Guess the breed? New puppy after our old girl crossed over

Moonshine · Postby **Moonshine** » Mon Jul 03, 2017 2:06 am

UPDATE September. Scroll down for puppy picture! Our old girl crossed the bridge in July, in the most peaceful way possible. And now we have a new puppy...not peaceful, but a joy!

***

Our lovely dog (lab mix we got from the shelter when she was a baby) is 14. She is obviously getting up there in years. She's had some sore hips and stiffness, but on Thursday, everything changed. She more or less couldn't get up. And when we got her up, she then couldn't lie back down. She just kind of...fell. We took her to the vet right away, and they have given us some meds for inflammation, joints, etc. and also did some blood work. Since then, she's been able to get up and down and doesn't seem to be in pain, but is by no means spry. She's eating just ok and drinking normal.

The vet called last night to say that her white blood count, which should be at about 5,000-7,000 is about 47,000. Not good. They are sending the blood off to a bigger lab in case that is an error, but we all know it's not...

Because of the 4th of July, we won't know anything for a few days, so I'm grasping at straws in my impatience. Could this be from anything else? Tick bite? Infection? No, right?

I think I know the answer. When she couldn't get up, the look she gave me seemed to say it all. It is just so sudden.

Flight · Postby **Flight** » Mon Jul 03, 2017 2:26 am

Sorry to hear, not sure and I'd be impatient to know more as well.

Chisamba · Postby **Chisamba** » Mon Jul 03, 2017 2:48 am

Maybe a tick borne disease?

Moonshine · Postby **Moonshine** » Mon Jul 03, 2017 2:52 am

Thanks, Chisamba, that's what I'm hoping.

My kitty had Lyme disease, so it could happen. Probably the happiest possible outcome...

Rosie B · Postby **Rosie B** » Mon Jul 03, 2017 9:58 am

Jingling for you that it's something easily treatable!

Hayburner · Postby **Hayburner** » Mon Jul 03, 2017 1:53 pm

Healing Vibes coming your pups way.....

fergusnc · Postby **fergusnc** » Mon Jul 03, 2017 2:14 pm

It's so hard to wait for answers. Be sure to communicate with your vet...if she is only eating "ok" and still not getting up/down like she was, they may want to increase her pain meds and possibly give her a tummy med or appetite stimulant while you wait for results. Especially with offices closed for holiday tomorrow, try to get ahead of it so you know you have tried everything. It may be time, but drugs may give her more quality time...we've had it happen with a couple of our oldsters.

Hugs and jingles.

justtheticket · Postby **justtheticket** » Mon Jul 03, 2017 7:48 pm

I don't want to sound callous, because I've been in the position of having to decide when to euth and it sucks, but I do think its smart to consider that it might be time and prepare yourselves for it, but still wait to hear what the lab says. It might be something relatively easily treatable, or it might be cancer. In the meantime, give her whatever you can to make her comfy and enjoy the time you have left.

orono · Postby **orono** » Mon Jul 03, 2017 11:16 pm

High WBC is usually a sign of infection, if that's what it is she might feel much better after some antibiotics, and fluids or anti inflamms if she needs them. I wouldn't say it's hopeless, but it's good to be open to different outcomes with older animals. Hope she feels better soon.

Moonshine · Postby **Moonshine** » Tue Jul 04, 2017 2:07 am

Vet called back; looks like it's either lymphoma or leukemia. We will go to an oncologist on Friday. But even then, I'm not sure we want to do chemo on a 14 year-old dog. My husband (it's really his dog), is more inclined to do so; he thinks she could possible make it to 19-20 years, but that seems a stretch for a mid-size dog (lab mutt just a hair smaller than a border collie). We will see what Friday brings. I would much rather euth her a month too early than have her suffer even a few extra days, if that makes sense.

She has been SUCH a good dog.

orono · Postby **orono** » Tue Jul 04, 2017 3:04 am

I know how you feel, I'm the same way. I'm glad you have a diagnosis, best wishes with making a decision re treatment etc. Hugs.

fergusnc · Postby **fergusnc** » Tue Jul 04, 2017 1:03 pm

I am so sorry. Glad you have a diagnosis. Hoping the consult with the oncologist will give you and your DH the info you need to make the best decision for your girl.

Tarlo Farm · Postby **Tarlo Farm** » Tue Jul 04, 2017 1:30 pm

Moonshine wrote: I would much rather euth her a month too early than have her suffer even a few extra days, if that makes sense.

She has been SUCH a good dog.

Of course it does and of course she has been. IMHO, to do otherwise is cruel and disrespectful of her dignity and our role as caretakers of our pets. I'm sorry for you all, especially your pup.

Srhorselady · Postby **Srhorselady** » Tue Jul 04, 2017 4:36 pm

You have my heart felt sympathy for whatever path you take. We are all animal lovers here and we have all been in similar positions. It is never easy. Enjoy your animals every day you have with them.

Chisamba · Postby **Chisamba** » Tue Jul 04, 2017 6:21 pm

Just jingles.

Abby Kogler · Postby **Abby Kogler** » Tue Jul 04, 2017 7:55 pm

So sorry to read this tough update. FWIW, I agree with you over you husband, though I understand his heartache.

Flight · Postby **Flight** » Tue Jul 04, 2017 11:22 pm

Sorry to hear

highoctane · Postby **highoctane** » Thu Jul 06, 2017 6:56 pm

I'm so sorry to hear about your pup. Hoping that the oncologist has better words of wisdom than anything I can provide, having had two pets with lymphoma

. Cancer sucks.

That said, try to get calories into her, no matter what form. Cancer drains their energy and takes all the calories away, so you've got to replace it and add more. If she'll eat raw food, all the better - but if not - seriously - feed her cheeseburgers if that's all she'll eat. If she refuses to eat anything...you'll know it's time.

Also, look into CannaPet. I've heard it really does a good job of relieving pain in cancer patients (it wasn't available yet for my two furkids

).

Tarlo Farm · Postby **Tarlo Farm** » Fri Jul 07, 2017 1:20 am

Better a day too early, than an hour too late.

Moonshine · Postby **Moonshine** » Fri Jul 07, 2017 2:08 am

Tarlo Farm wrote:Better a day too early, than an hour too late.

Yes! We went to the oncologist today; it looks like it is stage 5 lymphoma. They gave us some steroids, but that's just short term. We are probably looking at days rather than weeks. A friend is going to come out this weekend and take some final portraits of her in her grizzled beauty (lovely black dog with graying face).

So she gets some last warm sweet summer days.

And you know what? I think she knows. Ever since that "look" she gave me last week when she hit bottom (before the meds), I think she has known. If dogs can detect cancer in other people, I'm sure they are not ignorant about themselves.

NancyP · Postby **NancyP** » Fri Jul 07, 2017 7:22 pm

orono · Postby **orono** » Fri Jul 07, 2017 7:49 pm

I'm so sorry, I'm glad you get to enjoy a few more days with her. Please post a pic when you can. Hugs.

fergusnc · Postby **fergusnc** » Fri Jul 07, 2017 8:27 pm

Enjoy those sweet summer days with your girl. If you're willing to share, I'd love to see the portraits sometime. Hugs in this difficult time....

LeoApp · Postby **LeoApp** » Fri Jul 07, 2017 10:35 pm

I am sorry. At least you can say goodbye. Sometimes things happen so fast that you just don't have time to.

Srhorselady · Postby **Srhorselady** » Sat Jul 08, 2017 3:12 am

Enjoy every minute with her. Our animals give us so much.

piedmontfields · Postby **piedmontfields** » Fri Jul 14, 2017 4:10 pm

Thinking of you.

Ryeissa · Postby **Ryeissa** » Sat Jul 22, 2017 7:02 pm

I'm sorry

goneriding · Postby **goneriding** » Wed Jul 26, 2017 5:07 am

I'm so sorry. I hope you'll share your photos, I would love to see your girl.

I believe so deeply that a merciful passing is the gift we can offer them for all the years of love they give us.

Moonshine · Postby **Moonshine** » Thu Jul 27, 2017 1:58 am

Hi, everyone,

Sorry I've been away: we high-tailed it to the beach last week to recover.

Last Tuesday morning, my husband took her in to put her down. He said it was peaceful and beautiful. I truly believe it was the perfect time: not a day too early, not a day too late. She had a wonderful last weekend around her little girls, and a last warm summer evening on her porch the night before. It's odd how comforting it is to me that she went when she did: if we had waited another week, I think it would have been a mistake.

Thanks SO MUCH to all of you for your support and advice; it has meant the world.

Funny how much we can't get into a dogless routine: every time I open the door, I wait to let her in or out, and at dinnertime, there is no pup to feed! This will take some getting used to.

I have a sweet picture to post, but I need to remember how to do it. Since I don't have Facebook or any photo sharing sites, I'm a bit behind the times...

Moonshine · Postby **Moonshine** » Thu Jul 27, 2017 2:11 am

I hope I did this right...it's probably HUGE, but so was her heart! This picture was taken one week before we put her down. A friend came over and did a final photo shoot for us.

: Lokie.JPG (79.93 KiB) Viewed 35122 times

orono · Postby **orono** » Thu Jul 27, 2017 2:47 am

What a beautiful and happy dog. I'm so sorry for your loss, but thank you for sharing her with us.

khall · Postby **khall** » Thu Jul 27, 2017 3:03 am

What a great picture! So sorry for your loss, they really do take a piece of our hearts with them when they go.

Kyra's Mom · Postby **Kyra's Mom** » Thu Jul 27, 2017 5:04 am

{{{{HUGS}}}}

Susan

Josette · Postby **Josette** » Thu Jul 27, 2017 11:11 am

We PTS our 5 yr old Sparky on July 11 from lymphoma. I took lots of pictures but still am unable to view as too painful. I'm sorry for your loss. (Hugs)

Chisamba · Postby **Chisamba** » Thu Jul 27, 2017 11:57 am

My sincere sympathy for your loss

Sunshine2Me · Postby **Sunshine2Me** » Thu Jul 27, 2017 1:21 pm

What a beautiful girl! I am so sorry for your loss. They certainly leave a hole in our heart.

PaulaO · Postby **PaulaO** » Thu Jul 27, 2017 1:50 pm

What a lovely smile. I'm sorry for your loss. She looks like such a nice girl.

Hayburner · Postby **Hayburner** » Thu Jul 27, 2017 1:52 pm

Take comfort knowing that you gave her a great life and a peaceful passing.

When I put my last dog down - it was peaceful for both of us. The vet office gave us a lot of time before the injection and time after to hold him.

It does take a long time to get over the daily routine of caring for them when they are no longer with us.

Hugs and healing vibes to you and your family.

fergusnc · Postby **fergusnc** » Thu Jul 27, 2017 2:47 pm

I love her spirit and happiness in that photo. Peace to you and your family as you start to figure out life without your girl....it is so very different, even in cases where you have other critters in the family.

Godspeed sweet girl. You sure were loved.

Sue B · Postby **Sue B** » Thu Jul 27, 2017 6:35 pm

What a beautiful picture of your gorgeous girl. I would frame that if i were you.

Thank you for sharing her last days with us. Sending all the cyber hugs i can to you and your husband.

Flight · Postby **Flight** » Thu Jul 27, 2017 11:37 pm

Beautiful picture! She looks so happy and part of the family.
So sorry for your loss but glad that it went as well as much as these things can.

Koolkat · Postby **Koolkat** » Fri Jul 28, 2017 1:47 am

What a jaunty look she has about her! And surrounded by loving hands. . . she was lucky to have found such a good home, may your memories of her warm your heart.

Tarlo Farm · Postby **Tarlo Farm** » Fri Jul 28, 2017 6:21 pm

Awwww, what a sweetie! She'll be waiting for you on the other side.

Moonshine · Postby **Moonshine** » Fri Sep 22, 2017 12:38 am

We didn't think we'd get another dog quite so soon, but a nearby rescue had some pups, and you know how it goes. So meet the mighty Thor:

: Thor1.JPG (126.92 KiB) Viewed 34474 times

I can't seem to post it rotated the right way, but seeing as he spends half of his time sideways or on his belly, it's a pretty apt likeness.

Any guesses to the breed? The rescue simply said "shepherd mix," but I see a lot of Pittie in the face. The brindle color suggests that to.

Chisamba · Postby **Chisamba** » Fri Sep 22, 2017 1:10 am

what part of the world are you in, could he be catahoula? so cute, and i believe taking on one in need is a great way to honor the love of your old dog forward

Moonshine · Postby **Moonshine** » Fri Sep 22, 2017 1:28 am

I am in NC, so could be Catahoula or Plott Hound mix (state dog of NC). He was the only brindle of his littermates. They were more tricolor or fawn with black muzzle. Here is the whole litter (he is the guy in front). I see the shepherd a lot more in his brothers and sisters than in him:

Chisamba · Postby **Chisamba** » Fri Sep 22, 2017 1:44 am

yes there is a lot more shepherd in his littermates. I had a pit shepherd cross who was brindle and a stunning beautiful and so easy to train pup. could aslo be shepherd plott hound x, or shepherd catahoula x. i do see the shepherd in the others though so i agree there must be shepherd there.

PaulaO · Postby **PaulaO** » Fri Sep 22, 2017 3:42 pm

He's gonna be a big boy judging by his paws. Congratulations!

khall · Postby **khall** » Fri Sep 22, 2017 5:42 pm

Don't forget there can be more than one baby daddy in a litter! That coloring could also be Rottie, the one on far left has a Rottie look. Have to say, you really cannot determine the genetic components just by looks. Two of my fosters came back with totally wild crosses that I would never have guessed! You can always run a DNA test on him to see. Regardless he is adorable! Congratulations on the new family member!! Rescues ROCK!

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