Trust your gut if you think your dog is ill

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

Our sweet eleven year old Springer developed bloat this morning. As soon as we realized something was wrong, we rushed him to our 'vacation' vet where he had emergency surgery to 'untangle' his insides, his stomach and spleen had sustained too much damage and we had to let him go.  We are in shock and devastated to say the least.  Even the vet said at first she suspected other serious problems because English Springer Spaniels aren't a breed commonly connected with bloat.  Gordie didn't display 'all' the symptoms listed in the articles until he was actually at the vet, but he was sick enough that it was obvious that something was seriously wrong.   I write this in hopes that you will learn the symptoms and watch your precious pups and listen to your what your gut is telling you. 

http://pets.webmd.com/dogs/gastric-volvulus-bloat-dogs

Gordie was from a backyard breeder before we knew what that meant.  He had quite a few physical problems throughout his life consistent with careless breeding.  He weathered these with his sweet temperament.  It was very hard for us to know when Gordie was in pain because he was so stoic.  Today he wasn't, and that was our biggest clue. 

One thing Gordie was, was anxious.  When he was a puppy, it showed up in his destructiveness.  He ate 2 couches and a chair cushion by cushion; he chewed molding off the walls; he ate the corners off rugs; and scratched doors.  As a pup he could not tolerate crating, but when allowed on the bed, stayed put until morning. He outgrew being destructive when trying to 'find' us and began his heart-wrenching howling and  barking.  He had to be with 'his people' and if he wasn't, he was frantic.  Recently he got shut in a bedroom.  It wasn't more than a minute before the howling began. We adjusted our lives to ensure that Gordie wasn't left alone.  Yet with all this anxiety, he was also the perfect dog.  My youngest son often took him to college where he slept with the guys, attended classes, watched skate boarding and  Frisbee golf.

[Laurie, Fudge, and Vern]

Nancy, I am so very sorry to hear about Gordie. What a wonderful life you gave that sweet boy. Hugs to all of you!!

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

Thanks Laurie.  Those hugs helped.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

I'm so sorry, Nancy. I know how much you and Skip loved him, and he knew it, too. We are all grieving with you. Rest in peace, sweet Gordie. I know you're running at the Bridge with your big brother Simon. 

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

We feel sure that Gordie is with his best bud and 'rock' Simon.  Thanks for remembering Si.

[Wendy and Myla]

Oh Nancy - how sad!  I am so very sorry for your loss but you have to know that Gordie was the luckiest dog ever - he was so, so loved and he knew it!  I know it will be very hard for you all to get over, but Gordie is looking down on you all and thanking you so much for his awesome life on this earth!!!  Hugs!!!!

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

Thank you for your kind thoughts, Wendy.

[Camilla and Darwin]

I'm so, so sorry Nancy. Sending virtual hugs and thinking of you.

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

Hugs received!.  Thanks.

[Kaitlin and Ludo]

Nancy, I am so sorry for your loss.  It is so clear how much he was loved and I am sure he knew it.  You and your family will be in my thoughts.

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

Thank you, Kaitlin.

[Lonnie & Libby Lu]

 Nancy, I am so very sorry and my heart hurts for you and your family.  He was lucky to find you and you were the best parents ever.  Keeping you in my prayers and sending hugs and love.

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

Thanks so much.  Give Libby a hug for us.