These last couple of weeks have been really bad. First John's (my husband) sister died at age 50. Then today, we had to have our 3-year-old German Shepherd put to sleep. She started having cluster seizures about 6 months ago. We had hoped to control these with pheno-barb, but unfortunately there have been several other episodes. We added other medication, but she started losing control of her back legs--walking really badly. Then last week she had 4 grand-mals in between 7 and 7:30, and another one at 1:30 a.m. She also turned gray (seriously!), had even more trouble walking, has lost control of her bladder. The vet said that in addition to hip dysplasia, German Shepherds can develop a progressive spinal disorder which cannot be stopped. Because of the sudden loss of bladder control, she felt this was likely the case. My poor baby was looking and acting more like a 15-year-old dog than one who's only 3. Rather than making her suffer more with a disease the vet can't help (other than medicate her even more), we made the very difficult decision to put her to sleep. Sorry for the long narrative, but I'm at work, hiding in my cubby since I can't even think about this without crying. Even though I feel it's the best decision, it's so hard since she's only 3. And today was the first day in quite some time where at least her eyes were clear and she seemed perky--but she still couldn't walk well, had no interest in her toys, and showed no interest in chasing the cats (her very favorite pasttime). Again, sorry for the long narrative. Between human and animal deaths, I'm worn out.

Pam, my heart goes out to you. Please rest in the knowledge that your decision was the kindest choice you could make in the circumstance.

You and John are going through a lot right now. I send more heart-healing blundervibes your way. I can't wait to give you real hugs in October, but for now (((((((Pam & John)))))))

Pam I am so sorry to hear about your dog, my dog was crossed with a German Shepard. To waords the end of his life he started to have siezeurs/strokes/nose bleeds, and lost control of his bladder. This all took place over 18 months and he was 14-15, but it was still hard to make that decision, I know it must have been even harder for you. I am very sorry,
yours
Bev.

So sorry to hear about your hubbys sister & you dog. We've had German Shepherds before & I know how it is to lose them. Blundervibes & prayers... <img src="http://www.arlo.net/ubb/smilies/peace.gif" width=16 height=16>

I, too, know all too well what it's like losing a person and a dog at the same time. My mother died a "sudden" death, brain-dead due to medical malpractice after a car accident.

My dog, Candie, a part-shepherd/part black lab, grieved for her. Then she began to bleed everytime she peed, lost weight, became extremely slow, until I finally reached the point where I knew I'd have to convince the rest of family that "it's time."

It's been 15 years and I really miss my little Candie-Doggie so much. I have her leash and collar in my top bureau drawer and, sometimes, I jingle it just so I can hear "her" again.

All my love to both of you. A loss like this is very hard to take.

So sorry for everything! Lots of vibes coming your way!

Hugs and tears and love.

Pam,
You know that we are feeling for you and John. Words come hard and our love will have to suffice. Blundervibes from us who know!

Pam, I'm so sorry for your losses. Blundervibes being sent and will be thinking of you and yours.

Pam, really sorry to hear about your losses. Blundervibes to you & John.

Thanks, all, as always. I always feel so connected here ... bless you one and all.