Another loss

[HeadDoc]

Had to put my old dog down this week. As a big dog and over 14 years, he was suffering sarcopenia, early cataracts, muscle weakness in his find legs, some dementia, and finally loss of appetite, there was no reversing everything. His heart which was so well conditioned thru years of exercise was failing him. The vet thinks it was CHF--perhaps a heart block. Ironically, my father, who died two months ago almost to the date, suffered the same. Awhile back, I had pointed out the muscle loss to the vet tech and suggested TRT. He rejected the idea. I brought this up last week with the vet and he agreed with me. Likewize, I had discussed TRT with my dad about two years before he died--the sarcopenia was very noticeable. The old guy would not consider it.

We neuter and spay out pets and perhaps its at the end of their lives that the consequences of this become apparent.

BTW, the vet was recommending winny for the dog. He advised me against sharing my test cyp with the dog!

I really miss my Buddy. He was just a great companion. During the last 6-7 years of my triathlon career, he completed most of the run training with me. In the off season he completed a few half marathons with me. Of the many road races from 5K to half marathon we entered together, we took first as a pair all but once. During one particular half up in Scottsdale, he dumped a few times in the middle of the street. A cop approached me and asked what the dog was doing (I guess implying that I should clean up the mess). I told the cop that Buddy was just making the trail for the dogs to follow and to respect this. I ran way as quickly as I could before getting his response.

This has just been tough. He did leave me with many happy times.
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[Desibaba]

Sorry for your loss man.One thing i have learnt is that pets love you more unconditionally than any of your family and friends ever will.They dont want your money,car or house and wont sue you like a typical ex wife would.Im sure nothing can replace him but after a month or two try to see if you can get another dog preferably a puppy.Take care

[HeadDoc]

I'm too close to the loss to even think of another dog. But thanks for the thought.

[Bayou230]

I know it was a tough choice to make and our thoughts are with you. I had to do the same for my "ole girl", I asked her to tell me when she was ready to go and she did...in her way. Stopped coming to my side, stopped eating, She was ready and probably thankful. Perhaps, Buddy was too.

What a wonderful blessing he gave that you could say, "He did leave me with many happy times." The only obligation of a blessing is that you pass it on to someone else. Something I know you've already done.

Best regards and take care,
B230

[jasthace]

Sad
It pissed me off when my cat got ran over and it's eyes popped out of it's head,I had to go and get it out of the gutter and bury the little critter.
!4yo is an ok innings for a dog,

[taser]

headdoc,i'm one of those "i like dogs but at a distance" kind of guy. however,i know many people with dogs and i can certainly understand how they quickly become another member of your family,not to mention an obviously close companion to you.like any other lose,it will take time to get over.i'm sorry for your lose but it seems as if you did the right thing,a very selfless move considering your love for the dog. hang in there!
taser