Everyone, As the title suggests I don't have any good news. We lost our beautiful, friendly, and forever loyal Great Dane Hatteras on Friday shortly before noon. She was almost 8 and a half, which for a Great Dane is a fairly normal life span. Her heart was failing her, meaning that it was enlarged and weak and not pumping enough blood. As you can imagine this leads to a whole host of problems. Trouble breathing, no appetite, bloated etc.. Only a week or so ago she was playful and full of life and in the period of 3-4 days she went downhill fast, the vet said this is normal for a big dog. They compensate for their condition for a long time and we don't notice and then it finally hits a tipping point and ends quickly. We found out how serious her condition was on Thursday and then she was able to spend her last 24 hours at home, we all got a chance to say goodbye and it seemed that she was able to say goodbye to us as well. On Friday morning it was apparent that she was getting worse not better, even with a whole slew of drugs to help her out. So it was up to us to help her on her way, a terrible decision to make, but it was the right thing to do since standing by and watching her suffer was not an option. I could go on and on about how great she was and how much we miss her, but everyone who met her already knows all that. We have some fantastic memories and we are really thankful that we were fortunate enough to have a dog as special as Hatteras be part of our lives. The kids are sad but coping well, its Kerry and I that are really a mess. Its just hard to believe that she isn't ever going to come back.
Unfortunately most of our really good pictures of her are on film and not scanned into the computer yet, but I found a few to post. The pics were all taken on her last day, I had to wear glasses to cover all my tears.
Here's a great poem sent by our neighbors.
'With eye upraised, his master's look to scan.
The joy, the solace, and the aid of man;
The rich man's guardian, and the poor man's friend.
The only creature faithful to the end'
George Crable
We will all be fine, we're just sad because we miss our big dog. I'll write again soon, hopefully with a more upbeat topic. Storm
4 comments:
Eric and KM:
So sorry to hear about Hatteras. I can't remember if I sent you the email, but we just went through this with Chief back in November. He almost made it to 13 and was fine except for his back legs. He couldn't walk anymore, only scoot, so we had to make the decision too. It sucks and really leaves a void. We still have his bed, his photos, and all his stuff around, and I feel like he is still with us in many ways. They are definitely family members when you love and treat your dogs the way people like us do. Bryce knows Chief is in 'doggie-heaven' and prays for him at night. It does get easier with time.
On a positive note, I was motivated to see your photos hiking for some turns in the back country. You're definitely going to get in aerobic shape doing stuff like that. We get so spoiled and take the vertical for granted riding up the chair lifts all the time at the resorts, hoping for fresh tracks. Steve mentioned you were taking an avalanche course so that is good to hear, doing it hardcore style with no boundaries or ski patrol.
Wishing you well,
Max, Donna, and Bryce
(((HUGS)))) to you guys - Hattie will miss you too.
KM and Storm - I was very sorry to hear about Hattie. She and Jack spent some great times growing up together and I was fortunate to be her very first babysitter. Time will cure all and in time the memories will only bring smiles and good thoughts. Hang in there and big hugs to the kids.
Kevin and Vera
KM and Storm:
We were so sorry to hear about Hatteras. Hattie and Jack had some great moments together growing up. I was priveleged enough to be her first babysitter and the little "cone head" will always be a bright memory for me. Time will heal all and in time the memories will bring smiles and fond memories. Hattie will be missed and she left an impession on all of us.
Take care and hugs to the kids.
Kevin and Vera
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