No News - Our Black Lab is very sick

[whirlcool]

I just got the evening update from A&M, Kurt actually got up and walked around a little bit. He was slow, but he did walk and sit down. Also the pupils in his eyes are starting to respond in a symmetrical manner, which is good and that means that pressure on the brain is easing.
But he still has to make it thru anesthesia for the MRI and spinal tap in the morning, and his heart rate is still too slow.
But this is a teeny tiny improvement. Keep your fingers crossed for us!

Gosh, I never expected this thread to get this long. But it does make me feel tremendously better with all the support you guys have offered! Thanks Again! We love each and every one of you!

 

[DADoES]

:-(

 

[thomasortega]

It's almost midnight here in Brazil and i'm going to bed in a few minutes, but not before lighting a candle and praying for the angles to heal him soon.

 

[joelippard]

I am so sorry for what you all are having to go through. I have a female black lab who is two and I can't imagine how I would feel.

You all are in my prayers.

 

[JerseyMike]

Allen,

I'm so sorry about what you, Karen and Kurt are going through. I hope and pray that Kurt makes a complete and speedy recovery. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.

Mike

 

[dirtybuck]

Allen...

A teeny tiny improvement at this point is wonderful. The prayers will still keep coming from me.

Let's all keep hoping that Kurt will get through this.

 

[whirlcool]

The End

Unfortunately, A&M found out what the problem is with Kurt. It turns out that he had a massive brain stem tumor. A&M called and said that it was inoperable and that radiation would be the only treatment, but even that would only extend his life for a few months, maybe. This would not be in the dogs best interest.
Karen & I wanted to come back up to College Station to see him one last time and say goodbye, but A&M felt that since he was still under anesthesia from having the MRI and it would probably be best for them not to wake Kurt up again as his brain stem was herniating and he would probably not even recognise us, if he even regained consciousness at all.
So since this was a very rare condition in dogs, I told A&M to retain his brain for study. They said it would definitely help other dogs in the future. He will be cremated and returned to us to join our other dogs on the mantle.

So I guess that ends this thread. We want to personally thank each and every one of you for you support! It helped us through this time more that you'll know!

 

[oldhouseman]

My condolences

Kurt was a wonderful dog. I am very sorry for your loss. My heart goes out to you and the rest of the family.

 

[sikiguya]

So sorry.......

I am so sorry for your loss. Dealing with loss of life, human or animal, is so very hard. Please know that we are all here for you.

Heather & family

 

[danemodsandy]

I'm So Sorry.

I hope that Kurt is somewhere where he knows that the things learned from his life will help other dogs eventually.

I'm so sorry. My condolences.

 

[DADoES]

It's so hard to make that decision ... remember we went through it with RJ's dalmatian. Veterinary medicine has made great advances ... but it's not always best for the animal's long-term comfort to try extending life with aggressive and uncertain treatments. Casey's ashes rest on RJ's mantle as well.

 

[JerseyMike]

I'm so sorry ...

Oh, Allen. I'm so very sorry. My thoughts and prayers are with you and Karen at this difficult time.

Mike

 

[58limited]

Allen

I'm so sorry to hear this. It is always hard to lose a beloved pet. Remember the good times you've had with Kurt.

David

 

[maytagbear]

Allen-

I am so sorry.

Kurt knew that you love(d) him very much.

Lawrence/Maytagbear

 

[dirtybuck]

When Allen shared the news of Kurt's diagnosis earlier, it was just a bit more than I could handle.

I guess Billy Joel was right in saying "only the good die young".

Rest in peace, Kurt. Your Daddy and Mommy and their friends on AW are going to miss you.

 

[jeffg]

Condolences on your loss. I don't know what else to add, other than to offer the best tribute to canine companionship I've ever seen. The episode is in three parts:







Jeff

 

[whirlcool]

Wow, that was something else! Thank you so much for sending us those links. It was hard to watch, but it's what we need right now.

Here is a better photo of Kurt. This photo captured his personality perfectly, you can see the devotion in his eyes. This photo was taken last October out by our pool.

 

[gadgetgary]

So Very Sorry for your Loss....

Kurt is watching down at all of us from his perch in heaven.

RIP beloved Kurt~!

 

[southernman]

I am terribly sorry to hear that. You've been in my prayers since I read your first post. My parents have always taken in dogs in need of rescue, several of which have been labs. They are just the best companions, especially when they get out of their puppy stage. Anyway, I've been there and its tough. Sorry for your loss.

SM

 

[pturo]

All Dogs go to Heaven

So sorry for your loss, but congratulations on your wonderful parenting for Kurt. Love never dies, but it changes form all the time.

I often wonder about the special relationship man and dog have, and why our creator thought we should be so easily bonded. A bird or iguana is not man's best friend.

I too have a stray I took in, she is old now. Your articulation of Kurt's issues will help me when the time comes for my Girlie-girl.(Border Collie)

So really, Kurt is still serving as man's best friend from afar, teaching us when its time to hold em or fold em. Maybe that was his special purpouse.

Phil