I'm sorry to bring more sadness to our Forum. I lost Bert last night. I came home from work and he seemed normal, happy to see me. Then I noticed he was panting and not leaving my side. I went outside to throw the toys and he just layed down then hurried into the house. I went in after him and noticed his abdomen was very extended. I suspected bloat. Took him to Sonora and yes, x-rays showed bloat. They told me my options and, of course, there really were none for an 11 1/2 yr old Standard who is prone to this condition. I decided not to put him through an operation that he would struggle to recover from. The Vet agreed. Bert was very poised, calm and wise. Very serious. I do believe, and we know, that animals other than us, have heightened instinct not overly compromised with intellect. Of course they are smart, cagey, wise, caring and loving and thoughtful but their instinct is far better than ours. I believe, too, he was in another dimension. He knew he wasn't coming home. He kept trying to walk back to the kennels where the infirmed dogs were kept. I'm sure going to miss him!
I wish it hadn't happened so quickly. I console myself that every last minute was about saying hi and having fun and one last car ride with the wind in his hair.
Happy moments rather than time spent "preparing" myself to say goodbye and do the deed.
He'll recognize Spike in Heaven because he has smelled Spike. Buzzy will be with Spike so they will get to meet.
Bye Bert.
