Great photo, @Privateer! Yes, Bella is doing a Superman impression. But I think it's Superman taking a nap after a hard morning of fighting crime.
Well today was a hard day. For background, my little boy has been a bit off colour for a month or so with an occasional cough, not wanting to go for every walk, very picky with his food. 3 weeks ago i took him to the vets and she diagnosed a possible throat infection and put him on a week of antibiotics. It didn't do much so i took him back yesterday. The vet was concerned as he was pretty listless and his breathing was quite laboured. He insisted he go back today for lung tests as 2 years ago he had lungworm and pneumonia and he was concerned it had happened again and wanted to test to make sure it was nothing more than a chest infection. Anyway i got a call at 2 this afternoon, not lungworm or a chest infection but lung cancer with multiple tumours and lung shadows and other indicators that suggested it appeared to have spread to his lymph nodes and liver. He explained they had had a fair amount of trouble keeping him going under the GA to carry out the tests and bringing him round was going to be very risky and that after that, if it was successful, to medicate him enough for me to make a considered opinion would only give him a few days at most. So a decision had to be made, parked up on the side of the road , goodbye my funny, naughty, cheeky and mischievious little man, how i choose to remember you.......
I'm very sorry to hear that. They bring great joy to our lives. Unconditional love is a great gift. The memories of all the good days will remain beyond the pain of loss. From one who has suffered the same loss a number of times,my deepest sympathy.
Sorry Stinger. My sister sent me this when one of hers passed: 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...
My heart breaks for you, stinger. My deepest condolences to you on the loss of your little buddy. It's so hard to let them go and when they do, they always take a piece of your heart with them. Thank you for sharing that wonderful photo of your friend. May your memories of him as a happy and healthy boy remain clear and strong.
Very sorry for you stinger, I know that it's a hard decision to make but it was saving him from more pain, I had to go through the same pain when I had to let my dog Holly go. My thoughts are with you. Geoff
