Need prayers, support, positive energy.......

Ah, Sal. I'm sorry. I send my best for the two of you.

Sometimes it's better to let them go, though I know how hard it can be to do that.

Sorry, double post.

Awwww Sal, I know you love Munchie and what a loyal friend he is to you. I hope you don't have to put him to sleep. I'm sorry to hear this. But whatever happens is what happens. If you lose your friend, you have my sympathy. I will feel bad for you, and hope you will find a new loyal canine friend to be with you. I do hope he recovers from whatever it is. Nobody human or not can live forever, but I hope you can keep him with you as long as possible. Wishing for a recovery for Munchie. Even if you lose him, remember all the times he was with you. Sending you and Munchie my sympathy.

My thoughts and prayers are with you and Munchie.

Sal,

You have my sympathy - I know dogs are just the same as family and this will not be easy. At the same time I know you are tough and you will be ok, although in the worse case scenario, heartbroken.

I sure hope it doesn't turn out to be the 'to sleep' option, but if it is, then at least he won't suffer - and that is the main consideration which I am sure you realize.

You will be in my thoughts so let us know what happens when you can.

Pat

I hate hearing about dogs being sick or possibly passing.

Positive thoughts to munchie.

Ah shit, I hate it when animals get really sick and you have to face the possibility of putting them down.

Got my best thoughts aimed at the little fella.

If love can bring him through, you'll do it Sal. Never give up hope.

So sorry, Sal. Sending good wishes your way.

My heartfelt sympathies go out to you Sal.
Kim

My thoughts are with you Sal. With an owner like you I'm
sure your pet has had a great life.

Tom

Sorry to hear this Sal, just said a prayer for Munchie and you. Hang in there.

One thing that can never be taken away is the wonderful moments that we have shared with our beloved pets. Recently lost a great dog , a little cross chihuahua/terrier mix that was almost human. Never had a night out of human care as the mother passed away at birth . Was brought up by humans and almost thought like one, could read moods so accurately .

Thoughts are with you

Dear Sal,

I wish the best to you and Munchie.
gather some friends to help you.

I've an ancient Lab Max that has been doing poorly lately too.Lots of tumors.
Breathing troubles despite buying what I thought was the best food available.
He's not eating much lately as well.
I try to think positive but, find it a challenge.
I'm not been to great either lately.
I lost another super dog Fergi 3 years back and still miss her. A neat Basenji.
Super smart. Fearless and fun.

I also have Misty who is only 5 and is a Tasmanian Devil full of energy so,
she helps me to smile.She reminds me of a race horse with all her spunk.

Hang in there Sal, your in my prayers dear.

John

Well, he didn't have the problem that would have killed him immediately - but I have to wait til the bloodwork gets back tomorrow to find out anything solid. It's going to be a rough night. Munchie is old beyond his life expectancy - and we have been through a lot of good times. He has seen coast to coast of the US and we have been in mountain ranges and lakes all across the country. He has saved my butt a few times - I've saved his a few. I have known that he is at the end of a full long life for a long time. Whatever happens is going to happen, can't deny that one. I'll be grieved. But I'll be okay. It sure is nice to know there is positive energy flowing to him from other people. Sometimes the universe just doesn't fight against a lot of positive energy. Thanks for the support everyone. You don't know how much it means to me. I needed to know there was more energy than I have to offer pulling for him.

Sal,

I am so sorry to hear of this. Just the few years I've been on this forum, I have heard you talk a lot about Munchie and how much he means to you. It is hard to face the end of the long road you two have traveled together. But even after he is gone, he will be with you. I have been down that road more than once and it never gets any easier.
My heart and prayers go out to you and your long time pal.

Best wishes to you and Munchie, our thoughts are with you.

Derek

My all thoughts and prayers are with you and Munchie...wishing u the best my friends...

Derek, Yudha - do not think I overlooked you. I clicked the thanks button on both of your posts, but I do not see that it recorded, yet the button is no longer there. It is important to me that you know I appreciate your support, though. Very important. So if the thanks isn't showing under your post - it is still in my heart.

Kay - he is 11 1/2 years old........only 1 1/2 years older than the Rottweiler life span. We've had a good life together. I am still hoping for a last summer together though now that we are back in the open territories we both love so much.

Tim - He's a rottweiler. Ya know one of those guys that are supposed to be terror walking, LOL. Not even close. Thom can testify to his ferocity - and so can Thom's cat, Orlando, who is a friend of Munch's. I don't think any other Warriors have met Munchie personally, but many members of my rockhound site have, and they learned to love Rotties - and their big paws and enthusiasm for digging! The dogs are gentle and loyal when raised with love.

Phnx - yes, if love can bring him through, he's home free. If not - I will see him on the other side. Of that, I am sure.

Thomas - many people can be jealous of my guy's life. He has seen and done more than most people on earth. When I first saw him he was more interested in exploring outside of his pen than anything else - and I knew we were meant for each other. Yes, there will be loss - but no guilt when he is gone.

John - I hope well for your guy, too. Faith and strength, friend.

Robert James - yes they are much more intelligent than most people realize and receptive as well. And -- they ALL think they are human - or just a tad smarter.

Jimmy - I held my last one when he crossed. It was comforting to be able to say goodbye with him in my arms. This is my 4th and I find the pain goes eventually - but the memories never do. I feel most sorry for those who never experience that love because of the fear of the life ending. We only have a short time to miss those who go before us - human or not so our grief is mostly for ourselves missing them...for now.

The Thanks buttons seem to have a limit, Ken - but I don't. Thanks for your thoughts.

Hi Sal,

I do so understand how you are feeling. My wife and I are desolate when this happens. I've had 5 dogs pass on in my life including the three my wife and I have owned. It hurt just as much each time so I really feel for you.

My last Great Dane had a peculiar intermittent blindness and we thought she was a gonner. The vet never found the cause, but it went away and she lived happily for another 10 months. The big thing about this was not only the unexpected extension she had, but the opportunity for her to be given extra love - boy, was she spoiled in that period - but pre-mourned if you know what I mean. It also meant we were able to consider what came next.

When she died in July 2007 we were devastated but missed her so much we went along with our plan to rescue two ex-racing Greyhounds. We worked on the principle that we were desperately missing our beloved Sophie but there were two, probably, terribly abused Greyhounds out there desperate for their "forever home". The result was we took delivery of Pingu and Slinky a week later and have never regretted it. It is the best way we've found to help ease the pain. It doesn't mean you forget your loss, but when you see the love in the eyes of your new companions it makes things a lot easier.

I hope this helps you and also hope so much that Munchie pulls through.

Ray

Lots of positive energy from downunder going out to you both. All the best.

Hi Sal,
Positive energy from the yellow brick road being sent now.

George

Thanks George - dreams come true on the yellow brick road.
LOL - Indy...Oh yes, we've done very well. Goodbye's are hard nonetheless - even when they are merely "see ya later"s.

When he goes - although I'm doing all I can to delay that time, I will find another who needs love. I found Munchie after the untimely death of a pet. They are here for only so long and we know that when we decide to share our lives. But when they are gone, we still need companions - and there is always another little fuzzy with a silly face who needs someone who will love him.

Right now Munch is sleeping almost comfortably. The lab actually messed up his blood work and the vet gave me some strong diuretics for him so he won't drown in his own fluids - that is the immediate danger. He's retaining so much he actually looks pregnant and his lungs are beginning to fill, too. He is doing better after his first dose, but still don't know what underlies the retention. Illness we can fix, however, there is no cure for old age. I am happy just to see him rest peacefully again for the moment. Will know more tomorrow provided the lab can deal with the second blood samples.

I'm glad you felt comfortable enough to come in and share with
your friends. (You have a bunch in here)

Tom

It doesn't mean you forget your loss, but when you see the love in the eyes of your new companions it makes things a lot easier.

My best friend Jesse (my avatar) and I send Munchie our best wishes and hope he is around for long time.

Sal,

Really sorry to hear this. Hope he gets better soon.

All dogs go the heaven, and there's a special place just for rotties.

Since he's a rotty, I'll pass out some thanks where you left of.

Thanks for passing out some of your thanks too Kurt lol

Oh and All Dogs go to Heaven-says so in a movie

Any updates, Sal?

Sal disappeared I pm'd her.

Just too tired and busy to be online.

Kay - looks like that might be the case with Munchie, too. At this point he is on diuretics and they are doing him much good. He was so huge that he didn't sleep well for a few nights before and now the diuretics are keeping in up and down to go out all night so I am tired - so is he but he's resting well and starting to eat again. He wants to go for a walk so that is a real uplift.
His bloodwork shows no abnormalities. I am feeding him omega 3 fats to help control any inflamation.
He'll get x-rays monday and I'll know for sure - it's between cancer and congestive heart failure at this point -- and at his age I would say congestive heart failure is more likely than anything. Just like the people in my family - they get to be 90 - 110 and their hearts go out on them, go figure -- seems my dog has adopted the family traits.

If it is congestive heart failure we will be able to control him on drugs long enough to give him a wonderful last few months of life. Can't ask for more than that at his age. There is no cure for extreme oldness. I am adjusting to knowing his time is about over - and thankful that he had such a long and exciting life. OF course, I will do all possible to extend that life and see what more we can explore while he is still here. He loved the hike through the chain of lakes and the canyon saturday just before his symptoms became pronounced. Until Monday, all I can do is let him get a bit of exercise without over-doing him.

Thanks for your support and attention - all that energy coming his way is bound to make an impression on his well-being.

Hmmm... I also see an opportunity here. Not so much from a money sense
but I don't think everything always has to be about money, even in here.
Look at the responses just in this thread. Everyone who has ever had a pet
has faced the loss of that pet or at some time will. I did some quicky research
awhile ago. Its huge but scattered. Coping with the loss of a pet can be akin
to the loss of any other family member. You could take people on the journey
with you. A Munchie page is a given. Its like his last gift to you. You be the
expert. Write articles, find articles, get expert opinions, have people give you
their favorite ways to cope and mend. I'll bet if dogs could laugh Munchie would
laugh his ass off just for a chance at immortality. Anyway, its just a crazy idea
I dreamed about when I took a nap this afternoon. I could see you doing it.

Tom

Planetman - no reason for surprise. I've known many of these people for years now. And pet owners understand that a dog is just another kid in the family.

Tom - that is an idea I had not thought of. Not sure if I will have the time to pull that one off, though. I would rather spend my time with him enjoying the outside, than sitting at the computer talking about him - I can do that later, eh? It's getting nice out.

I took him down to the river path today to let him have a bit of a walk as he is able. He got to "play" with a young puppy - which means the puppy ran around and jumped on him and he sniffed it - threw him a ball once (Munch doesn't throw real well but good enough for the puppy). He got to sit in the river and sniff trees. So we had a good afternoon, just not up to the intensity we are used to. I am afraid to let him do too much until we get the final diagnosis and the applicable meds.

oh - BTW Tom - Munchie's pic is in my profile albums. He was between 9 and 10 when those pics were taken.

Sal,

I sincerely wish the best for Munchie. And for you. You're so right when you say they're like our own children. It almost seems like a cruel twist of fate that man/woman's best friend has such a short life span in comparison to ours.

Again my thoughts are with you....

Carol

Kurt - new day and the thanks button is back - so I gave you one. That was really nice of you to pick up where I had to leave off. Building some good Karma in this thread, for sure.

It's funny the way things work. Wednesday I thought Munchie wouldn't make it through the week. He's never been really sick before, but he was flat out. Yesterday I took him to the park and he had a good time walking and wading in the river and even threw a tennis ball for a puppy (he's not that good at it, but he can throw a ball). He's such a little tank. I foresee us having the last season together that I had my mind set on...or at least enough to give him a fabulous send off.

You folks have all been so great. I know many of you are pet owners yourselves and will, or have already, been through this. He's my 4th dog, so losing them isn't new - but never gets easier.

If anyone has a large breed dog with a problem - especially a Rotty - if you need tips on training, behavioral problems, or any other questions and want to talk about it my pm box is always open to you. I have had three Rotties - I train them myself, and the last one was Search and Rescue quality training - this guy will dig you out of an avalanche before anyone knows you're down, but I didn't go all out with him because he's not a real strong swimmer.

HI Sal,

Just whispered a prayer and sending loving energy for both of you.

Blessings,

Sonia

Hey Sal,

I have prayed for you and your beloved pet Munchie.

I believe Munchie will live a long life to the glory of God.

Doug - you have always been such a fine example of humanity that I can't help believing that you have a bit of extra pull with these things. Thanks.

Munchie's (Muncher Boy Von Housen) diagnosis was confirmed. Congestive Heart Failure.
He got new meds today and those with his diuretics are making him feel like one young pup again. Not sure how long he'll last - he's over the hill and around the bend already, but it looks like we have a few good rock hunting adventures coming up yet before he takes his leave. I can't believe how much better he is feeling - and looking. I think God has taken a shine to my boy and knows he wants a few more "good goes" and is going to oblige him.

I hope you two enjoy whatever time you have left. It is so cool that he is having a good time in his last days! He is a blessed guy alright to be so loved...

rock on.

LOL Pat - it probably seems royally strange to most that I am so damned excited about such a gloomy diagnosis, but the other day when I wrote this post, I didn't think he'd live for 2 more days. At his age that was the right assumption, too - so the reprieve is a blessing with no disguises. We earned some grace somewhere - at least he did and I just get the reward by association. Of course, no telling how much longer we have, but I have my just warning to make each day count.

At least you'll be prepared Sal, much better than him going suddenly, and you'll get to spoil him so much before he leaves you.

Uh...gee, Lee, I don't think an animal can get more spoiled than this one is already, LOL. He absolutely reeks.

I've been prepared in my own way - just had my heart set on a good season in the West. He was raised out here and we really both missed the wide open spaces while we were in the East last year. I have already picked out the spot to spread his ashes unless we wander onto somewhere he seems to like even more. It is a beautiful Mt. basin surrounded by peaks and with pine trees and fields of long grass and wild flowers and a stream running through the center of it. I could not justify burying someone whose idea of life was to roam in the wilds and explore everything. Of course, this IS life on planet earth, so no telling what will happen and when - no guarantees - but at least he feels good until.

I should have said extra spoiled Sal.

I hope that when his time comes, you are out there in the wilds and when you sit down for a rest somewhere, he just closes his eyes and slips peacefully away. A fitting way to go for such a dog.

I do wish animals lived longer, it seems so unfair that such wonderful creatures are only here for such a short time.

Sal, I've known a lot of dogs who had a very good quality of life with congestive heart failure. The meds will make a big difference. Hope all continues to go as well as it can with Munchie. Hugs from my four furkids.

Audrey - that's a pretty nice looking little guy in your Avatar. I can see the size of the paw in the pic, too. Gonna be a big kid. Munchie never grew into his feet - but if I remember rightly, working class dogs always have really big feet.

Kay - I am surprised to hear you say you did that! LMAO. My landlord trained via cookies and his dog, at 4 is so fat you can't even feel his ribs. I wouldn't be surprised if Munchie outlives him if the guy doesn't quit feeding it! Funny - minds me just fine without the treats. Anyhow - try these two tricks and you might break him from cookies real fast:
1. When the dog doesn't mind make him lay down and then roll him on his back and put your knee or hand (or both if he's strong) on his stomach and make him lay there for awhile - sinks the idea of submission in there real hard, like in a real dog pack - works by instinct.
2. Take him interesting places for him to go while you are training - tell him to "let's go" or "come" or whatever word or phrase you use then just pull him behind you to the car if you have to. When he gets the idea of seeing and doing stuff that is a lot more fun than sitting at home, you'll have a willing guy when you say come here. It will even help with other commands believe it or not. A dog will do anything for a good time (why we transfer the word to men when we're p.o.ed, lol) Rotties are the most stubborn animals alive and I've been able to manage to tame even the alphas.

Also - thanks for the experienced info, Kay. I knew he's out of pain already just from how he acts and eats (he is very thin since he didn't eat before the meds). He's spunky now, and at the moment a bit ticked off that we aren't out playing in the rain and snow (that's right - it's been snowing again here) - but also drinking and peeing a lot. As I said - not sure about the extreme climbing we used to do -we used to go up mt's steep enough it took both hands and knees for me to get up - but we should be just fine with more gradual inclines and, of course, canyons and flat lands - that will allow us a LOT of exploring yet.

LEE - Uh...beautiful thought, but Munch is bigger than I am and I'm not sure I'd be able to carry him out and refuse to bury him. My hope is that he goes to sleep one night after a great outing and just drifts off.