Muttly

Big OUCH. Bella had the claw removed under sedation. Has a bandage for two days and is currently recuperating on a doona. I am told she will be able to run around in a few days. Can't quite picture it myself, but hopefully now the claw is off, everything underneath toughens up a bit and feels better soon. Thanks for all the support

Thanks everyone. Appt. is mid morning, earliest I could get her to. She is limping and being ostracised by the others for her 'special' treatment This is Bella

Thanks Anne, I am o.k. without a valium c/o 1 year old child - sleep is never a problem for me! But seriously, it is hard she bumps it while walking and yelps etc. I think in a contained space, soft bed she will be fine until the vets and then the healing process. Just hope it doesn't take too long as she needs to run free.

I don't think the nail can be cut back (human discarded item has done that) looks like it will have to be removed

I have tried, she yelps with anything over it. I am just going to keep her in the laundry tonight on clean bedding until I get her to the vet in the morning. She is a very stoic kind on girl but won't tolerate anything on it. Thanks for all the advice, It just makes me sick to the stomach knowing she is in pain. Might give her one of Milly's valium for the night to at least relax her....

Thanks, she will be inside on a blanket then off to the vets first thing. The nail is not retrievable, needs to be cut back so it doesn't catch. I will bandage it as well. I hope it won't take too long before it isn't painful............. I REALLY hate litter people.

She won't put weight on it after salt bath

Bella I think ran over something like a can or glass. I am taking her to the vet tomorrow morning but if anyone has anything they can tell me....... One of her front claws is sliced in three peices and a red knob that I am assuming is the 'quick' (Sp?) is fully exposed. I am doing salt baths but just had to say OUCH. I am assuming that the nail may have to be cut right back but I am concerned about how long it will be tender for. Don't you hate people who litter. She was sprinting after her beloved ball

I too couldn't stay. I planned to, wanted to, but I just couldn't. 6 months this month my beautiful Mr Troy, between 16-17 years rescue boy, love of my life! He also had lost dignity but had a will to live unequalled. I do believe that I did best by him, as you did by Maya. It just isn't easier knowing that, and the smile goodbye I try to remember is love shared, not to represent guilt. Love and remember your beautiful dog for all the other memories, and the final goodbye. Give yourself an easier time, he would want that and is still with you IMHO.

I would never go past Dr Carl Muller at Prahran Veterinary Hospital in Toorak/Prahran border. Is reknown and also uses accupunture (and teaches it because he has been doing it so long and so qualified), herbs, bach flowers etc. He is brilliant and extended my dearly departed boys life by a number of years when other very, very well regarded vets couldn't. He really cares, is thorough. The vets at that practice are in my experience all great, and at least one other uses not just western approaches. Cannot recommend enough. Coming off the Toorak Rd from S.E. took no time, or cuting accross from the Eastern through Hawthorn. Ahhhhhh Melbourne, how I miss it! Given the location, not babdy priced. Not cheap, but not highly expensive and consults are not 2 minute jobs.

Poor baby, life was very cruel for him until he met you. He left being loved, so sorry for your loss, it is unfair.

So sorry, what an amazing age - she was well loved!

Never. Many dogs are lucky and don't have this happen, but it is high risk. Perforates the stomach or throat.

Wow, in one day! How much was the workshop, I have two doggies waiting for the registration to be sent!!! Beautiful dog Perry

RnB, not a rample but a passionate articulation of what we have to endure in our love of those that don't live as long as us. It is very hard, I went through it with my 17 year old just before xmas. You'll know in your heart when, and you are not letting your friend down, you are releasing from pain, so try to look into those eyes, and give lots of cuddles. to you.

You'll learn to love with an open heart you new little on, who is an addition not replacement on your journey. I am so sorry for your loss, he'll be playing and running free at the bridge Give yourself time, it does get easier.

So Sorry. She is free from pain now

Hope she feels better soon.

Thanks everyone. That was a photo taken an hour before he was pts. It was really hard as he ate well, liked his cuddles, rolled in the grass but he had become incontinent - bowel. I had hoped he would die in his sleep but he didn't want to go. He was a rescue dog and he was making up for lost time. 14 years i had with him and i was graced.

The gaps grow larger, and the void intensifies. i feel he is at peace, but I miss him so. 16-17 years was a long time for a Shep x but wish he was still here! Today was hard.

You couldn't have known and she loved you, and felt loved by you. She was an absolutely gorgeous girl who radiates being deeply loved. Pictures speak a thousand words..... Let yourself enjoy your memories with her now.

;) So sad for you all

Dear Katie, that is very sad. Maybe a therapy dog could visit?

Thanks everyone. This was his last day. He still liked walks, bones, cuddles, so it was a very horrid decision as so much of him wanted to stay longer. He was a most gorgeous boy, came from RSPCA and took years to regain trust , so when he did, he decided he'd hang around to catch up on lost time. He used to round up stray children in parks and wouldn't disturb cats from eating their dinner in front of him!

I felt weird posting pics of my girls and not Mr Troy. He was absolutely amazing. He was helped to sleep just before christmas 2004 aged between 16 - 17 years. His will to live outlasted his body.