I got some sad news a week ago, regarding my dog Katie. She is an 11 year old Australian Shepherd.
The vet discovered a tennis ball sized tumor in the vicinity of her lady parts. Because of the way the tumor is attached to those tissues it is inoperable without doing extensive damage. In time the tumor will strangle her urethra, making it impossible for her to pee.
the vet said there was no way of telling how long it will be before that happens...6 months? a year or two?...but it will happen.
This September she is joining me on what very possibly is her final canoe trip. She has been a wonderful companion, and is superb on a canoe trip. I will miss her to say the least.

Sad. Glad you two are getting out again.

The last two dogs I've lost have been similar situations of knowing in advance that it's coming but not knowing when. I found losing those dogs much easier than the ones where they're taken suddenly and unexpectedly.

Enjoy your remaining time together; it can be pretty special.

Alan

We lost Mocha to a leaky Heart Valve.
The vets gave her 6 months, with drugs,we got 1.5 years out of her and took her on her last BW trip to Insula Lake in 2011.

Enjoy the time you and Katie have left together, and remember you/she will know when it is time to part.

When that time comes, don't keep her around any longer for yourself.
That may only be prolonging her pain.

And sorry for the pain you are feeling right now.

Mocha in the BW

So sad. Enjoy that trip and hopefully it's not the last. Our neighbors Australian Sheppard is 15 and they've been thinking she's at the end for the last 3 years. Hopefully Katie strings you along for a few years.

She's a beauty. Reminds me so much of my mom and dad's 13 y/o aussie we lost earlier this year. Your Katie undoubtedly knows how loved she is, so take some comfort in that.

Glad you get one more trip at least. Losing a dog is one of the hardest things I've gone through. Ours was a 9 year old Border Collie who we didn't know was sick and had a seizure. His stomach was full of tumors so we put him down that day.

That's a beauty that you have.

Very sorry to hear this, Mooseplums. This is always so tough. It's great that you will be able to take her out this fall, and hope you have a great trip together.

When I went with sunny and Boppa to WCPP in 2013 I left Bernie home because of room in my truck. I kick myself as that was my last chance to paddle with her. Cherish that September trip!

Sorry to hear your tough news Mooseplums. She looks like a great dog and I'm sure she has been a great friend. I hope you get lucky and can spend more time with her.

Sad, I still miss my Daisy who passed away about 16 years ago just about every day. You just have to treasure the time that you have. That's just the deal you have to accept, that dogs aren't forever, and neither are we.

But, speaking of Aussies, a busy year and not as much canoeing as I had hoped (yet). Because, first we got our BC mix rescue puppy in February, who then got Parvo ($$$). Then a couple weeks ago, I spotted this sad looking double Merle at an adoption event. He really perked up when I got him out of the cage. I just knew he had to come home with me. So I rushed home and got our other dog, did a short intro to make sure things would work out - and now I have 2 best buddies! (and kennel cough... :()

Somewhere out there, is another dog that needs you. You'll find each other eventually.

Help me, he says!!!






OK, where's the car?






Brothers!!!






Now I need another dog PFD though.

Notlight, that's an awesome story. I used to have an Aussie and was wondering if your double merle has any issues? I've heard they can be blind or deaf. Beautiful looking dogs and very happy they get along.

Our Aussie was incredibly dominant and had territory aggression to the point we had to give him up for rescue at 5 years old. (My vet wanted to put him down but I wouldn't do it) He's living on a farm now with another Aussie and very happy.

quote TomT: "Notlight, that's an awesome story. I used to have an Aussie and was wondering if your double merle has any issues? I've heard they can be blind or deaf. Beautiful looking dogs and very happy they get along.

Our Aussie was incredibly dominant and had territory aggression to the point we had to give him up for rescue at 5 years old. (My vet wanted to put him down but I wouldn't do it) He's living on a farm now with another Aussie and very happy.

"

Hearing seems as good as a humans. Eyes are good (he can see the sunnies underwater at the beach and my other dog can't). His pupils are both a bit misformed so he will be somewhat light sensitive his whole life.

Behavior-wise he is very very good. Playful, doesn't pull on leash, knows basic commands, no food agression. He has some dominance issues where he uses his mouth too much during free play with other dogs. This is supposedly why he was surrendered (small children in house). But it's not really biting, and even in just a few days of free play we've been able to shut that bad habit down for the most part. But yes, you can see that dominance/herding instinct in him for sure.

Sad news, indeed. Let's hope the "two year" span wins out. Dogs are a wonderful blessing, and having them on the trail makes an already great thing so much better.