You all remember that Sebastian found us shortly after we lost Tsar. He fit seamlessly into the pack and become an important part of the family.
Sebastian was calm and sweet tempered. He never got into trouble and never had an accident in the house. When Rob brought the little hound puppies home, Sebastian accepted them immediately and was a huge help in raising them. They both adored him.
For some time we've known that he was in some pain but we couldn't pinpoint the source. I thought it was headaches because he would keep his head lowered, eyes squinted and sleep in a corner with his head pressed against the wall.
Last month we had a cyst removed from his eyelid and his teeth and gums cleaned. We hoped that would relieve his pain.
After his surgery Sebastian didn't want to chew and would walk away from his kibble and biscuits. I started feeding him soft and wet food and giving him animal crackers instead of biscuits. But then last week he started refusing the soft food too.
He spent all the time sleeping in a corner and had to be coaxed to eat or go outside. We knew he was very sick but didn't know why.
On Thursday evening Sebastian put his head in my lap and I started rubbing his ears. I noticed a hard lump at his jawline under his ear. On Friday morning we took him to the vet. Dr B wasn't sure what the lump was. It could be an infected saliva gland or a lymph node. All his other lymph nodes were ok and he had no fever so the doc was stymied. He also noted that Sebastian had lost about eight pounds since his surgery six weeks earlier. He took some blood and gave us some antibiotics.
On Saturday morning Dr B called. He said the lab report was back and it was bad news. Sebastian had advanced kidney disease. There was nothing we could do. We might buy ourselves a few weeks with a special diet, but I didn't think that was fair for a good boy like Sebastian. He was suffering and we couldn't let that continue.
We took Sebastian for a walk on his favorite trail, then headed for the hospital where Dr B was waiting. We all said goodbye and ended his pain.
I'll always be glad that he found us and we took him in. We had him for much too short a time.
7 comments:
Truly a special boy. Knowing when the time is here and having to do it are two difficult decisions. Sebastian had a wonderful life with you. More hugs.
Having to make that decision is the hardest thing in the world. You gave him a wonderful life, and a very special time with you before the end. I will miss Sebastian greatly; he and Tsar seemed so much in temperament similar to my beloved mastiffs. I'm sure the rest of the pack, and especially the hound girls, miss him, too.
We are so sorry for your loss, but Sebastian knew you would do what is best for him every day of his time with you. That is why he found his way to you in the first place. He was always special to us - he seemed like such a gentle soul. Soft woos and gentle hugs from all of us.
Woos - Lightning, Misty, and Timber and Mom
Making the decision and saying goodby is heartbreaking. Hugs to you and Rob and your pack, Sue♥
Oh no! I've loved and followed Sebastian since he first joined your pack. I'm so sorry that you all had to go through that. I lost Jessie to kidney disease, and it's not any fun. :(
We are very sorry for your loss. Sebastion was a special boy. He had a wonderful life, thanks to you. I know he made your family whole. He is now healthy and free of pain. You will be in our thoughts and prayers.
I'm sitting by the river near my home playing ball with Bronson, tears for you and Sebastian rolling down my face. It's not fair that doing the right thing is so heartbreaking. He lived his best life with you. I hope there's some comfort in that. Much love, Mel and Bronson PWD.
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