Well, my new year did not get off to a good start. We lost Cato. For some bizarre reason he ate a rope toy. I don't know what in God's name possessed him, but he did it. He started vomiting uncontrollably and finally threw up a big wad of stuff. I washed it off to find out what it was and found one knot end and a wad of fibers. By the time we got to the ER he was vomiting bits of stomach lining. The other knot was lodged in his pyloris. He was going into shock and throwing PVC's already, so his chances of surviving surgery and recovering were very low. We chose to say goodbye. He was just a few days shy of turning 13. We are now Dobie-less. I won't ever sleep as soundly again knowing he isn't on the job. He was one in a million. As easy a dog to train as you've ever seen, but hard as nails. He didn't have an ounce of back-up in him. Sable is really bummed out and depressed. Either Odin or Cato one was always with her when she was outside, so she's feeling really lost. Lieke didn't spend that much time with either and of course, she's still just a baby, so she doesn't seem so affected. I just feel like my whole world has changed this past month.

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Well, my new year did not get off to a good start. We lost Cato. For some bizarre reason he ate a rope toy. I don't know what in God's name possessed him, but he did it. He started vomiting uncontrollably and finally threw up a big wad of stuff. I washed it off to find out what it was and found one knot end and a wad of fibers. By the time we got to the ER he was vomiting bits of stomach lining. The other knot was lodged in his pyloris. He was going into shock and throwing PVC's already, so his chances of surviving surgery and recovering were very low. We chose to say goodbye. He was just a few days shy of turning 13. We are now Dobie-less. I won't ever sleep as soundly again knowing he isn't on the job. He was one in a million. As easy a dog to train as you've ever seen, but hard as nails. He didn't have an ounce of back-up in him. Sable is really bummed out and depressed. Either Odin or Cato one was always with her when she was outside, so she's feeling really lost. Lieke didn't spend that much time with either and of course, she's still just a baby, so she doesn't seem so affected. I just feel like my whole world has changed this past month.

I'm so sorry. It's so hard, as most of us know.

It really does change your life, I know. That long-time relationship with a dog is such a constant physical and emotional 24/7 thing.........

Sable will probably need reassurance that her pack structure is stable. The poor thing.

I'm so sorry. Cato sounds like a terrific dog, and a vital part of the family.

Becky, I'm so sorry to hear about Cato. Hopefully the year can only get better, right <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/crazy.gif" alt="" />? I have heard of old dogs suddenly eating strange things just before they pass away, or that cause their death. My grandmother's cairn terrier ate his bed the night he died. He'd never chewed on anything in his life. We couldn't figure out what the heck he was doing or why. At least your boys are together. Take some comfort in that.

Becky, I'm so sorry for your loss....Cato will be waiting for you at the 'bridge'.

Becky,
Remember the 13 years that you shared with him, and know that he'll live in your heart forever.

Thanks guys. It's just such a double whammy, so close together.

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At least your boys are together.

Gawd, I hope not! I hope they are at opposite ends of doggie heaven! They didn't have the best father-son relationship, to say the least.

Ok Becky, then I take it back. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> Although, my mom tries to convince me that someday even my sister and I will get along- in heaven... <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Oh man; It's SO hard to loose a family member. I'm SO sorry for your loss. We lost two of our older guys within the last THREE years and it felt like too much......I can't even imagine what you must be going through. There aren't words.... <img src="http://www.leerburg.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" />

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Oh man; It's SO hard to loose a family member. I'm SO sorry for your loss. We lost two of our older guys within the last THREE years and it felt like too much......I can't even imagine what you must be going through. There aren't words.... <img src="http://www.leerburg.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" />

It is very hard indeed. That thread is 10 months old, but let me say that I'm very sorry about your own two losses.

I can't read something that sad and not say something; even if it's an old thread