Took the dogs for their walk last night - everything was fine. At 9:30 I noticed Dakota, the male, was standing and shaking with a pained expression. I called Mary in to look at him. She felt his abdomen and thought he had bloat - the stomach twists and closes completely. No way for any gasses etc to escape and they bloat.
We rushed to the emergency animal clinic. The Vet on duty confirmed with xrays that he had bloat. We were given 3 choices. 1) do nothing and he will die painfully in about an hour. 2) Put him down 3) Try surgery, expensive but the success rate if caught soon enough is in the 65%-80% range.
The surgery began and lasted about 3 1/2 hours. We went home at 1:30 a.m. The surgery went as expected and we expected full recovery. At 3:30 a.m. the vet called, Dakota went into cardiac arrest and is now gone.
Sleep well good friend. May your soul be bound in everlasting peace. You were loyal to a fault, and will be sorely missed.
Posted by SS 891 (Member # 1968) on :
I am very sorry to hear this news. I know that if anything happened to one of our dogs, it would be devistating.
You will be in our thoughts and prayers...
Posted by Thom Mackesy (Member # 264) on :
Posted by 35TH ED/ed (Member # 1709) on :
Sorry to hear Hawkeye .
Posted by 2002Z4CSS (Member # 1393) on :
I am so sorry to hear this. I almost cried just reading this post. Sorry for your loss Brian. Dakota was a beautiful dog and a very well manered dog.I am thankful I had got to know him. Dakota died doing what he loved...the walks you gave him everyday.May he rest in Peace.
[ 11. February 2004, 02:18 PM: Message edited by: 2002Z4CSS ]
Posted by Rhode Island Red (Member # 220) on :
that is aweful ... glad you enjoyed Dakota's company for the time he was here Posted by Old Coyote (Member # 1343) on :
So very sorry to hear of the loss of your family member .............. and yes, they are family members. Being "dog people" we know what a tremendous loss you have suffered. Cindy and my condolences go out to you and Mary .......... rest assured he had a wonderful life with you, and you will see him again at the Rainbow Bridge
John & Cindy
Posted by Sizzle (Member # 503) on :
Sorry to heard that Brian. The one time I did visit your house, seemed like those dogs were a big part of the family. I'll say some prayers for your family.
Posted by Elie Garfinkel (Member # 1635) on :
Oh man, I am so very sorry to hear this news My heartfelt sympathies go out to your family. Cherish the memories.
Best regardSS,
Elie
Posted by Harry P (Member # 533) on :
Sorry to hear... he was as lucky to have you as you were to have him. Only time heals. Good luck.
Posted by cytruffle (Member # 1733) on :
Oh, Brian....I am so, so sorry to hear this news. I could tell from what you have written about them just how much you and your family love these dogs, and I know it is devastating to lose one. Rest assured, he knows he was loved very much and that you did your very best to take good care of him.
And thank you, Greg, for the beautiful pictures of this magnificent animal....I know Brian appreciates them, as do we.
Peace be with you and your family.
Posted by Hawkeye (Member # 88) on :
Thanks all, your words are comforting. Greg, thank you so much for the photos. We have an album full, but none I am able to post.
Brian.
Posted by 10thhawk103 (Member # 2033) on :
Sorry to hear of your loss. Just remember, he'll be waiting for you on the other side of the bridge.
The Rainbow Bridge
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....
Author unknown...
Posted by 2002Z4CSS (Member # 1393) on :
quote:Originally posted by Hawkeye: Thanks all, your words are comforting. Greg, thank you so much for the photos. We have an album full, but none I am able to post.
Brian.
Sorry for the big pictures,but they were all I had of Dakota.If there is anything Kathy and I can do, please don't hesitate to ask.
Posted by CamaroSCG (Member # 1591) on :
I'm sorry to hear of your loss, I've felt your pain. Two of the three Akita's (Bandit, Yetti, and Bear) I had went that way. Big dogs are more of a risk with the bloat.
Posted by Flamin' bird (Member # 786) on :
Oh my...Im really sorry Posted by Archs89 (Member # 1086) on :
Brian ,
Sorry to hear of your lost , just went through same thing with my Dad's poodle which he had for 13 years ,
Arch
Posted by JeffY (Member # 120) on :
Brian-I'm so sorry for you. I'm glad we got to know him-he was a very neat dog. What more can anyone say?
Posted by Hawk196 (Member # 2175) on :
Brian, sorry for your loss. How old was he?
Tom
Posted by Steve da Wrench (Member # 1301) on :
Posted by Orange 01 SS (Member # 1700) on :
Posted by xero (Member # 2001) on :
Very sorry for the loss I cannot even imagine losing my Jakedog Posted by poSSum (Member # 119) on :
So sorry to hear that Brian. I know how you love the dogs and am hurting with you. Posted by Hawkeye (Member # 88) on :
quote:Originally posted by Hawk196: Brian, sorry for your loss. How old was he?
Tom
8 years old. Posted by Sideshow (Member # 1231) on :
So sorry to hear that. Posted by MY02SSLE (Member # 2178) on :
Brian, I am so sorry to hear that Dakota has passed away. Posted by 2K1SunsetSS (Member # 854) on :
I am so sorry to hear that. Posted by DWS (Member # 2009) on :
so very sorry to see your post Brian Posted by JohnS (Member # 1073) on :
Sorry to hear about your loss, Brain.
Posted by Steven2000SS (Member # 780) on :
Sorry for your loss.. our dogs are family here so we can relate to the pain of your loss..
Just know you did all your could Posted by mhayman (Member # 146) on :
Brian,
So sorry for your loss. It gave me chills because a few years back my sister lost her german shepherd, Max, to the EXACT same thing. He was even the same age. It is a terrible thing to lose a loved one in the family. Dakota was a gorgeous animal and it sounds like you gave him a great home.
My thoughts are with you.
Mark
[ 11. February 2004, 11:25 AM: Message edited by: mhayman ]
Posted by SVT THIS (Member # 1352) on :
Wow Brian, so sorry to hear. You all are in my thoughts and prayers. He's definitely in a better place now. Posted by HTWLSS (Member # 117) on :
I'm sorry for the loss of Dakota, Brian. Posted by twobratSS (Member # 2180) on :
Bryan and I are so sorry for your loss. We lost one of our pugs, Marla, when I was 8 months pregnant. The only thing that got me over it was the birth of our son. Its so hard to lose a pet, but I cant imagine life without them! Prayers coming your way...
Posted by TimeLord (Member # 1389) on :
Sorry to hear that,,,,,, Posted by 01ss87iroc (Member # 1763) on :
Sorry for your loss... Posted by amy00ss (Member # 106) on :
Sorry to hear about your loss! My prayers are with you and Mary!
Posted by Jeff F (Member # 1587) on :
Sorry to hear Condition usually happens in large breed dogs. They will typically eat or drink to fast.
Posted by GiT (Member # 1819) on :
Very sad. I send my condolences. Posted by 35th_camaro_ss (Member # 1738) on :
So Sorry to hear of the loss, I know pets are really family members, I remember meeting your dogs, so big and so friendly. Al
Posted by Blu SS 98 (Member # 1812) on :
Sorry to hear of your loss.
Posted by Opie (Member # 2007) on :
All doggies go to heaven, having only one sin, loving man... Posted by ss_rs_z (Member # 1888) on :
Brian I am really sorry my friend. Pets are a part of the family and when you lose one it really hurts.
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family my friend. Take care. Posted by KenC (Member # 189) on :
Brian. sorry i didnt respond sooner. ive been very busy and had not check this forum. im so sorry my good friend. you know how i feel about animals.....and what they mean to us. i grieve with you broh. may you meet at the bridge someday.
im with ya.
luvUman
ken
Posted by gauSSian (Member # 2027) on :
you have my utmost sympathy.
I had a female St. Bernard, Lulu, die from bloat. She was 12 years old and the vet put her chances of recovery at less than 25% so I had to make the difficult decision to have her put down. She was in terrible pain, a horrible thing to happen to a dog.
[ 11. February 2004, 06:55 PM: Message edited by: gauSSian ]
Posted by DaddySS (Member # 848) on :
So sorry to hear this Brian, my heart goes out to you and the family. Posted by mattp (Member # 2140) on :
sorry to hear that Posted by SteelHorse (Member # 1725) on :
Very sorry for your loss. Pets are family and I know it hurts.
Posted by Big A (Member # 1761) on :
Very sad news. Posted by Diggler's HMS (Member # 1067) on :
Sorry to hear of your loss. I can relate closely with the loss of our dog of 14 years a few months ago. It was hard, I honestly had no clue it would affect me like it did. It was certainly like I lost a little sister or something. The part that made it so painful was that in was in such a short period of time. Our dog was old, and she was starting to show her age with her walking/etc. We knew she had arthritis, we even gave her baby tylenol to help relieve that pain. I came home from work like any normal day, to find my family to be a little "quite".....moreso that normal. Come to find out our dog had been pretty still most of the day, we knew she was in pain. We took her to the vet, and did what was best for her. We had to put her down. I for one couldnt stand to see her in pain, neither could my family. Hell I did all I could to fight back a tear typing that up, but I couldnt stop it.
You were doing was the best for your dog, just know that. Also know that there wasnt any pain, so he didnt suffer when his time came. I posted the loss of my family's dog on 1 or 2 boards, only ones that I knew would get replies from people that had been in my shoes. It helped out alot, I got the best advice of all, which helped me through the loss: Dont remember his passing, remember all the good times you had with him. I read that everyday for the next few weeks.........it works.
We recently got another dog.....same specie, Teacup Poodle. Over the past few months, it has been great. We even see alot of the same traits with the new puppy. All of us reflect back to how our last poodle acted, etc. Heck, even sometimes we call the puppy by our last dogs name.
Speaking of the devil.....here is "Jojo".....
RIP Tasha....
I wish the best for you and your family. Time helped for sure, but dont forget those memories.
[ 11. February 2004, 09:48 PM: Message edited by: Diggler's HMS ]
Posted by Bello SS (Member # 1304) on :
I am very sorry for your loss...... Posted by chrisL (Member # 97) on :
Brian, he lived a wonderful life. I was glad I got to meet him. He was a great dog!
My sympathies my friend.
Posted by fenton23 (Member # 878) on :
I'm also very sorry to hear of your loss Brian. There's a very special bond that seems to happen with dogs, and it's something to always be treasured. Time will help the hurt, but he'll always be with you in some way. And that's good.
Posted by Doug 97SS #1499 (Member # 100) on :
Hawkeye as a dog owner myself, I am so sorry for your loss. But you did everything you could to save your beloved Dakota.
Please take the time to read this poem. I hope it helps in someway.
The Rainbow Bridge
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....
Posted by Joey Red (Member # 550) on :
Brian, so sorry to hear. Posted by KevinA (Member # 139) on :
Posted by Hawkeye (Member # 88) on :
quote:Originally posted by Doug 97SS #1499: Hawkeye as a dog owner myself, I am so sorry for your loss. But you did everything you could to save your beloved Dakota.
Please take the time to read this poem. I hope it helps in someway.
The Rainbow Bridge
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....
Amen - thanks.
Posted by NATESS (Member # 982) on :
Brian that is horrible. I am so sorry for your loss. looks like Dakota was a Great Pirynese (spelling). i used to have one of those growing up named Shayna, they are beautiful dogs.
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