It's just a dog.

[doebedoe]

As a new, first time dog owner (grew up with them) this stuff is tough to read. Pretty firm believer that mags dogs are some of the happiest pups out there. Looks like you two really gave it a good go.Hope you can find some solace in these last few days.

[axebiker]

We'll keep fighting together. I owe him that much. He's a fighter - 2 time cancer survivor. This is different though, and being nearly 13 makes it even trickier.

Hope that the AB's start kicking in soon.

[liv2ski]

AB, truly sorry to hear about Salomon's turn for the worse. Do your best friend a favor. At the end, have a vet come to your home to put him to sleep. It is a good way to let your buddy go with the family there if possible. Best wishes.

[Harry]

Sorry to hear, axe.

I met Salomon when you brought him to Big Sky. My dog, Daisy, sniffed butts with him. Very cool dog.

[ACH]

I'm very sorry AB.
I would also like second liv2ski on having a house call vet visit.
Vibes to you and Solomon, is sounds like you two had a wonderful life together.

[axebiker]

Thanks, guys.

When the time comes, I plan to have someone come here. It's the best for us and Salomon.

That said, I was pleasantly surprised by him - my wife came home from work, and he actually got up, walked to the kitchen, and greeted her with a wagging tail! He actually ate a little bit more of his rice & broth too!! It's a step... I'm not going get my hopes up, but it sure made me feel good for him.

[GiBo]

Sorry to hear AB. Vibes to Salomon and his family. It's a tough thing, man. When it is his time, take solace in the fact that you gave him one hell of a good dog life. And he obviously gave a lot to you too.

[axebiker]

His "little brother" has been particularly vigilant today...

[prsboogie]

Nothing like cat and dog love. The rest is just a game they play to keep us on our toes. Vibes to Solly and hope he pulls through. They look very similar to my two!

[GoBig1776]

Nesta is going to be 17 in about a month. She was the greatest ski dog ever. She skijored, never once got cut by a ski edge and was summiting 10,000ft peaks with me until about age 13. Skiijoring with her was the coolest. We would absolutely steamroll people on ski tracks. She even survived being gored by a mountain goat when she was 7.
I feel like I'm going to have to make "the decision" with her soon. Never had to do that before and it's really hard to think about. Our last dog died at home in her sleep. Nesta still seems happy and eats her food with great gusto most days but is having a tougher and tougher time getting around. Recently our one-block walks became half a block. I have to help her stand up and sort of guide her outside in the mornings.
Anybody have to make that call? And when did you decide? I figure one of our trigger points is when she just can't get up and go to the bathroom on her own.

[liv2ski]

^^^^Really sorry to hear the end is coming for your Nesta. Sounds like an awesome girl and she has "Winter Nose" like my Maya in the above photo.
Maybe I am a dick, but I do all I can to keep them comfortable until they can't make it outside anymore to do their business. Once they start pooping in the house, I know it is time.

[axebiker]

Tough deal with Nesta... +++vibes+++

In better news though, I came home today, and standing at the back door was Salomon, toy pheasant in his mouth, tail wagging! I was almost in tears!! Total 180!! I guess he wasn't ready to leave us just yet...my heart almost burst!!

He grazed some breakfast, and my wife said he actually walked out to the kitchen to let her know it was supper time tonight.

Thanks for all the positive vibes, Mags!!

[stuckathuntermtn]

Aw. My dog is such a comfort to me.

[Bronco]

I’m sure everyone who has an older dog hates this thread as much as I do. Opened the garage door when I got home last night and our 11 year old Newfie/Pyrenees was unable to get up. Took her to the vet who diagnosed a ruptured spleen/tumor and significant internal bleeding. At least it made the decision pretty simple.

We picked her up as a 6 week old puppy when we lived outside of Bozeman, next to USFS. She’s take off and scavenge the gut/bone piles during hunting season and pretty much run wild. Everybody loved her who met her. She would occasionally roll in cow pies and then be disappointed when nobody wanted a hug.

We all had to become a bit more civilized when we moved to the Seattle area and leash training was tough with all of that muscle. We had some fun times together skiing, backpacking and hiking. She was one hell of an athletic dog who could run all day.

Summit of Mt. Vesper, North Cascades


Keeping the Moose off my lawn


Teaching her pup (and mine) how to climb the snow bank onto the roof of the shop


She seemed to think she was just another person in our family and would regularly climb onto furniture


Supervising the job


Happy Trails Indigo!
(I still hate this thread!)

[mcski]

Great pics. Great dog. Vibes

[NoPostholio]

I’m sure everyone who has an older dog hates this thread as much as I do. Opened the garage door when I got home last night and our 11 year old Newfie/Pyrenees was unable to get up. Took her to the vet who diagnosed a ruptured spleen/tumor and significant internal bleeding. At least it made the decision pretty simple.

We picked her up as a 6 week old puppy when we lived outside of Bozeman, next to USFS. She’s take off and scavenge the gut/bone piles during hunting season and pretty much run wild. Everybody loved her who met her. She would occasionally roll in cow pies and then be disappointed when nobody wanted a hug.

We all had to become a bit more civilized when we moved to the Seattle area and leash training was tough with all of that muscle. We had some fun times together skiing, backpacking and hiking. She was one hell of an athletic dog who could run all day.

Summit of Mt. Vesper, North Cascades


Keeping the Moose off my lawn


Teaching her pup (and mine) how to climb the snow bank onto the roof of the shop


She seemed to think she was just another person in our family and would regularly climb onto furniture


Supervising the job


Happy Trails Indigo!
(I still hate this thread!)

Condolences to you and your family.

[PNWbrit]

Sorry man.

[BmillsSkier]

I’m sure everyone who has an older dog hates this thread as much as I do. Opened the garage door when I got home last night and our 11 year old Newfie/Pyrenees was unable to get up. Took her to the vet who diagnosed a ruptured spleen/tumor and significant internal bleeding. At least it made the decision pretty simple.

We picked her up as a 6 week old puppy when we lived outside of Bozeman, next to USFS. She’s take off and scavenge the gut/bone piles during hunting season and pretty much run wild. Everybody loved her who met her. She would occasionally roll in cow pies and then be disappointed when nobody wanted a hug.

We all had to become a bit more civilized when we moved to the Seattle area and leash training was tough with all of that muscle. We had some fun times together skiing, backpacking and hiking. She was one hell of an athletic dog who could run all day.

Summit of Mt. Vesper, North Cascades


Keeping the Moose off my lawn


Teaching her pup (and mine) how to climb the snow bank onto the roof of the shop


She seemed to think she was just another person in our family and would regularly climb onto furniture


Supervising the job


Happy Trails Indigo!
(I still hate this thread!)

Sorry man, seems like one hell of a family member.

Great pics, nice old Pathfinder too.

She's in a better place with no pain, remember that as much as it sucks.

[Supermoon]

Sorry for your loss Bronco. Indigo looked like a great dog.

Always give my pup an extra big hug whenever this thread gets bumped.

[Cono Este]

Kips all messed up again. Just started limping for no reason. Tender in the shoulder, so the vet gave me 10 days of meds and a week later he's no better. Same leg he had the tumor. 11 1/2 yrs old now, hope he gets a couple more.

[irul&ublo]

RIP Indigo. Looks like he had a great run.

[skifishbum]

11 years is a hellofa good run for a big guy
dog speed him on his rainbow bridge journey
i feel my guys right behind indigo
i kinda wish the decision would get easier because the strong mind, waggin tail, and happy disposition allows me continue to overlook the physical wreck he's become

[btmacken]

RIP Indigo. Condolences Bronco.

[Gepeto]

More of the same for Indigo... a family member that will be waiting at the entry steps when you arrive.
Remember the positive imprint he left on your souls.
Peace Indigo

[Bromontana]

Best wishes re: Indigo & Nesta

Sounds like those pups hit the human lottery with their long & active lives. Good luck going forward