# Sam, you've been a good old dog. **URL:** \ **Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\ **Created:** [December 24, 2004, 5:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sam-youve-been-a-good-old-dog/281449 "2004-12-24T05:52:04Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Seven](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/3d9bf3/32.png) [@Seven](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Seven)\ **Post date:** [December 24, 2004, 5:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sam-youve-been-a-good-old-dog/281449/1 "2004-12-24T05:52:04Z")
Over the last few days our old lab hasn’t been eating. Yesterday the wife took her to the vet and they put her on an IV for fluids. The ran some blood and had us come back later. Last night we picked her up and she wasn’t better. She could hardly walk. Instead of keeping her overnight, we took her home with the idea of bringing her back in the morning. This morning the dog was nothing but dead weight. We got her into the car and off to the vets. They took a xray and found a rather large mass - about 8 inches long - on her liver. Because of the location and her age, there is no saving her. We decided to bring the old girl home, feed her whatever she’ll eat or drink, and let her have one last night at home. We got her at a shelter six or seven years ago and she’s been a pretty good housemate. Her first six years of life were a bit tough from what I understand. An old man had her and mostly left her tied up in his yard. Tonight we also learned from the xray she has a pellet lodged somewhere in her insides. I’ve no idea when that happened. Perhaps the old guy used to abuse her. It took a few years before she settled in our house. She stopped growling for no reason and traded that with a funny howling song she’d sing when she wanted attention or just when she was happy. Her hips have started to ache and for the last few years she walked with a funny wobble, her tail spinning like a propeller behind her. Tonight, she’s had about 10 dog cookies. It’s the only thing she’ll eat. But, if she wants more, she can have them. The whole box if she wants. Sam, you’ve been a good old dog. ---
**Author:** ![jackelope](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/a6a055/32.png) [@jackelope](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jackelope)\ **Post date:** [December 24, 2004, 6:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sam-youve-been-a-good-old-dog/281449/2 "2004-12-24T06:13:02Z")
Man, that hurts. I’m choked up from reading this; I lost my girl in similar circumstances about a year and a half ago, and it still hurts, constantly. Yeah, give her all the cookies she wants, and scratch her behind the ears, and tell her how much you love her. She understands. I’m really, really sorry you’re going through this. It’s going to be tough. ---
**Author:** ![TVeblen](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/4bbf92/32.png) [@TVeblen](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TVeblen)\ **Post date:** [December 24, 2004, 6:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sam-youve-been-a-good-old-dog/281449/3 "2004-12-24T06:14:23Z")
There are damned few purer blessings than the trust, love and loyalty of a good dog. ::strokes **Sam** :: Veb ---
**Author:** ![AskNott](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/asknott/32/5790_2.png) [@AskNott](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AskNott)\ **Post date:** [December 24, 2004, 6:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sam-youve-been-a-good-old-dog/281449/4 "2004-12-24T06:27:17Z")
It’s never easy. They almost never outlive us, though. You’ve provided well for your furry pal, and you’ve had a good dog’s life together. Like my vet said, the dog will let you know when it’s time. ---
**Author:** ![Suburban\_Plankton](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/suburban_plankton/32/219_2.png) [@Suburban\_Plankton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Suburban_Plankton)\ **Post date:** [December 24, 2004, 6:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sam-youve-been-a-good-old-dog/281449/5 "2004-12-24T06:53:21Z")
We had a Sam of our own a while back. He was a Cocker Spaniel/we-have-no-idea-what mix. We picked him up from the SPCA when he was about five. He lived with us for about 7 years, until we lost him to heart trouble. He used to sleep on the bed with us, but near the end he didn’t have the energy to jump up, so he slept on a pillow nearby. His last night, he jumped up and slept at our feet all night long. About 7 in the morning, he laid his head down on one of my wife’s shirts, and he was gone just a few minutes later. Dogs named Sam are the best. ---
**Author:** ![Ayesha](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/c0e974/32.png) [@Ayesha](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ayesha)\ **Post date:** [December 24, 2004, 6:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sam-youve-been-a-good-old-dog/281449/6 "2004-12-24T06:57:22Z")
☹ ---
**Author:** ![Black\_Train\_Song](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/4da419/32.png) [@Black\_Train\_Song](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Black_Train_Song)\ **Post date:** [December 24, 2004, 7:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sam-youve-been-a-good-old-dog/281449/7 "2004-12-24T07:50:28Z")
That’s one of the best posts I’ve ever read SEVEN. I’m sorry that it was under these circumstances. ---
**Author:** ![lavenderviolet](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/cdc98d/32.png) [@lavenderviolet](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/lavenderviolet)\ **Post date:** [December 24, 2004, 8:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sam-youve-been-a-good-old-dog/281449/8 "2004-12-24T08:05:19Z")
☹ So sorry to hear that you are experiencing this heartbreak. ---
**Author:** ![DeVena](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/dec6dc/32.png) [@DeVena](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DeVena)\ **Post date:** [December 24, 2004, 9:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sam-youve-been-a-good-old-dog/281449/9 "2004-12-24T09:20:34Z")
☹ She’s lucky to have had you. And you’re lucky to have had her. ---
**Author:** ![Seven](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/3d9bf3/32.png) [@Seven](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Seven)\ **Post date:** [December 24, 2004, 10:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sam-youve-been-a-good-old-dog/281449/10 "2004-12-24T10:05:01Z")
So far, she’s mostly stayed a lump on the floor. She can hardly even lift her head. We tried for about 10 minutes to get her back into the bed room but she could hardly stand. I got her on her feet and pushed a dog bed in front of her. She wobbled onto it and fell down. I pulled her and the bed back to the bed room (she’s about 80 lbs, not really a lap dog). Right now she’s asleep on my wifes side of the bed - my wife is asleep with her hand under the dogs head. I’ll be suprised if the dog lasts until morning. I kind of hope she doesn’t. I’d like for her to go like this - I think it would be good for the dog and my wife. I think the hardest part is it’s breaking my wifes heart. This is the first dog she’s had on her own and the two have really bonded. The Mrs has had fun spoiling the dog and the dog simply adores her. It’s very hard to watch because I can’t help. I hate seeing the dog go but I also hate seeing my wife so sad. The good thing is the dog doesn’t seem to be in pain. ---
**Author:** ![TVeblen](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/4bbf92/32.png) [@TVeblen](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TVeblen)\ **Post date:** [December 24, 2004, 10:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sam-youve-been-a-good-old-dog/281449/11 "2004-12-24T10:58:55Z")
I’m so sorry, **Seven**. Sam is at among her pack and she isn’t in pain. It’s her time to leave, though none of you want that, but no dog or human could ask for more. She’s going in peace. It’s the letting go that’s hard. Sleep yourself away, **Sam** , as befits the good dog you are. ---
**Author:** ![UntouchedTakeaway](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/u/d78d45/32.png) [@UntouchedTakeaway](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/UntouchedTakeaway)\ **Post date:** [December 24, 2004, 11:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sam-youve-been-a-good-old-dog/281449/12 "2004-12-24T11:08:08Z")
Seven: I am so sorry for your grief. I bet Sam was the _best_ ole dog in the world. I have four dogs currently and I’ve lost several over the years. It sucks. But what amazing memories you must have 🙂 I’ll be thinking about you both. VCNJ~ ---
**Author:** ![Chimpy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/a9adbd/32.png) [@Chimpy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chimpy)\ **Post date:** [December 24, 2004, 12:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sam-youve-been-a-good-old-dog/281449/13 "2004-12-24T12:09:16Z")
☹ I’m so sorry you’re going through this **Seven** , so very, very sorry. ---
**Author:** ![Caprese](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/a9a28c/32.png) [@Caprese](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Caprese)\ **Post date:** [December 24, 2004, 1:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sam-youve-been-a-good-old-dog/281449/14 "2004-12-24T13:15:10Z")
I am so sorry, **Seven**. I know how it is. I’ve been there before an will be again. There is no easy way through this. Am glad that Sam is with you now as her time comes. As **DeVena** said, you and Sam have been lucky to have had each other. ::sending hugs and sloppy kisses:: ---
**Author:** ![buttonjockey308](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/bcef8e/32.png) [@buttonjockey308](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/buttonjockey308)\ **Post date:** [December 24, 2004, 1:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sam-youve-been-a-good-old-dog/281449/15 "2004-12-24T13:24:33Z")
☹ I’m sorry for your heartbreak Seven. Truly, I’ve been there, and it’s **never** easy. Bright Blessings on you, your family and **Sam**. ---
**Author:** ![Hanna](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/b3f665/32.png) [@Hanna](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hanna)\ **Post date:** [December 24, 2004, 1:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sam-youve-been-a-good-old-dog/281449/16 "2004-12-24T13:31:37Z")
I went through this myself a few months ago, my dog had kidney failure. She is telling you it’s time. ☹ I wish you all the best, and I’m sorry. ---
**Author:** ![Athena](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/35a633/32.png) [@Athena](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Athena)\ **Post date:** [December 24, 2004, 1:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sam-youve-been-a-good-old-dog/281449/17 "2004-12-24T13:37:47Z")
I know too much what you’re going through. I lost my dog a week ago today - you can read about it [here](http://www.livejournal.com/users/abadoozy/2004/12/18/). It sure does put a different spin on Christmas. ☹ ---
**Author:** ![foxymoron](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/d26b3c/32.png) [@foxymoron](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/foxymoron)\ **Post date:** [December 24, 2004, 2:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sam-youve-been-a-good-old-dog/281449/18 "2004-12-24T14:34:46Z")
I can’t read your whole OP, **Seven** , because it’s too early in the morning for me to cry. I’m so sorry your friend is on her way out. It’s good to know she’s so loved. ---
**Author:** ![Archergal](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/c89c15/32.png) [@Archergal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Archergal)\ **Post date:** [December 24, 2004, 9:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sam-youve-been-a-good-old-dog/281449/19 "2004-12-24T21:53:47Z")
I’m so sorry to hear about Sam, **Seven**. Their lives are too short for all the love we have for them. ---
**Author:** ![yosemite](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/y/3ab097/32.png) [@yosemite](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/yosemite)\ **Post date:** [December 24, 2004, 10:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sam-youve-been-a-good-old-dog/281449/20 "2004-12-24T22:25:29Z")
She sounds like such a good dog. My heart goes out to you and your wife, **Seven**. Such a good dog. [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sam-youve-been-a-good-old-dog/281449.md?page=2)