Today's a really sad day at my house. Last night we rushed my almost-13 year old chocolate lab, Boomer, to the vet emergency clinic. He appeared anemic (pale gums, cold to the touch) and was clearly in stress. We thought it was bloat at first having had a lab two years ago that went through that with similar symptoms. However, it turned out to be caused by a spleenic tumor that apparently had ruptured and was causing internal bleeding. During the emergency surgery, Boomer did great until the last few minutes. Then his breathing abruptly stopped and they had to put him on a respirator. After 45 minutes with no signs of life they counseled us that euthanasia was the only option. We adopted Boomer as a senior when he was over 11 years old so we knew this day would come sooner than we wanted it to. But if I could I would do it all over again. Everyone told us we were crazy and that we were going to get hurt by adopting such an old dog. But he needed a home and how could we say no? He was an amazing dog and full of life and love. He quickly settled into life at our house and we fell in love with him immediately. It's a bit of a shock considering how active he was. We gave him the best home we could after his original owners gave him up. How you can do that to a dog after 10.5 years I'll never understand. Our Australian Shepherd is clearly depressed. She spent the morning looking for him and the rest of the day lying around. This is a dog that is usually full of non-stop energy. They were fast buddies though, never leaving each other's side at the dog park. She'll definitely miss him as will we.

Thnaks for "listening". It helps me to get this out. Here's my favorite photo of him--looking noble and wise.

Take care.

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