Our Golden just died

[Tab]

and I think she knew it was happening.

She was 14 years old (most Goldens go to about 10 or 12)

She stopped eating - after we realized this was a serious pattern we called the vet and got her in for a check. Turns out she had a major tumor off her spleen.

After some discussion we decided to try to operate - she was in generally good health otherwise - slowing down, but not an invalid.

Since she hadn't eaten for 4 or 5 days at that point, we took her home, hoping she'd eat at home (she didn't at the vet's).

Finally we decided she wasn't getting any better - indeed, she was getting worse - not eating, incontinent (and not the bladder, unfortunately), and just looking weak.

Operated on a Friday - actually had a major windstorm and lost power during the operation, but they pulled it off anyway, removed a large tumor.

Still, she never recovered, never went back to eating.

Finally tried force-feeding her (squirting liquid food down her throat) hoping to jumpstart her appetite. Didn't work.

Took her out for a walk to pee, brought her back (she couldn't really walk anymore), she laid down in front of the woodstove, and died.

As sad as it was, she was 14, and damn, if I'm going to die, I'd rather die in front of a warm woodstove, then in a hospital with tubes down my throat.

She had a good life, and more than once I had looked at her and, if this was the old west, I would have said, she was fixin' to die. I think she knew it - we just didn't want to believe it.

[Tammie]

1. Aw, so sorry to hear this

It's always so hard to lose a pet. She was a part of your family for so long. At least take comfort in knowing that she died at home, in a familiar place she loved.

[CottonBear]

2. I am so sorry.

Goldens are so special.

Peace. CB :hug:

[RebelOne]

3. So sorry for your loss.

But as you said she had a good life and you made her happy during her short time here.

[Robeson]

4. So sorry Tab...

...so very sorry.

[HamdenRice]

5. I'm so sorry for you and for her

It sounded like she led a great life, for which she will be greatful for eternity.

[legally blonde]

6. I am so sorry for your loss. . .

:hug:

[City Lights]

7. I'm very sorry for your loss.

:hug:

[prozacnation]

8. Sorry for your loss

I hope that your memories will help to give you comfort. You obviously loved your dog very much and it sounds like she had a great 14 years.

[Branjor]

9. I am so sorry.....

May she rest in peace :hug:

[wildeyed]

10. I am sorry to hear that.

Sounds like you did everything you could, and also, you had a chance to say goodbye. When my BC died recently, I was very grateful to have a few weeks with her, knowing she was probably going to pass, before she actually did. It gave us time to say goodbye.

[IndyOp]

11. I am so sorry. Their lives are so short.

:cry:

Thank you for reminding us all to treasure each day -- O8)

[jschurchin]

12. I'm so sorry for your loss.

O8) She is with the angels now.

[The Velveteen Ocelot]

13. A good dog, a good life. RIP.

[smurfygirl]

14. Losing them is the hardest thing in this life

They are children, afterall all.
I understand the loss and how heavy it can feel. I have lost a couple but one almost made me lose myself.
Write when you need to, most of us know what a heavy heart feels like.
I'm sure your love is in heaven telling her angels about how good you were to her. Your right, I let my love die at home and am grateful that her last breath was taken in her place in this world, that gave me some peace in the overwhelming grief I carried, and to some extent still do.
I hope sweet dreams of your love happen for you till your heart lifts up again, she would want that.

Peace

[Carla in Ca]

15. Tab, you are in our thoughts tonight.

Our 5 year-old had emergency surgery last night for a ruptured gall bladder. It is always serious when they stop eating. Bless you for all you did for your girl and giving her such a wonderful life.:hug:

[Eurobabe]

16. Aww, so sorry Tab...

My assistant lost her beloved Bijon this past weekend, he had a major stroke, it's so hard. :hug: Hang in there and know that she (and my friend's Bodhi) are in a better place. -48

[BrklynLiberal]

17. I am so sorry you lost your sweet Golden. They are always a treasure.

They are ike our little fur children, and we mourn them as such.
I have a friend who says that our dogs are buried in our hearts, in that niche that they create for themselves there. That is how we can always have them close to us.
She will always be a part of you.
:cry: :hug:

[japple]

18. It's remarkable that she lived to be 14. She was very happy with

your family and you were rewarded with her company for many years. Rest in peace sweet girl. I know you are grieving for her and will hold you in my thoughts.

[ernstbass]

19. My thoughts are with you

[ET Awful]

20. Sorry to hear it.

You did right by her. I'm sure she appreciated it. :hug:

[roguevalley]

21. I'm so sorry, honey. So very, very sorry.

[demnan]

22. I'm so sorry

Its so hard to lose a wonderful member of the family but she had such a wonderful life and was loved. :hug:

[CottonBear]

23. I am so very sorry.

:hug:

I had a wonderful Golden named Ben. He loved until 10. Your baby was 14 which is amazing.

Take care. :hug: