My buddy Otis was about 11 years ago. He was a puggle - mostly pug, but 25% beagle. He howled like a beagle.
Nicest animal I have ever been around. Loved playing ball (although wasn't very athletic) and had a passion for food like none other. Was definitely a bit round, but was just a happy little guy and was probably the best decision I have made way back on April 1, 2008 when I added him to my house.
On Easter Sunday, he threw up on the car ride to my parents house. I really didn't think anything of it other than he must have just eaten fast. At my parents house, he threw up twice more and started shaking. I held him in my lap, and thought this was just a case a dog flu.
My parents offered to take him into the vet first thing on Monday morning which they did. He spent most of the night panting and shaking and couldn't even hold down water.
My dog's doctor thought there may have been something lodged into his stomach area that was causing him to throw up. They took x-rays, blood work and did some sort of stomach liner medicine that would help loosen up anything lodged in his stomach. Nothing was found so they had to do exploratory surgery.
The doctor called me during the procedure to let me know there were complications. His small intestine (over 1 foot of it) was deceased. It would have to be removed and the "good" part re-attached. This is why the doctor believed he couldn't hold down food. On top of it, his "good" intestine was raw-ish and dis-colored. They suspected cancer as well.
I had to make a decision on the spot. The doctor said that with his age, the complications (i wouldn't be bring home Otis) of this where he may not be able to hold down food and would have uncontrollable diarrhea, my decision was made. He was already under from the procedure so I granted permission to the doctor to end his life. Very painful.
I came up to say goodbye, but it was after he passed. I kissed him on the head and thanked him for being such a great dog and family member.
I came home to his doggie beds, bowls, toys, etc. all over the house.
I've been around other animals who have gotten sick, but this was so sudden. When I left him at my parents house on Sunday night, I never suspected that this was serious. When they took him to the vet, I never suspected this was serious. I was wrong. This was the equivalent of him getting hit by a car.
He was sitting on my lap on Saturday night chewing on a bone and wagging his tale. On Sunday afternoon, I was lying in bed watching TV and he wanted to come up to sit with me. I brought him up and he lied on my chest. I never suspected anything was wrong with him.
I put him down at about 6pm ct last night on Monday. Overnight, I kept waking up thinking this was a bad dream and the last 12 hours was not real.
My buddie Otis had a great life, I loved him and I'll miss him forever. I think I made the right decision, but it feels so wrong in the moment.
It helps to type this even though my eyes are watering as I do.
I love you Otis!
Nicest animal I have ever been around. Loved playing ball (although wasn't very athletic) and had a passion for food like none other. Was definitely a bit round, but was just a happy little guy and was probably the best decision I have made way back on April 1, 2008 when I added him to my house.
On Easter Sunday, he threw up on the car ride to my parents house. I really didn't think anything of it other than he must have just eaten fast. At my parents house, he threw up twice more and started shaking. I held him in my lap, and thought this was just a case a dog flu.
My parents offered to take him into the vet first thing on Monday morning which they did. He spent most of the night panting and shaking and couldn't even hold down water.
My dog's doctor thought there may have been something lodged into his stomach area that was causing him to throw up. They took x-rays, blood work and did some sort of stomach liner medicine that would help loosen up anything lodged in his stomach. Nothing was found so they had to do exploratory surgery.
The doctor called me during the procedure to let me know there were complications. His small intestine (over 1 foot of it) was deceased. It would have to be removed and the "good" part re-attached. This is why the doctor believed he couldn't hold down food. On top of it, his "good" intestine was raw-ish and dis-colored. They suspected cancer as well.
I had to make a decision on the spot. The doctor said that with his age, the complications (i wouldn't be bring home Otis) of this where he may not be able to hold down food and would have uncontrollable diarrhea, my decision was made. He was already under from the procedure so I granted permission to the doctor to end his life. Very painful.
I came up to say goodbye, but it was after he passed. I kissed him on the head and thanked him for being such a great dog and family member.
I came home to his doggie beds, bowls, toys, etc. all over the house.
I've been around other animals who have gotten sick, but this was so sudden. When I left him at my parents house on Sunday night, I never suspected that this was serious. When they took him to the vet, I never suspected this was serious. I was wrong. This was the equivalent of him getting hit by a car.
He was sitting on my lap on Saturday night chewing on a bone and wagging his tale. On Sunday afternoon, I was lying in bed watching TV and he wanted to come up to sit with me. I brought him up and he lied on my chest. I never suspected anything was wrong with him.
I put him down at about 6pm ct last night on Monday. Overnight, I kept waking up thinking this was a bad dream and the last 12 hours was not real.
My buddie Otis had a great life, I loved him and I'll miss him forever. I think I made the right decision, but it feels so wrong in the moment.
It helps to type this even though my eyes are watering as I do.
I love you Otis!
