Major passed away Monday night. He was diagnosed recently with perianal cancer and was being treated for a blood infection from ticks. He seemed to be doing good except for losing his appetite recently. We had a good weekend played outside with our other 2 dogs. Came home Monday night, he had passed blood and would not get up. My boyfried and I took him to the vet, they gave him a steroid shot said to keep him warm and try to get him to drink some chicken broth and if he made it thru the night to get him in for blood work but things did not look optimistic. When we were bringing him into the house from the vet - he bleed out his rectum bad - we got him to his favorite bed and I called my regular vet to tell him what was happening. While I was on the phone he passed away. I had to feel his chest to make sure. This was a terrible experience as he was so lifeless I couldnt do anything for him. I had Major for almost 11 years and he was a great dog. Its amazing the hole I have him my heart for him. I knew his time was coming but really came as a surprise as he was active up until monday. Apparently there was something else going on inside him then we knew didnt know about. I hope I did everything I could for him. Our other 2 dogs are missing him too but they are helping me get through it. We had lots of great times together - I hope he is a better place and I will get to see him again someday.

I miss you "May May" thank you for being in my life and making it a better place. Rest old man

Oh, Kathy, I am so sorry.

He was with his loved ones.

Of course you did everything you could.

If your other dogs were aware of his passing in the house, then they are far better off, IMHO, than if you just had to come home without him.

I believe with all my heart that your need now to stand tall for them is going to help you. XOXOXOXOXO

So sorry for your loss. Dont know what else to say.

So sorry for your loss!

I added a pic of Major - this is when he was young and in his prime at probably about 4 or 5 years old - he was such a handsome guy - thanks for all your support -

So sorry to hear about Major He was a very handsome fellow. Thinking of you in your time of pain.

Yes connie I let the dogs out one by one (I had read to do that from Leerburg)- Fero smelled him and wagged his tail and went and laid down but when I let Sammy out he ran to the front porch and laid down and acted scared. He was close by when Major died maybe he could smell it and it scared him? They were both very quiet and subdued the rest of the night- I'm glad they got to know what happened to their buddy instead of wondering where he went. Thank You.

Oh Kathy, I am so very sorry for your loss of your beloved Major.
RIP Major
Kathy take comfort in knowing you gave Major a great life, just hold those memories close to you heart always.
Take care of yourself.

Kathy, I am so sorry for your loss.

You did everything that you could. When we lose our best friends, it's normal to second guess yourself. "I could have" and "I should have" are forefront in our thoughts. The guilt passes - eventually.

Remember the silly things he did - they are precious gifts from him to you. Someday the tears will dry and you will smile when you think of him - those smiles are precious gifts from you to him for 11 years of love.

He will be waiting for you at the Bridge.

My pack and I send hugs to you and yours.

--Kel

Blood and vet smells combined are scary, I imagine.

But I believe in this so strongly, after many years (decades) of experience, in the other dogs' benefit from knowing exactly what happened, that I just don't think a frightened or anxious reaction to unfamiliar smells of the hospital, etc., can possibly undo or outweigh the good you did by allowing them this knowledge of finality.

My heart is with you, and I know you will eventually experience relief that he went relatively quickly.