I'm Going To Lose A Family Member

One of our German Shepherds was diagnosed with bone cancer. She was a rescue from Animal Control about 11 years ago. At the time we had another one named "Casey" and wanted to have playmates.

Well, the new dog followed Casey everywhere, so we called her "Shadow". We lost Casey to liver cancer about 4 years ago. Within a week I rescued another GSD that was already named Katey.

Shadow, now about 12 years old has been a medical nemesis. She has had a tumor removed from her right front ankle three different times @ about $600 each time.

She had TPLO surgery (Tibial Leveling Plateau Osteotomy) on a rear leg @ $3200. She has torn the other front ankle ligament. So, she has only one good leg, manages to get around, and has high spirits. The medication for her cancer symptoms costs $56 for 10 days. We were told she has about 4 months or less to live. We keep her as comfortable as possible.

What was a coincidence was our getting a new puppy a week or so ago that we named "Heidi". I can't say that Shadow sees Heidi as her replacement, but the new dog gives new life to the other two. Heidi will be a distraction for Katey when Shadow is no longer with us. They were very close. We will miss her.

I am sorry you are going to lose Shadow. I wish you many loving days with her

This is always a difficult time. Cherish the time you have left with Shadow, and when she is gone, she will have a special place in your heart and will live on forever in your fond memories.

Sending lots of to you.

They truly are our family members. What heartbreak they bring us at the end. But take solace in the fact she has had a good, happy life and her time on earth has been good.

I am glad you have a new dog to make the transition easier for the other one.

My prayers are with you and your family and Shadow.

I'm so sorry!

It's really tough losing them, even though we know from the beginning that their time with us is limited. Many that Shadow's remaining days are a time all of you can cherish.

Sorry to hear this

I'm so very sorry.

I'm so sorry.

I'm so sorry!

It was an omen. Last night about 5 P.M., we lost power in our neighborhood. So, LOML and I played scrabble by candlelight. It was so quiet in the house, that the only real sounds we heard were the dogs breathing near our feet.

It was an eerie kind of quiet. It was also the third night that Shadow refused her food. She had only a few drinks of water for a few days. We've had to administer her meds jammed in a cut piece of hot dog, or peanut butter for her to accept it.

It was during this silent time we both decided that it's time to give her up. I dreaded the thought of making that kind of decision. It makes me wonder that in having her treated since she was diagnosed to be terminal, was to keep her as long as possible for our good or hers. We both thought that we would allow her to be as comfortable as possible until the time came.

Well, the time came, and I almost wish she would have died on her own. This morning I made the appointment. I took her outside one last time before driving her to the Vet. She hobbled out in the yard and did her business. I sat down and she came and lay next to me on the grass. It was cold out there, about mid 40's, but the sun was shining, and there was a brisk wind. I sat there with her for about an hour just petting her head, and rubbing her ears. She was sniffing the air. We made a pretty sight. It would have been a great photograph...a man and his dog.

I got teary eyed knowing this would be her last time in her yard. By the time we came inside she was ready. I stayed with her in the treatment room and held her head. She dozed off quietly and quickly. She was no longer in any discomfort. I've always asked myself why do we set ourselves up for times like this. Having gone through this several times, it's for the unselfish love that they have for us.

I'm so sorry RIP Shadow

I had to put my little boy down in June.... and I think you are exactly right, the complete love they give us more than makes up for the pain

I'm very sorry to hear about Shadow, believe me I know how much it hurts.

Oh, I'm so sorry about your baby.

I'm very sorry the time came. RIP, Shadow.

I am so very sorry. I hope the new puppy helps your heart heal. Dixie who we have had a year on Friday helped a lot after Rocky & Jenny died our big old dogs.. but we waited a year for another dog and she came into my shelter I work at the perfect time.. and she has helped our hearts heal so much but the hurt will always be there. (((hugs)))

A big for you sweetheart. You did the right thing... Rest in peace Shadow.

I am so, so sorry for your loss of Shadow. Now she is over the Bridge healthy and happy. We must believe in this.

I'm so sorry. Shadow is in a beautiful place where there is no more pain. You did the right thing letting your baby go. Doing the right thing for them is always the hardest thing for us...