Almost a year ago, we lost our baby boy Cooper. He was only 5 years old and he died due to a mistake at our vet's office. He was the little love of my life. I miss him every day. We also had another dog, Rudy, who is now almost 11. When Cooper passed, a couple months later we got our puppy Dori. Our house and hearts were too sad and she's helped to bring love back to our home. We've had her for close to a year (one year in July). Last week, Rudy started having problems so we took him to the vet. It looks like he has disc problems in his back. I'm so afraid it was caused by Dori jumping on him when they're playing. I'm afraid that this will keep getting worse and we'll end up having to put him to sleep. I feel so much guilt. Not only do I still have guilt from Cooper's death, I'm afraid the dog we got to help us heal (including Rudy), caused him injury (I know it's not her fault. She's wonderful and Rudy loves her) and this will eventually lead to his death and it will be earlier than it should. He's an otherwise really healthy dog. I know I have to stay positive and not expect the worst. I'm just so afraid this is going to cause him horrible pain in the near future and we'll have to make an awful decision.

Hi, MyHeartCooper, thank you so much for sharing your precious Rudy with us. I am so sorry your precious Rudy is having back problems. I do know how painful this can be. I hope your vet has been able to give you some recommendations and advice about various treatments. I do know puppies can play vigorously, but I would be cautious in speculating that Dori's and Rudy's roughhousing is responsible for, or even a contributing factor of, Rudy's disc problems. Disc problems are more frequently caused by either genetic factors or an underlying bone / joint disease / degeneration. And yes, of course, there are disc problems caused by injury and trauma, but again, I think if Rudy felt Dori was hurting him, you would have not only heard him squeal in pain but you would also have witnessed Rudy "disciplne" Dori to stop doing whatever she was doing.

MyHeartCooper, please let us know how your precious Rudy is doing. Keep in mind that there are many improvements in orthopedic treatments now that can give Rudy a happy and health quality of life. Just know that we are here for you, my friend, and that you are in my thoughts and prayers.

Peace and blessings,
moon_beam

Dear My Heart Cooper,

Your little Cooper in your avatar reminds me of my Mickey I lost 8 weeks ago. I will say a prayer for Rudy for healing in his spine.

God Bless you and your babies.

Dear My heart Cooper,

I am so sorry for your loss of Cooper and for the angst you're currently experiencing because of Rudy's recent back problems. Please try to not feel guilty for anything you've done. First, you brought Dori into your home to help Rudy and that certainally worked its magic to give him a companion and help him move beyond the loss of his friend Cooper. Second, I totally agree with our very wise Moon_Beam when she stated: I do know puppies can play vigorously, but I would be cautious in speculating that Dori's and Rudy's roughhousing is responsible for, or even a contributing factor of, Rudy's disc problems. Disc problems are more frequently caused by either genetic factors or an underlying bone / joint disease / degeneration. And yes, of course, there are disc problems caused by injury and trauma, but again, I think if Rudy felt Dori was hurting him, you would have not only heard him squeal in pain but you would also have witnessed Rudy "disciplne" Dori to stop doing whatever she was doing.

I would like to share a story with you that I think will help illustrate what Moon_Beam expressed. Many years ago, we had a small mixed breed dog named Sunshine (Sunny), who was the size of a Shetland Sheepdog (she was partially that breed). When Sunshine was about 10 years old, a girlfriend of one of my brothers 'gifted him' a 10 month old German Shepard (King) for his Birthday. Sunny weighed about 25 - 30 lbs, King at 10 months was already 95 lbs of pure muscle (he ultimately topped out at 120 lbs of pure muscle - and was one of the sweetest dogs you'll ever want to meet!). Sunny lived to fetch balls, King had no interest in playing fetch. Shortly after King came to live with us, we were out playing ball with Sunny and King was just running around us but not participaing in the game. King suddenly decided he wanted to race her for the ball. Before we realized his intent, he took off at full tilt behind her and ended up slamming into Sunny at full speed, when she stopped to pick up the ball. She went butt over tea-kettle, and landed about 8 feet from where he hit her. We were all running to her, afraid he had accidentially killed her. Before we could get across the field, she staggered to her feet and like a boxer, shook her head to clear the stars he had caused, took a moment to get her breath and as we watched, while still running to her, her eyes narrowed and she looked around for the culprit. Poor, immature King. He was prancing around, happy and oblivious to that fact that he was now in grave situation. Sunny locked her eyes on him, gave one last shake of her head, let out a tremendous growl and launched at him. The look on his face was comical as she dove onto his head, grabbed him by the neck, dropped him to the ground and then stood over him growling (we were afraid SHE was going to kill HIM). She never made a mark on him but she held him down for a full minute, growling the entire time and made her point - and he GOT what she was conveying. I assure you, he was never that rough with her again. Instant repect and a respectful distance when running and he played much more gently with her after that.

Even the most gentle dog will cry out and then correct a puppy (or young dog) who's playing too rough. I promise you, what your precious Rudy is going through is very probably due to something aside from a possible injury inflicted by Dori, as Moon-Beam stated. So, please try to be kind to yourself and try to not take on guilt that is very likely misplaced. As your story clearly illustrates, you love your non-human familiy members and are only concerned with doing the very best for them. I am sure they know that as well. Also, as Moon-Beam pointed out, there is so much more that can be done today for back problems. And, there are so many choices for pain management, if it comes to that. Try to take it one day at a time for now and please make an effort to extend yourself the same gentle care you clearly extend to both Dori and Rudy (and your beloved Cooper). You deserve to be treated with the same loving consideration you extend to others.

You, Cooper, Rudy and Dori will all be in my prayers.

Take care,

Peggy (the human)

Thanks everyone for the kind words. When I got home from work on Thursday, Rudy was in pretty bad shape. I got him to the vet and they gave him a steroid shot. He's been taking steroids all weekend and is doing much better. We're just really hoping this will pass. We've had Rudy for almost 11 years and I can't imagine life without him.

Dear My Heart Cooper,

I am so sorry Rudy was feeling worse. He might just have some inflammation around his spine and the steriods will keep it under control and maybe get him well. He is in my prayers.

Take Care and God Bless.

Hi, MyHeartCooper, thank you so much for sharing with us how your precious Rudy is doing. Your fast action to get him to the vet for a steriod injection, and hopefully this will bring your precious Rudy relief and stabilize the inflammation.

I truly am very sorry you and Rudy are having to go through this at all, MyHeartCooper, and especially so soon after your precious Cooper joined the angels. I do so know this is agonizingly painful for you. Please know you and your precious Rudy are in my thoughts and prayers, MyHeartCooper, and look forward to knowing how you both are doing whenever possible.

Peace and blessings,
moon_beam

Hi My heart Cooper,

Thank you for the update and I'm sorry that Rudy had such a difficult time last week. I'm hoping that the steroids work their magic and he continues to improve. Please keep us updated, as you're able. You know we're always here for you, if you need us. You and your precious Rudy continue to be in my prayers.

Take care,

Peggy

Thanks everyone. Rudy has been feeling much better this week. The steroids are really helping. He's not back to normal but at least he seems to feel pretty good. Hopefully this isn't something he re-injures a lot. I can't stand for him to be in pain. I know my guy is getting older but I expect to have him for many years to come . Cooper will be gone an entire year next month (which still doesn't seem possible) and I just can't stand the thought of not having my big guy Rudy around.

Hi, MyHeartCooper, thank you so much for sharing with us how your precious Rudy is doing. It's very good news, which is indeed an answer to prayer. I do understand how you feel about Rudy, as I feel the same way about my Noah. I do fully understand how precious your Rudy is to you.

Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers, MyHeartCooper, and please let us know how things are going for you and Rudy whenever possible.

Peace and blessings,
moon_beam

Well today has certainly been a crazy one. I had to take Rudy to the vet this morning as he wasn't doing well again. I got the call right before lunch that he was hemorrhaging into his abdomen. We went to the vet to spend time with him before his surgery. Best case scenario was his spleen. Thankfully, that's what it was. So they removed that. He's doing fine now and is in recovery. But we're not out of the woods yet. There was a tumor on his spleen so we have to wait to see if that comes back benign. And his liver looked weird too. The vet said that could be due to age though. So they're testing it too. We won't know for 4-7 days if it's cancer or not. If not, he should be fine. If it is, from what I've read, they usually don't live long after that diagnosis. We got one miracle today with it being his spleen so we're praying for another!

Hi, MyHeartCooper, thank you soo o much for letting us know about Rudy. I'm so glad to know he came through the surgery okay. You and your precious Rudy have been through soo o much. Please know you both are in my thoughts and prayers, and will be anxiously awaiting to know how Rudy does in his recovery, when you're able to bring him home, - - and when you get the results of the liver and spleen tests. We are here for you, - - please know that.

Peace and blessings,
moon_beam

We spoke to the vet this morning and Rudy is doing great. He should come home this evening. So now we just have to wait for the results to see if the tumor was benign or not. Fingers crossed!

Hi My heart Cooper,

Yay (!!!!) that he's doing well and coming home. I will keep my fingers crossed and the prayers hounding heaven that the tumor results come back negative. I wish you, Rudy and the rest of your family a joyous reunion this evening and a future with blessings. Please let us now how you and Rudy are doing, when you have time.

Take care!

Peggy

Hi, My Heart Cooper, I am so o o thrilled for you that you will be able to bring your precious Rudy home this evening. What a joy this is going to be - - for the both of you. Please know you and your precious Rudy are in my thoughts and prayers, My Heart Cooper, and that I will be anxiously awaiting to share your news about the tests. Please know -- whatever they are - - we are here for you, my friend - - always.

Peace and blessings,
moon_beam

Sorry to take so long on updating. We got rudys results back and NO CANCER!! We couldn't be happier. Hes home, stitches are out and he's feeling great. He's eating, going on walks and back to playing with his sister Dori. We're so greatful. And today is his 11th bday! So that's a great thing. The sad part is the 1st anniversary of Coopers death is in a few days. He passed away right after rudys bday last year. So I feel like I'll always connect those two events now. I go back to that last weekend on rudys bday last year. We took them to the dog park with their cousin dogs. They had such fun. Cooper ran and played ball with a little girl. And three days later he was gone. So rudys bday now reminds me so much of his death. And I just got the notice last week of the hearing date I have to go to where I filed a complaint against the vet that killed Cooper. I just want that to be over with. It's been a year with no resolution. This past year has been so hard for us for many reasons. Mainly losing Cooper. It's so odd. We have Dori now and things feel normal. But I miss my boy so much. I think about him every day. I can't believe it's been this long. It's gone by so fast. I try not to dwell on it and the past. There's no point I guess. But I sure do miss my little guy.

My Heart Cooper,
I read your post and so glad to hear that Rudy did not have cancer! For the spinal issues, you should try giving him a Glucosamine/Chondroitin/MSM supplement. You can use the human supplements - usually cheaper than ones marketed for pets. I get Joint Support at Trader Joe's. Taz started having the same issues at 11 and these supplements really help a lot. I ran out a few times and could see the difference when I stopped giving them to him for a while. I have back and neck problems and I take them as well.
Best wishes to you and your pups!

Thanks Suzanne. We have given Rudy a G/C supplement most of his life as he has mild hip dysplasia. It turned out his issue was not his spine but his spleen.

Hi, My Heart Cooper, thank you so much for letting us know how you and your precious Rudy are doing. What WONDERFUL news!!! I am so very happy for you both.

I wish there were some words I could write here that could help take the sorrow from your heart about what happened to Cooper, but I know there will always be an ache in your heart - - hopefully eventually not so pronounced. From what you have shared with us I do understand how difficult this year has been for you. I hope the hearing will be one of validation for you and your precious Cooper, and I would be honored to know what happens, if you would like to share it with us.

My Heart Cooper, once again I am so very thrilled at your news, and am so glad to know that Rudy is recovering completely and enjoying good health. I hope today is a JOYOUS day for you, Rudy, Dori, and all of your family as you celebrate Rudy's birthday. This truly is a time to celebrate, My Heart Cooper, and I hope you feel your sweet Cooper's Living Spirit with you - - because he is celebrating this wonderful time with you - - all of you - - his family - - as well. Although he cannot be physically with you, he is forever with you, My Heart Cooper - - he is always a heartbeat close to you. Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers, My Heart Cooper, and look forward to knowing how things are going whenever possible.

Peace and blessings,
moon_beam

Hi My Heart Cooper,

Thank you for making time to share your wonderful news about Rudy with us! I am sorry that you're still struggling with Cooper's passing. There are some souls that touch our hearts and lives on such a deep level, I don't think we ever get over missing them. You will be in my thoughts and prayers as you move forward with the complaint against the Dr. Please remember that we are all here for you, if you need a shoulder to lean on or even just to vent. We all care deeply about how you and your furry family members are doing.

Please take care of yourself,

Peggy

Well, my poor Rudy isn't doing so well again. After his surgery and week at the vet, he returned home like a new dog. He felt great. Last week I had him back at the vet. I came home and he didn't want to move and his gums were white. They've done a ton of bloodwork and xrays, finding nothing. And then yesterday, he got bad again. He threw up through the night, didn't move for hours and when he stood up, his back legs were so off balance. They just can't figure out what's wrong with him. I'm afraid it's just old age and we're starting down that path. I hate to admit it but he may not be around much longer. He's had 11 great years but that doesn't seem like enough. My poor guy. And I worry so much about Dori, our little pup. She will be lost without him. I'm trying to stay optimistic but it's hard when they just can't find anything wrong with him.

Hi, My Heart Cooper, thank you so much for sharing with us how you and your precious Rudy are doing. I am so o o very sorry that he is not thriving. White gums is indicative of anemia which usually means blood loss or iron insufficiency (I am so o o o well acquainted with anemia as I was chronically anemic in my younger years). That in itself should be a major clue for a diagnosis of at least part of what is going on with your precious Rudy.

Just as a suggestion - - perhaps you have already done this - - have you thought about seeking a second opinion on Rudy? This is not a negative reflection of the trust you have in your primary veterinary physician. It is, however, your perogative as Rudy's caregiver. There are some cases that arise when a definitive diagnosis is elusive in spite of all the tests that are done. And this is very frustrating for everyone concerned: you, Rudy, as well as the treating veterinarian. This happens with human patients as well sometimes. But - - if you were to seek a second opinion, if you feel a second opinion is warranted, you would at least know that you left "no stone unturned" in trying to help your precious Rudy - - regardless of what happens.

My Heart Cooper, again, I am very, very sorry that Rudy is not doing well, and my heart aches for what you are going through seeing him decline. I wish there was something I could do to help you - - to make things better - - but all I can do is offer you my sincerest friendship hoping that in some way that will bring some comfort, support, and encouragement to you during this very difficult time.

Thank you again so much, My Heart Cooper, for sharing with us how you and your precious are doing. Please know you both are in my thoughts and prayers, and look forward to knowing how things are going.

Peace and blessings,
moon_beam

It's been one year and 12 days and we've lost our other boy, Rudy. Our vet sent us to a vet specialty clinic last night, where they can do MRI's and ultrasounds. We found out his liver was really bad and it was affecting his heart. And he was losing a lot of blood. The doctor there was positive that it was cancer. So we made the decision to let him go. He was so sick and in pain. I couldn't stand to let it go on. We did everything we could but I feel like we made the right decision in the end. Rudy was the most amazing dog. So smart and loyal. We loved him so much. And I couldn't stand the thought of him being sick and in pain. This loss feels different than with Cooper. We were more prepared. He'd been sick for over a month. This one has hit my husband a little harder than me I think. With Cooper, it was like my entire heart was ripped out. I felt like I was going insane some days. But with Rudy, it's more of a calm sadness. It;s the same as our love. He and I had a sort of "calm" love. A peaceful connection. I will miss him every day. We've had him our entire adult lives. It will be weird not to have that presence. It's weird because it makes Coopers death hit me again. Rudy and Cooper were best pals, a pair. They belonged together. So when we lost Coop, it was like he was still here because of Rudy. We still had that connection to that part of our lives. And now they're both gone. It's like that phase of our lives, with our beautiful boys, is over. But I know they're together now. Which is where they belong - together. The hardest part is Dori - she's now lost her best pal. She keeps looking for him. It's so sad. But I know she'll be ok, just like we will. We've been there before. It just takes time.

Rudy & Cooper - Mommy loves you both so much. It brings a little peace to my heart to know that you are together again, playing tug and chase. I would've never imagined losing you both in such a short time. You were the best boys a mommy could have. We love you!

"It's weird because it makes Coopers death hit me again."

Hi, My Heart Cooper, please permit me to offer you my sincerest sympathies in the physical loss of your beloved Rudy. I know how painful your loss of Cooper is, which made Rudy very special to you, and now your loss of Rudy can most certainly surface the sorrow of Cooper's physical absence. This is very normal, My Heart Cooper - - very normal.

I wish I could be with you to hold your hand, to listen to whatever is in your heart to share. Please know I am here for you - - reaching out to you across the cyber miles. Rudy is now with Cooper - - and they are reaching across the Bridge to you with hearts filled with eternal love for you. And you have them both forever close to you in your heart and your memories - - they are always a heartbeat close to you.

It is hard to see the surviving fur child grieve. I know this with my Noah. The best thing you can do for Dori is give her extra love and attention - - which is already known that you are doing.

My Heart Cooper, again, I am so very, very sorry for your loss - - first Cooper and now Rudy. Even though right now "with Rudy, it's more of a calm sadness", there is still a "shock" of losing two precious companions in a short period of time. Please know we are here for you.

Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers, My Heart Cooper, and look forward to knowing how you and your precious Dori are doing.

Peace and blessings,
moon_beam

Tiffany, I am so sorry to hear about Rudy. Especially so soon after your soul companion Cooper's passing. You definately did the right thing in releasing Rudy's spirit from his frail body. I just know that Cooper is so happy to have his playmate with him again -- and can picture Cooper welcoming him to the Bridge, the two of them frolicking and playing together, with their little tails wagging. You have to two angels watching over you and your husband and your little Dori now.

I'll be thinking of you and hope you return to let us know how you're getting on.

Take care,
Cheryl xx