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.

[Leslie, Yogi & Maci Bear]

Oh my Nancy, I'm so very sorry. I know how much you cared for your Gordie.

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

Thanks, Leslie.

[Jolene, Sassparilla & Josie]

Nancy and Skip I am soooo sorry for your loss.  Gordie was such a beautiful and sweet companion.  Knowing you gave him a home and all the love in your heart should bring some peace.  He had the best buddies in Ned and Clancy and you can clearly see that in your pictures.  May the memories you shared bring some comfort during this difficult time.  Hugs to all of you.

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

Thanks, Jolene.  I like that you also knew Gordie.

[F, Calla & Luca]

We all knew Gordie so well by now. I am so sorry to hear this. I know Ned and Clancy will miss as much as you do and I hope you can all comfort each other.

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

Thank you, F.  Gordie was just one of the gang, wasn't he?  Odd looking doodle.  :-}

[Dee & Chloe]

Nancy, I am so very sorry for your loss. He was very lucky to have such devoted and loving parents who gave him a very  happy and fun filled life. My thoughts are with you...

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

Thanks, Dee.

[Carolyn Shusterman]

Nancy and Skip, I can't begin to tell you how sad we are to hear of Gordie's passing. I don't know who wrote the following but I'd like to share with you because you are also a teacher.

Dogs come into our lives to teach us about love, they depart to teach us about loss.  A new dog never replaces an old dog it merely expands the heart.  If you have loved many dogs your heart is very big.

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

What a lovely saying. Thanks for sharing it with us.

[Maryann,Roo and Tigger]

Nancy, I am so sorry about Gordie. 

 

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

Thanks, Maryann.