Hi... Ive recently lost the love of my life..... my Apollo. Apollo just turned 8 years old. He was diagnosed with cardiomyopathy in may of 2004. He was maintaining... he had a few episodes of congestive heart failure, but we managed to bring him around. He was fine one morning,,, and a few hours later,, he bloated......... and his stomach was twisted. He needed surgery, it was the only way. Well..... given his condition with his heart it was a scarey decision to let him go into surgery. I wanted to be able to do everything possible... so i held his head, kissed him many times as i looked into his eyes, telling him how much i loved him as he went under anesthetic. Well, needless to say his huge, wonderful heart couldnt take the stress..... he died on the table. I have had a horrible time with his death. I knew i would lose him....... i just didnt think it would end this way........ I just wish i could have done something....... i mean i did all i could... but i still feel like i was helpless.
I loved this dog sooooooooooo much. He loved, respected and worshipped me. He would wait for me at the door, when i let him and his pal, Nevada out to potty. He never left me alone at the door. He slept with us... he had to be near me... or he cried. If Nevada got on the bed first,, i had to get him down so Apollo could get the spot right next to mom. I couldnt just sleep,,, i had to pet him until he quited down,, then have my arm or hand on his head or body for him to go to sleep. We had such a phenomenal bond the two of us. When i think of him.... i feel like i cant breath.. i just cant stand it. I dont know how to go on..... i know i have to and i will....... but the pain is so great... i never thought it would be this strong of a pain.
I love you my Podgie baby....... there could never be another doberman of your caliber.

I am so very sorry for your loss, know that Apollo had what we wish for all our foster dobes and animals.. a family to love him. I truly believe death is not the end and you will see him again.

Cherish the memories, they live in our lifes such a short time but the paw prints remain in our hearts forever

You did what you could, If you were a vet maybe just maybe you could have done more but, I doubt it. Having lost 4 of my furry family members in the last 4 years
I can relate to what you are feeling now. Know this, you tried, you gave Apollo
another 5 months. Apollo was aware of your love and devotion right till the end.
I do not know what your beliefs are but I have a feeling that you will be seeing
Apollo again. It woldnt be Heaven without our K9 family members there waiting for us, now would it?
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and Apollo.
Doc & Sharon

My thoughts are with you. I know exactly how you feel. My wife and I lost our recued dobergirl Tasha on Dec. 23 of DCM. That day was a nightmare that I think about numerous times everyday. We adopted her when she was about three and a half years old (she died at six and a half) and she had spent the majority of her early years in a crate. She had been on drug therapy for about a year and a half and it "took the wind out of her sails". Near the end of her short life, her medical treatment became screwed up as a month before she died her vet didn't think that her condition was advanced enough to give her a new experimental drug that was on the market even though I asked for them to consider it. We ended up having to euthanize her. We currently have two rescued dobergirls (Mandi - from Second Chance Dobes and Amber from the Burlington Animal Control). Incidentally, we will probably be saying goodbye to Amber in the near future as she is old and has a lot of health problems.

You are not alone,
Take care of yourself,
John Masotti

I can so feel your pain, as the bond you shared with Apollo is just as strong as the one I share with my Doberman, Gunner. The thought of ever losing this dog brings me to tears as he's touched my heart and soul so deeply. I'm so sorry that you lost Apollo...my heart, thoughts and prayers are with you.

I feel so badly for you. My you some how find peace in knowing that Apollo had the love of his life too (you) It is truly amazing how these dogs can bond with that special someone. I know as Suzzane is my girl and never leaves my side. I can not imagine lossing her. Please know my thoughts and prayers are with you and try to remember Apollo did not like to see you upset. He would want for you to try to find peace.

Cathy

I am just so sorry!

Hi,,,
I just wanted to say thanks to all for their wonderful comments and prayers for me. Its so nice to hear from folks who have gone through the same thing. I know i did all i could and more, he knew i did too. I just never knew it would be this hard to say goodbye.
Ive applied and been accepted with second chance dobes to get a dog from them soon. I am excited to go and see the girl im interested in!!! I know my baby Apollo would want me to be happy,,, to have some other doggie keep me warm and comfy until we can be together again.
Thanks... Sharen

Sharen and family,
There's nothing more noble than letting a homeless animal into your lives in honor of a lost pet. And to those of you who don't already know, Sharen and her family have adopted our very own Eva, who I'm sure will fill their hearts with new memories and keep them entertained for a long time. Their vet has found some medical issues but I'm sure she'll be good as new soon!
Karen