TM, Mama Cheryl (MC), Mama Penni (MP) and Papa Ron (PR) love and care for me.
In memory of DC Dora, CH Angus HXAsd, DC Kearney. Lost from our lives way too soon.

Wednesday, July 25, 2012

Bridge

Those of you that have followed my blog may have noticed that Kearney's personality had been changing a bit.  Last week when I took him to the vet, we determined that he had a brain tumor.  I opted not to do the definitive test of an MRI based on the empirical evidence.  He was blind, or nearly so, in his right eye, he had skeletal remodeling in his skull and his personality was changing.  My vet did not offer much hope beyond "maybe it will stop here". 

This week, I have observed him getting more and more stressed when he was not right by me.  He would leave a small pool of drool at the door every time he was outside.  His personality continued to change as he forgot how to do things (like sit). 

Today, my kind, gentle, lovely-tempered guy tried to attack Lowri when she walked by.  Fortunately, he was in a crate at the time.  I took him back to the vet.  She was shocked at the speed this had progressed and commented on the visible remodeling in his skull in the last six days.  In keeping with my desire to be the best possible steward to my dogs, I chose to put him down to stop any suffering on his part.

I stood with him and held him as the sedation took effect.  I talked to him and told him what a good boy he was as he crossed the bridge.  I stood and petted him until I knew he was not suffering anymore.

Thank you all for sharing his life with me...TM

21 comments:

  1. I am so sorry for your loss. I remember meeting him when he was a silly little puppy. Reading your blog I felt like I was there, watching him grow into such a smart and hard-working dog. He was well ahead of his age and did things some dog couldn't even attempt at that age. He had such a full life and was a truly spectacular dog.

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    1. Lovely post, Emily. Yes, indeed, Kearney accomplished a lot in his short life. He was a joyful and fun companion to Susan. We will all miss him.

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  2. This SO caught me off guard. I am incredibly sorry. I have to say I didn't pick it up from your posts, except now that I read back, the vet post recently hints at it.

    You gave him the best life any herding dog could ask for.

    I'm so sorry.

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  3. My deepest sympathies to you and your entire family - two and four legged. It's never easy but the fact that you were with him till the end, means the world to Kearney.

    Hugs from the Foggy Bottom gang-I know a few fourlegged kids up at the bridge are happy to have a herding pal to play with.

    Cindy

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  4. I am so sorry...

    Maybe Kearney & Gabe can meet & have some fun herding at the bridge while they wait.

    Hugs,

    Kathy

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  5. I am so sorry. They really are part of our families.
    Hugs from Whiskey and the rest of our household.

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  6. I'm so sorry to hear this. What a shock. You were a good dog mom to him.

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  7. I am so sorry for you all! What a shock. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers as you work through your grief. Hugs from Smooch and I.

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  8. I'm so sorry to hear about Kearney. Although we have never met, I check your blog daily for news of your two, and it must be so devastating and sad for you. Hang in there and know that there are many of us that have enjoyed hearing about Kearney every day. He will be sorely missed.

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  9. I am so sorry to hear this Susan! My heart goes out to you.

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  11. So very sorry for your loss,Condolences to all

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  12. I am so sorry, it's just not fair....words just can't express

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  13. I am so sorry to hear about the loss of Kearney. He was a very special boy and was blessed to have you for his Mom.

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  14. I read this blog entry right before going to be last night and it was the first thing I thought of this morning. It was a shock to hear and makes my heart hurt for you. Hope he is playing and running with all his friends in the rich green meadows. He will be waiting at the bridge for you because you are such a great dog mom.

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  15. Kearney had a GREAT life, even if short. He lived with someone who loved him very much and was able to nurture his innate instinct and take him to his dual championship at a VERY young age--which record will probably stand for a long time as a testament to Kear's work ethic and enthusiasm for herding, as well as Susan's skill in training and exhibiting. They were a wonderful team to watch.

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  16. I am so sorry. What you and he accomplished in that short amount of time was amazing.He ahd a wonderful life, and it is over way too soon. But you were there for him. Heaven must have a flock badly in need of tending. Godspeed Kearney. You are loved.

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  17. I am so sorry to hear this news :( My condolences, prayers and hugs are to you and all who loved the red boy!

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  18. You do your best. And your heart breaks. And ours break with yours. So very, very sorry.

    Ron

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  19. I just caught up and saw this post. Susan, I'm so sorry. This is absolutely not fair for you to have to go through this.

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  20. Just read this now. We've never met, but I have 4 cardis up in Alberta. I have followed Lowri and Kearney through their wonderful blog. What a tragedy to lose one so young. I am crying thinking about how much I adore my own crew and how on earth I would handle something like this happening. So terribly sorry for your untimely loss.

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