Mans "Best" Friend

[OleBoy]

Not too long ago I (we) spent over $5000.00 (US) to have surgery done on one of our pets. It was a tough decision. He (Pippin) needed surgery on his neck to have bone fragments removed from between the vertebrae. $5000.00, for a dog. YES, a dog. And a very well loved part of the family. Pippin had the surgery and has been doing great ever since.

Earlier this week Pippin had some bumps on his head, neck and back. So, I took him to the vet for a check-up. Dr.John (our veterinarian) took samples of the bumps and sent them to the lab for testing. The next day he (our vet) called.
Pippin has cancer. He is going to slowly die as his body succumbs to a nasty disease. I know. It's "just" a dog. To us, it is one of our kids. Knowing the outcome is going to be very hard. For me.

He has little time. He will be comforted with steroids in hopes that it shrinks (slows) the process. But eventually I will have to say good-bye. This is very hard knowing what's ahead. I haven't been myself since that phone call.

We love our pets.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_ASAz...eature=related

[N2056]

Don, I am sad to hear this news. With the time we have spent talking on Teamspeak and knowing the history of what you have gone through with the little guy I can sort of imagine what a blow this is.

[cheezyflier]

Pippin has cancer. He is going to slowly die as his body succumbs to a nasty disease. I know. It's "just" a dog. To us, it is one of our kids. Knowing the outcome is going to be very hard. For me.

He has little time. He will be comforted with steroids in hopes that it shrinks (slows) the process. But eventually I will have to say good-bye. This is very hard knowing what's ahead. I haven't been myself since that phone call.

We love our pets.

i know that you only say "just a dog" because you are trying to ease the hurt, but lots of us understand that pets are family. most times i like mine better than my blood family

knowing the outcome, i don't understand the prolonging of the suffering. seems like it would be better for everyone to ease his pain and begin to heal yourselves.
be strong, and just say no to creed songs

[papab]

Don,
I am so sorry to hear this news..6 weeks ago we had to put down our 10 year old Yorkie,Bosun. Developed a blood cancer that took him down in 5 days....

My heart is still torn apart but I know he is in a better place.........My thoughts prayers are with you and your family..


The Rainbow bridge poem might help ease the pain a little....

Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.

All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor. Those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind. They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent. His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster. You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart. Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together....

[Milton Shupe]

Don,

I am sorry to hear this news. Our "pets" are indeed family, not owned, but full-fledged members. We have had many and have spent much and that is part of how we care for any member of the familiy. They bring lots of love and joy and deserve the care in return. As with any family member, these things happen to us and them and life must go on. Proper care and timely decisions are important to ease the pain on both sides. My thoughts are with you.

[Daveroo]

sorry to hear this....i can just hope that you and pippin can make the most of what time is left....enjoy pippin and make him as comffy as possible

[rpjkw]

Don, I'm so sorry to hear about your dear family member. We went through the same thing two months ago and not a day goes by that we don't think about Shayna.

The Rainbow Bridge poem bought much comfort; it still does.

Our thoughts and prayers are with Pippin, you, and your family.

And no, it's NOT just a dog. Pippin is a cherished family member and will be forever.

Bob, Susan, and Ginger

[Odie]

Don, sorry to hear. They are truly family members from the moment we take them in or they decide to adopt us.

[Navy Chief]

Don, so sad to hear about Pippin. You know what I went through this past December 23rd, when I had to say goodbye to my beloved Chief.

Just try to dwell on the wonderful memories and joy that having Pippin in your life has brought you. That's the only way I can handle the pain of losing my Chief.

A side note......when my Chief was less than 6 months old, he had to undergo surgery on his hips to repair deformities with his hip sockets. And then almost exactly one year later, his front kneecap muscles blew out. All in all....over a period of 1 1/2 years, I spent over 11K on Chief. Thank God I had the wherewithall to do so, or he would not have been able to make it.

Pets are such an important part of my life. My Siamese, "Twist", is what's keeping me sane these days.

Love Pippin all you can. And be sure to tell him you'll see him at the Rainbow Bridge. That's the last thing I told my Chief.

Pete

[cheezyflier]

A side note......when my Chief was less than 6 months old...

i remember the pics you posted of him. he always had a cool expression on his face. i bet he was a really cool dog