Hi everyone.
I wanted to ask if anybody can help me cope with some devestating news we have recently had.  One of our beloved GSD's, 5 year old Harley has recently been in Bristol Animal Hospital for nine days.  Our own local vet was treating him for a groin injury (!!!)mad which was not getting any better, hence the referral to Bristol.  Bristol found Harley had an aggressive rectal tumour which they could do nothing about.  He has been home from Bristol for about seven weeks now but will only be with us between days and weeks.  It was the most awful news we could have expected and we don't know how to cope with it.  Basically we are just waiting for him to die.  At the moment he is eating, drinking etc and trying to play ball, but I think the drugs and steriods are helping alot.  Sorry to be so morbid but having a really difficult time.  x

Oh dear :(

What terrible news for you all.

All that I will say is enjoy what ever time you have left with him and cherish the time by taking as many pictures of him, take him to the places he enjoys going to and give him the treats he loves :)

Make sure he is happy and as pain free as you can and most importantly give him as many cuddles as you can.

It is always so difficult when we loose our beloved dogs more so when they are younger, you feel so helpless :(

Try and be strong and come on here to talk as much as you need as most of us have been through loosing a dog so we know how you are feeling

Take Care

Lucy
xx

Thanks Lucy.  I am now in tears again.  Harley has never had so many treats, photos taken and kisses and cuddles.  He has a limp on his right hind leg but the steriod injection he had on Monday has helped this a little.  He is also on Tramadol, a morphine based drug.  We definitley won't let him suffer though.  People say you know when the time is right!!  Thanks again, it's so nice to have people to talk to who now exactly how we are feeling.  XX

I am so sorry to read this and can only imagine how hard this must be for you.  But try and enjoy every day with him now.

Every extra day you have with him will be special now.  Bet he is getting spoilt rotten.  You will know the time - it's in their eyes and it's the toughest but kindest decision you can do for them.

Hugs to Harley and you.

Thanks Rachel.  I don't think I have ever cried so much in my life.  This is so hard.  I feel so angry and sad.  My beautiful boy is so young and kind he doesn't deserve this.  Off now to give Harley another big cuddle and lots of kisses!! Thanks again. x

Ahh don't worry about crying as it is natural and a good way to release your grief :)

He sounds although he is a very special boy and is loved so much :)

Take Care

Lucy
xx

Echo that Lucy - Fiona just let it out it's natural to weep - I still cry thinking of our Jazzie who we lost to cancer over 5 years ago now.  Its such a special bond that we have with our animals isn't it.

I'm so sad to read your post Fiona - I know you must be going through a dreadful time just now and, realistically, worse ahead. 

Try and take comfort in the fact that there are others on here who have had to let much adored and precious dogs go far sooner than seemed right so your grief, anxiety and frustration are known to many :(

Please God Harley will enjoy a little more time in your loving care and importantly YOU will enjoy him rather than worrying and stressing out before needed.  No matter whether a couple of day or a few weeks, make the most of the time you have to share together and remember there's a warm, strong and genuinely caring network of friends on here when you need us.

Bless you both, Teri xxx

I'm sure there are plenty of us in tears with you.
Keep your chin up for his sake.
I'm so very sorry for you.

Oh I am so sorry to hear such sad news, I had the same with my cat 18months ago. I too would say enjoy each day that you can. You really will just know when the time is right. My poor old boy had a facial tumour, it was so hard for all concerned, but you will be okay.
Karen

My heart goes out to you Fiona18 treasure every moment you have left with Harley. May god help you though the worse days ahead. We will all be with you and our thoughs with you. Give Harley a great big kiss from all my cav girls.xxxxxxxxxxxxcxxxxxxxxxx

I am so sorry, there is no worse feeling in the world really and my heart really goes out to you. HUGS.

Hi again.  Have just logged back on and read all your kind messages which have got me crying yet again.  Thank you all so much.  It really helps and is so comforting to have so much support.   I also wondered if I could have some advice.  The vet said Harley could have short walks but we really wanted him (and our other GSD Tyler) to have one last walk on the moors that he loves so much.  I know he could manage it because he would forget any pain with the excitement but don't want to make things worse with the pain when he gets home or the next day.  Really don't know what to do.  Thanks all again. xxxxx

I would go for it and take him on his favourite walk !

He will tell you if he has had enough :)

I am sure he will love it

We took Mars our first ever dog on her last ever holiday to the seaside as I knew she would love playing in the rock pools and boy did she have fun ! She was like a puppy again and it made me so happy to see her happy. (Oh blimey I am blubbing now ! :rolleyes: )

It is a year today that I lost my beloved Min and it is still very raw but I have such happy memories that will stay with me

Lucy
xx

I'm so sorry Fiona, I still get teary when I hold my first dog's collar and she's been gone for 20 years now. Have a good cry and a cuddle with Harley. I'd take him on his favorite walk. I know my dog would rather run and play somewhere and suffer a little more pain than not go anywhere. Bring a camera. Take a few more breaks and enjoy your time together. Big hugs.

So sorry to hear your news, Fiona.

My girl was 8 when she died of cancer and I still cry when I think about it.  Hopefully, the drugs that you have been given will keep Harley pain free and allow him to rest comfortably. 

You will know when the time comes.

It is so very hard though, and my heart goes out to you.

Just seen your post about the moors walk.

When Annie was ill and weak, I used to drive her to a nice, flat field where the walking was easy and just let her sniff around.  I didn't actually make it a walk, just let her decide what she wanted to do.  Bless her, it was usually come and sit down beside me for some fuss.  I just thought it was nice for her to be out, getting all the smells and sights of outdoors and the weather was just pleasantly sunny, not hot, at the time.

So, I would suggest that you take Harley to enjoy his favourite place by all means, but let him dictate the pace.  If he seems to want to walk, let him but watch carefully for signs of fatigue and be prepared to stop whenever he decides he's had enough.  Even if he's excited, I think a short walk would be better for him than a long one and it doesn't mean he can't enjoy the moors.

Just my opinion, feel free to ignore - you know your dog best. :-)

Hi Lillith.  I am sorry you lost your girl.  It is so unfair.  What do these poor babies do to deserve this.  Even my husband Paul is in tears alot of the time and he never cries!!.  XX

Thank you, Fiona.  I'm just mopping up here at the moment!  They don't deserve it, but at least we can give them good care and attention.

Best wishes
x

Thanks everyone.  I have decided we will take Harley on the moors tonight.  My husband keeps saying he wants to do it and I keep saying no because I was scared of the consequences but after a long think and reading your messages have decided its the right thing to do and will probably regret it if i don't.  Harley will love it and I just want to see him being happy and carefree again.  Will let you all know tomorrow how things go.  XXXX

I think you're doing the right thing as well.

Hi I am so sorry to hear your news. Enjoy your walk on the moors you will forever have that memory. I wish there was something I could do but I am thinking of you and you know there are always people on here to talk to who understand.
jane

Hi Jane.  Thank you for your kindness.  I thought i had run out of tears today, but obviously not!!  x

It'll probably be a long while before you run out of tears. We still get very upset over the 7yr old we lost in March. We had a hard time knowing she was getting worse for some weeks, and it's heartbreaking not being able to make everything ok again for them.

Hope you have a lovely and memorable time on your walk, and that things don't get too hard for you.
Be brave for Harley,

Thinking of you,
XX Trisha.

Hi Trisha.  It seems like so many people have been through what me and Paul are going through so you know how hard it is.  I am really sorry to hear your sad news.  I bet things are still really hard for you.  Really looking forward to the walk tonight just hope i don't get too upset because i really want to enjoy it.  Will let you know tomorrow how it goes.  Thanks again for your king words.  xx

Fiona, yes, many people have been through something very similar. It may not make it any easier to actually cope with at the time, but does help to accept that these things do happen, and that we all hurt through it and understand how you're both feeling.

We're starting to get more used to her not being here any more, but everywhere we go or look, we are reminded of her, mostly now with a fond smile. We get upset often, but we smile too - it was always easy to smile just looking at her. It's probably that way for you too with Harley, and will feel the same afterwards.

You do also get a feeling of relief in knowing for sure that your dear pet isn't hurting or feeling anxiety.

The love he's given you, and that which you have for him will never leave you, but the raw grief will eventually.
For both the dogs we lost in so short a time, we count ourselves lucky to have had them in our lives.

If sincere kind words could mend things, there are plenty of them here on CD.

Stay strong,
XX Trisha.

Hi

Just wondering how the walk went ?

Hope it went ok :)

Lucy
xx

Thinking of you Fiona.......

We lost our GSD last May to a heart tumour....... Our vet told us to let her have short walks but she just seemed to not show much interest and would just potter behind the others......

The weekend before she was PTS we took her to the river nearby where she had spent many a morning or evening swimming, teaching every new dog that come into the house, how to swim.... The idea was, to let the other three have a good swim (she had been taking up a lot of our attention) and I was going to stay with her on the field while the others swam......

Well, she had other ideas....... we got her out of the car and before I could put her lead on, she was gone and into the river.... swimming and barking for the others to come and join her....... She had a lovely half hour really enjoying herself and I got some photos and memories that I will cherish forever.

That was the last time she went out, but she thoroughly enjoyed herself........ She did what she was happy doing and I knew when she was tired and took her home and dried her off...... I wouldn't have changed anything about that day because it was what she loved doing and what she wanted to do.......

Please know that we are all here for you. If you want to PM me, please feel free.......

With love
Gabrielle x

Oh Fiona - I'm so sorry to be reading this thread!

Everyone else has said it all - take your lovely Harley out, let him have a wonderful time on the moors - take loads of photos - but you won't need them to remember him by - he'll be in your heart forever.

It's not the length of life that matters - its the love in the life that does.

{{{hugs}}}

Margot x

so sorry to hear this,i dont know wat more to say :(

Hi Fiona

So sorry to hear the bad news.

I went to my friends on Saturday night to say goodbye to her boy, whom I bred nearly 13 years ago.  It was even more heartbreaking because his sister had a major opertion a couple of months ago and I was expecting the worst but luckily for me she has pulled through and doing brilliant.  Her brother looked as though he'd go on forever but took a turn for the worse a couple of weeks ago.

We had a great evening though.  Didn't mention a thing and just played with him and his toys and also with the other dogs he really enjoyed himself and neither of us mentioned the imminent departure of Azor.  It was a lovely evening and the best way to say goodbye.

I just can't imagine though what it's like to lose your close friend at such an early age.  As others have said the tears could be with you for quite a while but let them out and enjoy the time that you've got together.

Thinking of you.
Diane

Hi Fiona,

I am so very sorry to read your news and my heart goes out to you.
Enjoy the time you have and take care.

{{{{hugs}}}} 

Hi Fiona,  I am sorry to read your sad news, and it must have been a terrible shock to you. Whatever time you have left together, try and make the most of and if you want to take your dog to his favourite places then do it. You will know when he has had enough, then its time for another cuddle and back home.  I hope that you find comfort from support on here, it's nice to be able to share sadness with people who have a little understanding of what you are going through. Thinking of you and lovely Harley X

I'm so sorry to read your sad news, Fiona and my thoughts are with you all.

I lost my lovely cocker, Bob, to rectal cancer 2 years ago when he was 10. Unfortunately we didn't have time to say proper goodbyes because he deteriorated overnight.

So although the next few days will be sad ones, do make the most of them and be lead by what Harley wants to do. If that includes a favourite walk then take him out for a last visit to familiar and well-loved places.

Hi everyone.  Thank you so much for your lovely kind messages.  We took Harley on the moors last night.  We all had a lovely time.  He was running around with a big stick, even though a bit slower than usual.  I even managed to keep my tears in for his sake.  We got back to the car and me and Paul sat in the car and had a cup of tea with the boys in the back with their water.  It was a memory we will always treasure.  Unfortunately about an half an hour after we got home Harley started limping and whimpering and pacing.  I sat with him until 2.00 in the morning until he finally fell asleep.  He gobbled his breakfast down this morning but unfortunately is still in some discomfort when walking and going to the toilet.  I phoned the vet whose advice was to up his tablets and give him some Lactulose.  If he is no better this time tomorrow then I am afraid we are going to have to say goodbye to our beloved boy.  Getting a bit difficult typing through the tears now.  Thank you all again for your support.  Will let you all know how things are going.  XXXXXX

Hi Fiona,

we're all still here for you and will be for however long you need us :)  Harley sounds like he had a marvellous time and you're right, that is a memory to treasure.  Much as it is heartbreaking to say goodbye, more often we don't have opportunity to make extra special memories and give them extra treats and hugs.  Painful though this time is for you, at least when Harley is ready to go you will not have regrets about things you wish you'd had time for.

When the time is right be brave and strong and when Harley is gone don't try to bottle up your grief but share it openly.  We'll all understand.

Sending many thoughts & prayers your way.

Teri xxx

I am so glad the walk last night was enjoyed by you all. Sorry though now to hear Harley is suffering :(

I am sure you will know what is best for him and we will all be thinking about you all

Lucy
xx

Oh Fiona......
            I am glad you enjoyed your walk......... you will treasure those memories.........

I am thinking of you and sending cyber hugs to you.....
Please remember we are all here for you when you need us.......

(((Hugs))) Gabrielle x

Hello Fiona

I'm so glad that you all had a lovely time on the moors.

The nights can be hard.

Be strong, Fiona - thinking of you.

(((Hugs)))

Just remember that wonderful last walk.  Thinking of you.

Diane

So glad you had a wonderful last walk - what a wonderful memory to hold onto,

Thinking of you and your wonderful boy,

Hugs

Fiona, so glad to hear you all enjoyed the walk.
I'm sure there are many who are thinking of you with compassion.

Sorry for the pain you're going through.
XX Trisha.

So pleased that you all enjoyed your walk on the moors.

Thinking of you. Take care

xxx

It sounds like Harley really enjoyed himself and I bet he wouldn't have missed it for anything. Shedding a few tears with you and wishing you the best.

Hi everyone.  Just to keep you updated with Harley.  Even though he has his uncomfortable moments and having trouble going to the toilet (hopefully the Lactulose will kick in soon), he still has fight left in him, like this morning running down the path and barking at the postman.  He gobbled his breakfast down and went into the garden and brought his ball in!! Next thing he will be pacing and whining and not being able to get comfortable when he lays down.  It's very hard to know when to say enough is enough.  But I think maybe it's too soon yet.  Will probably be posting on here alot at the moment cos even though you all have me in tears with your kind words, I find it so supportive knowing you all care so much for people and dogs that you have never met.  I tried to read all the messages to Paul last night in between crying and he cried his eyes out with the kind things everybody was saying, and he never really cries.  Thanks to you all again.  Will keep you all up to date with regular messages. 

Fiona. xxxx

Fiona

I am glad he is a bit better today :)

If he is still enjoying his food that is a good sign :)

You will know when it is time so just enjoy your time left with Harley :)

Take care

Lucy
xx

Hi Lucy.  Thanks for your support.  Harley had steak for tea last night and he loved it.  He looked at his normal breakfast this morning as if to say is this it!!!, but then gobbled it down anyway.  Paul says he gets better food than him (jokingly)!!!.  Will keep you up to date with things. 

Best Wishes,

Fiona.  XX

Hi Fiona, sorry I haven't caught up with this thread before...so very sorry to hear about Harley...I lost my eldest bitch a month or so ago and was absolutely devastated as she was very fit really...it's never an easy time, but I know you are giving Harley the best life and release you could ever give anybody, my thoughts and prayers are with you all, God Bless, love Dawn XX

I'm so glad things are going well for Harley just now - both you and Paul are coping so much better than many would and obviously giving your darling guy all the positive vibes to keep him perky and as much like his usual self as possible.

You're doing him proud ;)  Thanks for the updates - I've been thinking and praying for you all.

{{{hugs}}} 'n stuff, Teri x  

Sorry to hear about your dog. I have had tears streaming down my cheeks reading this thread. I hope Harley is a comfortable as possible in the days or weeks to come.