Juneau: A Story about compassion, trust and pure love

[Nikkiey]

Yesterday was a really hard day for me. After 13 years with my beloved Bear (German Sheppard/Husky) we had to put him down. This was something that was always in the back of my head (I mean he was 13), but I honestly thought I had at least another winter with him.

It all started on Sunday, my parents had left for vacation the Friday before and my husband left for a work trip that night so it was just Juneau, Bear and I. We went for our nightly walk, but this time it was different. Bear's back legs started to cross as he walked and he started tripping over his own feet. After only going a few blocks I decided to turn back, which was a good decision because Bear ended up falling. He landed with a huge thud (he's about 85 lbs.) and when he got up, he was limping and not bearing any weight on his back paw. Crap.

I called the emergency vet when I got home and explained everything and said that it would probably be best if I take him to his own vet first thing in the morning (Bear's very finniky, he's not a people person, gets completely stressed out easily and rarely trusts others) but if things get worse, to bring him in.

So that night was a little tough. Bear was already arthitic and was on some pretty good drugs to help him out so going up and down the patio stairs was a hard thing for him so I carried him. Which is not an easy task given his size!!! By 8 am the next morning I loaded him up into the vehicle and took him to his vet. The news wasn't good, he had completely torn the main ligament in his back leg and would not be able to walk properly without surgery. Double crap.

So, since Bear was my 13th birthday present and he was just as much my parents dog as he was mine I phoned them and told them the situation. They agreed that they leave right away (they were on vacation, an 8 hour drive away) and come home. So, with the help of the wonderful vet, I brought Bear home with some more pain meds (would make him feel better but wouldn't help him walk) to wait and see what would transpire.

This is where I began to realize just how special and loving Juneau truly is. As soon as we got home, I put Bear on his favorite bed by the front window and Juneau laid down next to him and didn't move. I went about my business for about an hour, cleaning, doing dishes when I started to hear the awful reching sound. Great - Juneau ate something he wasn't supposed to (again!!) and now he's going to throw up....if only that was it...

Bear all of a sudden went from the dog I knew and loved to a very sick pup. I quickly called the vet and said something was up and at her suggestion brought him back in asap. By the time I got back to the vet (maybe 30 minutes later) I had to enlist the help of the vet tech to help me bring Bear in. This is when I realize that there was no going back - this was Bear's final "car car ride." The dog I knew would snarl and growl at any stranger near him (we would muzzle him when we were at the vet) but he had no fight left in him, he didn't even lift his head as a complete stranger helped carry him in. We got settled in a room, Juneau at my side the entire time, every so often nudging my hand and giving me some kisses.

I called my husband, who unfortunately was a plane ride away and wouldn't be able to make it back and then I called my parents who said they were a little over an hour away and really wanted to be there to say good bye. So, we got comfortable. I just sat on the floor holding Bear's head telling him he was a good boy and Juneau (please keep in mind he is an extremely excitable and hyper pup) laid down and put his head on my lap too, sneaking in a few licks here and there to Bear. As the vet and vet techs came and went periodically, Juneau never moved, he never even acknowledged anyone else, he just laid next to his best fur friend and gave whatever comfort and love he could.

When the time came to say good-bye, Juneau stayed right by Bear's side, never moving. After, he gave Bear one final lick and came and sat as close to me as possible. Juneau has been my rock throughout this. The hyperactive pup that I have become accustomed to turned into the most loving and nurturing dog ever. His behavior and actions throughout this adventure has left me speachless and eternaly thankful.

I just wanted to share this story with everyone to remind you, don't take anything for granted, enjoy everyday and especially, don't be so quick to judge animals for some of their actions. Sure, there will always be some quirky behavior that makes you gring your teeth, but when it count they will be there for you - no matter what.

Sorry this was so long, but because everything happened so quickly, on a weekend when all my family was away and I had to deal with this on my own, talking about it makes me feel a little bit better. Thanks for listening.

[rvcrawford]

Nikkiey,

I feel so bad for you, having to deal with this alone. I know losing a pet is one of the hardest things we have to deal with. They truly are family members. We just went through this with two of our beloved dogs, Casper and Magic. I still feel the loss whenever I see their pictures. It does get easer but I will never forget all the joy they brought into our family and I truly hope to see them again in some distant place.

Roger


Magic




Casper

[Julie B.]

Oh, Nikkiey- I teared up reading your post. I, too, lost my beloved Shepherd/Husky mix shortly after she turned 13 (in April.) Just a few months after, we decided to get our doodle pup. It's hard not to compare the two but the fact that they are different breeds helps. I know that I'll grow to love my Stella as much, though differently, than my Rosie. Don't dogs have such beautiful souls? Rosie's pic. is below.

[Cazkiwi]

I came here to look at the pretty doodle pictures, but happened upon your story, and now I'm crying and remembering my childhood pets too!

I don't really have anything to add other than I'm sorry for the loss of your baby, and I hope you can quickly move to the looking at his pictures without crying soon! Aren't we all so lucky that our pets can bring us so much joy, even if the horrid universe demands its balance and gives us the pain with it! We at least have the joy to hold onto!

RIP Bear, and may Juneau continue to give you the comfort you need. Stay safe....

[Nikkiey]

Thank you all for the kind words. This is the first pet I've ever lost and I never expected it to be as hard as it is! I still feel a little guilty that this happened when no one else was home and that no one else got to spend his last few days with him but me....

I feel a little lost without my right hand man and I think Juneau is feeling the same as me - he's sleeping a lot and doesn't seem to be interested in playing. My vet warned me that this might happen cause even dogs have a mourning period so I brought Juneau to doggie daycare today. Hopefully being around other dogs and having a day full of play and activity will help him out.

Roger and Julie B.
Magic, Casper and Rosie are all so beautiful! Rosie actually reminds me of my Bear when he was younger! The cheeky face that says, "I'm up to something, but I'm not telling you what!"

Cazkiwi
Your little Darla is adorable. Keep her safe and love her always, they grow up WAY to soon!

[lindamarie]

Ohhhhh......I know this story so well with 2 of my dogs. One was lucky to live to be 15 and the other 11 1/2. With the 2nd one, there was no warning. He was like a puppy one day and dying the next.
Your story has made me so sad for you. And, you went through it alone. God Bless your heart......it had to be so tough. At least I had people around me to help me make decisions and work things out.
Bear sounds like he was a wonderful dog. Juneau was surprisingly helpful at his age. No dog is ever a replacement for another, but Juneau is there to comfort you and be there for you. Bless Juneau's heart too.

I am so sorry for your misfortune. I know we all try to prepare for "the day", but no amount of preparedness ever helps in the final scene.
Saying goodbye is so painful.......we wonder if we'll ever be the same. But, eventually things will turn into beautiful memories.

Grieve and be proud of your courage. This is definitely a time for friends and family.....and adorable Juneau.
God love

[GiGi&CeCe]

Nikkiey,
I, who everyone at home knows never cries, bawled my eyes out reading your post. Not only was I touched and saddened by your heartbreak at the loss of your beloved Bear, I was touched and gladdened by your sweet and loving Juneau. I am so sorry for your loss and am so happy that you have your sweet baby to help you through. Aren't animals amazing in their intuitiveness and in how they complete our lives. I know from experience that this is a terribly difficult time so just know that our thoughts are with you and your family.

[Riverkatie]

Oh Nikkiey, I am so sorry to hear about Bear, and so grateful you have juneau to help you through. Our doodles are such sensitive dogs, caring dogs.

3 years ago I had to say goodbye to my beloved Barney, who was 15 and a Labradoodle before they had been invented. And only 4 months ago we lost Jess at 9 months of age, the pup I never talk about.

Ruff is a wonderful pup and has helped to mend the hole in my heart, and am sure Juneau will help you.

[jodysh]

That was a lovely story and very sad and familiar all at once. I cried too as I read and thought about my Jesse...the black lab that was such a good boy. He was only 10 years old when he was diagnosed with CRF in June, 2009. The doctor said maybe a couple of months. It was very advanced. It was a shock because he didn't act sick at all, but we noticed he'd lost a little weight so we took him in. The vet was surprised he had as much spunk and energy as he did given his numbers. He stayed with us until September and that's when we finally had to let him go as he quit eating and just wasn't himself any more.

Then my beloved Louis cat fell suddenly ill the week of Thanksgiving last year and I had to let him go the day after Thanksgiving. He was 14.

I'm so glad to have Malcolm now, but it was a hard decision for me to get another dog. I still miss my Jesse but I see some of his characteristics in Malcolm (most notably so far the ability to hear a bag crinkle from 3 rooms away ). Malcolm is helping me through a difficult time right now too just by being here and keeping me busy.

OK I didn't mean to ramble on this long! Fur babies are so precious...love them!

[Nikkiey]

Originally Posted by jodysh

most notably so far the ability to hear a bag crinkle from 3 rooms away

I couldn't help but laugh a little at this comment because of how true it is for my Juneau too! As soon as someone grabs or opens a baggie, Juneau is stuck to them like glue, it doesn't matter if he was already eating his dinner or was outside with all the windows closed, his ears perk up and he comes a running!

On a side note, I am torn as to what I should say, on one side I want to say how sorry I am for everyones losses, but on the other side, having had all these wonderful animals in our lives has helped fill them with great joy and happiness. Though they take part of our hearts with them when they leave, what they give us in return is irreplaceable.

[deepnite10]

all your stories are so painful to read..but, it does help support a decission we ll have to make soon as well..having to part with 2 previous dogs has not made anything easier to accept..

we get so emotionally attached that when they do leave..a part of us is lost as well....and all is left are the pictures to treasure..and even seeing them is hard..