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The pain of losing a dog is something many of us hope to never experience. The reality is that many of us will. Making the choice to help a beloved fur baby cross the Rainbow Bridge may be one of the most painful experiences of our lives. But, it’s often one of the most selfless and honorable choices we can make. Helping our four-legged babies be free of their pain and suffering is the last way we can show our love for them.
The Last Act Of Love
Dale Thompson knows the feeling. He’s a dog dad from Toronto, Canada. Thompson recently shared his heart-shattering decision to help his Golden Retriever find peace. Murphy had been diagnosed with throat and nose cancer. His days on Earth had become too heavy. Murphy’s caring dad consulted with veterinarians. They had reached the end of the road and it was time to show Murphy one last act of love, writes iheartdogs.com
Thompson shared a video of Murphy’s last journey to the vet’s office. Along with it was a series of absolutely tear-inducing sentiments as Murphy’s heartbroken dad grieved.
“He walked in with dignity, clarity and honor. He left this world the same way he came into it: With style, grace and happy. RIP my friend.”
Murphy walked with poise and grace as he took every step with intention. He steadily looked onward as if to say he was ready. After Murphy took his last breath, Thompson searched for comfort and answers within his own heart.
“There’s not a word that’s been crafted or invented yet which could ever express how broken my heart is today. Simply put, I am lost,” said Thompson. “Sad is something I’ll be one day after I’ve cried a million tears and walked a million steps but, right now, I’m many miles from sad right now.”
If you’ve been in Thompson’s shoes then you know that going home to a less-filled house is nearly just as hard.
“My place is so quiet now, you can hear the clock ticking, the floor squeaking, every sound is now amplified so much,” he lamented. “The area he’d always lay down in seems so big now. His food dish is still untouched from this morning (baked chicken with some Chinese takeout don’t judge lol).”
There is a certain sadness that comes along with the loss of little footsteps on tile floors or the faint jingle of a collar. It’s a sadness that only time can heal. There’s no doubt that Murphy had nearly 14 years of life filled with more love than he could ask for
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Murphy walked to the vet today for the last time. He walked in with dignity, clarity and honour.
He left this world the same way he came into it: With style, grace and happy.
RIP my friend 💔 https://t.co/AF7H6clw2E pic.twitter.com/JRZzqD2751
— Dale E. Thompson (@daleethompson) December 30, 2019
The post Heartbroken Dog Dad Shares Video Of Pup’s Final Walk appeared first on iHeartDogs.com.
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10 Common Dog Health Problems
Some health problems are specific to certain breeds, such as breathing complications for flat-faced dogs. But several other canine health issues can affect any dog. Here are 10 typical health conditions you need to watch out for in your four-legged best friend:
Top 10 Common Dog Health Problems
Skin Problems
One of the most obvious signs that your dog has a skin condition is itching. Other symptoms that may suggest that your dog has a skin problem include rashes, redness, dry skin, lumps, bumps, skin sores, dandruff, and hair loss.
Ear Diseases
Approximately 20 percent of dogs suffer from ear disease. It’s particularly common in breeds with floppy ears like cocker spaniels and basset hounds. It’s common to see wax buildup or discharge in their ear canal. But others may experience pain, itchiness, redness, swelling, and crusting in the ears.
Urinary Tract Infections
Simply known as UTI, this condition can make it uncomfortable for your beloved companion to pass urine. Signs of urinary tract infection include drinking water more than usual and passing urine more often than usual. Your dog may also only pass a small amount or lose bladder control. Additionally, you may see blood in their urine or notice a strong smell to it.
Vomiting
There are countless reasons why your pet may throw up. You don’t need to visit the vet each time your dog vomits. But it’s also not something you can just ignore. Don’t try to guess. If the vomiting persists or occurs with other symptoms like diarrhea or lethargy, you need to rush to the vet. It could be a sign of severe health problems, such as poisoning or gastrointestinal blockage.
Diarrhea
This symptom may occur on its own or be accompanied by vomiting. Its potential causes are similar to vomiting. One or two episodes of diarrhea may not be a pet emergency. But recurring diarrhea can result in dehydration.
Parasites
At some point in their lives, your pet may have to deal with discomfort due to internal or external parasites. Symptoms of parasites generally vary, depending on a few factors. These include the kind of parasite that has plagued your pet, where it lives, and how severe its infestation is.
Dental Issues
Like us, your dog can develop canine dental diseases due to high levels of plaque buildup. Several signs indicate that your pet may have dental disease. These include difficulty eating, bleeding of the gums or teeth, loose teeth, and bad breath.
Obesity
Nearly 30 percent of the general dog population is considered obese. Several factors contribute to a pet’s risk. These include age, genetic predisposition, lack of exercise, and overfeeding, among others.
Arthritis
This joint problem can restrict your dog’s mobility. Bring Fido to the vet if you see your dog slow down or limp before and after walks. Other signs include licking or chewing on tender areas and behavioral changes.
Poisoning
Symptoms of dog poisoning vary widely, depending on the kind of toxin a pet has been exposed to. The signs can range from vomiting to drooling, breathing difficulties, seizures, or worse, coma. Some of the most common poisonous substances are human foods like chocolates, grapes, raisins, onions, and caffeine. Other known culprits are human medications, household cleaning products, pesticides, and some plants.
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