It has been a while since I have been active here at Leerburg discussion forum. Long post...simply sharing my loss and recovery...

I had to let my GSD (beautiful dark sable girl) go. A very sudden, shocking, and sad situation.

She had been healthy to my knowledge. Eating fine, playing fine, coat, skin, eyes, well and good. I did not realize she was getting up in the years, PUPPIES to me, until reading the reports from ER/ICU visit stating my dog was 9.7 years old. (still fairly young?

Dec 29th, she began vomiting clear fluid in the night. I thought it was GI related, and her not eating in the morning, confirmed in my mind it was GI. However, I went home for lunch, and she was rigid, barely walking, and clearly struggling. We took her immediately to the Eastern IA Vet ER.

Diagnosis: Pericardial Effusion. Her heart sac had filled with fluid. DMV performed pericardiocentisis, removing 100ml of fluid. Ava had immediate relief, was eating right after procedure, clear and bright. Kept her overnight with DNR in ICU to evaluate her condition.

Differentials the following day were Hemangiosarcoma or viral/idiopathic may or may not resolve. Given her apparent miraculous recovery, I, admittedly was hopeful for some random idiopathic issue. She was amazingly well for 2 weeks. Our time was very enjoyable. In fact we left ICU that day off to cabin vacation more north with the dogs and it was relaxing and fun.

At 2 am January 14th, AvaAida woke me with her paw on my arm. Immediately, I knew she was not well, if she could have talked, I knew what she was saying to me. Her pulse was extremely tachycardic, beating extremely fast with no pauses. I wondered if she'd even make it to the vet.

I gathered Huck Finn, our other dog, and traveled 20 mins north. My dogs in the past have always died of old age at home...I have never had to euthanize my dog. But I was certain this was the only way to go with her, and the vet had agreed this was a viable option (both in ICU and/or if she presented with symptoms) Ava was so brave, and just seemed to know it was her time.

Laying so calmly, the vet did not even get a 1/4 of the sedation medication in AvaAida before my dog leapt across the rainbow bridge. She was gone in a flash. Huck knew, I knew. Ava was gone. The vet said that sometimes happens in dogs with a weak heart.

It was incredibly shocking, and so very sad....never easy...she was a good girl. I always called her the best girl. She was the best girl. I miss her to this day...and she will always be a part of me.

Two days after her passing, I was informed of a GSD rescue effort happening in MO. A woman had neglected and abandoned 11 dogs, 2 horses, and a goat. (yes, this woman served some time, and facing numerous counts of animal cruelty, and hopefully more time.) This rescue effort known as the Ozark 14, I emailed them, offering assistance with anything I could do to help, as I have fostered many GSD's for a local rescue here, and felt compelled to assist with this private rescue effort as well.

Long story short, I have adopted my very first rescue dog. She is a solid black Czech bitch named Mallory Nox, approx. 5 years old. Life is just not right, apparently, without a GSD in the house. Everyone deals with the loss of their dog differently...I sure did it differently this time. Very excited about my life with Huck Finn and Nox, as they seem to be getting along quite well, and as for the cat.... The cat was close to Ava. I do hope she can be close to Nox, as well, in time.

and, Ed Frawley, I want to personally thank you for helping me when it came time for me to know when it was the right time to put my dog down. Your wisdom was with me that night.

I'm so very sorry to hear of your loss, Michele. It is a terribly difficult thing, even knowing the heartache will mellow with time. I hope your new rescue continues to fit in well and thrive with your care.

So very sorry to hear about you loss.

I understand you getting another dog right away.

As you say, Everyone deals with their loss differently and I'm one who needs that new dog right away.

It has always helped me stay focused and remember the good times.

 Quote: Bob Scott

It has always helped me stay focused and remember the good times.

Yes. I am realizing this now. Have never gotten another dog so soon, and I am finding it is comforting, some of the new girl GSD behaviors really bringing my good memories of Ava back, so clearly. IE: Standing on head, attempting somersaults and the such. Nothing like a good GSD.

and thank you Carolyn for your thoughts...I appreciate it.

Michele, I'm so sorry you have lost your beloved Ava. She sounds like she was one of those very special dogs -- of course they all are, but every once in a while, we get one that seems to claim that extra special place in our hearts. I agree, not quite ten years old seems young for any dog, even one of the larger breeds. I can understand how it was such a shock to you.

I hope time will heal your pain. I know Huck Finn and Mallory Nox will do everything they can to comfort you each day.

I'm so sorry, Michele. Thank goodness you were there to help her.

I too have had those words of Ed's in my mind more than once.

My heart is with you. We know how hard it is ....

So very sorry for your loss- I just lost Drift to hemangiosarcoma very suddenly.
It is never easy, but you were with her at the end and she will live forever in your heart.

Hi, Michele, we don't know each other, as I became a member much later, while you where not active here for a while.. Nonetheless, I do feel a lot with you for your loss. I understand that your new little dog is a great comfort for you. I have four dogs, all of them about 6 years old and i'm already afraid of the day when no one of them will be left. I will be too old by then to adopt another one, because I don't want a dog to survive me. It all depends on having a family or friends who can and want look after them well.

A big hug for you and you're new sweetie, I wish you'll soon have a strong bond.