General Chat

Thank you all for your kind words and hugs, it means a lot to me and is very much appreciated xxx

I had Charlie for an extra month, for which I am very grateful. He wasn't in pain and was really quite happy until his condition started to deteriorate on Monday, but he was at the vets being well looked after at the time.....the kennel staff said he was the sweetest natured dog they had ever looked after.

He was such a little sweetheart that even the vet was visibly upset when he put him to sleep........I've never seen a vet show such emotion before, they're usually able to keep it in well under control......but I guess it just goes to show how much he had come to care about Charlie too........and he had only known him for a month!

Thank you again for all your support, and as you say.....I have all my happy memories of my time with him. :-)))

Mary xxx

Just sending you a big ((((((((((HUG)))))))))))))

Love Mary xx

Oh Mary, that is so sad.
I know what you are feeling, and it is not a good feeling.
I remember when our lovely little dog Che' died, and how unhappy we all felt.
When they are with you from tiny pups... well they are family aren't they?

Bless poor Charlie...
Deanna X

I am so sorry, dear Mary, you must be feeling bereft... but Charlie had a wonderful life with you and now he is at peace. BCXXX

So sorry to hear your sad news,
It a terrible decision you had to make but when you love "pets "so much its the last thing you could do for them.

Sending you and your family condolences

My sympathy Mary, it's a sad decision to have to make but you had a little more time with Charlie and that must have been a bonus. I know how hard it is to make that decision and say goodbye to our lovely pets but as you say, one day on Rainbow Bridge.....


Think of the happy times and how lucky Charlie was to have you as his slave.

Lizxx

n

Thank you all xx

I'm feeling a little happier today after speaking to the vet at Guildford last night and my own vet here this morning.

The vet at Guildford has said that Charlie has a lesion in his brain but there is a 30% chance that it is something called GME and not a tumour and wants to treat him with Steroids for 2/3 days to see if there is an improvement. If there's none then we have to accept that it is a tumour.

I have been using my vets here for 30 years now and I would trust them with my life as well as my pets, and I know that they always guide me properly when it's time to put my animals to sleep.

I have spoken to my regular vet here who immediately said "go for it, they are pretty good odds" and "you asked me what I would do if it were my Billy (her own dog) and I would give the injections a go". She also said that the guy at Guildford treating him is the top neurologist in the whole of the country and if he thinks there's a 30% chance that it's GME and not a tumour then it is worth a try.

He's not in pain and he seems happy enough, wanting to play and go out and to eat.

So my decision is this: he will have the Steroid injections for 2 or 3 days and if there is no improvement in that time, then I shall bring him home for a few hours, give him a lovely chicken dinner and lots of cuddles and then take him to be put to sleep that evening.

Mary

Thiinking of you Mary and agonizing with you at the choice you will have to make. Whatever you do I am sure that you will know when the time is right to say goodbye to your beloved Charlie. BC XX

Oh Mary, What a sad and difficult time for you.

Seven or eight years ago I would have wondered what the fuss was about, BUT I have had two Cocker Spaniels for the last 6 years and OH and I are besotted by them. They are part of our family, and on the odd occassion when they have needed treatment it has been very similar to when one has a child who is ill.

However, in my line of work I have learnt that we all have a time span and so do animals, so long as your Charlie has been given every opportunity and it sounds as if he has then you know in your heart what the right action is....and the Vet will guide you through the decsion, I send a paryer fro you both and will add you to my quiet time each day which means I simple send positive thoughts and think about you and Charlie

Take Care

Bridget

Mary, I am sure most of us would say give the steroids a try if only for a little longer with Charlie, you will know when it becomes too much or the vet will help you with the decision by not suggesting anything further.

Hope Charlie responds well to the treatment.

Lizx

Mary. Why are doing it? For Charlie's sake or your sake. Think.
The last paragraph again;
There’s a certain kind of friendship that is very difficult to beat.
And is very rare to find it in the people that you meet.
Yet every dog that ever lived has this gift to bestow-
A loyal, firm devotion as so many of us know.
Though people judge you by your looks, your cash, your job, your car
A dog is so much wiser- he accepts you as you are.
You can be a saint or sinner, down-and-out or millionaire
He’ll not ask to see your pedigree as long as you are there.
While those around are planning all their trips to Greece and Spain.
With him you’ll find adventure in a romp along the lane.
His days are full of pleasure yet his needs are very few.
A pat, a dish, a cushion, a ball to fetch for you.
If others seem to shun you, maybe think you’re just a bore,
He lets you keep on talking, though he’s heard it all before
As he settles close beside you with his head upon your knee,
For there’s no place in all the world where he would rather be
When many may be missing in your hour of need and strife
There’s one whose always ready to defend you with his life
No matter whether right or wrong, he’ll never criticise,
But shows his trusting confidence in clear, adoring eyes.
And when his life is ending from the signs that you can tell.
That joy has turned to misery and never will get well
And the tail that wagged in ecstasy to great you at the door.
Is hanging low, and honest eyes are sad and shine no more.
It will break your heart to do it for you know you’ll miss him so
But when active life is over then it’s kinder to let go.
Just make his ending easy and let him die with dignity
The way you let him live.
Brian(i)

Hello all

Firstly, thank you to you all for your kind words and thoughts and prayers.

I did look in yesterday and read the replies but wasn't up to posting again as I spent the day in tears and with Charlie as it was going to be our last day.

We had booked him in at the vets to be put to sleep at 7pm yesterday....and came home again with him at 7.30pm!

I took him to a place just outside of Guildford today for an MRI scan and spoke to the vet there at 8pm tonight about the results. They are not at all good. :-(((((( Charlie has what he called a lesion in his brain.....70% sure that it is a cancerous growth and is in an inoperable place, radiotherapy is not an option either for the same reason.

He said that there is a 30% chance that it's not cancer and wants to keep Charlie there for a couple of days and give him strong doses of Steroids to see if there is any improvement. Now I'm torn......I don't think it will do any good, and I don't want him to have any more distress by being away from home.....but on the other hand I want him to have every possible chance! Difficult decision :-( If there is no improvement then they will put him to sleep :-((((

I have to ring them tomorrow lunchtime.......I'm almost sure I will say try the Steroids.

Mary

The last paragraph?

A DOG’S PLEA

Treat me kindly, my beloved friend, for no heart in the entire world is more grateful for the kindness than the loving heart of me.

Do not break my spirit with a stick, for though I might lick your hand between blows, your patience and understanding will teach me the things you would have me learn.

Speak to me often, for your voice is the world’s sweetest music, as you must know by the fierce wagging of my tail when your footstep falls upon my waiting ear.

Please take me inside when it is cold and wet, for I am a domesticated animal no longer accustomed to the bitter elements. I ask no greater glory than the privilege of sitting at your feet beside the hearth.

Keep my pan filled with fresh water, for I cannot tell you when I suffer thirst.

Feed me clean food that I may stay well, to romp and play and do your bidding, to walk by your side and stand ready, willing and able to protect you with my life, should you be in danger.

And, my friend, when I am very old, and no longer enjoy good health, hearing and sight, do not make heroic efforts to keep me going. I am not having any fun. Please see that my trusting life is taken gently. I shall leave this Earth knowing with my last breath I draw that my fate was always safest in your hands.

Thinking of you.
Brian(i)

Mary, you can tell Charlie about this special place when it is time....


Rainbow Bridge
Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.

When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge.
There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together.
There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.

All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by.
The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.

They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent; His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.

You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.

Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together....

Author unknown...



Lizx

Many positive thoughts for you and your dog Charlie. While he is still eating and not in pain, you have a little more time with him, you will know when he wants to be helped to move over to Rainbow Bridge, Mary. It's never an easy decision to make but I am sure Charlie himself and the vet will guide you when it's time.

Lizx

Hi Mary

I am not sure if a miracle can happen with a prayer, but maybe the strength to carry the burden would be in order.We can only hope for the best.

God bless

Susan
x

Sending positive thoughts to you and your dog, Mary.

Hi Mary

Thank you......and hugs back to you too, as I'm sure you're still feeling very sad about your little Westie xxx

What's making it worse for me is that my husband thinks we should take him tomorrow but I don't agree. Charlie is still eating (more than normal) and wants to go out and wants to play, so I don't think it's time yet.....although I accept that he's probably not going to get any better. :-(((((

Mary

Prayers for your little dog - and you too. Know how you feel - 19 months ago we made the decisiion for our westie - ((((((((((((((((HUGS))))))))))))
Love Mary xx