, inspected Mac, but could not see anything outwardly wrong. No signs of stress, his gums were pink, etc. We just shrugged it off to an upset stomach due to a possible raid on the cat litter box.
Saturday morning he is up and about, and back to normal. Sunday all is well again. Melody get up at 2am Monday morning to go to the bathroom, and he is sleeping on the floor, on her side of the bed.
Monday at 6:30 she gets up and Mac is not on her side. She walks around to my side and does not see him. She then asks if I had let him out? I answer "no", and she goes off searching the house. Moments later as I am getting out of bed she calls for me. In another moment she cries out that Mac is dead. He was laying next to the sliding doors in the dining room, cold and stiff.
We took him back to the Vet that morning to find out what had happened. Later we looked up the issue on the internet to learn more.
We got very close to him. He was part of darn near anything we did around the house. He liked to stay close and keep a watchful eye out. I'm trying to mow this morning and having a tough time doing it. He would keep me in view wherever I mowed, following me as I made my way around the yard. Not having him there is tough. :'(
We sent him out for cremation to a place in Ft. Wayne that places the ashes in rose gardens. We have two other dogs there, as well as a couple of cats. Mac will be in good company. Greg was in Texas for training at the time, so we called him that evening with the bad news. He took it well, and said he was glad Mac was with us, and not in some kennel in California. He was with family who loved him, and always will.
(http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t271/mr442/Mack2large.jpg)
Damn man. I hate that this happened. My condolences. :'(
Our dog is going on 5 years old and I am dreading when his time comes. It is losing a member of the immediate family and tears you up.
Its easy to take for granted the unconditional love and devotion of our dogs. They are always there and always ready to please; until they are not. And that day is always way too soon.
I love the way you memorialized him, and I am sure he does too. :yes:
I am very sorry for your loss. Losing a member of the family ....
I'm so sorry, they are like children and it is so hard to lose a pet.
R.I.P Mac :'(
Sorry for your loss...I know the pain.
Thanks for the kind words.
Quote from: Mr442 on May 16, 2012, 10:14:44 AM
Monday the 14th was a terrible day in our home. Our grand dog Mac died in the early morning hours. We were keeping him for our oldest son who is in the Air Force. We had had him with us this time for 8 months, and we had had him for 9 months a few years ago. Mac was really enjoying his stay with us this time, he had a big yard to romp in, and I was home with him almost all the time. To say his life was pretty good at our house was an understatement.
What killed him was a tumor on his spleen that ruptured. Come to find out, they are not uncommon on large older dogs (Mac was 12). Some live with them without a problem, others, like Mac, have them rupture. The only indication that something was wrong was on Friday evening. He went from his normal self, to laying down and being listless. We called the Vet, inspected Mac, but could not see anything outwardly wrong. No signs of stress, his gums were pink, etc. We just shrugged it off to an upset stomach due to a possible raid on the cat litter box.
Saturday morning he is up and about, and back to normal. Sunday all is well again. Melody get up at 2am Monday morning to go to the bathroom, and he is sleeping on the floor, on her side of the bed.
Monday at 6:30 she gets up and Mac is not on her side. She walks around to my side and does not see him. She then asks if I had let him out? I answer "no", and she goes off searching the house. Moments later as I am getting out of bed she calls for me. In another moment she cries out that Mac is dead. He was laying next to the sliding doors in the dining room, cold and stiff.
We took him back to the Vet that morning to find out what had happened. Later we looked up the issue on the internet to learn more.
We got very close to him. He was part of darn near anything we did around the house. He liked to stay close and keep a watchful eye out. I'm trying to mow this morning and having a tough time doing it. He would keep me in view wherever I mowed, following me as I made my way around the yard. Not having him there is tough. :'(
We sent him out for cremation to a place in Ft. Wayne that places the ashes in rose gardens. We have two other dogs there, as well as a couple of cats. Mac will be in good company. Greg was in Texas for training at the time, so we called him that evening with the bad news. He took it well, and said he was glad Mac was with us, and not in some kennel in California. He was with family who loved him, and always will.
(http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t271/mr442/Mack2large.jpg)
It is absolutely wonderful how the dog, though all of the years man has existed can intertwine it's self into a man and family's live become a true member of the pack.
I had 4 true friends in my life over the years, Queenie 1, Queenie 2, Ruff 1 and Ruff2. Man, I sure know how you feel. :'(
Troll, not that it is any of my business or really a big deal, but Queenie and Ruff are the only two names you could muster up? 1 and 2!...that made me giggle. ;D
But you are right on how those awsome creatures can steal your heart.
Quote from: Mr442 on May 16, 2012, 10:14:44 AM
Monday the 14th was a terrible day in our home. Our grand dog Mac died in the early morning hours. We were keeping him for our oldest son who is in the Air Force. We had had him with us this time for 8 months, and we had had him for 9 months a few years ago. Mac was really enjoying his stay with us this time, he had a big yard to romp in, and I was home with him almost all the time. To say his life was pretty good at our house was an understatement.
What killed him was a tumor on his spleen that ruptured. Come to find out, they are not uncommon on large older dogs (Mac was 12). Some live with them without a problem, others, like Mac, have them rupture. The only indication that something was wrong was on Friday evening. He went from his normal self, to laying down and being listless. We called the Vet, inspected Mac, but could not see anything outwardly wrong. No signs of stress, his gums were pink, etc. We just shrugged it off to an upset stomach due to a possible raid on the cat litter box.
Saturday morning he is up and about, and back to normal. Sunday all is well again. Melody get up at 2am Monday morning to go to the bathroom, and he is sleeping on the floor, on her side of the bed.
Monday at 6:30 she gets up and Mac is not on her side. She walks around to my side and does not see him. She then asks if I had let him out? I answer "no", and she goes off searching the house. Moments later as I am getting out of bed she calls for me. In another moment she cries out that Mac is dead. He was laying next to the sliding doors in the dining room, cold and stiff.
We took him back to the Vet that morning to find out what had happened. Later we looked up the issue on the internet to learn more.
We got very close to him. He was part of darn near anything we did around the house. He liked to stay close and keep a watchful eye out. I'm trying to mow this morning and having a tough time doing it. He would keep me in view wherever I mowed, following me as I made my way around the yard. Not having him there is tough. :'(
We sent him out for cremation to a place in Ft. Wayne that places the ashes in rose gardens. We have two other dogs there, as well as a couple of cats. Mac will be in good company. Greg was in Texas for training at the time, so we called him that evening with the bad news. He took it well, and said he was glad Mac was with us, and not in some kennel in California. He was with family who loved him, and always will.
(http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t271/mr442/Mack2large.jpg)
I'm with you, 442.
Lost my pal earlier this year after 14 years.
Every time I think about it, I start to tear up.
Hang in there.
Quote from: Henry Hawk on May 17, 2012, 10:43:29 AM
Troll, not that it is any of my business or really a big deal, but Queenie and Ruff are the only two names you could muster up? 1 and 2!...that made me giggle. ;D
But you are right on how those awsome creatures can steal your heart.
Queenie was a Fox Terrier and to honor her we bought another Fox Terrier and just had to name her Queenie. Several years later we had a mixed dog and we named him Ruff, that went along with his nickname Ruffy. He died and I bought a German Pointer and to honor old Ruff we named the new dog Ruff and then he had to die and leave us. Just haven't had the heart to buy another Queenie or another Ruff. :walkdog:
If I were to go out and get another Shepard, it would probably end up being named Mac, in honor of Mac. That's part of the reason I am waiting a while for the hurt to subside before even considering another one.
In the meantime, Cody the Shih Tzu gets the hair petted off of him. He doesn't know why, he just goes along with it.
I'm so sorry for your loss. I've been there more than once. :(
Our pup's name is the same as one of my father's dogs. Max. Dads dog and I "bonded" very early on, and he was a most excellent companion and guardian for a young man of my age back then. And smart as a whip.
So, when we got our little pup, that was the name I bestowed upon him; and like those of you who have already stated, in honor of a past loyal companion who long ago crossed over. . .
Quote from: Mr442 on May 17, 2012, 01:18:24 PM
If I were to go out and get another Shepard, it would probably end up being named Mac, in honor of Mac. That's part of the reason I am waiting a while for the hurt to subside before even considering another one.
In the meantime, Cody the Shih Tzu gets the hair petted off of him. He doesn't know why, he just goes along with it.
I am sure you know this but I am going to say it anyway. Our canine friends very often are not chosen by us inasmuch as we are chosen by them. One day, when the time is right, fate will bring you and your new companion face to face and it will be an instant karmic connection that will not be denied.
:yes: :yes: :yes:
I had a neighbor when I was growing up, who had German Shepards who were all named, BINGO.
When one died, they got another one. Last count I had on them was up to Bingo #3.
I guess they really liked that name. I thought it was odd, but they were happy.
:yes: That is so true.