I have been dreading writing this post, because it is not good news. My family's dog (and also sortof my dog), Scout, has been sick for the last two weeks. He's been to the Vet multiple times, even staying for a few days at one point. We thought he just had like the doggie flu or something, and for awhile, anti-biotics were helping. But he relapsed, and the Vet suspected that something was wrong with his lymph nodes.
While we thought it was cancer, we weren't sure. Scout had an appointment with an oncologist on Monday, but unfortunately he just wasn't doing well at all. He was throwing up whatever food he ate, and apparently he stopped drinking water. He was so weak last night, that my parents decided to end his suffering and had him put to sleep this morning. He was almost 11.
What is amazing is how fast he went from being a normal, healthy dog, to being so weak that he couldn't take him self outside for a sniff. I was just in Chicago for the Super Bowl (more on that later), where Sara took this picture:
Scout sitting with me.
Just a month ago, he was fine. We would have taken him for a walk if it wasn't bitterly cold, but that notwithstanding he still had his normal amount of energy, and demanded attention, food, petting, and play.
It is amazing how dogs can become a part of your family. Scout had definite personality, and was fiercely loyal. He didn't like spending time by himself -- he always had to be with somebody -- even if you were just trying to sit in your favorite chair. He was a staunch defender of our house, and he kept the greater South Wheaton area free of squirrels (well, maybe not free of squirrels, but he chased them as much as he could). He was also intensely curious, as he quickly demonstrated when he was just a puppy. Oddly, he loved rolling in the snow, and did so whenever he could -- but he hated getting bathed. It was always when he looked his most pathetic. Yet he never held all of his baths against us, and would rejoin our sides after he was dry.
Scout was a great dog, a worthy part of our family, and he will surely be missed.
-Andy.
I am so sorry for your loss.
I didn't get to meet scout but I feel like I knew him. He seems like such a sweet dog. I know when my family dog passed away last fall it took me quite a while to get past the loss and to focus again on the happy moments. So let yourself have that time.
Scout was more than a good dog, he was a GREAT dog! Sweet and funny. Lovable. He will be missed, not just by you and Sara and your parents, but by all of your extended family. There hasn't been a dry eye today amongst your Aunts and Uncle.
So sad... our condolences. And we're giving Ada an extra hug tonight.
I'm really sorry dude. My family dog died while I was in undergrad. It's strange that for a while after he died I treated it like "a" family dog had died and he had an equal place in my memory with other family pets. But in recent years he's managed to promote himself from the great cat/squirrel-chasing beyond and take his place as _the_ family pet. I'm happy to have him ascend to that place. I know my family will speak of him even when we're in the Alzheimer's ward, the same way my dad and his family talk about their dog...Blackie's been dead for 40 years and I still feel like I know something about him. I concur with Tanya that it's good to take time in the situation. Good luck.
I'm super sorry to hear that Andy. I know how hard it is to deal with that kind of thing and my heart really goes out to you.
Hi, stumbled into your blog as I was looking for a photo of a full English Breakfast for my blog. I am wondering if I can steal that picture of that unstomachable breakfast.
On a completely different topic - I'm very sorry for your loss. I keep two cats myself and used to have a dog called Alloy. I understand what you mean totally by Scout becoming part of your family. Friends around me are losing their beloved pets one by one and of course, I myself will have to face it again one day. But I'm sure you've given Scout a comfortable life and will always treasure memories about her.
Ibrahim,
Dude...I just read your post and as one who became
acquainted with Scout's antics I just can't believe that he's not physically with us anymore! Dude, send my condolences to everyone okay? Hugs and Kisses...me