RIP Vanny Booger

[Rigon]

I had to take my dog, Vanny, to the vet today. He was very lethargic and couldn't urinate. Turns out he had 4-5 gallstones blocking his urinary track. The vet said it would take 2 to 3 surgeries to fix and cost just under $1600. My wife and I always said we wouldn't go into debt for one of the dogs and since he was quite advanced in age, we decided to have him put to sleep. We will be taking him to my in-laws farm tonight for burial. He loves going to the farm. I happy he is no longer in pain and I was with him at the end holding him so he wasn't alone, but I feel like somone ripped my heart out. He is such a good boy. Papa and Mama love you Vanny.

R-

[redwullf]

I had to take my dog, Vanny, to the vet today. He was very lethargic and couldn't urinate. Turns out he had 4-5 gallstones blocking his urinary track. The vet said it would take 2 to 3 surgeries to fix and cost just under $1600. My wife and I always said we wouldn't go into debt for one of the dogs and since he was quite advanced in age, we decided to have him put to sleep. We will be taking him to my in-laws farm tonight for burial. He loves going to the farm. I happy he is no longer in pain and I was with him at the end holding him so he wasn't alone, but I feel like somone ripped my heart out. He is such a good boy. Papa and Mama love you Vanny.

R-

Please accept my condolences for your loss.

I have a very old dog ("Uncle Fester") who has lately been unable to finish his food in one sitting (as of this week). I suspect he is on the way out now and will be sharing in your pain soon.

[Lurker]

Man, sorry to hear that. You have my sympathy ...

It just reminded me of one of the few times I saw my dad cry, when we had to bury his dog under an ancient Oak tree out behind the ole home. So, yeah you have my truly heartfelt sympathy

[DeadReborn]

Truly sorry. I lost my German Sheapard Hans almost two years ago. I still miss him, but I try to think about the happiness and joy he provided our family.

[Omote]

Sorry bro, that is a shame. Sometimes creatures so small have such a big heart. Tho I didn't know you Vanny, you'll be missed.

~O

[Geleg]

oh, man, I feel your pain and sadness. We've got a 10+-year old lab mix who's slowing down, and I just dread the day that you've just described.

stay strong!

[koralas]

My condolences, I know your pain and have had that experience on far to many occasions.

My last dog, Missy (short for Miss B'haven) was the worst of those experiences. I was able to rescue her as a puppy from a neglectful home. She was a very depressed puppy, very thin, in good health, but she didn't really do much and I don't think she would have lasted long. My sister mentioned her to me as she saw her at the home next to a stable where she had her horse. Missy was always just laying in the same spot in the yard. I approached the owner and was given permission to take her... a pure breed German wire-haired Pointer. A great hunting breed, but she hated loud noises...

Well after just a couple of days getting attention she sprang back as a playful puppy. Her favorite toy was a plastic carrot, she chewed the squeaker out of it almost immediately, but she loved it and had it her whole life. The green top got chewed off eventually, but that didn't matter to her. She and I placed second in her obedience classes, she was perfect until the final walk through the room, my mother was there and she Missy broke stride in front of her, turning towards her, and costing herself first place... ah well... She loved the water, and loved walks, she went with me on a few March of Dime Marathons in downtown Chicago, and we would stop at the dog beach so she could take a dip. We actually made the news since we walked with my work, and we had a t-shirt for her to wear and the reporter stopped us for a brief interview.

New Years Eve 1999 I spent at home with her, watching the festivities on TV, and watching my companies server around the world as the clocks ticked over, just to make sure all was well. I volunteered to do that and replace the other administrator that was going to since I had to take Missy in for an emergency hysterectomy, she wasn't acting right, and it turned out to be cervical cancer. I had purchased pet insurance from Pet Smart, it was like $10 a month, and boy did it pay off for that! Anyhow, I took her in a few days earlier, and she was able to come home on NYE. Knowing the people in my neighborhood would be lighting fireworks off, and considering her condition, I opted to volunteer for the duty, and stay home to help keep her calm.

Many years later, and I was traveling a lot for work, and to prepare for a relocation to Atlanta, I moved in to a new apartment that was, unfortunately, not pet friendly (but they had properties in Atlanta so I could transfer my lease at no penalty, the property I was planning to move to was pet friendly), so Missy was staying at my sisters for about a half year. Her health was deteriorating, hips starting to bother her, glaucoma, and was loosing her hearing. My sister said that the only time she really seemed happy was when I would come over. Another couple of months passed and the relocation to Atlanta fell through, I bought a house, new construction, and was waiting for it to be completed. I got a call from my sister that Missy couldn't stand up. I picked her up and rushed to the vet, but he said her hips were just to deteriorated now, she could walk after getting help to stand, but would limp pretty badly. So I made that hard decision, and I am not at all ashamed to say I cried most of the night. It took me no small amount of time to relax just after that before I could drive home. And though it has been almost 7 years, thinking on this moment still brings up some strong emotions.

Some of my most joyous memories have come from the time spent with the pets I've grown up with, and most of all with Missy. Those that have not had pets will never understand, those that have will love them forever, and will feel for others that have lost theirs. But no matter what else comes, we will have the memories of our best friends...

[Maliki]

Sorry to hear about you loss, I know that in my life I have lost quite a few dogs, each one was special and each one hurt.

[Tadhg]

Hey Rigon, very sorry to hear this. Tough thing to do.

I had to bring my cat to be put down about 20 years ago and it was one of the hardest things I've ever done.

Our current family cat is 15, but seems to be in good health.

I still remember and miss my Schnauzer, Tassy from 40+ years ago!

R.I.P. Vanny!

[Rigon]

Thanks everyone.

R-

[Aramis]

My condolences Rigon.

[old school gamer]

My lab Uma is getting on in years. She is about 11 years old and although she is getting along pretty well I just hope she last long enough until my granddaughter is old enough to understand something like death. She loves Uma since she pretty grew up with her.

I have lost two of my cats, Tyson and Sasha. Tyson was killed by a neighborhood dog I suspect, I found his dead body on my front porch one morning. Sasha was with us longer but died when she was trapped in the house when we were getting tented for termites. I swear to God I looked everywhere for her too. Still feel kind of guilty about that.

So hang in there buddy, I feel your pain.

[Sir Osis of Liver]

Sorry for your loss, Rigon (as well as all the rest who've lost pets). I still miss the pooch we rescued when I was in jr. high and had to put down when I was in grad school. She was a sweetie.

[Lord Dynel]

Sorry for your loss, sir. Please accept my condolences.

[Rigon]

Thanks everyone. I appreciate it. And to all who lost a pet (read family member), you have my sympathies also. We were talking with a doctor friend and she said that if he was producing kidney stones of the size and frequency of what the vet said Vanny had, then his kidneys were failing. So we feel that, no matter how heart wrenching it was, having him put to sleep was the best way to go. Again, thanks for all the kind words.

R-