<p>It’s so tough to know when it is wise to pay for medical stuff (people or pets) and when to wait. And the bills are so pricey. Our dog had a growth removed…priced between $500-$1000, then when he opened his stitches the next morning, we paid another $75 for them to staple him…no labour, just materials, but why didn’t they staple the 100# dog the first time?</p>
<p>One of my DDs is living overseas and she makes huge good byes every time she leaves, sleeps with the dog when she is hear and requests his presence at the airport. She skypes with him too I sure hope he does not die when she is over there. It will be easier to deal with if she is here when it happens; we’ve had one of this breed live to 16. but the others had issues around 9-12 and he is 10.</p>
<p>Thanks for the kind words everyone. I don’t mean to hijack. I have seen the various threads over the past couple of years related to this very topic…and have felt lucky that it wasn’t me…yet.</p>
<p>I am hoping that she is with us long enough so that D can give her that “proper goodbye” in October.</p>
<p>KathieP - Do you live across the street from me?? Sounds just like my sweet old dog over the past year.</p>
<p>SO sorry, justamom. I am one of the authors of one of those threads when we lost our dog several years ago. It still feels like yesterday, and I miss him dearly. I had a plaster paw print mold made, which sits, with his dog tag and photo, on the shelf in our den. I recommend your doing that… when the time comes. </p>
<p>Kathiep-
You did the right thing by taking your guy in. Our pets can’t tell us when they hurt. Could be any of the things you suspected-- and add other things like a toothache, splinter, infection, you name it. Glad he is feeling better. I bet if we all sent you a dollar towards your vet bill, it would be paid PDQ! I’m in ! Anyone else??</p>
<p>Vet bills are expensive, not a question. But the love they give: priceless. We have had three goldens. The one who is gone was fine…until the morning she wasn’t. And, at ten, I insisted that my husband take her to the vet. Vet took a look into her eyes and said, “I’m so sorry. It’s cancer of the spleen.” And it was, and she died a a week later.</p>
<p>But she did stick around long enough to say good bye to everyone…from the piano teacher to the tutor to the gardner. </p>
<p>Our golden just turned 10. I think she has trouble with her back. She is terrified of thunderstorms and would hide behind the bed with her head under the headboard. But she wouldn’t back out. She would turn around to come out from behind the bed head first. When she was about 2, she was too big to do that, and she must have pinched or twisted something in her back. I was awakened by this little whimper, and she couldn’t stand or walk. We rushed her to the vet. A week of muscle relaxers solved the problem, but I think she still has twinges. The vet taught us to massage along either side of her spine with our thumbs. She puts her head between our knees and just melts when we do it. Sometimes you can feel a knot at a certain point and she will pull away, so it must hurt a bit, but the massage seems to work out the problem. Now she hides in the upstairs closet from which I have cleared everything but the clothes hanging in it, so she has plenty of room to turn around and feel safe. We can tell when she doesn’t want to go for a walk with her usual enthusiasm that she must be in a bit of pain.</p>
<p>JustAMom: I sort of guessed. Goldens are very prone to cancer. And, evidently, cancer of the spleen is very common. I made my golden chicken liver everyday (to try and build her iron level). She did eat…well, until the very end. And she waited literally would wait for everyone she loved to come to see her.</p>
<p>She also had severe hip dysplasia. We did the massage, but painkillers worked miracles.</p>
<p>After she died our other golden became despondent and searched the house and yard for her. We went to the Golden Retreiver and adopted a golden who was in his age group. It was a good match. They adore each other.</p>
<p>JustaMom: good luck. Help your golden go gentle into the good night. My heart is with you.</p>
<p>Everyone… Give your dogs an extra hug today…I lost mine yesterday. She died in our arms. I still can’t believe how fast it happened. My heart is now truly broken. I am glad I have our younger lab to bring us joy… although she seems a bit off too.</p>
<p>Hugs to you JustaMom. We lost our beloved flat coat in July. It still hurts to see his picture. We did get a puppy (different breed) and it certainly did help as we had no other dog at home. Good dogs are never here long enough.</p>
<p>Justamom, sending you hugs. I’m so sorry for your loss. All of us who have been through this, many of us more than once, know exactly what you’re going through. My 4 furry friends get lots of hugs but I’ve given each of them an extra one just now, in honor of your beloved dog.</p>
<p>So sorry, I too will go home and give my furry one an extra hug. Your pooch was loved, and I’m sure had a great life. As much as he gave you, I’m sure the reciprocation was there and loved.</p>
I sure hope he does not die when she is over there. It will be easier to deal with if she is here when it happens; we’ve had one of this breed live to 16. but the others had issues around 9-12 and he is 10.</p>
She died in our arms. I still can’t believe how fast it happened. My heart is now truly broken. I am glad I have our younger lab to bring us joy… although she seems a bit off too.</p>