[CyndiBear]

I've been MIA again! Hahaha but I've been with my sister. Took her to the airport earlier this evening. It was good to see her, and my nephew, but a lot of our plans took a backseat to my Corgi, Pringles. This dog, has been my best friend since the day I got her. I was too young to work, but my mom worked at a little family run cafe that the boss would let me bus tables and pay me twenty dollars at the end of the day. I was determined to get a puppy. I needed one. All my friends had dogs....I wanted one! I worked at that restruatunt for a whole summer before I made the 200 dollars I needed to get all the stuff for a puppy, and adopt one from the shelter. I was SO excited. I was 11 years old. Pringles went with me when I got put in foster care, she came with me when I turned 18 and got my first appartment, even though I wasn't supposed to have dogs there, she was with me when my mom passed away, through every heartbreak and breakup. She was with me since I was 11 years old. Pringles is now 12 years old, and had been acting very sluggish. I've been very worried, and since I noticed that she hasn't been eating, I decided to take her for a checkup at the vet. Last time everything was fine. Well, a few visits and three days later, we find out my beloved Pringles has cancer in her liver.

I asked the vet if we could do surgery....it was detected pretty early, and surgery could save her. He said we could do that, but it's so expensive. And she is already old. Corgis usually live anywhere from 12 to 15 years. I don't know if the vet is just so used to putting dogs down that he doesn't feel anything about it anymore or what, but when he suggested that, I simply picked up my dog and left. Sat in the car and cried for almost an hour. Even through how sick she is, she still lifted her little head and licked the tears from my face, lied her head in my lap, and looked over me, like she always did.

I'm devastated. I don't know what to do. I don't know if we can afford the surgery, and especially if even if we do it he could pass away any day.

I took for granted that she was always here. Now that I face loosing her, I don't know what I'm going to do.

I know it's a little dramatic, over a dog to be so upset, but she really is like my child. She's been with me for almost 13 years. My life simply wont be the same without her.

DH wants to take me to get a new puppy so that if I have to put her down, it will be easier, but I don't know. No dog will be the same as Pringles. We have two other dogs that have been DH's from before we met, but they aren't Pringles either. I know I can bond with another dog, but right now it feels so impossible to love another animal the way I love Pringles. I just can't stop crying, and it hurts even more seeing her little head in my lap, looking up at me, trying to comfort ME, even though she's the one that's sick. Dogs have the most pure and unconditional love I've ever seen.

[Frozenoj]

Aw man that sucks. Dealing with the death (or possible death) of an animal is never easy. I still think about when my cat died and that must have been over 5 years ago. That was when I was still in high school and we got another cat but it just wasn't the same. I don't even consider them my cats, they're my mom's cats. I wasn't sure I'd ever love another animal that way. Then we got our Yorkie a little over a month ago, and I just do. I don't love him the same obviously, but I love him just as much. So it'll probably take time, and your heart won't ever forget Pringles, but it is possible to love another animal as much eventually.

[RoxanneMI]

I am so sorry you are having to go through this. our girls are like our babies, so I know where you are coming from. Don't rush into another dog, grieve and take your time. If the time is right, then find a new fur baby, the new one will never replace Pringles. My hubby lost his little guy and it was and still is very hard for him. He thought he would never love another animal like that again, now he has our two girls and he loves them dearly.

I will keep you and Pringles in our thoughts.

[CyndiBear]

Thank you ladies. I'm still trying to figure out what I'm going to do, but it's not looking good. I think I'm just scared to let her go, but I can't hold on if she's suffering. This is such a hard decision. Yuck.

[Purple_cat]

I just wanted to let you know that I am thinking about you. Pringles sounds like a very lucky dog to have you in her life and she is beautiful.

[latestartTTC]

I am so sorry. I lost my dearly loved Cocker Spaniel Sassy 5 years ago next week. I too thought I'd never be able to deal with it. We lost her really fast and had to put her down because she was suffering. With the decisions you have to make for Pringles, all you can do is do your best for her. She needs you now to take care of her. With Sas, we just knew when it was time to let her go. I think you will too. We had her at our university vet school for a week in ICU. They did their best but couldn't save her. You might try something like that for a second opinion. The problem with stupid cancer is the treatment itself can be so bad.
We did what we thought was best and let Sassy go after a really bad week. We were with her when they put her to sleep. It was the hardest thing I've ever done or been through, with the exception of losing my mother 9 months before that. We both took it really really hard. We got her about a year after we got married at 5 wks old, and she was 8 when she died.

My DH had to push me to get a new puppy and I couldn't do it right away. I was SO bonded to Sassy and her to both of us. Steve told me that Sassy wouldn't want her mommy NOT to love another dog, as much as I loved her. She just didn't want me to love another one while she was here with me (LOL). So, I waited about about 6 weeks, and then got a new puppy, Tucker, and then ended up going back for his litter mate Logan. Personally I recommend you wait until Pringles has passed away to get a new puppy. I personally couldn't have dealt with my grief and the stress of a new puppy too. I waited a while and then was able to be happy about it, and it did take my mind off Sas once I was ready.

Puppies are precious but they are also a handful. Caring for Pringles while she's sick won't be easy with a new one. And the new one might annoy her if she doesn't feel good. I wouldn't add a new dog in while you are letting her go.
The unconditional love of your dogs is indescribable. I know exactly what you are talking about. Crying as I type. SO, I'll pray for you to have peace with your decision(s) and for Pringles not to be in any pain. She knows you love her. I have a couple of things you should read. They helped me.
snopes.com: Letter from God about Abbey (Dead Dog)
http://www.upgradereality.com/a-dogs...-a-6-year-old/
Love ya. Gonna go ball my eyes out now. Haven't told that story in a long time.

[captivate]

Oh hunni, this is the worst thing a dog owner can go through.

I'm not the same since losing my collie back in 2004, he was 14 and was by my side all through my traumatic childhood years.

Vets do not like to do surgery on old dogs as the odds of them coming round from sunset is low.


You know the best decision and no another dog never makes things better in my opinion.

Your truly in my thoughts. Xxxxxx

[ThaiSpice]

I'm so sorry to hear that! Facing the loss of a pet is traumatic. I hate that you're faced with that kind of decision. Huge hugs!

[MAS1313]

I am sorry Pringles is so sick. That is a very tough decision to have to make. BIG HUGS to you and Pringles.

[Caerus]

Oh honey, I'm so sorry. I lost my beloved old-man-cat to lung cancer a few months ago. It still hurts too much to talk about, but we were told he'd probably pass by the end of the week when he was first diagnosed. He hung on (and actually felt much better with pain meds and an appetite stimulant) for several weeks so we got to say goodbye. It's so hard.

[WorkerBeeMama]

So sorry to hear this. Big hugs for you and Pringles!

[momto3brazils]

Im sorry about the diagnosis of cancer for Pringles. I was a vet tech and I watched many people that had lots of money try to get their pet to live longer and it was so hard to watch sometimes because, through no real fault of the owners (because they love their pets they are like family) they take extreme measures to keep their pets alive. In nature animals hide their illness out necesity this is something that even domestic animals do, so by the time they start showing signs of being ill they are pretty advanced in their illness. Its always so hard to let go, I think us humans try to make our animals hold on longer when its us that can't let go.

here is a poem hope it helps a little (((HUGS)))
From Friend To Friend
You’re giving me a special gift,
So sorrowfully endowed,
And through these last few cherished days,
Your courage makes me proud.

But really, love is knowing
When your best friend is in pain,
And understanding earthly acts
Will only be in vain.

So looking deep into your eyes,
Beyond, into your soul,
I see in you the magic that will
Once more make me whole.

The strength that you possess,
Is why I look to you today,
To do this thing that must be done,
For it’s the only way.

That strength is why I’ve followed you,
And chose you as my friend,
And why I’ve loved you all these years….
My partner ‘till the end.

Please, understand just what this gift,
You’re giving, means to me,
It gives me back the strength I’ve lost.
And all my dignity.


You take a stand on my behalf,
For that is what friends do.
And know that what you do is right,
For I believe it too.

So one last time, I breathe your scent,
And through your hand I feel,
The courage that’s within you,
To now grant me this appeal.

Cut the leash that holds me here,
Dear friend, and let me run,
Once more a strong and steady dog,
My pain and struggle done.

And don’t despair my passing,
For I won’t be far away,
Forever here, within your heart,
And memory I’ll stay.

I’ll be there watching over you,
Your ever faithful friend,
And in your memories I’ll run,
…..a young dog once again.

Author: Unknown

[CyndiBear]

Thankyou ladies. I know what I have to do, I just really don't want to.

[livinglife06]

Hugs! Losing a pet is very difficult! I'm so sorry! Many thoughts and prayers being sent your way!

[RoxanneMI]

I use to be on some yorkie forums and I realize Pringles has not passed away. I wanted to share this poem that was shared often in the forums when one had lost one of their furbabies.

Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.

When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge.
There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together.
There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.

All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by.
The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.

They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent; His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.

You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.

Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together....

Author unknown...

[temmons0703]

It's so hard because they become just like our children. I understand not knowing what to do. Have you thought about getting a second opinion to see what they might say?

[hopingfor2bri]

I totally understand I love my dogs like children too and just dropped 4 k on surgery for our nine yr old dog. Have you looked into carecredit? It's a credit card that most vets offer and accept that is specifically to help pay for these kinds of things. I really am so sorry and wish I could give you a big hug. Check out care credit before u make the decision they have a website CareCredit® Healthcare Finance - Payment Plans and Financing for Cosmetic Surgery, Dental, Vision, Hearing, Veterinary & Other Medical Procedures and go to veterinary

[LaceyMay2630]

Oh Cyndi, this just breaks my heart. I'm totally crying over here. I am such an animal lover and know the attachment they can have on you. Growing up with them for so long, they become one of the family. We have a 16 year old Maltese, Jackson, who has been with me since I was about 7 and he's starting to show that he may not make it in the next couple years.

I know what you're going through, she is such a cute dog. It's amazing the affect dogs have on you, they can be in pain but will still do all they can to make sure their owners are happy. Sending many thoughts and prayers with you and Pringles. I hope you can figure something out for her, I would definitely talk around to some other vets and see if you can get a second opinion. You never know. The surgery could add another 5+ years to her life.