Widgeon is not doing well.
 

Widgeon in the "forget me nots".

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1413236458.jpg

Guess it's pretty bad when you name your golden after your screen name. But that's the way it is.

Widge is 13 and has some arthritis but we were hoping that would be her only malady for a while. We don't seem to have been that fortunate. She has been getting slower in the past week and then Saturday started collapsing when she was walking. Ended up taking her to the vets Saturday evening and he said it's most likely pneumonia or cancer (or combination of both) no fever, some crackling in her chest and very labored breathing. We are giving it a few days to let some antibiotics kick in, might bring her back but I have to say; it's not looking good right now. She is not improving at all. At least she has been drinking and eating a little but the collapsing on very brief walks is just tearing me up. She is comfortable when resting but it seems she's telling me it's time.

She has been the sweetest girl and has the softest silky fur, kept her baby fur. Like stroking a baby's hair. She loved her walks with Mom and me and now all that seems to be coming to an end. (Never been in a kennel) Yes, she slept on our bed and yes, she got on some furniture. But she never destroyed anything and now she's breaking my heart. That's where things stand now but it looks like it's going to be a bad week in our household. Hate to see her like this. She's been the best.

She had a great ride with you. Small consolation, I'm sure.

Damn dogs, can't live without 'em, but they always break our hearts.

Sounds like it's time for you to be her best friend and not let her suffer.

Sorry.

That's a beautiful picture of her.

I'm sorry to hear that Widgeon isn't doing well. She has my best wishes.

Sorry to hear about widgeon.

Sorry to hear :(

She is so beautiful!

13 years is a good run but the years seem to go so fast, don't they?

I am praying she will improve and buy some more time but if not you will have to do right by her - as hard as it is.

That's tough - so sorry man. Please give her a little hug from Baz and the girls....

Sucks. Sorry to hear.

Best
Scott

Sorry to hear the rough news. I just went through this with my 11 year old beloved lab. How are her gums? Good color or pale/white? I had similar symptoms to what you describe and it was a splenic tumor that wound up being hermangiosarcoma. The tumor was causing internal bleeding, hence the white gums. This afflicts goldens and labs. Hoping for a better outcome for Widgeon. All one can do is monitor quality of life and make the tough decision when she tells you its time. Having just made this call one month ago to the day, the pain was unbelievable but tempered by the knowledge that I did the right thing for my best friend.

I am sure she has had a great life.

What a sweet girl. Puppy dogs are a blessing.

Thanks for your recommendation. Gums are nice and pink. She has been pooping fine and eating pretty well but we have been trying to give her more tasty foods, Canned dog food with some kind of gravy. She just seems to have no strength or stamina. The vet mentioned some dark areas on the lungs and that is why we are treating for pneumonia. She has been coughing some as well. I don't think there is any internal bleeding and he certainly didn't mention that either. Thanks for the recommendation. We're wanting 3 to 5 days to see if the antibiotics bring some improvement but for now there is no change. I'm certainly not challenging the vets diagnosis. He did say we could hospitalize for nourishment and fluids if she was not eating but at her age we're not going to put her through that for a brief reprieve. Just so hard to sit and watch.

Sorry for your lose.

I am sorry to hear this news Paul, but I am hoping the antibiotics do the trick. She is a beautiful Pup.

Thanks. Good news on the gums being pink. Let's hope the antibiotics do the trick.

Sorry to hear. Prayers sent.

Bentley and I are sending Widgeon and family our best prayers

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1413252530.jpg

What a sweet girl. Praying for a turnaround. They can happen, and so many of her signs are positive. Kinda teary here...

That's a beautiful dog. Not easy losing a best friend. Hoping she pulls through.

Furry family members are always hard to lose:(

Yet another one of these threads. 'Just too many.
Dogs have hooks and they snag our hearts. They bring us both a joy that's beyond anything...and then comes the pain.
I wish they'd live forever.
I swore I'd never have another after putting down my (first) two Tibetan Terriers 30 days apart...10 yrs. ago.
One from lymphosarcoma and the other cancer.
But here I am with another (Poodle)...there's no hope for me...I'm besotted.
.
Beautiful photo. For sure, a "Forget-Me-Not" pup.
Best to you and your family, Paul. It's so hard!

Thats too bad. Sorry.

I am sorry to hear Widgeon is under veterinary care. Regards
Sandy

Damn it, I hate these threads.Sorry to hear this I hope she gives you a few more years. Why do Parrots live 50 years and dogs only so long?

Hate to read these threads too :(...."she" will let you know. This is the hardest part, but worth it for the joy they bring us. You have my sympathy for what you're going through right now. Know you're doing the "right" thing when the time comes. Be well...

Hang in there, man! Take comfort in the knowledge that you had each other and were able to share the bond between you. It's so tough to lose a friend like this.

So sorry to hear this. Nothing worse than watching our best friends go through something like this.

Sorry this is happening to your family.

Do your best.
Les

Thanks to everyone for there concerns and wishes for a recovery. It was just not to be.

Widgeon passed over the rainbow bridge at 10 AM today and is now in a better, more peaceful place. She was comfortable and alert at the vets and I was with her all the time until the end.

It's been a difficult couple of days and she was anxious and fearful a good part of the time not knowing why she couldn't do all those things she always enjoyed. Now that fear an anxiety are over and she is chasing tennis balls thrown from the chuck-it or diving off the dock to get the buoy and all the discomfort and anxiousness are gone.

She will be so sadly missed. It will be an eerily quiet house for us and at 7 PM when she and I would walk, I will still take that walk in tribute to her loyalty and companionship. It just won't be the same w/o her at my side.

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1413300192.jpg

Im so sorry Paul. :( My heart goes out to you and your family.

Sorry for your loss. It's never easy losing one but you did the right thing.

Much respect to you, Paul and sincerest condolences. It takes time to heal wounds of the heart. Widgeon will always live in your heart and mind....

so sorry..

take that walk tomm. Paul..
she will be right there..
she always will be ..

Rika

So sad. My best to you and your gorgeous doggie.

Deepest condolences to you and yours. It's often hard to do the right thing.

So sorry to read this, Paul. As hard as it is, you did right to be with her 'til the end ..

RIP Widgeon, I am sure she had a most wonderful life with you.

So sorry for your loss. Condolences

We are so sorry for your loss. RIP Widgeon.

Paul,
My sincere condolences on the loss of your beautiful Widgeon.
As Rika mentioned, take the 7p walks with your girl.
She will always be at your side.

Matt

Yes she is chasing tennis balls & swimming in the sun.
Believe it or not after awhile there will be room in your heart for another wonderful companion.
My sincerest condolences.

I am deeply saddened to hear that Widgeon has passed. The 7pm walks will be different without her by your side, but now that sun beam or gentle breeze will let you know that she is still there...with you now and forever.

RIP Widgeon