Patrick McCarrell Webboard User Reg: 01-06-2005
Posts: 23
Loc: Los Angeles
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Kobe died last night.
About 11:45 pm she wanted desperately to go out. I let her out and she started pacing back a forth between the two runs on the side of the house. I noticed that her sides were distended. She came in the house and tried to nest but could not lie down. Our previous Akita had bloat when she was 5 or so, so I recognized the symptoms.
My wife called the 24-hour emergency hospital; we loaded her up and got her there in probably about 45 minutes from the start of her symptoms. Borderline at best but about the same length of time as our other, younger, dog and she survived.
While we were driving to the hospital, Nancy and I decided that, if it was bloat, we would go ahead and euthanize her rather that put her through the stress of surgery and an uncomfortable recovery period. At 13 1/2, she was already having trouble going down the stairs and the risk of falling and ripping her stitches was high. Also, the survival rate for bloat even if caught in time is only 50%. All of that, plus medical bills that would be between $6,000 and $10,000, it was not a hard decision…rationally. Emotionally, it was tough, as always.
I nodded to the vet. Kobe rested her head on my arm and I tickled the inside of her ears, her favorite, until she died at 2:00 am.
"You picture me as I was on earth
Just before I died.
The pain is gone; I'm whole again
Filled with Akita pride.
So when your life on earth is spent
And you stand at Heaven's gate
Have no fear of loneliness
For here, you know I wait."
I am so sorry Patrick. What a terribly difficult decision. I am sure that if Kobe was here, she would thank you and your wife for being strong enough to make it. My thoughts are with you and yours.
Connie Sutherland Moderator Reg: 07-13-2005
Posts: 31571
Loc: North-Central coast of California
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Pat, I am so glad for her that she had you, both to be with her, as always, and to make the tough decision that was best for her.
There is no doubt in my mind that you chose wisely for an over-13-year-old large breed.... but you know that you did. It's so hard for us, the ones left, but we can always give that blessing of a peaceful passing with their best friend right there.
There is NOTHING more loving than being there for your dog, holding her, and letting her go with dignity and without pain. Regardless, it is one of the most difficult decisions we ever have to make. So sorry for your loss.
She'll be waiting across the divide.
You two can romp through the fields when the time comes.
No rush Patrick, she's forever young now.
Give her a toast tonight, a nod tomorrow, and remember her until you can meet again.
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Another Waits at the Gate
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