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Posted on 11/25/2006 12:35:01 AM PST by Bobibutu
Baruch / Rookie,
Some of the Bay Area Freepers met and knew him ...
His spirit left this world at 10:20AM November 24, 2006 – peacefully, without a struggle - in my arms – staring, as usual, into my eyes.
The dysplasia and various other ailments we battled over the years finally took their collective toll when Degenerative Myelopathy (similar to MS in humans and no cure) left his rear legs paralyzed and useless. It was sudden. The eve of Thanksgiving he sat down and was unable to fully rise ever again.
I had tunnel vision for over eight years focused on hip dysplasia diagnosed at 2yrs. Baruch had such heart that he kept the Degenerative Myelopathy hidden from me and his vets until Thanksgiving eve. I thought it was his hips finally giving out after 8 1/2 years of continuous therapy and had started a new therapy as a last ditch effort that day to avoid surgery while the day before had discussed with an Orthopedic vet in the area about getting together in 2 weeks to evaluate Rookie for a hip replacement. His vets and I fully expected him to at least make it to 11 yrs. And possibly longer.
He was kept warm, hydrated and catherized. He was in no pain.
Thanksgiving day was spent with my telling him how thankful I was for his companionship over the past 10 years and how I adored and loved him. I recounted my memories of our adventures and discoveries over the past 10 short years to him.
From his Ambassadorship of Service Dogs – traveling nationwide educating others with his amazing behavior to going places a dog had never gone before – deep into a Minuteman Missile Silo Complex; the top of the St. Louis Arch; The Lincoln Memorial and many, many more – to just having fun- swimming in 4 of the 5 Great Lakes; the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans; the Gulf and countless lakes, rivers and bays across this great country. Hiking the Appalachian Trail or back to a hot spring deep in the Oregon forest.
Many who had met him only once were profoundly touched by this noble dog. He visited nursing homes, hospitals, hotels, restaurants, airports and had taken 457 commercial flights in the passenger cabin at my feet – except on one small airplane where he laid in the isle with his head resting in the pilots cabin (that was the only place with room for him) – the pilot jokingly announcing to everyone that this was his first time to have a dog watch him fly.
He was a joy to be with and to be around.
I learned much from him. The most important best expressed 2000 years ago by Aristotle.
“All men seek one goal, success or happiness. The only way to achieve true success is to express yourself completely in service to society.”
As my personal Service Dog he empowered me through and beyond my limitations. He loved to “work”. So much so that I began to share his versatility and uniqueness with others. The culmination of this sharing was a few weeks ago while serving as a volunteer at Laguna Honda Hospital (hiding his physical discomforts from everyone) he interacted with well over 100 residents one-by-one in 3 dementia wards – teasing smiles, animation and floods of questions out of most. It was quite an exceptional afternoon.
His vet and I discussed possible options before making the decision of euthanasia. He simply stated in that he had helped remove and carry Rookie from my car to the stretcher that he need no more proof that he was paralyzed and would not argue against euthanasia if that was what I asked for. A doggie wheelchair would be an option for a much smaller dog. However, at well over 100 lbs. it was not a practical one for Baruch with all criteria considered. He then performed a gentle exam – Rookie still had reflex action in his rear legs but no feeling and no ability of movement beyond the simple reflex.
Rookie rolled his upper body to me for his German Shepherd Dog chest and tummy patting – his lower body limp to one side. I obliged him – he moaned in his usual ecstasy whenever I demonstrate my affection for him in this way.
We spent quality time – there was no time table set by his vet.
It is strange now to be alone after spending 24/7 with all but a few weeks out of the past 10 + years with him.
Baruch is Hebrew for Blessing. I have and now again count mine over and over for having the opportunity of caring for and being cared for by this magnificent animal.
His body will be cremated. His ashes saved to be mixed with mine when I pass on.
A memorial service will be held in Oakland.
Baruch – April 15, 1996 – November 24, 2006
"SemperFi"
You must be psychic - most of his military friends are Marine Intel.
You got me good and deep with that one - here come the tears again. Thanks for the additional release trigger. It's funny - ya never know what's going to trigger the next round of mourning.
I am so fortunate to receive from you all your stories and compassion. Thank you all again so much.
I'm off to the ER this morning. My neighbor and I really messed up our lower backs carrying him to my car. We should have gotten more help. But - you know guys who think they are still in their 30s' mentally.
You and Baruch are in my prayers. He was a beautiful boy!
We lost a young dog a little over 3 weeks ago from IMHA. It came out of the blue, no warning, and took him within 2 days. I understand the loss you feel.
I'm sure our Bailey has found Baruch and are playing together until the day comes when they will see us again.
(Please Freep-mail me if you’d like to be on or off the list.) (This is an old version of the Ping List - if you know the others on the current list, please ping them!)
Take comfort in knowing he's now out of pain, and able to run and romp, chase squirrels and annoy cats beyond the bridge.
What a wonderful dog! I lost my Sparky July 21, 2005
There is NOT 1 day that goes by that I do not think about him. To know the love of a wonderful dog is our priviledge.
May God, who gave you this wonderful doggie to care for... give you peace. Isnt it wonderful to know that God made this dog just for you because God knew how much you would love him!!
Be well and may your heart be filled with tremendous gratitude for the best 10 years anyone could have hoped for!!
See you at Rainbow Bridge!!
You have my deepest sympathy. I lost my Mooch to DM just about this time last year. Her's was not as sudden. We fought it for over a year. Wheel chairs were not an option for us either. Mooch was a 220 pound mastiff. Then, just a few months later, we lost Duke to a burst pancreas. It still hurts.
Grieve awhile and then get another dog. We now have Doc and PeeWee. Just a couple of strays we took in but they are good boys.
"See you at Rainbow Bridge!!"
You have got yourself a date! Thank you.
I'm sorry for your loss.
Well- what can I say - thank you all.
There is this Black Cat that hangs around because my sister feeds it. Scoots out of the garage whenever I drive into the driveway (my sis'es car is in the garage) 'cause he knows the big dog is in the back seat barking when he sees him and ready to rumble - this has been going on for years.
So tonight I'm hanging out in the driveway - visualizing Rookie mulching the grass and generally having a good time on the lawn - the BC comes up - out of nowhere - want's to be fed - OK - ya got me - I'll get the food.
Cat eats and then goes nutso on me - this is a feral cat!
Short of the long the cat marches thru the basement door and disapeares - may have taken up inside residence.
Go figure - just what I need - a cat?
How did it know the Big Dog was gone?
Touched my heart .. to be continued ...
Thank your babies for the salute.
Baruch had a short jaw/muzzle - could extrude tremendous pressure on a bite (his play toy humans would always say "owch" if not using the sleve without the metal bar guard)
Your two have extreme jaws - I would love to take a bite from them - duo - and yes it can be done.
I danced with Ursa and Corrie (2 more magnificent hounds) - 50 yards off lead - matching each others pace as they - bam - hit the sleve together perfectly - they were compeditors in everything else - but when it came time to bites they were one.
Ursa would hurt you without the bar guard and then kiss and make up - God I love Shepherds!
I'm extremely sorry to hear about the passing on of your faithful companion, Baruch. I truly pray that you will continue to feel the comfort & peace of God's hand.
I can understand what you are going through ~ I actually had 2 dogs return to Heaven this year. The first, Jesse (who actually shares a birthday with Baruch ~ April 15, but of '90) suffered a brain aneurysm on the 4th of July, and was given her final shot the next day. I also suffered greatly when she left to be with God. She was my "little girl", and my perfect companion of 16 years. I made a post about it that day (http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1660809/posts) because I was in so much pain & shock, and the FReepers truly helped me through that time as well.
A month or so after Jesse returned home, I adopted a female German Shepherd mix (Austin). Because I volunteer at the local animal shelter, in early November, I was the first to find out that Austin's twin brother had become available. I adopted him, and named him Garrett.
Unfortunately, Garrett was sick, and had something wrong in his brain (possibly a tumor) that made him act aggressive, in an unpredictable manner. We made attempts at rehabilitation, but after he unexplicably attacked his previous owner (after 20 minutes of playing with, & kissing, him), I was faced with the horrible decision of sending my 2nd dog in 4 months back to Heaven.
I understand how difficult the days are now without Baruch, but like other people on here probably told you ~ it truly does get easier day by day. You will NEVER forget about Baruch, but time will ease the pain.
God Bless, and stay strong...
Cathy
His vet just called - no answers - from the pharm cos or other vets - possible disk ruputure - we will never know without an atopsy and that would have not been conclusive - bottom line - right thing done and get on with grief counciling.
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