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'Mom's Harley' Down........

CampbellCarl

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So grab a beer or cup of coffee....I feel like talking....

My Mom suffled off of this earthly coil about eleven or so years ago. I took it hard and my buddy knew that. At some point in time (that I don't remember) my buddy asked me what kind of dog I'd have if I ever got one. Without hesitation, I replied a Weimereiner. As a kid, a neighbor had Herman, the coolest Weimer and dog that ever lived.

Shortly after Mom passes, I hear my buddy in the garage and he says "Carl, come out to your garage, something to see!". No, come in and get a beer. "No, you gotta see this!" OK, here I come...

Mom'sHarley2-7-2-02.jpg Mom'sHarley8-7-2-02.jpg


What name? I was riding Harley's and liked the thought. How would the dog know that Harley is usually a boys name? Since she was born on Mother's Day and was a gift intended to reduce my stress over loosing my Mom, it seemed that Mom's Harley would do nicely.

There were many medical issues and determined that she had an over active immune system....Prednizone (a steroid) was prescribed and we had many years of good health. One by-product of the steroid was that Harley never went into heat. Vet says perfectly normal with the prescribed steroid.

Flash forward four or five years and the same buddy that gave Harley to me asked if his Weimer, Jake could stay here with me and Harley while my buddy remodels his backyard. "Sure!"

Hormones can be a strange thing. With Jake here, Harley's hormones become stronger than the Prednizone and she goes into heat. I find them stuck together a couple of times and you can guess the rest......

IMG_0004.jpg IMG_0006.jpg

Ten puppies born over Thanksgiving weekend. Harley isn't a good Mom and good thing that I was home. Had a whelping box set up but she'd have no part of it. Finally let her out into the yard where she starting dropping puppies and walking away. Good thing that I'd done enough research to know, break the bag, blow into face/nose, clean off bag, cut off bag and tie umbilical cord (I used blue twine for boys and pink twine for girls). Took all day to birth these little guys/gals and for a single guy, a lot of work trying to keep all clean and fed. I'm no breeder so they all sold off to hopefully good homes.

IMG_0012.jpg IMG_0016.jpg


Many more years of great companionship and you already know where this is going......

Her health declines fairly rapidly in the last year. Surface tumor removed, enemic conditions. About a month ago, severe cough and excessive weight gain (at the belly area). Last week she has a hard time getting up and falls sometimes. This week, my buddy stops by with a twelver of Blue Moon and I'm glad he did and tell him that Harley's not well nor long for this world.

Wednesday she hasn't moved all day and struggles to get away from her own waste. Same thing Thursday. I've pretty much made up my mind yeserday that unless a miracle happens it's off to the Vet.

Yesterday afternoon, no improvement so we're Vet bound. He confirms a fluid build up in both her lungs and abdomen. He can drain that fluid on a weekly basis and can slow the process but not stop it. Also no solutions for her non functioning hind quarters.

I held her, cried and told my sweetie that I meet her at Rainbow Bridge someday soon......

Carl........Sux to be a pet owner
 

Outdrive1

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Great story Carl. Sorry about your loss.
 

DeltaSigBoater

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Harley seemed like a great dog, sorry for your loss Carl!
 

milkmoney

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Awesome story. Sorry for your loss Carl. :(
 

outboardrick

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My keyboard is wet....... I fear the day when my time will come. Best thoughts are with you Carl :(
 

Spudsbud

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Been there, done that, twice. No more pets for me now.
 

rivrrts429

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Really sorry to hear. It sounds like Harley helped with your healing. You did a good thing not letting her suffer.

You're a good dude BH :thumbsup Hang in there bud.
 

dancudmore

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sorry for your loss Carl, thanks for sharing the story and all the pictures with us :D
 

Hammer

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Sorry to hear Carl, hard to lose a companion like that. :(
 

Lunatic Fringe

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Stories like that are so hard to read but even harder to live.
Hang in there.
 

Flyinbowtie

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I am very sorry to hear this, Carl.
She was a beautiful dog, and she clearly gave you all she had, and all you needed.
A rare thing in this world.
 

Paul65k

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Sorry to hear this Carl....it's so hard to lose a friend,,,all the best!
 

fmo24

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Thank you for sharing. Sorry for your loss. :(
 

RiverDave

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Carl that is a very moving story.. I'm really sorry to hear about your dog. :(
 

FrznJim

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Sorry to read this Carl, I remember her when visiting your home. It's really unfortunate that our dogs can't live as long as humans. We don't have grandkids yet, so got a granddog. She's been a member of our family for five years now.
 

CampbellCarl

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Sorry to hear Carl....



Thanx Boss. Seems like with Mrs. JBB's herd, this would be a routine for you two.

This is #2 for me.....and hurts every bit as much as #1 did...
 

Guest

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Thanx Boss. Seems like with Mrs. JBB's herd, this would be a routine for you two.

This is #2 for me.....and hurts every bit as much as #1 did...

Before the herd came to be. ..we had twin sister shelties... best dogs I ever had. ..Very very difficult for me when the time came for those two. ...I know exactly how you feel
 

OutCole'd

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Always sucks to hear this. It never gets easy, no matter what. I'm very sorry for your loss Carl.
 

Long Way Home

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A pet, like a person, is not replaceable, I am so sorry for your loss.
 

DILLIGAF

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So grab a beer or cup of coffee....I feel like talking....

My Mom suffled off of this earthly coil about eleven or so years ago. I took it hard and my buddy knew that. At some point in time (that I don't remember) my buddy asked me what kind of dog I'd have if I ever got one. Without hesitation, I replied a Weimereiner. As a kid, a neighbor had Herman, the coolest Weimer and dog that ever lived.

Shortly after Mom passes, I hear my buddy in the garage and he says "Carl, come out to your garage, something to see!". No, come in and get a beer. "No, you gotta see this!" OK, here I come...

View attachment 302063 View attachment 302064


What name? I was riding Harley's and liked the thought. How would the dog know that Harley is usually a boys name? Since she was born on Mother's Day and was a gift intended to reduce my stress over loosing my Mom, it seemed that Mom's Harley would do nicely.

There were many medical issues and determined that she had an over active immune system....Prednizone (a steroid) was prescribed and we had many years of good health. One by-product of the steroid was that Harley never went into heat. Vet says perfectly normal with the prescribed steroid.

Flash forward four or five years and the same buddy that gave Harley to me asked if his Weimer, Jake could stay here with me and Harley while my buddy remodels his backyard. "Sure!"

Hormones can be a strange thing. With Jake here, Harley's hormones become stronger than the Prednizone and she goes into heat. I find them stuck together a couple of times and you can guess the rest......

View attachment 302066 View attachment 302067

Ten puppies born over Thanksgiving weekend. Harley isn't a good Mom and good thing that I was home. Had a whelping box set up but she'd have no part of it. Finally let her out into the yard where she starting dropping puppies and walking away. Good thing that I'd done enough research to know, break the bag, blow into face/nose, clean off bag, cut off bag and tie umbilical cord (I used blue twine for boys and pink twine for girls). Took all day to birth these little guys/gals and for a single guy, a lot of work trying to keep all clean and fed. I'm no breeder so they all sold off to hopefully good homes.

View attachment 302068 View attachment 302069


Many more years of great companionship and you already know where this is going......

Her health declines fairly rapidly in the last year. Surface tumor removed, enemic conditions. About a month ago, severe cough and excessive weight gain (at the belly area). Last week she has a hard time getting up and falls sometimes. This week, my buddy stops by with a twelver of Blue Moon and I'm glad he did and tell him that Harley's not well nor long for this world.

Wednesday she hasn't moved all day and struggles to get away from her own waste. Same thing Thursday. I've pretty much made up my mind yeserday that unless a miracle happens it's off to the Vet.

Yesterday afternoon, no improvement so we're Vet bound. He confirms a fluid build up in both her lungs and abdomen. He can drain that fluid on a weekly basis and can slow the process but not stop it. Also no solutions for her non functioning hind quarters.

I held her, cried and told my sweetie that I meet her at Rainbow Bridge someday soon......

Carl........Sux to be a pet owner
Awwww man....I am sorry to hear the news. Its always a tough thing to go thru. RIP Harley

I remember the puppy situation.....actually that is when we became friends around that time.
 

red ant

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Awww Carl, I write this with tears in my eyes. As a fellow dog lover, I know your pain and loss. Take solace in the fact that you gave Harley a wonderful life, and home. And it never gets any easier to go through losing a beloved pet.
 

rmarion

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FUCKING DOGS!!!!!!
Sorry for your loss Carl....I can tell by your story that Harley was a GREAT companion....I cried reading your story...it brought back memories when we put our dog down "Missy"... last year...Missy waiting up there for another friend to run around with....
RIP Harley
 

Froggystyle

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So sorry to hear Carl... There seems to be a bit if this going around right now. As you know... I feel your pain.
 

ductape1000

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Sorry to hear Carl. It sucks losing a family member. :(:(

RIP Harley.
 

YoPengo

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Sitting here with my pup in my lap. Amazing how much they affect our lives. Very sorry for your loss. :-(
 

DaytonaBabe

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:cry. So sorry to hear about your dog. I'm so sad for you :(
 

Rvrluvr

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I'm bummed out for you Carl. Sad day for sure :(
 

havasu5150

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Sorry for your loss Carl!. It's never an easy decision.
 

steve d

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Seems they are just like family Carl. So sorry for your loss... RIP Harley
 

Luvnlife

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Sucks Carl. My Queensland went the same way two years ago this Christmas Eve. At least I was with him went he passed. Two thumbs down
 

Rickybobby

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Really bummed for you Carl, and feel your pain..... We had to do the same for two great labs this past year, cried like a baby..... Sorry.. :(

She must have been a very smart dog, with incredible penmanship too..
 

dmh

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WOW what a story sorry for your loss carl
 

NdaWind

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Carl what a beautiful story your a lucky man to have 11 years with a great dog who hepled you heal. I have said each time (too many times) never again get another dog, but I fail each time and each time I love them even more, there are too many loving dogs out there needing a home and family to love. When your ready
 

Buoy

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I hate hearing these stories.:(
Any of us that have been there are reliving it with you.
Very sorry for your loss.
 

CampbellCarl

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Thanx to all for your kind words. She was one of the friendliest dogs (some here can atest to that) I've ever known. Never bit another dog or human.

Funny/sad thing is that I never realized how much that I talked to her. Hanging out together in the garage, watching football and drinking beer (she'd have a little fron time to time). Even tho it was one way communication, it was still something that we shared. I haven't spoken to her yet today......or ever again.


Thanx again folks, I appreciate your thoughts..


Carl
 

AzGeo

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have pets in their lives, love and learn life. Pets who have those 'kind people' in their lives, learn love and return it tenfold. PRED is a great medicine (steroid) for inflammation and few other problems, but it does cause muscle loss and belly fat. We gave it to our cat Rocky for quite a while and he too lost leg strength and gained belly weight. (the doctors should tell us more about these problems) Our 'kids' are free of pain and suffering now, that's about the only important thing to comfort us when no one greets us at the door anylonger.
 
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