Goodbye, my friend!

Dear Grizzy:

I just learned that you have left this world and I am very sad. I know that I was often a nuisance to you, esp. when I bit your ear - but that was just because I so wanted to play! You taught me how to beg for food, esp. from Jon - who was a sucker for the puppy dog eyes, as the picture shows ... I was often jealous at how you were able to get attention just by being there, without having to bark and mouth off - I guess it's because you were so mild mannered that people easily loved you. You were my first "cousin," and although that crazy Jack Russell Bouncer plays more with me, I am lucky to have known you and had you as a friend. I'm glad I got to see you this weekend and just wish I knew that it would be the last time (at least I have the picture of us at the lake as a memory!) I can't imagine Thanksgiving or Christmas without you; and I don't want to ... I miss you, Grizzy. I will see you again someday in the sky, because it's true what they say - all dogs go to heaven!

"The dog has got more fun out of man than mas has got out of the dog, for man is the more laughable of the two animals."
- James Thurber

We had some good laughs together at our humans!

Rest in Peace, 11/3/10.


Love, Shiloh

A Tribute to Grizzy!

"I guess you don't really own a dog, you rent them,

and you have to be thankful that you had a long lease."

- Joe Garagiola

Grizzy was as true and loyal companion as any dog could be; he and Jon were perfectly matched. To see Grizzy light up when Jonathan came into a room or called his name was a precious gift. I've known many dogs, but none more tolerant and gentle in spirit than the Griz.

I, too, had the pleasure of seeing him this weekend - and just looking at him, you knew something was wrong - but he didn't let on how deeply he was suffering, and to have seen him do his best to have that final walk with Jon was a testament to their friendship. May he rest in peace and suffer no more.

---

Do not stand at my grave and weep,
I am not there, I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow.
I am the diamond glint on snow.
I am the sunlight on ripened grain.
I am the gentle autumn rain.

When you wake in the morning hush,
I am the swift, uplifting rush
Of quiet birds in circling flight.
I am the soft starlight at night.

Do not stand at my grave and weep.
I am not there, I do not sleep.
Do not stand at my grave and cry.
I am not there, I did not die.

Mary Frye

Grizzy ~2002-2010, cancer

It was so bad that there was no point to sewing him up.  Had we looked a month ago it most likely would have been the same case.  It was soft and did not show up on the X-rays.  Thinking back over his problems they likely began back in August and then he had a slight bout with problems over labor day.  The cancer was at the junction of the large and small intestines so it would have impossible to cut it out.    

Now he is buried in one of favorite resting spots. He was such a good dog he even dug part of his own grave.

Stoic to the end.  The medication would help his intestines while he was on it but after it ran out he would again go downhill. When he stopped walking any distances on his evening walks he would walk to the car wanting to go for a ride, we took several in place of his regular route.  He wanted nothing more than to continue our routine, always eager to get up and go - just once he got going he could no longer keep going.  He didn't want to be left behind on Sunday so we got about 1/2 mile walk in, a 1/10 of a mile per stretch.  The poor guy had to be awful uncomfortable at this point but still got up after resting a few minutes of rest.    

He enjoyed his last long road tip with me not aware it would be his last.  Too bad the car died and he lost his easy window views with the the rental.  After the trip most of all he was very happy to get home to his yard.  We had one more night with him sleeping under my bed, still able drag himself out from under the bed rails in the morning - just a little weak in the rear legs on the hardwood stairs.

The poor dog managed to survive a month or more with intestinal distress from the disease yet without any indication of pain.  He wasn't eating well, he had some uncomfortable diarrhea but outside of that he was ready to go.   Such a good dog was Grizzy that all he wanted was his daily walks around town and a bit of attention.  He had a will to live just to be the very good dog he always was. 

He will be remembered as an exceptionally good dog.

Grizzy eating again

He started - about an hour after I squirted the medicated paste down his throat. That or after 48 hours he is just hungry.

Grizzy not eating again - two days now, not getting back into the every other day pattern. He even passed on steak trimmings, well initially - he ate it after I left it with him. I guess back to the vet - might need exploratory surgery. 

Kelly Flora-Brownell Oh no! I hope he is ok. How old is he now? He can't be even 10 yet, right? The boys and I will be thinking of you!

Jonathan Flora We are going to treat with the intestinal mucosa coating medicine again. Next will be some appetite stimulation and intestinal calming injections. Surgery is still a ways down the line unless he starts passing blood. I have been putting him at 7-8 - was even even 2 yrs in Feb of 2006?

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    Kelly Flora-Brownell I think they estimated him to be 2 to 3 years old when we got him. What does the vet think is wrong with that sweet boy?

     
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    Jonathan Flora She doesn't know for sure. His intestines are irritated so the plan is to try to treat his symptoms while competing an antibiotic course of treatment. I am going to try and take him for a walk now - last night he laid down one block from home and would only walk back to the house. The hope is the antibiotics will help and if he starts eating normally things may return to normal in time.

Grizzy to the vet

Think back to the last time you squeezed the last of a bottle of Nestle Quick into a glass of milk - that long dark stream of brown followed by a splattering as the bottle runs dry.  Well that has been what the Griz has been experiencing (only smells much much worse).

He has lost 4 1/2 pounds since his September 27th vet visit.  (He is down to 37.7 and was 42.2, and 48 lbs in January.)

We tried special food but he more or less was in a pattern of eating every other day.  He was still vomiting - that was why he didn't want to walk.

So I called the vet today - he is going to have X-rays tomorrow, possibly with barium for contrast to look for blockages or other problems.  

Grizzy eating a bit again

Grizzy is eating his rice and browned ground beef again.  After not eating on Thursday I called the vet and it was suggested to try adding beef bullion cube water over his food.  He ate Friday evening and even this morning meal - it was raining he often doesn't eat when it is raining (strange dog - I would understand not eating in thunder - he is afraid of thunder but just rain).  He ate a bit more tonight too without prompting using the bullion water over rice and beef.  Still haven't witnessed a movement but he seems to be a bit more chipper now that he is eating.