Moose was desperately in need of a new home. His owners were divorcing, and both parties were not able or willing to take him. At 11 years of age, Moose is an old dog. In addition to his age, he is a bag of bones - this is not a good sign for a senior dog. As you may be able to guess, an old dog with potential health concerns is not highly adoptable, therefore he would not be taken into rescue. Moose had very few options left. Most likely, he would be taken to the shelter - this is certain death for a dog of his age and condition. So, like a sap, I adopted the old man.
I took Moose to the groomer (he had a bath two days earlier, but he still really stunk) and the vet on the first day. He weighed in a little under 50 lbs., and this is about 17 lbs under his ideal weight. His follow-up appointment was 5 days later, and blood and urine samples were collected. A couple more days later, and we were back for more tests.
On a positive note, Moose is very active. He is easy going and will retrieve until he gets tired. This old lab loves the water, and he will swim whenever he is given the chance. Moose may not have a lot of time left, but at least he'll be able to enjoy his remaining days.
Update 4/20/02: Moose went in for x-rays, and his prognosis isn't good. I think he only has a week or two left, so we'll just need to keep him happy and comfortable.
Update 4/23/02: Moose was in a bad way when I got home. He was crying and lethargic with no color in his gums. He was euthanized an hour later. My vet performed a necropsy, and the liver was, in his words, "Absolutely abnormal,
a mass of abnormal nodules, full of lumps." His spleen didn't look much
better, but the main cause of his problems was the liver.
Moose was a really nice dog.
Last update : April 2002
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© 2002 Watanabe
