a sad ending

**lab13** · 02-16-2009, 01:40 PM

I haven't posted in a while but have been watching others posts.

Last night we had to put our 13 1/5 yr old lab to sleep.
She had been at the vets back and forth for a few weeks with what was suspected as "cushings' disease symptoms.
She was due to go to the local teaching hospital this Wed for more tests.
Yesterday she was having troubles peeing and we ended up taking her to the emergency vet. After a consultation and xray it was found that she had a tumor at the bladder opening that was large and now preventing her from peeing. The vet said that it was inoperable and she was in pain.
We made the hard decision to put her to sleep.
She went very peacefully.

Thank you for all your advice, kind thoughts and wishes for Gypsy throughtout her long life. We feel very blessed to have had Gypsy in our lives.

Our other lab, is doing ok today.

Just thought I would let you know.
Thanks.

**brody** · 02-16-2009, 02:03 PM

it is never easy but it certainly sounds like you did the right thing for the right reason
hang in there and cherish the happy memories

your other dog will miss her but some mutual loving should help all of you with the grief

**lab13** · 02-16-2009, 07:01 PM

Thank you for your kind thoughts.

It has been now just one day and feels like forever already.
Our younger dog is doing ok but I have noticed that she is lying at the back door which she normally doesn't do.

**Allies Mom** · 02-17-2009, 09:26 AM

I am so very sorry for your loss. Sending lots of good thoughts for you and your other lab.

**talleyJudy** · 02-17-2009, 10:54 AM

I'm so sorry for your loss of Gypsy....and know exactly how you feel.... :'(

**lab13** · 02-17-2009, 12:27 PM

Thanks again.
Our regular vet just called to say how sorry she was.
Our next concern is our younger lab.
Yesterday she seemed ok but today she seems to be more anxious and is following me around a lot more. I think I will put a post in the Health section to seek some advice for her in the coming days with separation anxiety.
She was always a bit anxious if I went out or if Gypsy went out without her.
Hope she settles down with time.
Thanks again for your kind thoughts for Gypsy.

**talleyJudy** · 02-17-2009, 04:32 PM

One thing you might consider doing for your younger lab is to start basic obedience class right away - even if it is in the middle of the 8 or 10 sessions. You can always take the class over again from the beginning.

My thinking is to get her out of the house, into strange, but structured territory, seeing new people, seeing new dogs, all under controlled conditions, and yet he/she is in a situation that he/she has to pay attention to you and use his/her mind to listen, respond, learn and cope with that new situation rather than hanging around the house and pining for Gypsy. Might be worth a try???

**lab13** · 02-18-2009, 08:32 AM

Good ideas, thanks.

We are taking her out more and she seems happy to go.

Our only concern now is when we have to leave her alone for a few hours how she will be.
Time will tell I guess.

Thanks again