I had to put down my best four legged friend this afternoon.

About four days ago he stopped eating; for the past week or so he has been drinking excessively - well, started to drink out of the toilets, out of puddles, off the deck, etc.

Yesterday I took him to the vet and they drew blood and took urine.

last night he took a turn for the worse so back we went this morning.

We learned that this was an unknown tumor in the bowel area that was causing him to make WAY TOO much calcium. When the readings are 11.0, there is a concern; Cody's was 16.5.

Make a long story short, my little buddy went on to greener hunting pastures at 1:10 PM today. Mommy and daddy were there to comfort him during his last momments of life. He laid his head on my left forearm and left us - he is now at peace and no longer in pain or discomfort.

He has left a huge void in my heart and home. It is hard to be here at home and not see him following me around - he was my shadow. He's in a better place and I know that the right decision was made as he went down hill real fast.

The hard part will be living without him.

Rest in Peace, Coder. Daddy loves you and will see you again on the other side.

It is terribly difficult to lose a friend and companion. Will take a while to remember the better times instead of the recent loss. Just takes time.

My sincere condolences.

577,

These are always the toughest posts to read. It shows in your words how much you loved your boy.

Take good care.

I am truly sorry to hear that. I feel your pain and wish you the sincerest condolences. May you look back on your memories with fondness for years to come.

I am truly sorry to hear of your loss.

i am very sorry to hear that. it's quite amazing how we can become so attached to those little creatures. we just have to be thankful for the time we were allowed with them

Sorry for your loss.

A friend of mine told me the best thing for the grieving is puppy breath.

I haven't found the right one yet to see if it really works. I still miss mine that I had to let go almost 2 years ago.

Guys:

Thank you so much for the kind words.

Here is a photo of my beloved boy. It's the best photo of him that I have that, I think, shows his true inner warmth and beauty.

He was one of a kind and I am honored that he allowed me to take care of him for as long as I did. I rescued him from a rescue organization in 2000 when he was approximatley four years old. He's given me eight great years. Thank you, Cody.

Very, very sorry for your loss, 577NE.

Posts like these really tug at my heart-strings, and nearly bring tears. My old buddy, Kody (who I more often call Koder), is pushing 14 now....and I can't even think of what that day will be like.

All the best,
Canuck

Canuck:

Thank you. I have tears in my eyes right now typing this. It appears that your boy and mine had the same nickname, only spelled differently.

Dogs don't live very many years because they earn heaven way before we do.

577 God bless and comfort you. I know how hard it is. Makes you never want to have a dog again so as not to hurt like that anymore.

There is a story that says:
God made man and put him on the earth, and as he did so he beheld man, and saw him to be weak, possesing dull senses, soft hands with no claws, no fangs. So he made the dog, and entrusted to the dog the care of man. That is why they track for us, and throw themselves between us and danger, and watch over our camp as we sleep.

So sorry, 577. God made dogs have short lives so we can love a lot of 'em.
find a new pup; I know Cody would approve. Good people should never be without a dog.
Walt

so sorry for your loss 577ne, it allways hurt more when its an animal that loves you without any reservations.

you sound like the person that can provide a good home for a good dog, go help out a new one, cody would be proud of you.

peter

Spaniels are the hardest to lose. The love of my life died about 15 years ago. She was a English Springer Spaniel and every time I see another Spaniel I see her.

I dont' know that I could ever own another spaniel, I don't think I could take the heart break of losing another one.

I don't even own a dog right now because I work so much and I don't have anyone at home to dog sit while the Navy sends me all over the planet.

My best wishes on your loss, crying over a dog is like crying over your father.

I am going to open a $15 bottle of beer I bought when I got to Maine a few days ago and drink to all those wonderful hunting dogs that have gone before.

Semper Fortis as we say in the Navy "always faithful".

quote:

Originally posted by 577NitroExpress:
Canuck:

Thank you. I have tears in my eyes right now typing this. It appears that your boy and mine had the same nickname, only spelled differently.

Yep, my best pal started out as Dakota. I quickly realized that name sucks for training (one too many syllables), and the GF was calling him Dakot"y" so it quickly got shortened to Kody (retaining the K from Dakota of course). My Pa called him Koder once, when he was about a year old, and it stuck.

I think I will follow D99's lead and go pour myself a Gibby and water and toast all those great hunting companions that have left us behind in this world, and are waiting for us to join them in the happy hunting grounds.

Keep your chin up and remember your buddy often and fondly. People who feel about their canine companions the way we do never shake the loss completely...my Pa has had a dozen boxers over the years and he still gets tears in his eyes when we reminisce on the ones that are gone....even 25 years later.

Best regards,
Canuck

He was very fortunate to have found your home. You gave him a good life and are a kind and decent human. I'm very sorry for your loss.

Thanks for the share. The great thing is he IS waiting on the other side. And it is guys like you that helps me with the loss of many a friend both hairy and bald. I guess I don't feel as alone as I did 5 minutes ago thanks again.