Shiner, August 17, 1997 – August 13, 2012
Wednesday, August 15th, 2012Yesterday, my friend, Connie, picked up Shiner, Reggie’s beloved Golden Retriever, to take him to the vet. Shiner was scheduled to have two large fatty deposits removed from his face.
While prepping Shiner for surgery, the vet noticed that Shiner had a hard time breathing and shot an xray.
He found large tumors on Shiner’s lungs.
The vet told Connie that Shiner had possibly three weeks to live but the humane thing would be to relieve his suffering.
Reggie agreed and Shiner was put to sleep.
Connie sent me this email this morning:
Good morning Lou,
Thanks for taking Reggie out last night, I know it was a huge relief for him to get out of the house.
Everything went well yesterday considering, like you suggested Jaen and I took an ultimate cheeseburger to Shiner. As Jaen was unwrapping the burger I told him to break off little pieces. Just as the words were coming out of my mouth, Shiner grabbed the whole burger and swallowed it leaving only Jaen’s fingers and the top bun. The bun was swallowed whole next. It gave us a laugh and another thing to remember Shiner by.
The process was very peaceful, Shiner was amazing and I think he knew we were going to ease his discomfort. He was surrounded by love I stayed in front of his eyes soothing him and rubbing his nose. More than anything I wished that Shiner had more time and we could have removed the tumors. I just didn’t realize how bad off he was and Dr. Loudat commented on how much his health had declined over two weeks.
My only regret is that Reggie and his family didn’t get to say goodbye but maybe it’s something they couldn’t do and maybe it would have upset Shiner. I knew it could happen but I didn’t think when I took Shiner yesterday morning that it would be the last time Reggie would see him. He commented on how strange the house felt after I left since Shiner had always been there when he was. I know Reggie is strong and has endured more suffering than all of us combined but I do hope this lose isn’t too hard on him.
Shiner’s ashes should be ready in a few days. I’ll let you know when they come in, maybe we can do something special for Reggie and his family to honor Shiner.
I told Reggie when the time was right for him there will be another four legged friend that will need him.
Love,
Connie
