Charlie-Bear is Paige’s Great Dane. He's very sick. He's seen three separate vets, an Internist, a Neuro guy, and the excellent trauma and specialist vets at our premier emergency Vet hospital. For the longest time they all just tried different things to see if he would respond, because there was nothing definitive they could point to, to explain his symptoms. There have been so many things, and so many tentative diagnoses. He's been on a variety of prescriptions some definitely indicated, like antibiotics to address the symptoms of infection like fever etc. Some were for pain management because for a time he had a lot of trouble walking, like he was in extreme pain from it. Some were Hail Marys, like the high steroid doses, a "let's try this and see what happens" after the massive seizures just to see if that improved anything. He’s had his blood and other fluids tested numerous times, X-rays, other tests. It’s been a long few months. The prognosis is terminal. He's been in the ICU for two days now, because it got to the point where Charlie-Bear couldn't stand up, support his own weight, walk. He had to be carried outside by Paige and William just to go potty, and he wasn't able to support his weight. Yesterday the vet found a lump and extracted some fluid from it for testing. Lymphoma is the consensus. This is a non-reversible condition. Paige is faced with the decision none of us want to make regarding our animals. It's even worse, because right now Charlie remains relatively alert in spite of his complete inability to stand or walk. It's just very rough right now. It's been a crappy week....well, longer actually, because even though we’ve been dealing with this for months, it became acute early December. Crappy month. We hoped he’d make it through Christmas. He won’t.
We had to make that decision in August of 2008 for Rambo, our black Field Spaniel. But there came a time when he was standing in the hallway looking at me and his eyes were telling me it was time for him to go and we had to let him cross the Rainbow Bridge. That trip to the Vet was the hardest we have ever made. But know that when it is done, Charlie will never have to suffer again and will be running with a pack of good friends like he did when he was young.
I can't really add anything more to what Toni has already said Ronni except that my heart goes out to Paige and the rest of the family. Charlie will be sorely missed by all.
Awww, this post just about made me cry Ronni. It wasn't that long ago that my 'Boomer' slipped away. Our pets take such a piece of our heart. Hugs to all.
Thanks guys. He's no longer with us. From Paige, yesterday: Our Charlie bear has crossed over the rainbow bridge. Some developments over the past 24 hours lead his doctor, finally, to a diagnosis of lymphoma. As devastating a diagnosis that is, we are relieved to finally have answers that can help bring us closure. The damage to his central nervous system and liver was too great to respond to supportive therapy any longer. Thanks to everyone for all the prayers and love. Keep the kids in your continued thoughts and prayers as they struggle through understanding this type of loss. Our hearts all have a huge, Charlie sized hole. We miss you so much buddy. Thanks for the 5 wonderful years.
Paige I'm so sorry you didn't have more time with Charlie. He's at peace now and out of pain. I just hope you and the children can still enjoy your Christmas although I know it's going to be hard for you all without him.
Breaks our hearts to have to let them go. Sorry for your loss. Bob and I have a shelf that has framed photos of all our past pets; we like to see them and remind ourselves how much they enriched our lives. Bless your hearts.
Aww, so sorry Paige and family. Thanks for letting us all know, Ronni. Losing a beloved pet is tough. One of the hard parts of life. Really hard.
I'm so sorry you didn't have longer with Charlie Paige but he's out of pain now and at peace. In time you'll be able to look back on all the happy memories with him and smile even although it may take some time to get over your loss.
