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photo A Dog's Life
Where Nancy Freedman-Smith, dog trainer and owner of Gooddogz Training, provides a place for dog owners to find positive training tips, canine-activities and places to visit along with the latest information on keeping your dog healthy and active. NOTE TO READERS: Nancy's blog has moved! Check it out in her new home on MainePets.com

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December 21, 2006
Brewster trucks on

Brewster went home for a long weekend and he is back with us until after the new year. I have already spoken to the Vet about giving him pain pills if needed so we hopefully won't have to rush off the ER during the holidays. He is doing great, but it seemed a wise precaution given that he is on his seventh month of his predicated 2-6 months to live. His lymph nodes are bigger than golf balls.
A lot of people have asked me WHY I have taken this sick dog into my home at this time. Simple. We love him and he needs us. People have asked me how can I do this to the kids, and the answer is not so simple, but I don't feel I have a choice. My kids grew up with Brew and Brewster grew up with us.
Take a look at what middle school child drew in Kindergarten.
It almost physically hurts to look at it.

brew letter.jpg


I noticed signs of him failing this morning, but before I could panic he snapped out of it. I would say his quality of life is excellent, but I am certain it won't be for long.
And that does physically hurt.

Translation:
I take care of a dog named Brewster.
he is fat
he lost pounds
he is a Golden Retriever

Posted by Nancy Freedman-Smith at 11:34 PM

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Comments

From my own personal experience, I feel your children will gain a lot from being w/Brewster in his final days or weeks. And Brewster will also gain from the love of those around him. He might not have lasted this long if it weren't for the love and care of those around him.
I remember losing a wonderful Fox Terrier when I was around 10 or 11. He died of hepititis. I still remember my mother holding me as I cried because of his passing. After a short time, they allowed me to pick another dog for a pet. I remember looking at 4 or 5 different puppies about 6 months old, all Fox Terriers and tho' I had recently lost Prince, my 1st Fox Terrier, I picked a puppy who was ill because I felt he needed some love and understanding even tho' I knew he would not be w/us soon. I didn't want him to pass away alone and w/out family. Surprisingly my folks allowed me to take him knowing they were paying for a sick animal. Tho' he wasn't w/us for long, I've never regretted choosing him.
I've discovered that thru' the years, all the dogs I've had who passed away are ALWAYS w/me and each one was special in their own special way. My 2nd dog's name was Silks.
Since then, in my adult years, I've lost 2 more and it doesn't matter if you're young or old, it's never easy to let go.
But I wouldn't miss having had the joy of being w/them and I'm sure that's what your children will remember thru' the years ahead as well.
I also noticed in your child's picture, that there are smiles on both faces. To me, this indicates that both child and dog are enjoying their time together however short it may be.

Posted by Pat
December 22, 2006 06:48 PM

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