On Tuesday Duncan decided it was time he left us on his own terms and headed to see Ms. Bailey at Rainbow Bridge. His back legs were weak and internal problems were causing him pain, but he was classic “Duncan” even on his last day on Earth.
I took him to the vet at noon and x-rays showed that his spleen was very enlarged and the vet said it could rupture if it got any bigger. At 13 1/2 years old and with back legs that struggled to get up stairs, we knew that heavy drugs or opening him up would be the selfish thing to do. The night before there was a look in Duncan’s face that was telling us something. We knew that he was ready to go and made the tough decision, but one that was best for him.
When Duncan and I got home he perked up like he was relieved and knew that he soon would have new legs and no more pain. That afternoon we spent a lot of time outside where he loved the acreage life. Across the stream a large buck deer and doe got startled and ran and Duncan went after them like he always does, just slower.
Duncan got a lot of treats on his last day which always helps trying to get the dogs to pose for a picture.
Doing what he loved on the acreage – keeping his nose down checking out all the smells.
I just love this picture of him and how it captures how he was feeling.
After several trips to enjoy the outdoors we played a little inside. Duncan decided that he wanted to watch for Susie to get home. I pulled the shades up so he could see better.
Waiting for Susie to get home. He was in this position for 10 minutes.
As soon as Susie got home, Duncan grabbed his favorite toy of all-time, a Kong, and ran around like he was young again. After his short spurt of energy it took all he had to jump on the couch and wait for Susie to see him.
Duncan loves his toys and he made sure he protected his Kong from Susie.
Goodbyes are hard, but knowing Duncan will soon have a new body eases the pain.
We’ve seen this pose everyday for the last 13 1/2 years and it never gets old!
Letting us know his body is tired and he’s ready.
Duncan lived life to the fullest and there was never a day he didn’t make us laugh. There was also never a day where he didn’t get in trouble. He loved every person he met, and as soon as they sat down, he was on their lap. If we had people over, Duncan was “entertaining” until the last person left.
Just an example of how Duncan rolled, Aunt Carol was dog sitting while we were in Las Vegas. Duncan was whining in his crate and Carol felt sorry for him so she let him out. He jumped on her bed and growled at her when she told him to get down. They worked things out and everyone got a good nights sleep…we hope.
Duncan now has new legs, unlimited Kongs, his old friend Ms. Bailey, and probably doing this…
The morning after a 4th of July party where Duncan found a new toy.
We’ll miss you Duncan but happy that you are pain free and back with Bailey.
— Love Susie, Bubba, and Peyton
Mike and Susan, so sorry for your loss. Duncan will be missed by all of us. You both gave Duncan alot of love and joy in his life.
Sorry to hear this Mike. The post and pictures pull at the heartstrings more than a little bit. Well done. It seems like it wasn’t all that long ago that you suffered Bailey’s loss. The Lowther family expresses its condolences to both you and Susie.