My first daughter, the dog.

[chad]

http://photos-b.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs037.snc1/2606_1112044805575_1360555635_1241289_4758271_a.jpg

http://photos-c.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs037.snc1/2606_1111968923678_1360555635_1241114_628045_a.jpg


Over the last two weeks, my 10 year old Lab had started really to slow down. We knew she had an arthritic hip so, along with our vet, we decided to put her on some medications to treat her discomfort, agreeing that if she didn't improve, we'd take some x-rays and blood. We adored Lola and if any of us had thought she needed it then, we would have done it (we got Lola a hip replacement when she was only about 4 years old - we'd do anything for her quality of life).

Two weeks later after some promising improvement (before the meds she didn't want to eat or move much - after the meds she had an appetite and got around), Lola looked very bad. Her appetite was gone and she was very weak. We took her in and of course the X-rays were not good - a mass on or near her spleen, most likely.

If it was just her spleen, we could have it taken out and she could have a relatively normal life for a significant time. But just prior to surgery, the spleen burst. The vets removed it only to find that the cancer had indeed spread. We let Lola stay asleep.

I've had pets all my life, but Lola was really my and my wife's first daughter. I am totally devastated. It was so sudden. And she was the best with our kids.

********.

[Sachin]

I'm sorry.. :(

[FRYE!]

i too am very sorry for your loss. it's never easy saying goodbye to good friends, even the furry ones. hold on to all the fun memories you shared.

[HuntKop]

Dogs like Lola are members of the family, and it is so difficult when their time is up. As time goes on the pain will subside (though you'll still miss her greatly), but the wonderful memories will live on as strong as ever.

My sincerest condolences.

[JeremyEritrea]

I'm so sorry.

I still miss Zillah, my ACD mix who we were lucky enough to have for 14 years.

Best dog I ever had in my entire life.

[bungadiri]

Sorry to hear about your dog, chad.

It's been years since we lost our last one, but just the other day I sat down on the floor by the couch and realized I still expected him to mosey over and sit down next to me (and stick his cold wet nose in my eye).

I still miss the goof.

[chad]

Thanks, all. It is so much harder than I ever imagined.

Hopefully it will get easier when all the "firsts" are done. Like last night was the first time I came home after playing music and she wasn't there to greet me, help me load the dishwasher, and then annoy me by waiting to ask to go outside until I was on my way upstairs for bed.

[bigredfutbol]

Condolences. :(

[FabFiveFigo]

sad to hear about her.

We lost our great dane about nine months ago and as you say the firsts are hard to get through, but they pass. I'll also just miss her for no reason what so ever sometimes.

Eventually you'll be ready to get another one since you almost can't stand to not have one of these magnificent creatures in your house. (this is where we're getting to in the process)

[Dills]

my condolences.

as an animal person, having had a couple dogs, a few cats, hell even an iguana in my life, they do truly become members of the family. my last dog, a chocolate lab/golden retriever mix, was such a sweetheart, and even at 80+ lbs she still thought of herself as a lap dog.

it sounds like lola was good people. keep your chin up.

[Andy Bennett]

Condolences!

If people aren't 'dog', 'cat' or whatever, people they'll read this and wonder what the hell we're talking about... their loss.