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Rottweilers => Rottweiler Discussions => : moonlitcroatia October 22, 2006, 06:02:25 AM
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On Friday, Greta's tail was still wagging. She was so happy to see me when I got home from work, but she hardly ate any of her dinner. Yesterday I cooked a salmon steak and coaxed her with hand-feeding until she finally ate it all, but she still didn't eat enough. Nor did she eat her dinner last night--just a few bites, so I put it in the fridge for this morning. I tried to feed her salmon this morning, but she wouldn't eat one bite...she just spit it out. This morning she can no longer stand up. I called the vet's office yesterday, but just in time for closing and the earliest he can come to the house is Monday evening. I could take her to pet emergency, but I don't want a stranger in a strange place putting her to sleep for the last time.
I have her on a sleeping bag and slid her into the living room. I'm going to pick up some doggie diapers and baby food to see if she'll eat it.
I have no doubt now that this is our last day, or these are our last couple of days. She has told me clearly that it's time. I just wish it hadn't happened on the weekend. And it happened suddenly. She began wimpering during the night, refusing food, and unable to stand--suddenly.
I'm trying to hang in there, because I know she needs me.
Thank you all for your support. I can't put into words the difference it makes to be able to come here and post these intimate details, to share them and know that someone else can relate to what we're going through and support us.
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I am so sorry to read this. It is heartbreaking. :'( :'(
You and Greta are in my thoughts.
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Yes Greta absolutely needs you! She needs you to love her and appreciate her in these last days. She loves you and of course you know that.
I am so sorry that you and your family have to go thru this but that is the price we pay for loving our animals soooo much.
I hope you and Greta have a peaceful day hanging out together.
You will be in our thoughts for the coming days.
To quote my 14 year old son who just read your posts
"that stinks"
Again, so sorry.
Randy & Harley (and my son)
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Oh, I'm very sorry to read this. You will both be in my thoughts today. Give her a big hug from me and my girls. I hope you both have a wonderful day together and give her lots of kisses.
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When witness to Greta's pain, I remember the day we took the Canine Good Citizen (CGC) test. The tester at the "accepting a friendly stranger" station nearly failed her. What happened was the tester knelt down at Greta's eye level, staring her in the face, stroking her shoulder. Greta growled and turned her head to the side, avoiding eye contact. The tester stood and said, "Now, I'm not going to fail her, but you need to keep an eye on that."
The years passed and Greta met numerous people. When children leaned on her arthritic body, she merely yelled, "Aye, Yai, Yai!" at them in a high-pitched voice, telling them to "get off". Over the years I've looked into her eyes and she's growled at me, nudging my hand with her nose, signaling me to stroke her. When I lean into her warm neck she rumbles, a growling purr that I've always imagined to be the breathing sound of a dragon, and as I pet her she purrs more, then I mimick her, then she copies, and we go on like this...purring alternately until her growl fades to a soft hum.
Now that she is in so much pain, being a dog that growled at the friendly stranger during her CGC test, you'd think she would snap at me as I slide her onto the sleeping bag. But she doesn't. She growls and I talk to her and the rumble fades and I pet her and tell her it's not long now. Soon the pain will cease.
She's my girl. As much as the pain stabs her body, she doesn't lash out. She has the self-control of a Buddhist master. She is stronger than most humans will ever be. This is testament to the incredible character of the dog. There is no other being on earth like this.
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What an incredible person you are....able to witness, be involved and so absolutely 'there' for Greta. It is the hardest yet most rewarding thing to be open to the pain at the end of a loved one's life. I'm sorry Greta is in pain but the quiet moments you share with her will be with you always.
May this be a tranquil time. Cyber hugs and drools to you both. :'(
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I am SO sorry. I first read the post on Lady to see how she is doing today. Lady had ACL surgery the day after Chumley so we have been commiserating together, Lin and I. I read your words and felt better about what I was going through caring for Chumley. Then I went to read what else was on the board today and came across this. Though you are going through great pain you still gave of yourself with your caring words. You and Greta are in my prayers. I know that Greta feels gratitude for the life she has led and for the love she has found through you.
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I'm so sorry to read this. You and Greta are our thoughts and prayers today. :'(
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I am thinking of you and Greta at this difficult time. I have been in your position more times than I liked. Greta knows that you love her and have given her your heart. Your memories will be everlasting and she will forever be apart of your heart.
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My prayers are with you - and Greta. I am hoping that your day will bring you lots of memories and that she will soon be out of pain, its hard to let go when we love them so much.
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I know that you will treasure every moment of being present to Greta as she takes this last part of her journey. How blessed she is to have her best friend and companion present to her during it - she knows that she is loved, safe, cared for and treasured.
Having been exactly where you are, I know how important this board can be during this time. I have just lit a candle for you and Greta - a tribute to the light and love that you have shared together. My thoughts are with you today. You are doing such a kind and courageous thing.
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I am so sorry to hear Greta's time has come :'( I am crying now imagining the day that zoey and I come to where you are at right now. You are a strong woman who clearly loves and understands greta, and I am sure she is thankful to have a mama so devoted to her in her time of pain
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I'm so sorry that you and Greta have reached this point. I have been there and know it's never easy. Ya'll are in my thoughts and prayers.
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Moon, I hate that this time has come for you. When it does it's utterly unbelievable at its quickness. Lay with your Greta, growl a calming, peaceful growl, and let her know that you will be ok. It may take awhile, but you will be ok. And as painful as it is, how special that you can be there with her, for her, when she goes home. You are both in my prayers. H
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I'm crazy about my girl. :'(
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she does need you and you need her!!! This is always the sadest part of our lives with our babies!!! At least you will be there holding her paw and loving her till the very end. you've been there for her all these years...and she will always always always be there with you in some way.
My heart goes out to you and my thoughts are with Greta as she makes her way to the place for all puppies!! I wish I could be there for you.
God's speed pupper!!! We love you!!!
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I can't say it as good as the others, but I'm sorry, it's a really hard time for everyone when all you can do is sit and stay with them...My prayers are sent to Greta and you...
~K
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I am so sorry to hear all of this. Stay strong as Greta needs you to be right now and if you need anything, don't hesitate to ask. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
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Greta had the worst night of her life. She has been crying softly and panting non-stop. She's ready for peace.
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Godspeed, Greta, I know you will be missed. Peace to you, and your Mom. :'(
Stella
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We're with you at this trying time. Please know that we know how awful it is to have one you love so deeply, in pain. She'll always be with you though, in spirit and in your heart!
Many good thoughts, prayers and hugs to you both! :'(
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I'm so sorry. You're both in my thoughts.
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I'm sooo very sorry this is going on. You've been in my thoughts and prayers today.
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I'm so sorry to hear this. It has to be so rough for you.
My thoughts are with both of you.
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I am so sorry to hear about Greta - I know from personal (current)experience that the grief we go through with our animals makes us stronger even though we feel so weak and helpless at the time. Please be assured that you are doing what needs to be done in order to release her from her pain. My vet once told me "we are able to take better care of our pets in pain than we are of our own family members. We can release them from the agony they are suffering without judgement from others." My vet is a very compassionate man with a true love for animals. God speed Greta - know that she will always be with you in spirit.Â
Shena
mom to Gibson, Pepper and Brandy(who will be leaving me on Monday for the Rainbow bridge also)