Friday, November 13, 2009

AN EMPTY BED AND BROKEN HEARTS

MAXWELL HERNDEN 12/26/98-11/11/09 Last Tuesday night I fed the dogs at about 5:30PM as usual. Max, our 10 year old Golden Retriever finished his dinner and I took him outside. He was happy and appeared normal in every respect. At 9PM I had to nearly force Max up to go out again and barely 10 feet out of the garage he collapsed. Lizzie and I managed to get him back in the house but he was in obvious distress.
Lizzie laid on the floor next to him most of the night to comfort him and we took him to our veterinarian first thing the next morning. Test results showed an unusually low red cell count and albumin levels. X-rays revealed a large mass pressing against his lung and esophogus and the doctor advised us that the risk of surgery was too high.
At 2PM, Lizzie and I laid on the floor of the examing room with him and Lizzie gently placed his head in her lap as the vet administered the drugs that ended the life of our special boy. We hugged him and cried.
Our home is in mourning this week. The other dogs routine is different, their place in the dinner line has changed and they know he is gone. Max's bed at the end of ours is empty and our hearts are broken.
More about Max later..............................

5 comments:

Shawn K. Wayment, DVM said...

My heart goes out to you and your wife! I'm very sorry to hear about Max!

Shawn

Andrew Campbell said...

Dale: my heartfelt condolences to you and your wife. I remember having to do the same for my first dog -- and the only comfort I can take from it is knowing that I was able to help her leave this life with grace. You did the same for Max.

Andrew

Andrew M. Wayment said...

I'm so sorry for your loss. It never gets easier to lose a friend.

Mike Spies said...

Dale

I am so sorry to hear this tragic news! I feel for you both. The price we pay for loving our dogs is a high one... but well worth it.

You did the right thing - the only thing that you could have humanely done for Max.

Bury him in your heart.

Craig Peters Warrens, WI 443-206-1091 said...

Sorry to hear that Dale. Give him a good spot at the LoBank so he's always there.

Craig