I fear this is a long-dreaded Change of Watch

[CapnK]

I'm sitting in the van spending what I believe is the last watch with my boating buddy of the past 12 years, Crewdog Buffet. The tumor/cancer thing at the site of his amputation flared up a couple months back and went thru a growth spurt which made me realize this time was coming sooner than I would like. I've been watching dreadfully for signs of pain or suffering ever since, but up until yesterday he has been fine {except for a scare a week ago which may well have been some bad choice on his part of what to ingest - bad one day, but he was fine the next}.

Today was different. He's been lethargic, groans when he lays down/moves, and has been breathing faster and shallower than normal. Also off of his food a bit, which if you know Mr. B, is *highly* irregular. I just got most of a bowl of water and one of food into him, along with what remained from a forgotten bag of Christmas treats from his yellow-dog cousin Sandy. Yet I can tell he is overall uncomfortable, and not his normal, carefree, happy-go-lucky-and-lets-roll-in-the-sunny-grass self.

I called the vet this evening, making sure they can see him on short notice if need be,
Looks like that'll be tomorrow morning.
Dammit. Dammit all to heck.  :'( :'( :'(

We had a good run, and I could not have asked for a better friend. It's gonna be a tough few days or weeks ahead.

[s/v Faith]

Kurt,

  I am so sorry to hear that.  Whatever I type here will be insufficient... But know I get it.

Peace brother, please give my friend an ear scratch for me, and ask him to say hi to Peter for me.

[Auspicious]

You and the crewdog are in my thoughts today.

[Captain Smollett]

  I am so sorry to hear that.  Whatever I type here will be insufficient

Indeed.

Peace to you and Buffet.

[Tim]

Be thinking about the both of you.  :'(

[Frank]

Give your lil buddy a pat for me. Sad time for sure!!!! I can imagine how you feel (been there) They truly are great friends!!!!   In my thoughts Kurt.......

[Capt. Tony]

Nothing compares, my friend-to the companionship, the understanding, the love for a being so much like us and yet so different.  And the void-when they must go before us.  Most of us recognize your loss and know the sadness.  We're there for you, Kurt.

[Travelnik]

I'm sorry to hear about this. Prayers for you.

:-[

[CapnK]

Tuesday afternoon we went to the vet. The thought occurred to me earlier that day that perhaps pain medication might be a temporary solution to avoid eventuality, but my vet made some salient points regarding quality of life for Mr. B and whether or not or how well he could cope with being drugged *and* having only 3 legs and such, so Buffett went to join first dog Bud, Crewdog Molly, my Dad and a couple of other friends from years past in the place which lies beyond this here and now.

As I wrote to my sister:

"It's hard to think of life without him. He was a gift to me, 55lbs of be-happy-roll-in-the-sunny-grass optimism brought to life, and looking into his goofy panting grin and big brown expressive eyes was always good for a smile whenever I was feeling down. There's a hole in my soul shaped like a 3-legged Golden Retriever now, but it's miles wide and miles deep, and it'll be a long time filling, if ever."

I do miss him, it's been odd to look to my side and not see him there.

Thank you, my friends, thank you all so much for your concerns, your thoughts and prayers. We keep on living, and so the Crewdogs will be traveling with me in my heart and mind, always a most important part of the life with which I have been gifted.

--------------

"Don't be dismayed at good-byes. A farewell is necessary before you can meet again.
And meeting again, after moments or lifetimes, is certain for those who are friends." - Richard Bach

"Here is a test to find whether your mission on earth is finished: If you're alive, it isn't." - Richard Bach

[Captain Smollett]

Kurt,  at the risk of sounding cliche, what you have written shows how "good" comes in many forms.  What you wrote to your sister is beautiful, only in part because it was heartfelt.

Those words will represent comfort to someone else.  What Buffet has given you, you are sharing; his gift to you is now multiplied.

I am so sorry for your loss, but I see the depth of the loss only comes from the heights of the gift.

Peace,

John

[SalientAngle]

So sorry for your loss. I'm sure Buffet's spirit will be with you in your travels and that spirit will provide solace. Regards, jim

[CapnK]

He is, and will be, with me. Less the shedding. :)

Thanks again, John and Jim.

[Oldrig]

So sorry, Kurt. Having lost many a four-footed companion, I know how you must feel. But the CrewDogz lived wonderful lives and enriched yours.

I've been away from this site for a while ... but I wish you the best.

--Joe

[Godot]

Too sad. Comparatively short lives are a fact of life four our four legged family members, unfortunately. But they do have a way of cramming a lot of joy and life into those few short years.

I'm very sorry to hear of the loss of your crew.