Should you buy another dog if it is your fault? Only if
you can correct the situation before the dog arrives. Should you sell a dog
to a person who is responsible for a dog being killed? Each situation is
individual, and if I did so once and it happened again, they would be off my
list.
Some people have lost dogs in accidents through no fault
of their own, through wind storms and other natural disasters. They would
have nothing but sympathy from me. Nature is often cruel and unpredictable,
and all we can do for our families and pets is take what precautions we can.
It was very gratifying to hear of the help offered to people caught in the
fire situation in Florida recently. Those in high risk areas must do what
they can to plan for emergencies.
LOSSES FROM DISEASE
Loss of young to middle-aged adults from illness is very
stressful for both breeders and buyers. Again, as a breeder, I would replace
dog dying from any genetic condition. If I were a buyer, I would try to
avoid the same problem, and see if any precautions could have been taken
that were not. Our only consolation in these situations is that we cannot
prevent every such case. We will lose human friends and animal friends
before their time. We should live life as best we can, not putting off
things but being good friends and seeing that our pets have the best life
possible. Even if they do not die young, they will often be gone by ten
years. Don't let the years slip away with neglect as we get preoccupied with
other interests. Our sadness about losing a dog too soon will be mitigated
if we have been kind, loving and attentive to it, and helped it realize its
potential. If the dog was neglected, our loss will be made worse by regrets
for what might have been.
OLD FRIENDS
For many these are the worst losses, because they are
inevitable. No care, trips to the vet, or other measures will turn back
time. These are the ones of which our friends say, well, his time had come.
They are worse losses because they are often our first dog in the breed, and
we have had the longest time to be attached. They can gradually go down
hill, causing much debate as to when euthanasia is the right move. We have
to ask ourselves if we are keeping them alive in pain for our own selfish
reasons.
We can learn
with each experience. I know now that some conditions cannot be treated
effectively, and that I will have to let go when I see it in another dog. My
vet has been a tower of strength, and will advise me honestly and correctly
if something cannot have anything but a fatal outcome. I know now that if
any dog has had a liver problem, I should avoid anaesthesia at all costs
unless there is no way out. I am still grieving for my precious Fanta who
died after being spayed, because I truly believe if I had not spayed her,
she would be with me to-day. The others I knew I had to let go.
HEROIC MEASURES
What if your
vet suggests treatment that is somewhat experimental? When my first Borzoi
was diagnosed as having osteosarcoma in a rear leg, he was invited to become
part of an experiment at the University of Guelph clinic, funded by McMaster
University, to try making a vaccine out of killed cancer cells to treat the
patient and prevent the spread of the disease. I was resigned to putting him
down once they knew whether he had cancer. The clinician asked me to
reconsider, as if a cure was developed, not only pets like mine but humans
could be cured some day. She told me I could withdraw him from the study at
any time if he seemed in pain. She warned me some giant breeds just gave up
and would not try to walk after the amputation.
Because I was
promised total control over his participation, I consented to have his rear
leg amputated 4 inches from his hip. He not only survived the surgery, but
made a very rapid recovery and was sent home two days ahead of schedule. The
first days of tending to him were a nightmare as he had about 100 stitches
and could hardly relieve himself without falling over. We built a ramp to
get him into the van. Within a week back home had his balance back and was
soon able to jump into the van or up on the couch. He had a good year more
of life, and when the tumors started in the lung and we knew it was the near
the end, was able to visit his breeder and friends in Quebec, and live until
ten and a half, a reasonable age for an adult male. At the end he was weak
but not in pain, just out of breath, and kept his good attitude and appetite
to the end. When he could not walk, he went back to the clinic for the last
time.
Yesterday I
had the satisfaction of watching on CNN an interview with a sick woman in
the United States. The experimental treatment he had experienced was now
being used on people, and I saw with my own eyes photos of her liver cancer
disappearing. I am so happy that my dear Xavier not only had a good life
with me, two fine litters of puppies, but in his final days was able to
contribute to the advancement of science. I thank all the veterinarians and
researchers who prolonged his life. Recent articles in the dog magazines
suggest we are on the edge of success with preventing the spread of cancer
into the lungs, and that many of our beloved Borzoi who have tumors in areas
where they can be treated or removed may be able to have their life
prolonged, pain free, to its normal expectancy.
Friends who
were fond of Xavier told me I should have put him down to remember him as he
was with four legs. I know they were wrong, as I remember his last days as
we spent so much time together, taking little walks down by the creek and
sitting on the lawn and watching the summer stars. Our affection for each
other was not dependent on his looks, but on mutual love and understanding.
He made a positive contribution to my life, being my first Borzoi, first
Champion, and constant companion. His death was inevitable, but he did not
live in vain, and other people and pets will live longer and happier lives
from research done by clinics such as the one at Guelph Veterinary College.
Treatment of some conditions will improve in the future, and owner will
surely soon have more options for conditions that in the past were
untreatable.
CONCLUSION
