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It happened so fast. I said goodbye to my beloved Chief today...

Navy Chief

Navy Chief

Senior Member
It happened so fast. I said goodbye to my beloved Chief today...

I am still in shock. This past Monday, I took Chief to see a vet eye specialist, as I had noticed a spot in his right eye. The spot turned out to be a tumor. Coincidentally, the next morning, Chief would not eat, but I just figured that was because I'd given him some bread from a sandwich, and had upset his stomach.

But this morning, around 10:30, he threw up. That scared me. I took him to my local vet. They did an xray, and found a large mass in his stomach.

What happened next, still has me reeling. They referred me to a vet, south of Fort Myers. As soon as I got there, they took Chief back to do an ultrasound, and blood work.

About one hour later, I returned to get the results.

It was like being hit in my stomach. The vet said my poor Chief was riddled with cancer, including several nodules on his lungs.

I was immediately overcome with grief. It was horrible. I knew what I had to decide, and it ripped me apart to do it.

So, about 15 minutes later, as I held Chief's head in my lap, and I told him how much I loved him; crying uncontrollably.... I said goodbye to my best friend.

God, I miss him so.

NC
 
Dammit Pete! You've been posting pics of "Chief" and talking about him for a long time here. It was clear he was special to you. This is horrible news. I am shocked to hear this, and saddened. RIP, Chief! :(
 
as much as you talked about him and all the pics you've posted, this is kind of like losing a pet myself.
sympathy goes out to you.
RIP Chief :engel016:
 
Navy Chief - I think that I can feel at lewast some of your pain. I've lost two of my dogs, friends that had been with me for 15 years, in the last year and a half. It can't get easier. I hope that you find a way to come to terms with such a greivous loss. My thoughts are with you.

LA
 
This is such a shock, we all know that Chief was a huge part of your family, it is always heart breaking to lose a trusted family member especially like this. It is a small blessing that he did not suffer and you were with him, as tough as it is to be there when it happens you did what you had to do.

RIP Chief, :salute:
 
Thanks to everyone who has read this post, commented, and well....just understand what the grief of losing a friend like my Chief is like.

I appreciate all the comments. You all know how much I loved Chief. I remember the day my wife brought him home. He was five weeks old. Looked like a little bear cub.

I knew this day would arrive. I just didn't expect it to happen so quick. I suppose it is for the best, so Chief would not suffer.

But it hurts so much to let them go.

NC
 
Chief was such a big part of your life that really in many ways he was a member here. How terribly sad to have this happen to him. My thoughts are with you during this difficult time.

God Bless,
Robert
 
That is just terrible news. I enjoyed all of your posts with Chief.

At least you were there with him at the end.

FAC
 
As an animal lover myself my thoughts are with you at this time NC. It's always a hard decision to make but invariably the best for our furry friends IMHO.
 
NC, I am so sorry to read of Chief's passing. Having been previously owned by Rotties, I know what great dogs they are and I know what a special friend Chief was to you. Hold on to your fond memories of him, he'll always be there for you. :engel016:
 
I am very sorry to hear about your loss, especially at this time of year.

Our oldest grandchild, age 21, was killed accidentally by a police officer last year, two days before my retirement from the same profession. Our grandson's dog, Smoky, was the brother of our dog - my wife acquired him when I was TDY'd to the Middle East in late 2000 and our daughter got the other one. My grandson and his dog were inseparable. They both enjoyed ice cream and Jacob, my grandson, was not above allowing Smoky a surreptitious lick on the cone when mom wasn't looking.

After Jacob's death, the family took Smoky to the viewing as he was the same as any other member of the family and it was common knowledge he and the dog were very close. I was not there but I was told Smoky climbed up and looked into Jacob's casket, then sniffed around as if he were looking for Jacob and refusing to believe that was him in that box. He finally gave up looking around the room and lay down in the rear. After he went home with the rest of the family he refused to touch his food or even have a drink.

Three days later my wife, who had been with the family as soon as she heard about Jacob's death, was called downstairs by my son-in-law who told her Smoky had died early that morning. My son-in-law and daughter took him to the same crematorium that handled my grandson, and returned the ashes to the family along with Jacob's.

Regardless of what anyone says I am convinced there is a bond between certain select owners and their pets, in particular dogs, that lasts beyond the grave. I have told my wife Smoky's death set a seal on Jacob's as well. They now have each other for company. It is obvious you and Chief shared the same kind of bond. I again offer my condolences in your loss.
 
I know where you are at right now.
I had to make that decision a couple years ago with my Mikei.
It still bothers me from time to time, but there was no other choice to be made.
I just felt so bad because she hated going to the vet so much.
They never seem to let you know there is problem with them until it is too late.
They don't want you to worry about them.
 
So sorry about Chief, what a blow...how terrible. I can understand your grief and pain, very sad. I've lost my own dogs over past years and it was heart wrenching to have lost them.

Chief had so many happy years with you - that was good.
 
I am so sorry to hear of your loss.

A good dog is more than just a pet, he is part of the family. Always loyal, always happy to see you and always with good cheer, even when you're down.I lost my Brittany, my best ever hunting dog, last April and I still haven't filled the void. I too had to make the decision, but at least I held him in his last minutes.

"If dogs don't go to heaven, then I want to go where the dogs go." By Will Rogers.

A Dog's Prayer (author unknown):
 
Chief rarely showed evidence of being in pain, ever. That's why it was such a shock to find out just how sick he was. As recent as three days ago, he was his normal goofy self; jumping around, and giving love to anyone he came in contact with.

That dog brought me immeasurable joy and companionship. Chief was the brother I never had. My best friend. Pete

View attachment 54951
 
Can't tell you how sorry i am to read this, Pete.... Writing this with a lump in my throat.. Lost my dog 2 months ago.. He died underneath my hands of an instant heart failure..

My thoughts are with you, my friend, wish you all the strenght in the world to get through this extremely sad period in your life. Comfort yourself with the thought that Chief couldn't have had a better life than he had with you.

RIP Chief and say hello to my beloved Eddie when you meet him upthere..

Hang in there, Pete
 
Oh man, it is a shocking news NC...
Hannah and I are very saddened to hear about Chief...

May he rest in peace.
We lift you up in prayer, may you be comforted...
 
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