Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Hunter's Campfire Bella crosses the rainbow bridge

So sorry Paul. These wonderful creatures are the best of us.

Damn dogs anyway.... lost my 9 year old retriever recently, strong, healthy dog, no congenital problems in the bloodlines, my son said he was fine in the morning, came home after work and he'd died in his kennel...no apparent, logical reason. One of the best dogs I ever had. One of our little house dogs, 12 year old papillion, has been acting like he's circling the drain recently, we know he has heart issues, picked up some sort of respiratory thing...got him on antibiotics now and, after a few days of enforced rest and chopping up steak and Costco roaster chicken (the only things he'll eat when he's sick) he seems to be on the mend.

I've had a lot of dogs, probably close to fifty if I count up all the foxhounds, coonhounds, beagles, bird dogs and retrievers, and I've tried very hard over the years not to get too emotional about them. This little guy is different and, when he's gone, I don't think I'll have another dog.

What/when did something happen to the leg? If you don't mind me asking. Seems she had it for awhile.

Hi Ben, she was running, chasing cars, with the neighbours dog, car ran over her foot.

Did not break a single bone, in foot or leg, but tore all the nerves in her left armpit.

Vet suggested we wait 4-6 weeks, to see if she regained feeling, but it didn't happen.

4 weeks in, her left foot was a mess, from dragging.

Major surgery to remove the leg at the shoulder.

Occurred around her 2nd birthday, IIRC !

Anyway, she was great post surgery, for many, many years, just a active as a normal pup.

Last 3 years, she has been suffering from, & medicated for, arthritis in her pelvic area, due to how she had to walk & run.

Everywhere we went, she was a "celebrity" !

Paul, you good folks need a new pup!

Soon, for sure Richard.

Doug & Megan settle on their house, mid October !

It'll sure feel quiet, with Doug, Megan, Blaire & Sophie gone too.

Just Deb, myself & Izzy left !

Wow, that makes me sad too.

I'm sorry Paul. It sucks to lose the loved ones.

I used to work in a busy veterinary practice, and I saw quite a few amputations, mostly dogs (but also two cats, both from sleeping on a warm engine which was re-started - and they became acquainted with Mr. Fanbelt).

The dogs NEVER had a problem, but several owners had their dogs put down because they were sure that "Rover" would be miserable with with only three legs and could not possibly enjoy life.

I remember one of the vets saving a dog from euthanasia by getting another owner to quickly bring in their three-legged dog to show.

I'm very happy to see that you and Deb clearly had a good vet, and that you two had the backbone and intelligence to do what was needed.

Good on ya' mate!

John

Cheers & Thank you John !

When are you coming home ?

I'm not sure.

I traveled really extensively during my masters' and doctoral studies (somebody else paying!), and I kind of burned myself out regarding travel.

Since the 9/11 terror attacks then Covid-19, I've been absolutely burning up the internet staying in contact with friends & family by using Skype and FaceTime.

However, once Covid fades out, I will make a trip to Ontario - I can't share a glass of fine whisky in front of a fire through Skype!

John

I’ve said it many times before and I’ll say it again. Nothing really sucks more than losing your dog. There are a few things, but not many.

Bummer. They become family within moments of entering ones home. Memories will last forever, and the pain will eventually subside.

If or when you do, we'll for sure do that Mate !

Thanks Tom !

It came to me
that every time
I lose a dog
they take a piece of my heart with them,
and every new dog
who comes into my life
gives me a piece
of their heart.
If I live long enough
all the components
of my heart
will be dog, and
I will become
as generous and
loving as they are.
-Anonymous

"Where did our 10 years go, my graying friend, my love? How unfairly fast the time has come when your body can't obey your great, great heart. No matter Tip, we were young together and knew what life was all about. Let's turn back now and build a fire and take a little nap."

Gene Hill

Sorry to hear of this Paul.

I'd really enjoy that!

I'll be in touch in advance so that I can show up with the adult beverages that you and Deb prefer!

John

My Condolences Paul.....Good Dogs always leave a memory in our Hearts.