It's been 2 weeks

since we had to put Leo down.....the remaining four dogs were quite confused when we came home that day, wondering where Leo was.

The next morning, Bluebelle put her head on the outdoor couch (patio furniture) where Leo would lay a lot, especially that last week.

Bluebelle was also the first to find Leo's ashes (the following day), tucked away on the corner of the fireplace. His collar is wrapped around it.

Next to find the ashes/collar was Boomer then Kaiser. They all spent a bit of time sniffing it. As far as I know, Sam never has found it.

I think once they found Leo's collar they realized he wasn't coming back and kind of went on about their lives. I guess a bit like closure for them.

I do catch them sniffing the collar every so often.

RIP Leo 9/05 - 10/10

I am still in denial that he is gone...it seems so hard to believe the 'gentle giant' (how I would describe him to others) is really gone. It was time and even pass time that he was put down..but we were all there and sat with him till the end. It was sad, but very peaceful and knowing that he would be at rest after this ... makes it a little easier. All I have to say is he was such a trooper throughout this whole thing with us not really knowing if it was an infection (tried treating with meds) or if it was an obstruction (which seems the most likely explanation) but of course the xrays couldn't tell us for sure if that was the case.

I feel bad that I don't have many pictures of him :( I've spent the last year taking pictures of the puppies and of course of Kaiser but not many of Leo and Sam. I know I have printed out pictures but not a lot of digital ones.

Rainbow Bridge: For Leo

Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.

When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge.
There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together.
There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.

All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by.
The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.

They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent; His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.

You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.

Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together....

Author unknown...

Update on the Emergencies

Well, Leo is still not eating...he is on antibiotics and prednisone.   Blood work came back fine except for potassium/magnesium (due to vomiting/diarrhea) White blood cell count was high.   Hence the antibiotics.

Just breaks my heart to see him like this.

Kaiser is doing just fine, no more episodes.  So was it really what we thought it was?  I don't know... maybe what happened when he woke up was because he fell off the bed???   Vet said they don't normally have a seizure while asleep.   His blood work came back perfect.   sigh.   But at least he is back to being 'him'.   He does get crated now at night...that was just way too scary to have it happen again.

Two Dog Emergencies

It has been a very busy and scary weekend at our house.   First Leo, our older German Shepherd didn't feel well and started throwing up.   I already know he has a 'sensitive' so figure that was it at first...then kept on the lookout to see if he might have 'bloat'.

well after watching him that became obvious that it wasn't bloat but that he did have a very upset tummy.....we took him in to the vet and they took xrays because knowing his history (he always finds something to eat that he shouldn't)  xrays are inclusive meaning something didn't look right on it but couldn't quite tell if it was a blockage.  He is home with IV fluids under the skin and us to watch him

Then after we get Leo settled in after the vet and we go to bed, Kaiser had a grand mal seizure.  He was totally freaked out about it (of course) and didn't 'know' any of us.  He wanted to get away from us so we put him out back and he ran for like 15 mins around the yard.   We ended up leaving him outside all night ..... it was a long night for me.  I think I got an hour of sleep.  But he was back to his normal self this morning and happy to see all us.  Probably couldn't figure out how he ended up outside. 

Puppies are fine but they were freaked out also about Kaiser.