Herbie-Love

I got Herbie 4 1/2 years ago- June 2007.  The rescue organization told me Herbie was 5 yrs old. Turns out he was probably closer to 10, and had an array of health issues. He was, as Drew likes to say, the World's Most Expensive Free Dog. BUT- he was WORTH EVERY PENNY.  Herbie saw me through some of the lowest times of my life, and was also with me through some of the best times--- when I met Drew, fell in love, and got married. He stayed by my side--hanging out right outside of the bathroom while I got ready in the morning and sleeping on the floor next to me at night. He had half a dozen ways to whine, and I understood each one--  "give me a Dingo," "take me outside," "I'm out of water," "I want on the bed," "I want out of the bed," "scratch my hiney." Herbie loved to EAT. You name it, he wanted it. He even ate the coffee beans from a decorative candle holder one time- landed him in the doggie ER! Herbie always surprised me with his spunk and personallity. I will never forget the first time he let me rub his tummy, or how happy he was to see me when I got home. He seemed to enjoy wearing his Halloween costume each year, and always objected to being treated "like a dog"--i.e. Herbie got to sit in the dining room during Christmas dinner b/c if we put him in the sunroom with the other dogs he would bark THE  ENTIRE MEAL.  He would lay quietly at my feet and had first dibs on left over turkey and ham. He enjoyed walks outside, hanging with his pitbull girlfriend Bella, playing with his stuffed toys, and scratching his hiney on chair legs. He loved me unconditionally.


Herbie was a cancer survivor,  had cushings, was in the early stages of kidney failure, had a heart murmur, arthritis, and some hip displaysia. Despite these challenges, he had the most graceful spirit and and  FOUGHT to live...bouncing back from so many health issues. We could all learn about how to age with dignity and grace from him...It is funny because as he got older he certainly became "high maintenance." He began having accidents, would fall down, had trouble with stairs, and had his fair share of tummy issues. However, he was so appreciate of the help he received that it made me love him even more.

Thursday night I walked in to see Herbie  struggling to walk. He had vomited several times and was obviously feeling pretty bad.  We rushed him to the vet. Herbie's main vet, who was off, drove to the office to take a look at him. Turns out he had "Old Dog Vestibular Disease," which comes on suddenly and typically resolves within 72 hours. Our vet recommended that we take him home for the weekend before making any big decisions.  This was not the first time we thought Herbie was close to the end, and we hoped like all of the other times,  he would bounce back.

 At the end of 72 hours he had walked a little better but still wasn't eating or drinking on his own.  We took him to our vet- I emailed Drew to tell him how happy I was because I felt that he'd pull through and we'd have another Christmas with him. Then, Herbie's vet called us and told us that we had to make some tough decisions.

Our vet said that because of his other issues, it would be a long road to recovery, and even then, he would not have the same quality of life. Over the past year Herbie has lost a lot of weight, had more frequent accidents, and we have seen an increase in visits to the vet.  Still, after he had conquered so much adversity- how could we make the decision to end his life? Our vet explained that sparing him that suffering would allow him to pass with dignity and that in fact, was a loving choice.

It was one of the the hardest choices I have ever made.

I went to the vet, picked Herbie up, then we headed to the Golden Arches---no, not Doggie Heaven- McDonalds!  Herbie and I went home and spent some time snuggling. Then, when Drew got home- we fed him a chocolate milkshake, hamburger, and french fries. Herbie was having a tough time eating, but with our assistance polished off most of the burger and EVERY fry. We bundled him up in his blanket and headed downtown to the vet.

When we got to the office, I spread his blanket on the floor, and pulled a Dingo out of my purse. Drew looked at me, smiled- and pulled a Dingo out of his pocket. Then, I lost it. Herbie hasn't been in the mood for Dingos lately, but did take it for a bit. Our vet (who was SO empathetic and kind) went and put a port?? in Herbie's arm, then brought him back in the room. We fed him Hershey's kisses and peanut butter crackers, and thanked him for being such an AMAZING dog, cried over him. Meanwhile, he was given medicine to stop his sweet heart from beating. He passed peacefully surrounded by love.

I have cried BUCKETS of tears the past 24 hours. I called mom and she cried with me, as have many friends who have shared stories of losing their own pets. I know Herbie-love was not a person, but he was a family member. In a year that has presented so many challenges he provided me with much comfort, and having the responsibility to chose whether or not to end his life weighed heavily on my heart. He was a good dog, the best really,  and I miss him.

Herbie at the Beach Summer 2009 (Dingo in mouth of course)

Herbie on Halloween! Drew's family dog Rudy, was staying with me for a bit at the time.

A certain family member soaking his feet in ice water- Herbie says- "don't mind if I do."

Herbie taught Jake some good habits (chewing gym socks- as seen in background, Jake picked up on his own).  So glad our young pup got to love Herbie too.

Herbie enjoying his last meal.

Herbie, we love and miss you. Thank you for being such a good friend.

In non-Herbie related news, and in keeping with the point of this blog- Mom has been doing pretty well. She had a cold last week, which was tough as she had to stay in the house for 48 hours straight, but her spirits are good and THANK GOD, she continues to handle the chemo well. She has another round tomorrow, so prayers are appreciated. I will update after we return from her chemo appointment.

Merry Christmas everyone! We are thankful for Jesus and the comfort he is providing this holiday season.