A dog's greatest strength

Grant Lamontagne · **on:** May 28, 2012, 07:09:50 PM

I'm here at the animal hospital now after coming home for lunch and finding my old husky Chinook lying on the floor hyperventilating. It seems his heart is enlarged, which to me isn't news since he is one of the most laid back, friendly dogs you'd ever want to meet. But, it turns out an enlarged heart is a bad thing.

They are going to give him a shot of something to try and lessen the fluid that is constricting his heart, but I'm pretty certain that in a matter of hours I will be down one fluffy dog. I miss him already and he's not gone yet.

The good news is that while he's pretty out of it now, he hasn't been suffering too long. When I had him out just this morning before I left for work he was happy and even got to see the neighbor's dogs.

I'm in shock now, although at 14 years old this isn't really doesn't come as a surprise. My wife has left work and is on her way here now. There's no real danger of him slipping away before she gets here, so that's good too.

While his ship hasn't sailed yet, I would appreciate it if everyone would raise a glass, light a candle or do whatever it is you do to honor someone. However he leaves here today, he's a dog well worth everyone's respect.

Def

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Mr. Whippy · **Reply #1 on:** May 28, 2012, 07:23:46 PM

Very sorry Grant. It's always hard

dks · **Reply #2 on:** May 28, 2012, 07:28:28 PM

Best of luck to your friend

AHB · **Reply #3 on:** May 28, 2012, 07:39:12 PM

Sorry to hear Grant..

Nikos · **Reply #4 on:** May 28, 2012, 07:59:42 PM

jerseydevil · **Reply #5 on:** May 28, 2012, 08:21:12 PM

So sorry to hear that, Def.

derekmac · **Reply #6 on:** May 28, 2012, 08:24:16 PM

Very sorry to hear Grant!

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Crouton · **Reply #7 on:** May 28, 2012, 08:25:00 PM

I hope he pulls through.

Craig · **Reply #8 on:** May 28, 2012, 08:32:56 PM

Best Wishes

Steinar · **Reply #9 on:** May 28, 2012, 08:49:44 PM

I poured myself an aquavit and raised my glass for your friend.

I do hope he pulls through.

AimlessWanderer · **Reply #10 on:** May 28, 2012, 09:17:24 PM

Really sorry to hear that mate

A fine single malt being raised to your good friend right now

Best wishes to you all

theonew · **Reply #11 on:** May 28, 2012, 09:29:39 PM

Glass raised

Top-Gear-24 · **Reply #12 on:** May 28, 2012, 09:45:40 PM

Been there my friend ...

Since I'm not much of a beer drinker, I'll raise a glass of mineral water to honor your loyal companion ...

nuphoria · **Reply #13 on:** May 28, 2012, 09:56:52 PM

Oh no Grant, I'm really very sorry to hear your news.

I'll be thinking of you and Chinook, and certainly celebrating the life he has had with you.

Grant Lamontagne · **Reply #14 on:** May 28, 2012, 10:36:59 PM

We are home now, one dog short. He didn't make it. My wife made it to the Vet's office in time to spend some time with him and help me make the decision I'd already made.

Now for the hard part- learning to break all the habits he was a part of, like splitting the end of my supper into two bites, one for Chinook and one for Daisy. That was hard when Pete died- all the little reminders.

Def

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Sazabi · **Reply #15 on:** May 28, 2012, 10:40:02 PM

I'm sorry for your loss, Grant.

Craig · **Reply #16 on:** May 28, 2012, 11:11:43 PM

Condolences on your loss

Mike, Lord of the Spammers! · **Reply #17 on:** May 28, 2012, 11:12:56 PM

I'm so sorry to hear that mate, it's truly gutting to lose a dear friend like that

Any time you want to talk mate, just drop me a line.

Steinar · **Reply #18 on:** May 28, 2012, 11:31:21 PM

You have my condolences, both you, your wife and your remaining dog. Losing someone, no matter how many legs, is one of life's kicks in the gut.

BlueDot · **Reply #19 on:** May 28, 2012, 11:40:29 PM

This is always a sad time.

You are in my prayers.

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kirk13 · **Reply #20 on:** May 28, 2012, 11:42:32 PM

I'm sorry to hear of your loss Grant.Chinook will always be with you both in your hearts

jzmtl · **Reply #21 on:** May 28, 2012, 11:57:27 PM

Really sorry to hear that Chinook has passed, I will raise a glass of good cognac in his name.

Grant Lamontagne · **Reply #22 on:** May 29, 2012, 12:03:35 AM

Thanks everyone. He had a good long life, and didn't suffer until the end. He was never really sick in his life and so I guess a part of me figured he'd be around forever.

Def

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nuphoria · **Reply #23 on:** May 29, 2012, 12:30:16 AM

I'm glad your wife got there to say goodbye - really sad that you both had to deal with such heartbreak today though

Millhouse · **Reply #24 on:** May 29, 2012, 12:39:34 AM

Sorry to hear of your loss. I will raise a glass in his memory, and also to the great life you gave him.

mvyrmnd · **Reply #25 on:** May 29, 2012, 12:40:48 AM

After reading this thread, I just had to give my dogs a good belly scratch... I know their day will come one day, and I dread it.

I'm sorry that you've lost your friend.

Ashley · **Reply #26 on:** May 29, 2012, 01:05:40 AM

So sorry Def. I can't imagine putting my Sugar down but I know someday it will happen.

Best wishes to you all as you learn to live without your trusty friend.

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Mercury · **Reply #27 on:** May 29, 2012, 02:03:01 AM

I'm so sorry Grant. I've been there and unless one has dogs they just can't understand the true pain you are going through. I've said a prayer for him as well as you and your wife. Hang in there my friend.

Chako · **Reply #28 on:** May 29, 2012, 02:15:10 AM

I am sorry to hear this Grant. It never is easy, no matter how many times you go through something like this. My condolences.

Metropolicity · **Reply #29 on:** May 29, 2012, 02:58:17 AM

We have two pups now but when I was a teenager we lost two during the Christmas break. They couldn't be without each other.

Sorry for your loss from one coast to another.

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