German Shepherds Forum banner

To Baxter.

2K views 20 replies 18 participants last post by  K9POPPY 
#1 ·
So.

I just got back from putting Baxter to sleep.

He was doing well; his ear problems were pretty much resolved along with the skin problems due to being on a Raw diet. I came up to visit my sister and her kids since they were in town. Baxter was off all morning and he started bumping into things and acting disoriented. Suddenly, he began bleeding from his nose. I took him to the vet and they gave him a cursory check, but the bleeding wouldn't stop and they couldn't figure out where it was coming from or why.

They got the bleeding stopped, but during the exam, they found tumors on his lungs. We were given the option of biopsy and the full cancer work up if needed, but we decided it was better for him to just not wake up from the sedation they used to get the X rays done. He was 16 and even with treatment, there was no guarantee for him to reach 17, so we let him cross the bridge in peace.

It was hard, but it was the best thing for him. I couldn't let him suffer anymore. I loved that dog to pieces and I hated the fact I didn't have longer to say goodbye.

Sent from Petguide.com Free App
 
See less See more
#6 ·
Thanks for the kind thoughts.

He lived a fantastic and wonderful life. His claim to fame was eating a Rooster on Thanksgiving Day about ten years ago. It flew into his run and I never saw it. All we heard was a slight squawk and it was over. By the time I got someone to help me, he had finished it.

God, I loved that dog.

Sent from Petguide.com Free App
 
#7 ·
I'm very sorry for your loss :hugs: RIP Baxter :(
 
#8 ·
May all your roosters at the bride be de-feathered...RIP beautiful little doggie:hug:
 
#14 ·
Oh no! I'm so sorry! Its never easy.
 
#15 ·
Baxter was the dog who taught me a lot about the canine world: that your second and subsequent dogs will never be the same as your first...that there are things you cannot train a dog to do, that the value of a dog isn't based upon the price you paid, but the love they put out and you put into them...and a whole host of other things.

At 16, he lived a fantastic life. He got to eat anything he wanted, within reason. His favorite season was winter, so he spent the last few days playing in more snow than we've seen in years.

I appreciate everything he taught me. I love him and will miss him dearly.

Sent from Petguide.com Free App
 
#17 ·
Oh no. I'm so sorry to hear this. You were so blessed to have shared his life for so many years! Run free Baxter as you did in your youth!
 
#18 ·
I'm so very sorry for your loss. He knows you wanted to be with him longer and he will be waiting for you at the bridge. You are a good owner because you put his comfort first. Take care. :hugs:
 
#20 ·
Thank you, everyone, for your well wishes.

I have his leash and collar, but my parents will be keeping his ashes. I was on the phone with my mother and she said, "Oh, gotta take the dog out..." Then she stopped and started to cry a bit. We've all been a little weepy the last few days. My niece and nephew are staying with my parents and they've been asking where Baxter's at...so that hasn't helped the situation.

Over the summer, we're going to spread him down at the crick that he loved, but we're going to save a bit. The idea is to have an urn to hold a bit of each beloved pet. A friend is making an urn with a longer post on the lid and a hook on the side. The post will hold their name tags and the hook will hold the collar of the most recently deceased animal.

I almost forgot how hard this is....
 
This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.
Top