The Eich Chronicles

[rockhead]

I've been putting this off for a few days... I think I'm strong enough to get it started now.

Eich is my 7.5-year old male GSD. He has Hemangiosarcoma and is not likely to live more than 6 months. Rather than regurgitate the entire strory I'll just link you to the original thread before I knew what was going on: CLICK HERE

Does this suck, or what??

Eich continues to play and enjoy life. The surgery has slowed him somewhat; I noticed he did not do a run-like-your-hair-is-on-fire charge at a rabbit earlier today, but he sure is interested and his appetite has never been better. I check him for lymph nodes and anemia twice a day and am watching his urine output carefully.

If wake up in the middle of the night I have to make sure he's still with me before I can get back to sleep.

I just wanted to get this thread going so I had an outlet for what I'm feeling and to let everyone here know how appreciative I am for the support and thoughts. I've got some new pictures and video from a local "Mutt Strut" we attended over the weekend. I should have that up tomorrow.

Like I said; Eich is fine for now. I'm the one who's miserable.

[JeanKBBMMMAAN]

There's no really good way to say welcome to this section.

Let's hope this thread is one that lasts a long time.

[WiscTiger]

Cary, I am so sorry that I missed what was going on with Eich after the surgery.

I hope that you guys can find some fun ways to pass the time.

Val

[middleofnowhere]

OK - you are feeling bad. It is undeniably sad that he has this disease and will die early. But your dog is not dead yet. He is still alive. Find a way to celebrate each day you have with him. This is the gift you have for yourself and your Eich - do not squander it.

[Brightelf]

I think keeping a dog at home who has such an upsetting diagnosis takes courage. You are putting your dog first. (not implying that someone who chooses to euthanize upon diagnosis is not courageous-- that too, takes a kind of courage) You are managing your life to give Eich quality, happy times, fun times, silly times-- mellow, deep, goodhearted sharing times. Enjoy every lick, every wag-- he can be happy. For some dogs, they cannot be happy if you cannot, because they feel so heavily our hurt. Can you share in his living-for-the-moment? Can you drink in a little of his style of living, and let him share it with you? Just feeling the sunshine, smelling the breeze, enjoying meals together.. whatever is able. The "preparing to say goodbye" feeling is the hardest. But for now, you are hopefully living in the moment with Eich-- and he is enjoying sharing that quality time with you. Lucky dog to have an owner who can share this with him.

[Qyn]

Hugs to you and Eich. I also hope this thread lasts a long time.

[rockhead]

Originally Posted By: middleofnowhereOK - you are feeling bad. It is undeniably sad that he has this disease and will die early. But your dog is not dead yet. He is still alive. Find a way to celebrate each day you have with him. This is the gift you have for yourself and your Eich - do not squander it.

You are SO right, and I am doing precisely that; every day is a gift and there is something special about each one. I get sad when I leave for work and think about him being alone (only for a few hours), but whenever we're together it's "Game On!"

[rockhead]

Video and pictures of Strutt Your Mutt are up!

CLICK HERE FOR VIDEO

On the way.... (check out those squared-off teeth!)




After initially settling down and before the walk....



Just prior to his blessing.... (VERY tough getting through this)

[rockhead]

Well, this morning was interesting.

We took a ride to Dunkin' Donuts and I allowed him to hang out of the passenger window. As usual, someone at a stoplight had to tell me how beautiful he is; happens every time I take him out.

Anyway, I got my coffee and we went over to the local schoolgrounds where I usually let him run behind the playing fields. He found a new tennis ball and ran a squirrel into a tree.

After about an hour he tired and we went home. We walked around the yard as I picked up some fallen twigs leftover from last weeks storm. I noticed Eich rolling around in the wet grass... right about where he prefers to defecate.

Yup. The dog was covered in his own feces and could not have been happier.

He has since been bathed and is now taking a nap.

It's good to have him around.

[marksmom3]

Wishing the 2 of you many more good times together!!

I'm also hoping this thread lasts a long time.