Rush's Final Christmas

[GSD Parent]

I always dreaded the day I would have to post in this section, but the time has come for my little man Rush. Alittle over 2 years ago, Rush was diagnosed with disk disease. At the time he was over 11 and we opted not to perform surgery. He progressivly slowed down, but still did mostly everything he loved. (but slowly) He did have a hard time swimming though. He'd come out of the water with this back legs dragging behind him. About 6 months ago, he really started having trouble with those back legs so we opted to try accupuncture. After each session, he did wonderfully - as good as any 13 1/2 yo would do. Until last Monday. We did our accupuncture and the next day when he normally would perk up, he lost 90 percent of his back legs use. Also on wednesday, he started with incontinance. (he's had it for awhile with the poop, but now it started with pee) Also, when we pick him up to bring him out, his back legs start scratching like when you rub his belly. The back legs are twitching at rest (alseep and awake) on and off. So....hubby and I decided to send our boy where he can run and play again. I have to make the call tomorrow for next week. Rush loves christmas and we want him to have a special last one. I've been in tears all week, could hardly work etc. 2 weeks ago I had a tatoo of Rush done on my leg so he will be with me forever! I dont know how I'm going to make it thru this one. This boy is my special one! I just keep telling myself that I was lucky to have this beautiful soul in my life for all these years. The killer is, he's alert, bright eyed, good appetite, etc. With my last very old girl that I lost years ago, she gave me that "look". He hasn't done that. It doesnt even feel like christmas this year, I'm just going thru the motions because my heart is so very heavy right now. Merry Christmas my little "buckarony" I love you!

[CarrieJ]

Aw, I'm so sorry.
Sending peaceful thoughts during this difficult time.

[PupperLove]

I'm so sorry...this must be so hard. I have never had to make that decision, so I can only imagine how hard it is; especially at this time of year. Good thing you have time to say goodbye and make the very most out of his last days for him. I hope you can get through this hard time

[mysweetkaos]

Originally Posted by GSD Parent

I always dreaded the day I would have to post in this section, but the time has come for my little man Rush. Alittle over 2 years ago, Rush was diagnosed with disk disease. At the time he was over 11 and we opted not to perform surgery. He progressivly slowed down, but still did mostly everything he loved. (but slowly) He did have a hard time swimming though. He'd come out of the water with this back legs dragging behind him. About 6 months ago, he really started having trouble with those back legs so we opted to try accupuncture. After each session, he did wonderfully - as good as any 13 1/2 yo would do. Until last Monday. We did our accupuncture and the next day when he normally would perk up, he lost 90 percent of his back legs use. Also on wednesday, he started with incontinance. (he's had it for awhile with the poop, but now it started with pee) Also, when we pick him up to bring him out, his back legs start scratching like when you rub his belly. The back legs are twitching at rest (alseep and awake) on and off. So....hubby and I decided to send our boy where he can run and play again. I have to make the call tomorrow for next week. Rush loves christmas and we want him to have a special last one. I've been in tears all week, could hardly work etc. 2 weeks ago I had a tatoo of Rush done on my leg so he will be with me forever! I dont know how I'm going to make it thru this one. This boy is my special one! I just keep telling myself that I was lucky to have this beautiful soul in my life for all these years. The killer is, he's alert, bright eyed, good appetite, etc. With my last very old girl that I lost years ago, she gave me that "look". He hasn't done that. It doesnt even feel like christmas this year, I'm just going thru the motions because my heart is so very heavy right now. Merry Christmas my little "buckarony" I love you!

I am so sorry for your pain. Doesn't help even knowing it's the right thing to do. I hope you enjoy a great Christmas with Rush

[KSdogowner]

Debby, I am so very sorry to hear about Rush's health and the possibility of this being his last Christmas. There are no words I could say to bring comfort. My thoughts are with you during this difficult time. Hugs

[Germanshepherdlova]

I hope you have a wonderful Christmas-and am glad that Rush will enjoy this last Christmas in such a loving home. I am in tears from reading your post and I deeply sympathize with you. Be strong! hugs

[blehmannwa]

Enjoy your final Christmas and try not let impending loss shadow the joy of the remaining days with your beloved. It's funny but none of my "lines in the sand" such as loss of appetite, incontinentence, temperament changes have ever ended up being the reason that I've had my friends pts...it's just not so simple. It's the whole package that factors in. You know that he trusts you to make the right decision.

[GSD Parent]

Well, today is the day we will say "goodbye" to Rush. His appointment is tonight at 6:30pm. We decided to bring him to the vet because believe it or not, Rush loves going to the vets office. For that matter, he loves going anywhere! We spent a very special christmas with him. Brought him to christmas eve gathering, where he got spoiled with treats, etc. Yesterday after opening his presents, a few friends came by to say their goodbyes and give him more treats. Its been a horribly bittersweet christmas for us. I never remember a christmas where I've cried so much, but tried to go thru the motions of acting festive and exchanging gifts. At least we had something to occupy our minds a bit. Last night I slept next to Rush by the christmas tree. I woke up many times during the night just to stroke his head and tell him what a good boy he is and how much I love him. Today we will take a walk in the neighborhood with him in his wagon and say goodbye to some of his neighborhood friends. I will take him for a ride to his favorite river and even though he can't walk, we will hang there in the van for awhile. Saturday he did give that "look" where he said he's ready, so that gives me a bit more peace with this whole thing. We are worried how our dyna girl is going to handle this though. She is very dependant on Rush and I do think she knows something is going on. shes been very 'velcro-ish'. Well, I will post during the week with some of my beautiful boys pictures, etc. Look out Rainbow bridge, here comes Mayor Rush!

[bellamia]

omg! luv to u and hugs! i just cant say more.

[Remo]

Please know that you and Rush are in my thoughts. In spite of his disk disease, he is a lucky dog to have someone who loves him so very much.