Pet request (bummer alert)

[buzzycrumbhunger]

I don't know why I let myself get suckered into this because I'm still feeling raw. My sweet puppy died suddenly Jan. 26 with almost no warning. Simply stopped eating for a couple days and by the time I got her in to the vet first thing that morning thinking she might have a bowel obstruction, we discovered what were apparently breast tumors. I had skipped her grooming for two weeks because she was in heat and her little bottom was so puffy and tender I didn't have the heart to subject her to a detangling. The grooming before that, she had nothing palpable, and we had a routine of full-body massages that she loved, which also would have alerted me. Within those couple weeks, it had metastasized to her armpits and who knows where else. She literally went from a bouncy, happy girl to a very listless and grim picture in a matter of a weekend.

Whilst discussing how aggressive I wanted them to be (we were looking at a minimum of $1700 right off the bat, and she was obviously in pain and her prognosis was dire), she looked up at me and said, "Ooohh," and died. I'm sure she hung on for my benefit and probably let go so I didn't have to make the decision.

My point in subjecting everyone to such a sad story is that I had intended to breed her, so never had her spayed. About the time she was old enough to breed, I realized she was prone to ear infections (tiny canals that held moisture and grew yeast) and it would be irresponsible to pass that trait on. A strictly indoor dog, it just never occurred to me that spaying her was necessary. She was only 9 years old. In the end, that decision apparently made her more susceptible to breast cancer. Moral of the story is to please, please, please have your pets spayed. It's not just for population control.

I made the mistake of looking on our local animal shelter's website (no, not ready for a new baby so I can't explain what masochism made me look) and it's a heartbreaker. Most of the dogs are pit pulls and Jack Russells (a whole 'nuther rant there), but there must be over 200 cats waiting for homes, too. They subsequently guilted me into entering a photo contest for the Humane Society's Spay Day 2009, with the idea that I could choose a charity and every vote my dog gets will mean money for my nearest participating shelter. The request part is if you've stuck with me through this depressing wall of text, you might http://photocontest.humanesociety.org/contest.html?page=viewInd&id=35454&contestId=1">click through and vote for Ailís. Alternatively, you might look at your own local shelter's site and consider helping them directly. It's just inconceivable to me that so many people treat pets as disposable goods.

[lukasahero]

1. I'm so sorry for your loss

And I understand the masochism of "browsing" - I was there not too long ago myself. Give yourself time, I'm sure the pain is near unbearable right now but someday, when you're ready, you'll find a new companion to fill at least some of the hole.

I was going to enter my own pup in the HSUS spay day contest, but after reading your story, I think I will pass and vote for your Ailis instead. :hug: Bella will have her day. This year, I'd like to honor your pup. :hug: :cry: She was a real cutie.

[buzzycrumbhunger]

3. Awww. Thanks!

:hug:

[NYC_SKP]

2. DU: Spay or Neuter your Pets!!!

buzzycrumbhunger, I'm so sorry for your loss.

My subject line is directed toward those who might pass on reading the full, sad but important, story.

Our best wishes are with you and Ailis's family.

She'll always be your love.

Warmly, NYC_SKP and Ginny (pound puppy)

[buzzycrumbhunger]

5. Thanks for distilling it to the point

I knew it was too long for most people's attention spans, but that whole brevity thing and I never got along well. . . :eyes:

[catzies]

4. So sorry for the loss of your beautiful, beloved dog.

May you be comforted by your memories of unconditional love and know that she waits for you at the Rainbow Bridge.

[buzzycrumbhunger]

6. Thanks, catzies

:)