It is with a very heavy heart that I have to tell you all that I can't make it to the Dragon this year. As you may or may not know, our almost 14 year old dog Winston is very ill and has only 2-4 to months to live. He has a tumor on his brain stem that is causing a variety of symptoms, the least of which is a loss of balance. It is slowly starting to paralyze his left side and will eventually end his life. He's being treated with Prednisone, but it's just a stop gap measure. In good conscience, I can not put him in his kennel while I'm away as he needs near constant attention being he has to pee every 2 hours. Besides, the kennel won't take terminally ill dogs. Even if I could put him in kennel, if his health suddenly deteriorates, I'd be a 12 hour drive away. I have thought about this for days and talked it over with my husband, who agrees with my decision. I'm incredibly bummed about this, but I feel it's for the best...both for Winston and my peace of mind. Unless someone's willing to take over, I have to cancel the spaghetti dinner. This is very hard for me, and I will miss you all terribly. :cryin::cryin:
I've never been to the Dragon and have never eaten your spaghetti. Your heart is in the right place to be sure and I wish you well with Winston. Three cheers for Winston!!! :beer
I'm REALLY sorry to hear that, Katie. :cryin: Many of us here are pet owners, too, and we all know the pain of losing not just a good friend, but also a family member. :frown5: My thoughts are with you and your family. Know, too, that if I could change cigars into spaghetti, I'd do so in the wink of an eye, but no one at MOTD would want to sample MY "cooking" unless they had a stomach pump handy! :devil::cornut: Besides, who could EVER replace YOUR culinary talents? Next year's spaghetti dinner will be all the better and YOUR world will be a happier place, too.
Your family comes first & you are making the right call. I'm sending good vibes to Winston & his family.
I have been in that same situation twice in recent years. You will probably never find a more dog friendly person than I am. I don't want you to take this the wrong way, but I would suggest seriously consider seeing the vet and having his suffering ended. My dogs were always a huge part of our family, but we couldn't stand seeing either one of them go thru the suffering of severe epilepsy or cancer. We made the very difficult decision to stop their suffering and let them go in peace. I am not suggesting this as a way to make MOTD, just my heartfelt feelings. I wish you only the best in this time of sorrow.
For now, he's doing ok given the circumstances. He's not in any pain whatsoever. Both my regular vet and the vet. neurologist say we'll know when it's time....and it's not time yet.
Sorry to hear this, just as another enthusiast of both MINIs and dogs. Yes: family comes first. I'm hoping, eventually, to enjoy the Dragon-fest and all it's attractions. Including a spaghetti dinner, apparently. Prayers and well wishes being sent your way. [all German shepherd dogs at our place...and family to us, too!]
:cornut: I agree. 2Mos before my wife Margi was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, my dog Raleigh went from 95lbs of loving gentle giant to 65lbs of quivering skin and bones on the bathroom floor. He couldn't eat or drink. He had pancreatic cancer. I carried him to the vet and he died with my hands and arms hugging his head and neck. They made a foot impression in clay for me. I drove around for an hour crying. Yeah the hardened combat veteran crying like a baby. Raleigh was now in a much better place now though. God Bless Winston, Jason
:cornut: You lost your wife and dog also? Boy does my heart go out to you. Jason Addendum: mistake, see post below
I have had dogs my whole life. Our 13 year old shihtzu, "Tigger Wood" has heart/valve issues (he's on meds), is a love monkey!!! and with our 8 year old Beagle "Elvis", well, the pair bring so much joy! unconditional LOVE..... The happiness our beloved pets bring into our lives!!! My heart breaks for you. Mine will soon be broken, too. I fear I am too old for puppies, again but never say never......have said my prayer for you, too.
Good luck Katie, while you'll certainly be missed, you'll be in our thoughts/prayers and we'll look forward to seeing you next year. Chad, thanks for stepping in. See you there, will bring, umm, something good, Mary's coming and she won't let me get away with store-bought unless it's from HER store!