It hurts...

I read somewhere last week that a dog will give you hundreds of the best days of your life as well as one of the worst...

Well, the latter one is coming for me tomorrow, as I bid farewell to my best buddy, Max.

Started noticing some very minor motor skill issues in his back legs around Christmas of '23... figured this wasn't completely abnormal for a very active 8+ yr-old GSD... just some arthritis, right? Continued regular vet visits and added some supplements to his diet but really saw no improvement. Over time he continued to slide, but it was a very gradual progression.

After some research into his symptoms and additional testing, including two visits to the Mississippi State School of Veterinary Medicine, it was determined that he was suffering from Degenerative Myelopathy (DM); a progressive and incurable disease of the spinal cord/nerves leading to eventual paralysis. There's no pain involved, but it's ultimately fatal.

Beating the odds by a good margin timewise, Max adapted and has done as well as could be expected... he's maintained a good appetite, been alert and watchful of squirrels and other interlopers in his domain (his self-appointed duty over the years) and seemed in fairly normal spirits.

His 'wheels' have played a big part in that, I believe. His wheelchair has allowed him a few good months that he otherwise wouldn't have had... He can't be in it all the time, but every time he heard the word "Wheels", he would perk up and was ready to get hitched up and go... he still had the will and the drive.

That's the worst thing about this disease... his mind remains 100% while his body progressively fails him; and it's failed him more rapidly over the past couple of weeks... to the point where I'm pretty sure he understands.

Those of you who've been through this have recognized that time when your pal finally says to you, "It's okay... you can let me go now."

That's where I'm at... and my heart hurts.


Love you, Max... I'm sure gonna miss you, buddy. :crying:


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:crying:

Sorry.......... It hurts like hell.

Sorry for your loss. It's never easy when that day comes.

:crying:

Damn man.

I can never read these without tearing up!

So sorry. Been through it too many times and there will be more. It never gets easier.

The only solace we have (if what we tell ourselves is true) is to know that they are no longer; in pain, weak and feeble. Also, knowing that they will always be in our heart and soul and knowing they are looking at us each day and waiting to meet once again.

My prayers go out to you!

Beautiful dog.

Damn sorry man. I can't stand to even think about these post

I am very sorry. Letting your friend go is one of the hardest things but you are doing the right thing!

:crying: One of the hardest parts of life. So sorry Brian.

Never easy and so very hard to say goodbye. Prayers for you and your handsome boy, Max. :crying::praying:

So sorry man, it hurts like hell but slowly heals. RIP Max, you look like an amazingly good boy!

Really sorry to hear this. My thoughts are certainly with you and Max. Thank you for being such a great and caring dog dad...God bless my friend.

Very sorry....it does hurt terribly. Just think about ALL of the good times you had with Max

I am so sorry for your loss. People say they become like family. That's wrong. They aren't like family, they are family.

So sorry Brian. I know first hand how much it hurts. :praying::praying::praying:

Sorry Brian. :crying:

Prayers for you sir. I dread the day.

I'm so sorry to hear this. I know you're going to miss him. My pup is 3 years old and I already dread going through what you are now.

It sucks, but looks like he's had a great life!

So sorry to hear this Brian. I think most of us have been through this and know exactly how you feel. It sounds like you were both lucky to have each other.

February 28 2025 we just went though this for our 3rd time. In the past we had brought the dog home and buried it. This time our vet offered a cremation service. For $275 we got cremation with a Urn and a clay mold of her paw print. As I type this Allie is sitting in the living room with us. I know this sounds odd but having her with us in a urn just feels different verses burying her in the yard. I have no idea if that service is available to you but I recommend it...sorry for your loss :crying: