Jann in TX Posted April 27, 2010 Share Posted April 27, 2010 Jordi just turned 3. In the past 2 weeks he has dramatically lost his appetite... and at the vet today he weighed only 84 pounds--he should weigh over 120! He is a 'classic' German shepherd... a beautiful black and tan. This morning he was very lethargic--and would not go with me to feed the horse--he did have enough energy to protect the bird feeder from a family of squirrels :tongue_smilie: It was all I could do to take his focus off of the squirrels to get him to the vet... and he will probably NOT come home again... The vet is trying a few things tonight---but does not hold much hope. Jordi has had chronic kidney issues since he was just over one year old (though he has not had any visible symptoms in the last 8 months)... so it is most likely a congenital issue. His buddy Data has been moping around all afternoon...so has my 8yr old dd...so have I. Tomorrow morning I get to make the 'tough' decision--to put him down or to try some 'heroic' measures. We don't have the extra money (we are still out $$$ in medical bills and new 'used' car cost due to an accident in March)...I'm trying to hold on to the very small chance that he will stabilize and that he will be able to maintain at least 25% kidney function...even with that his long term survival would be measured in months... Jordi is such a sweet 'cuddle bunny'... I'm having a HARD time facing the truth... Jann Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Starr Posted April 27, 2010 Share Posted April 27, 2010 :grouphug: It's really hard. I'm sorry. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
akmommy Posted April 27, 2010 Share Posted April 27, 2010 :grouphug: I'm so sorry. :grouphug: They really do capture your heart and become members of the family, don't they? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cindy in the NH Woods Posted April 27, 2010 Share Posted April 27, 2010 So, so hard to see our animals suffer. I love sheps, too. I will be praying for your family's comfort. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jen500 Posted April 27, 2010 Share Posted April 27, 2010 :grouphug: I'm sorry. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mammaruss Posted April 27, 2010 Share Posted April 27, 2010 I am sooooo sorry. It is very hard! :grouphug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TracyR Posted April 27, 2010 Share Posted April 27, 2010 I'm so sorry to hear this. I've heard German Shepards are such good dogs. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SonshineLearner Posted April 27, 2010 Share Posted April 27, 2010 :grouphug: I am SOOOOO sorry. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
newbie Posted April 27, 2010 Share Posted April 27, 2010 My heart is in my throat. I am sorry and saying extra prayers for Jordi. He is such a good baby. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dancer67 Posted April 27, 2010 Share Posted April 27, 2010 :grouphug: From one doggie mommy to another. I am so sorry Jann :-( Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mom-ninja. Posted April 27, 2010 Share Posted April 27, 2010 I'm sorry. :grouphug: Losing a pet is hard. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Amy in TX Posted April 27, 2010 Share Posted April 27, 2010 So very sorry, Jann! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Country Mouse Posted April 27, 2010 Share Posted April 27, 2010 I'm so sorry! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stacia Posted April 27, 2010 Share Posted April 27, 2010 :grouphug::grouphug::grouphug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tree House Academy Posted April 27, 2010 Share Posted April 27, 2010 I am so sorry. It is hard to lose a pet at any time, but especially one so young. I have a special place in my heart for German Shepherds too. I am so sorry you have to face this. :( Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hockey Mom Posted April 27, 2010 Share Posted April 27, 2010 I'm so sorry. :( We had a GS growing up, and she was the most beautiful dog. She used to walk half a mile every day and wait for me and my brother to get off the school bus. Back then, the neighborhood dogs used to run loose. Some of my best childhood memories are with 'Lady'. It's never easy losing a pet. My heart goes out to you and your family. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LibraryLover Posted April 27, 2010 Share Posted April 27, 2010 I'm sorry. I have a beloved doggie getting up there in years and it is very difficult to imagine my life without her. There will never be another dog like her, kwim? Thinking of you. :grouphug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sunkirst Posted April 27, 2010 Share Posted April 27, 2010 I lost my 5 yo shepherd mix due to kidney failure on Halloween 2002. She was such a good sweet dog. I so hope your dog stabilizes. I'm still traumatized that we didn't put ours down. My last feeling toward her was to be exasperated that I had to clean up her vomit :confused: Good Luck, Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cinder Posted April 27, 2010 Share Posted April 27, 2010 I'm so sorry to hear about your dog. Many years ago we lost a cat to kidney failure. The decision wasn't hard to make, yet it was soooo hard to make. He'd been sick awhile and by the time we realized something was wrong and tests were done it was obvious he was already dying. He was fairly young--about 6. We still have fond memories of playing fetch with him. (Yeah, our cat would fetch little foil or paper balls and bring them back to us so we could throw it again. :lol: He really should have been a dog!) Cinder Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
teamturner Posted April 27, 2010 Share Posted April 27, 2010 I'm so sorry! My brother had this happen to his very young dog many years ago. It's very sad. :grouphug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ellie Posted April 27, 2010 Share Posted April 27, 2010 :grouphug: I'm so sorry, dear friend. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gingersmom Posted April 27, 2010 Share Posted April 27, 2010 I have had 3 german shepherds and am making plans for #4. I feel your pain. :grouphug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jann in TX Posted April 27, 2010 Author Share Posted April 27, 2010 The vet called to confirm that Jordi is in end-stage kidney failure. He has a few good days left--so we will bring him home later today or tomorrow and then say goodbye. An ultrasound this morning confirmed that his kidneys had never completely formed--he was born with less than 50% developed--and less than that functioning... and once he was full grown (around 18 months) his body just could not handle it and since then he has slowly gone down hill--but not noticeable to us (for the most part) until last week... he is so stoic! Data (our white German Shepherd) is really moping around and has not left my side since I got up this morning--this is going to be hard on ALL of us. Thanks for your prayers and good thoughts. Jann Jordi--Christmas 2009 his ears only go up for squirrels Comander Data--Jordi's best buddy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jen500 Posted April 27, 2010 Share Posted April 27, 2010 Your dogs are beautiful. I'm so sorry about Jordi. I'm sure he's had a wonderful life with your family though. :grouphug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Perry Posted April 27, 2010 Share Posted April 27, 2010 :grouphug::grouphug::grouphug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hornblower Posted April 27, 2010 Share Posted April 27, 2010 I'm so sorry. :grouphug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Danestress Posted April 27, 2010 Share Posted April 27, 2010 What a heartbreak:( Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Starr Posted April 27, 2010 Share Posted April 27, 2010 :grouphug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Denisemomof4 Posted April 27, 2010 Share Posted April 27, 2010 how devastating to have that happen to such a young animal. I'm SO sorry. I have the hardest time when my furry family members have to go. SO difficult. :grouphug::grouphug::grouphug: I pray he's not suffering. Poor, poor dog. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hockey Mom Posted April 27, 2010 Share Posted April 27, 2010 (edited) I'm so very sorry. :( This literally brought tears to my eyes. The loss of a beloved pet is with you always. Spoil him with tons of love and bacon. My Cleopatra will also be waiting at the Bridge to welcome him. ETA: I purchased this beautiful urn for my Cleo from these people: http://www.4everinmyheart.com/mm5/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=MDT&Product_Code=MPPU They are very nice people to work with, and their product is high quality. Edited April 27, 2010 by Hockey Mom Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
newbie Posted April 28, 2010 Share Posted April 28, 2010 What cute babies, lots of hugs. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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