For the past 10 years our family had been blessed with the most wonderful, funny, energetic Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier, Jake. Jake always loved to play ball, running after the special tennis ball we would get him, not the ones you play tennis with. They wouldn't last five minutes with Jake. The super duper hard ones that would take him a few days to render it time to be replaced. Jake would actually fling the ball back to me with his mouth and then be ready to run again.

We had to put Jake to sleep on June 9th. He was diagnosed with cancer. For about a week prior he would hardly eat and wasn't himself. The vet thought it was an infection of some kind and Jake was put on antibiotics. Of course this didn't help and we had to take him to the NY Animal Hospital where he was put into intensive care needing oxygen. It was so difficult because the blood tests were mostly normal, slightly high white cells but this could be due to an infection. A follow-up sonogram and needle biopsy were not entirely conclusive but Jake was failing. June 9th was the hardest day of my life. I had to let my best friend go. Rest in peace, boy.

Mitch,
I am so sorry to hear about Jake. My 11-year-old dog Duke also had been diagnosed with an "infection" and was put on antibiotics almost two weeks ago... but we found out soon after that he was sick because he had Lymphoma that had not been diagnosed...and by the time we got the "official" diagnosis, he was failing rapidly. He also had not been himself recently and was barely eating, and last Wednesday we had to say goodbye after watching him deteriorate in front of our eyes, breaking our hearts.

I just found this site last Thursday and all of the people here have been really wonderful and helped me out a lot. I hope you find the comfort you need here.
You are in my thoughts,
Angela

Mitch,

I wish you had found us sooner. We all understand what you are going through. I had to have my 15-year old ##er spaniel, Sandy P, put to sleep on June 14. I have been on the site since then and everyone has been wonderful. It's so hard losing an animal friend because they are so genuine and filled with love. There's nothing phoney about them. They love you no matter what, and want to give you a big sloppy kiss even though you haven't brushed your teeth yet. I still grieving over Sandy P, but I'm not crying so much. Your not allowed to grieve properly because others don't understand, so you have to put on a brave face in public and cry at home. It's like losing a child. Jake will always be with you, even though you may not see him. Come back here often and let us know how you are doing.

Love,

Christine

I am so sorry for your loss and that is all I can say. There are no words that will help, but time will eventually replace Jake's unhappy ending with the happy memories you have. Make sure to take all the time that you need to grieve, and if those close to you do not understand, or do not remain patient with your healing time, make sure you reach out here. We ALL understand, because this forum allows us to feel our loss as our furbabies are our children. I do not have kids, but I tell my friends with children to think about how long it would take for them to "get over" the loss of their child, and give me at least half of that time. I will give them that, because children are valuable to our hearts, but my furbabies are just as valuable to my heart. Hang in there, and I will send prayers your way.
Peace and Loving thoughts,
Michelle

Mitch,

Cyberhugs to you in the loss of your beloved Jake. It sounds like he was quite a dog and loved to play.

I lost my 18-year-old cat Neko to lung cancer five days ago. In the span of one month, her diagnoses ranged from asthma to pneumonia to a ruptured diaphragm before it was finally confirmed that a lung lobe had collapsed. There was still just a "suspicion" of cancer after the collapsed lung was biopsied.

Neko was also put on antibiotics, something she never needed, because there was no infection after all. (I still am angry that the infection misdiagnosis required her to have two injections a day for seven days, something that upset and pained her greatly.) The cancer was only confirned when they operated to remove the collapsed lung.

I don't know what else to say, Mitch, other than I understand what you're going through. With the help of others on this board, we will pull ourselves out of the dark abyss into which we've we've fallen.

Blessings >:<

HI Mitch,

I had a pup named Jake too, he is my avatar. He went quickly too, fine one day and within a week he was gone -- he had a grand mal seizure that left him with severe brain damage. We don't know what caused the seizure, no warning at all, maybe he had cancer or a tumor or an aneurysm.. I will never know.

I'm not ashamed to say I feel like Jake was the love of my life -- he was devoted to me, and I learned so much from his gentle sweet nature. I miss him every day.

I am at the 10 month point right now. I don't cry every day but I miss him --- the pain will ease it is just hell getting through it.

Hang in there.

Thank you all for the heartfelt support during this very difficult time. When something like this happens you really feel all alone and don't think anyone other than your family has any idea what you are going through. To all of you who have lost your best friends too, I feel your pain as you feel mine. I am thankful that I found this group of wonderful, caring people.
Mitch

Dear Mitch,

I'm so sorry for your loss of Jake. He was such a cutie.

This is a wonderful site to openly grieve for your lost friend. You'll find comfort and support here.

Hugs,
Kathleen

That is a heart breaking story in your loss and grief with Jake.

My deepest sympathy. Please know that you are not alone and welcome you to share your life with Jake here.

Bless you and yours...........

Litebrez