Sometimes life really sucks.

[maxpower]

Feel free to ignore if you've never known the love of an extraordinary pet.

I adopted a puppy from a shelter knowing he has seizure problems. He's a Jack Russell mix, I save Jackies. Love the breed, I couldn't let him not have a good home. We got his seizures controlled. He is my shadow, my buddy. I have grown up with dogs and been around them my entire life. Needless to say; I love dogs. And I've never been around a dog as sweet and loyal as Otis.

He started having trouble breathing Friday. Yesterday I found out he is in end stage cardiac failure. He is 9 months old. He'll be lucky to live another year. In the big scheme of things no big deal, but as a dog lover it sucks. But in this increasingly shitty world, he keeps me going. Soon he will be gone. I will love and spoil him for the rest of his life.

I posted this because I am devastated and I can't understand why shit like this happens. He is my buddy, I will cherish every moment with him. The bittersweet joy of knowing this great dog will not live a full life.

Sometimes life really sucks.

To Otis, my friend, may the rest of his life be full of love and happiness.

Peace,
Max


P.S. Thanks, I had to get this immense heartbreak out.

[SDuderstadt]

1. I'm with you, buddy

[leftstreet]

2. Oh, I'm so sorry

There are no words

Hang in there

[csziggy]

3. That is so sad - I am glad he has someone who loves him

:hug:

[frazzled]

4. Awwww

Otis is lucky to have you for a human friend. His short little life will have been made sweet because of the love you showed him. And who knows ... maybe the vet was wrong. Life brings surprising changes.

[applegrove]

5. I hear ya.

[Dappleganger]

6. As a big dog lover

I feel your pain. Hope you're able to enjoy one day at a time to the fullest with each other.

[azurnoir]

7. Otis is a lucky little dog to have a human as loving as you

my the rest of his days be happy and filled with love
:hug:

[Kurovski]

8. You have the right plan.

I don't think dogs have that same panic over a sense of time that we do. Love him, spoil his little ass rotten, and to him, he will feel like he was top dog for one hundred years.

You are very sweet.

[maxpower]

9. Thank you all

The way things have been, I realize it is the little things that matter. I have ten and and eight year old dogs. I got Otis to learn from the other two. My daughter was supposed to grow up with Otis, she is devastated and I can't fix her broken heart. Life is cruel to the little things.


Peace,
Max








Edit for title

[NuclearDem]

10. I'm so sorry...

:cry: I can't imagine what I would do if I lost my little buddy or my baby girl.

:hug:

[maxpower]

13. I have no words

My daughter is heartbroken, and my wife and I have to make sense of this.




Thanks for posting

Peace,
Max

[wtmusic]

11. Thanks Max

for giving him some peace and companionship during his brief stay.

:thumbsup:

[maxpower]

25. What else could I do?

I can't let him suffer. That's the other sides way.



Peace,
Max

[BillyJack]

12. He's lucky and you're lucky to have found each other

Love never dies....tis true!

:hug:

[MrsBrady]

14. so sorry

I'll give all my critters some ear scritches for you, for Otis.

:hug:

[Monique1]

16. I know how you feel

I had to put two cocker spaniels to sleep - it broke my heart. I knew it was coming but tried to prepare myself. My one cocker could hardly stand up on his legs and my other one - she became very senile. They died would you believe at the age of 16 and 17 yrs. They died together.

[flvegan]

15. Otis is already lottery-style lucky.

I truly hope the odds are soundly beaten and he has far more time with you than expected.

[Coyote_Bandit]

17. There is a unique and special grief

that accompanies the loss of a young life and all the potential it carries.

I was up all night last Tuesday trying to comfort my dog - who was in end stage heart failure. He had been to the vet on Monday and it was apparent he wasn't doing well. He rebounded a bit on Tuesday. His tail was up. He seemed happy. He spent some time outside enjoying the warmth of the early spring sunshine. He even trotted around the yard a little bit. I fed him some of his favorite food for dinner. He napped. Later that night he started showing obvious signs of distress. It was obvious that the end was near.

Enjoy the time you have left with your precious boy.


:hug:

[maxpower]

20. Thanks for sharing

He is so happy to be back at home and in his yard. I am truly sorry for you you. Peace to you and your dog. He is lucky to have you.


Peace,
Max

[maxpower]

18. I told him

Everybody is wrong and he will live a long life. Otis rocks. If you are drinkers, have one for a great dog. All religious folk, please do what you do. Everybody thanks for the love expressed. I am grateful, and will share the love with Otis, my little brother.




Peace,
Max

[sasha031]

19. I am so sorry your Otis is sick

you are doing the right thing, give him all the love he needs. Try living in the moment and enjoy the precious time you will have together.

I have been there, having an ill furbaby. She lasted yrs longer than the vet had anticipated, I loved her with everything I had.

Otis is so lucky to have such a wonderful family.

[roguevalley]

21. I am so sorry. Spoil him for what he's got. You get the dog you need

and the dog who needs you. Your baby will have all the love and good times he would never have with anyone else. My two remaining boys are 16 and 17. They have huge ailments too and are on borrowed time. Jan. 24th my little 13 year old doxie died of bladder cancer. I gave them steak. Give your baby steak and hug them. I wish you peace.

[WhaTHellsgoingonhere]

22. It sure does

Hi Max.

My basset hound, Irving, was our "child" since we didn't have children. He also had a little brother, Boris, a tabby cat. When my s/o and I split, Irv came with me. That dude worshiped me. When people watched him, they said they he'd pull them all around when they went on walks, or he would ignore them when he was called. By contrast, I could walk him around Chicago off leash, and if he got into something he shouldn't have, I could shout, "Spit it out!" and he would! My range was 50 yards, easily. I guess you might call that loyalty.

I put that guy through two surgeries, $2100 each. I couldn't afford them in total, so my sister, who adored him, too, helped out. Then my world was turned upside down. I got laid off. And within a few weeks, I was back at the vet. Irv had a battery of tests and eventually would require another surgery. He was 12 years old, now.

Making life and death decision aren't what I bargained for. Completely sickening.

:hug:

Marc

[maxpower]

23. Sorry Marc

I am an unemployed teacher. I can empathize. We had to take out a loan for his care. For my sweet Otis it doesn't matter. We are broke anyway and money is nothing compared to total love without constraints.

Otis appreciates your vibes, as do I.



Peace,
Max

[MedleyMisty]

24. *hugs*

I wish I could give you IRL hugs.

You and Otis are in my thoughts and in my heart. I'm crying with you.

You are a wonderful person. And Otis is a wonderful dog, and I'm glad that he found you, that he has love and support and someone who really cares about him.

My PM box is open any time.

((((((hugs)))))))

[maxpower]

26. You are sweet

I have been crying for two days now. In the short time I've had him, he has changed me. I can't explain....

He is always loved and spoiled, just like his brothers.


Peace,
Max

[Gregorian]

27. This happened to my Farnsworth.

He was too young. I noticed him coughing. I didn't want him to go. We went to the vets, and he was fine for another year. Then he started coughing again. I brought him to the vets, and I left alone. I want to tell you this because even though he's your buddy, especially since he's your buddy, please think of him. And I say this as someone who never felt the way about anything like I did my Farnsworth. I probably never will, unless I get lucky. I loved him. The vet made it very clear that euthanizing would be a relief for his suffering. I don't say this lightly. I hate posting this here because I could get flamed for even thinking of such a thing. I was the last in the world to ever consider doing it. It is years later, and I still mourn. But I spared him more suffering than he would have gone through.

I'm so sorry for your friend, and your grief. It's like there's a perfect world that we see, but it's flawed. It's so hard to have to endure this kind of thing.

[BillyJack]

28. Love never dies.....

:hug:

[maxpower]

30. Thanks for posting

We as a family have decided Otis will not suffer. We are compassionate, we had to put our first dog down to avoid his suffering. He was ten. It's a lot harder with a puppy.......sorry.




Peace,
Max

[Lugnut]

29. I'm so glad he has you.

We had a Dobie with a genetic disease. He didn't make it to his 8th birthday and the last two years of his life were hell for him. We did everything we could to help him but nothing could cure his genes. :hug:

[maxpower]

31. Thanks

Although I feel lucky to have him. He has been a joy since he joined our family.


Peace,


Max

[Oldtimeralso]

32. Max, I rescued a female JRT

She is from Iowa from my wife's family that broke up and the dog couldn't go to an apartment so she was to be shot. She is great we got her at 4 and now she is 8 great companion for me with my disability.

There is one problem when her and I are alone in the house she avoids me. My wife says this is from her past abuse by the former male owner she had. What is more amazing is that when my illness is acting up she will jump in bed with me after my wife has gone to work! I truly believe that she can sense when my problems are bad and wants to comfort me.

By the way too bad about being a Cubs fan I grew up on the south side, yeah I know any team can have a bad century or two, maybe three.

[renate]

33. how absolutely awful... but that's not quite right about his not leading a full life

We all have a beginning and an end, and in the great sweep of time we're all only here for an instant; it doesn't matter how long we're here but what the time we're here is like. You and your family are giving him a life full of love, and he is giving you all his love... that is one hell of a full life.

I'm not trying to be cheerful about this, because it's terrible, and completely unfair. But he is living a very, very full life. It's way too short (which sucks more for you than for him--he has no expectations). But it's full.

:hug:

[Lorien]

34. I'm so sorry. I know exactly what you're going through

I adopted a wonderful little black kitten from the SPCA a couple of years ago. I had him for several months and absolutely fell in love with him. My other three cats-who didn't all get along before little Atticus Pye came to live with us- adored him and there was peace, playfulness and contentment in my home. I couldn't believe how fortunate I was to find the perfect kitty-then he suddenly became ill. It was FIP. He only had 2-3 weeks to live, and I tried to make him as comfortable as I could. The disease moved quickly. I still miss him horribly to this day, but I'm glad that I was able to know such a wonderful fur friend for half of his short life.

Pippin grooming his best friend Atticus Pye:

[MoonRiver]

35. So, so sorry.

I also have a little dog I adore and dread the day I will lose her. Otis is a blessed little doggie to have an owner like you. :hug:

[a la izquierda]

36. Oh, how bittersweet...

give that dog the best damn life you can. I'd sell body parts for one more year with each of the dogs I've lost (and one had cardiac failure and lasted quite a bit longer than anticipated). Get him to as good a vet as you can afford, and give him all the treats, love, and walks you can!

Good luck Otis!
From-alq and my three furbabies (all rescues)

[TBF]

37. I'm very sorry -

had a similar experience with a rescue in the past year. He was "about 4", rescue group paid for the heartworm treatment, and he seemed like he was ok when we got him. Sweetest Lab ever, great with the kids ... Then the heart murmer and kidney disease appeared (vet thought it was likely further damage from the heartworm but also could've been age). We lost him earlier this month after just 8 mos. It was especially hard for the kids, but we were happy we were able to give him great medical care and a very loving home for the last part of his life.

[City of Mills]

38. Look at it from the puppy's point of view

He may only be granted a short amount of time in life, but somehow he ended up in the loving arms of an owner who will doubtlessly shower him with love, kindness and affection for the entire duration of his physical existence.

I think that if you could ask him, the puppy would argue that life is really wonderful.

[mdmc]

39. peace and low stress bro

sorry for your loss

[GoCubsGo]

40. I'm sorry

Yes, life does suck sometimes. (I know. I have a kitty with end-stage renal failure sitting on my lap as I type this--on top of a whole bunch of way worse shit.) But, take comfort in knowing that you will be giving Otis the happiest life he can possibly have, even though it's going to be a short one. Lots of doggies don't ever get that, sadly.

[maxpower]

41. Again thank you all for your thoughts

My little buddy slept well and is doing good this morning. He is just as happy as can be. He has secured the back yard, and is playing with his blanket. Another day with Otis! What a great morning.

Peace,
Max

[ehrnst]

42. Hugs.

[hobbit709]

43. I'm so sorry

I just lost Wheezie, my little rat terror, on Mon.

[Patiod]

44. Option #1:shelter/euthanasia. Option #2:Otis meets Maxpower

Sounds like Option #2 worked out well, and will continue to work out better, for this little fellow.

The diagnosis sucks, but here's to however many months of happiness ahead are available to Otis :toast:

[11 Bravo]

45. My rescue lab has her head resting on my leg as I type this (really): We are both ...

sending our love to you and Otis.

[myrna minx]

46. .

:hug:

[1monster]

47. Heart failure in a pet is heart breaking. Otis is happy with you and

has probably already already lived longer than he might have without you and has been far healthier than he would have been. You controlled the seizures. Enjoy whatever time you have left with him and know that you have made a huge and positive difference in his life. Sometimes those we love the best are only with us for a short while. Treasure the time with them as a gift.

[driver8]

48. I'm so sorry to hear about Otis...

I am a dog lover, too. It is amazing how much joy, happiness and comfort they bring to our lives.

My best to you and your pal, Otis!!

[CitizenLeft]

49. been there - with you now

I'm so sorry. I lost my beloved Dalmatian Snoopy on 2/9. She lived a long life - she was 16 - but even when they live that long, it's still devastating. So losing a puppy... no words can effectively describe that pain.

I just adopted a little 14-month-old Shiba Inu. She can only be described as A Nut. You will always always love Otis, but when you're ready, I know you'll adopt again. My Riley can't ever take Snoopy's place, but easing a new dog into your life does help, and she'll make her own way into my heart. May you have peace and love all your days. I know you will - you'll always have a little friend around - and you'll always have Otis in your heart. :) May the rest of your days with Otis be full of love and lots of cuddling.

[JuniperLea]

50. My heart goes out to you...

My Cooper had seizures... horrific to watch. He was a rescue as well... and I've rescued three dogs since his untimely departure from this plane.

It's been about 7 years, and I'm still not over losing the best dog in the world. Please trust me when I say, I truly feel your pain.

:hug:

RIP my sweet Cooper...



And RIP Otis... if you run into Cooper, have a blast! Lick him for me... sigh...

[Wilms]

51. I hear you. n/t

[rvablue]

52. So, so sorry, Max! n/t

[Jokinomx]

53. My heart goes out to both you and your pets....

One of the sad parts of life is death. None of us get out of here alive... I hope that you can cherish the time you had this special friend and be thankful that you were able to spend the time you have.

Other than that.... :hug:

Words are really inadequate when in comes to emotions like this... but know you are not alone.

Peace

[H2O Man]

54. It's a "big deal"

You have a living connection with Otis. That's real. It's the energy of the universal life-force.

My German Shepherd is getting old, and having difficulties. It's a very big deal for me.

[maxpower]

55. Thank you H20 Man

I have always admired and respected your wisdom. Thank you for putting into words the way I feel. I hope your dog gets well.


Peace,
Max

[H2O Man]

57. Thanks.

Quite literally, as I was reading your response, Mugsey dragged himself across the floor. He was using his front legs; the back ones weren't working. Add to that his bowels were moving.

Heck of a mess. But when a good friend has health problems, you do for him.

He's still happy, and enjoying himself 99.99% of the time. But I know where this leads. A lady that lives a few miles away had his brother, and she had to have him put down last fall. While I dread that day, I'm not going to let my pal suffer.

[maxpower]

62. I hope Mugsey enjoys his time with you

And you with him. Otis is always happy. That unbridled joy is infectious, to all he meets. Like you I will not let my little buddy suffer. Both of you be well.


Peace,
Max

[Solly Mack]

56. I'm so sorry, Max.

That does suck.

[October]

58. Oh so sorry.

I feel your pain.

Sending angels.

[Doctor_J]

59. We're at the same stage, sort of

Our terrier will turn 15 next month, but not sure if she will make it. I am trying to confront life without her, and comfort myself with memories of 15 great years, but it's chewing me up.

Best wishes.

[ChoppinBroccoli]

60. I Lost My Best Friend A Few Years Ago

He was my first dog that was just MY dog (all the previous dogs were family dogs). I got him when I graduated from college and moved out on my own. He was my constant companion and pretty much the only friend I had when I was living alone. He was with me for 13 years. I didn't cry when my Grandma died 5 years ago, and I didn't cry when my beloved Grandpa died a year later. But when my dog died, I cried my eyes out. So I understand what you're feeling right now.

I remember coming home for the first time after dropping off his body at the vet's office (he died at home). The house seemed so empty and felt so alone there for the first time ever. For many different reasons, I have not gotten another dog. I plan to in the future, but just not yet.

My wife is going through a similar situation. Her dog of 10 years has cancer and has been taken off of his medication because all it was doing was making him miserable. He's made it a year since having been taken off the medication, but we all know it can't last.

So just realize that you're not alone. And remember this: without you, your friend Otis would be gone already (nobody would ever adopt a pet with a serious medical condition).

Just as an aside, your name makes we want to sing, "Maaaaaaaax Powerrrrrr............he's the man with the name you want to touch..........But you musn't toooooouuuuuch!!!"

[maxpower]

63. Sorry CB

I know how you must feel. Maxpower is a tribute to Homer (my other dog's name). Your name makes me want to sing the "Chopping Broccoli" song by Dana Carvey.


Peace,
Max

[OnyxCollie]

61. (Sigh)

The joy dogs bring is inversely proportional to their lifespan.

[lapislzi]

64. {{{maxpower}}}

I, too, have known the joy of jackies. It broke my heart to leave my beloved Jocelyn with my step-daughter in Cape Town when we emigrated to the U.S. in 94. This dog literally leapt into my arms upon meeting me for the first time.

I wish you good times and much love with your buddy.

[maxpower]

65. My little buddy Otis died tonight

I am beyond heartbroken. He was 9 mos old and my best friend. I will miss him always. R.I.P. Otis, you were the greatest.



Peace,
Max

[blaze]

66. Oh dear!

That was way too soon!

I'm so sorry you lost him so quickly.

:cry:

[maxpower]

67. Just a week

From symptoms to his passing tonight. He was done to soon.


Peace,
Max

[BillyJack]

72. Love never dies

:grouphug:

Yes, he died way too soon, but what an impact he had in his short life! He certainly had a huge impact on YOU!

:hug:

RIP little fella. My sincere condolences Max.

[w8liftinglady]

68. a little something that helped when my mom's dog died... "Rainbow Bridge"

Otis is waiting for you there...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JoBO6kJCBvw

[Chorophyll]

70. I'm so sorry for your loss, Maxpower.

I didn't grow up with dogs -- just got my first puppy ever two weeks ago and I already love her so much. Dogs are good people. I'll be thinking of you. :hug:

[renate]

71. Oh no!!! I can't believe it... what a horrible shock!

You didn't even have time to begin to get used to the idea that he wouldn't be with you long. I'm so sorry. I hope that the fact that this all happened so suddenly means he didn't suffer very long or at all.

:hug: to sweet Otis and to you. :cry:

[maxpower]

86. I hope he didn't suffer

There was panic in his eyes. And he only wanted to be held by me. He seemed to relax, I held him, and then it was over.


Peace,
Max

[beac]

73. I know how heartbroken you are feeling. I've lost two in the past few years. It's so hard.

:hug:

He was lucky to find you to give him such abundant love during his much too short life.

[Kadie]

78. I am so sorry!

:hug:

[Lorien]

79. I'm so, so sorry

he was fortunate to have had you as his human. :hug:

[Curmudgeoness]

69. Oh, maxpower, I am so sorry Otis passed away. Safe passage, Otis.

You gave him a good life for the time he had. You rescued him, and you loved him, even though you knew he had problems. He may not have had this much life and love without you. This is a hard time. Grieve.

:hug:

[maxpower]

74. I can't thank you all enough

I will celebrate the joy he brought to everyone he met. He had an unbridled love of life that I will never forget. I am so sorry he never got enjoy a beautiful spring morning or the trip to the lake I promised him. He will be missed. Again, thank you all.


Peace,
Max

[TuxedoKat]

75. So very sorry

to hear of the loss your beloved Otis.

[nadinbrzezinski]

76. I am sorry

Tuky died at 23, but his early life was sucky. He was in ICU as a young parrot, no, not kidding. He was the best buddy ever.

Ok we love the other two in different ways... but yes, I get it about how special Otis is to you. Make his life the best it can be, and be ready for that moment. That is what we owe them

[lonestarnot]

77. Poor little Otis and you poor thing having to go through that.

:hug:

[riderinthestorm]

80. My JRT puppy is the same age as your Otis. She's lying on my feet right now

and sending love and empathy to you, Max, as her true soul mate. I am convinced that the animals we are entrusted to care for, are brought to us for reasons we cannot understand. Otis' life and passing means that you will be stronger for it.

Enjoy your time with Otis while you can. Truly he is lucky to have you. I KNOW the rest of his life will be filled with love and happiness. Then come to DU to help heal your heartbreak.

[pipi_k]

81. I know exactly how you feel....

During the 7 months between November 2008 and June 2009 I lost all three of my "old" girls....two German Shepherds and a Black Lab.

Only one...the youngest, was unexpected and sudden.

The other two, yes, I knew they would not be with us much longer.

Both options suck totally.

No other creature on earth gives such unconditional love.


I'm so sorry your buddy is sick. I wish there were something I could say to make you feel better, but there isn't.

All we can do is give them back the love they give us.

[snappyturtle]

82. Oh, maxpower, I am so sorry to hear about Otis. We ought to treat all

living things be they pets or people like we have only a very limited time together. I really don't know what to say for comfort. Sorry.

[maxpower]

83. I agree

Dr. Kevorkian is a hero. My buddy passed on in my arms, surrounded by his family. He was loved. Thank you.



Peace,
Max

[snappyturtle]

84. Oh. If you posted this up thread, I am sorry I didn't read the replies.

I just wanted to express my concern at the time and now my most sincere sympathy. You're in a tough place, I know.


Peace to you Max.

[maxpower]

85. No worries

Once again the folks at DU have helped me through another bad time. Otis is not suffering anymore. I think he was ready to go. When I held him the last time he looked me in the eyes and I knew. I held him as he passed, whispering in his ear. Then he was gone. I can't believe this has happened. My sweet Otis, I'm glad you are not suffering anymore. I will miss him tremendously.


Peace,
Max