Hemi

[Jeff]

I sure never thought I would be writing this, this soon. We just came back. Things were going great. We had plans for many adventures this year. I figured Hemi had another year or two easily. I had no reason to doubt it.

Thursday the world was fine, we played games. Horsed around went to bed like normal. When I woke up Friday I knew something was instantly wrong. He was lying by me but wasn't rubbing all over me. Dad I love you time to get up but going to run the sleep out of my eyes on you. Then he barely took his good morning treat. Many of you remember Hemi helps me get dressed, do laundry etc. He did get up, closed the drawers, but refused his morning treat then was like ok fine if I have to eat it. As we were walking out of the hallway he was walking like he was drunk, also like his front leg hurt. I checked it out and rubbed it figured maybe it fell asleep. That had been known to happen. We went out and he about fell down the stairs, there are only 3 steps from the deck to the ground. He then pooped and peed and came in like normal seemed to walk better. Then just flopped down facing the other way. Not where he could watch me fix breakfast again unusual. I proceeded to fix breakfast he went to go eat his like normal. I went and sat down to eat mine, with regular timing he came out and we shared a banana as we have done every day. I proceeded to start to work. I got up in an hour to get another cup of coffee and that's when I noticed he didn't actually eat his breakfast. So I called the vet, they couldn't get him in till 4. So I continued to keep and eye on him then he started to act like he was going to puke in his bed he never did. But it sounded funny. He was drinking excessively, or more than normal. Anyway thinking maybe bloat, off to the Evet we went. 8 hours later. They aren't exactly sure, there appear to be several tumors on his lungs. He was severely Anemic. They gave him fluids, sent us home with some good pain pills. Palliative care till we can see his vet on Monday.

He woke me Friday night he was panting and in distress. I know they gave him fluid and he drank a ton when he got home. So I suggested going out to potty he was like ok. But he couldn't stand on his own. I helped him up guided him down the hall. Got a towel to put under him to support him. Got out to the grass and he could walk, proceeded to potty and then I helped him with the towel go up the steps and in. He went straight to the living room and crawled in his bed there. Well I guess we are sleeping on the living room floor tonight. He continued to pant and you could tell he was uncomfortable. Finally after I just wrapped my arms around him he snuggled up and was comforted and slept till Saturday morning.

Saturday, he ate breakfast, but I had to stand there support his back end while he ate. He went out and did both. Then he started getting really bad. He could barely stand, I called his vet, At this point I knew he was not going to make it. You just know. Hemi's regular vet was out of town for the weekend. We know another vet and are good friends with her, I called her. I am glad we did. She was also out of town but would be back on Sunday. I went to the grocery and got all of Hemi's favorites. Hemi Kabobs, Strawberries, Pretzels and Bacon for breakfast. I came home and he couldn't get out of bed so yes I fed him strawberries like a Roman Emperor. I managed to get him outside again. this time mostly me. My watch even said I was doing some crazy unknown anaerobic workout. He refused supper. However, I then made the Hemi kabobs on the grill. He ate those in his bed. That was his last meal. We went out one more time he manage to poop but it was full support from me. We came in and I carried him to my bed. He couldn't move to get out of my bed. He would wake me up to help him roll over or turn, when he was hot. When we got up I had to lift him out of bed he could no longer stand on his own or with any help. He was lucid, I could talk to him, and at one point he really struggled raise himself up and game me kisses on my neck.

He refused all water and food I even made him bacon and he refused that. So we snuggled for a while, the vet was coming to our house. So we had nothing to do but wait and cuddle and talk to him. Then he was in kind of distress again he needed to pee I could tell. But he couldn't walk I tried to help him out. He got to his favorite spot on the deck and collapsed. refused to go anywhere else. He laid on his side and did pee. I cleaned it up and him up it was only an hour till the vet came. It was a beautiful sunny day out. 65 degrees here. Birds were all out chirping. So I just went in and got his favorite bed, gently put him in it. I got his blanket to keep him warm if he needed it. The vet showed up and he really didn't care she was there, he looked at her, but that was about it. He passed peacefully on the deck in the warm sun in my arm.

It was all so quick and all so unexpected. However, I am glad he was able to pass at home, with me.

Run free Hemi. You will always be remembered and loved. Your life lit up so many other peoples lives but none more brighter than mine. Thank you for taking me on the best 12 and a half year adventure of my life. Forever in my heart.

Jeff

[SunDance]

Oh, Jeff, I am so sorry. Your sweet boy knew you'd keep him as comfortable as possible, do whatever was necessary for his health and happiness. Yours was a bond like no other. He had a great life, got to do more things than most of us mere humans get to do. He knew it was all because of you. And now he has taken a huge piece of your heart with him. And left many many good memories to sustain you now that he's gone.

We're all going to miss him.

Sincere sympathy and empathy headed your way...and a virtual hug.

You know we care.

Rest in Peace, Hemi. Run Free.

Barb

[SoapySophie]

I'm so, so sorry. RIP Hemi.

[smartrock]

Oh Jeff, my heart is breaking for you. You and he had such a great relationship. I know you could read him well and he felt your all your love radiating to him during those last hours. If love could have made him live longer, he'd be here forever. I always looked forward to hearing about all your adventures, from Dog Scout Camp to painting to just hanging out making music. Hemi will hold a space in all our hearts. Sending you a big hug.

[Sue-Ram]

I'm so sorry for your loss of Hemi. He had such an amazing life with you.

[Snowshoe]

Oh Hemi, how strong you were. How you tried not to hurt your Jeff. Jeff will be ok Hemi. Yes, he will miss you terribly but when you come back to visit in his memories you will bring him smiles. Mostly tears at first, always some tears, but the smiles you left will live forever. We will miss you too. You taught us about Dog Scout Camp and entertained us with your activities. Jeff will think of you when he hears of someone else with their beloved dog doing those things. Such a lucky dog Hemi, to have had Jeff looking out for you.

[lovemylabby]

Just heartbreaking...what a special boy he was and you gave him an amazing life. But it's so hard to let them go. Hemi was right where he needed to be, in your arms. I am so very sorry...
Rest gently dear, sweet Hemi...

[Berna]

I am in shock reading this. I am so sorry Jeff. Hemi was certainly a very special dog.

Run free Hemi, you'll have great company up there.

[Black Labbies]

My heartfelt condolences with the passing of your beloved boy, Hemi. Hemi was indeed a special dog and will be remembered and missed.

I, too, am shocked to read this sad news. As dog owners, we never know what will take our much loved dogs from us, whether it's from a struggling disease or death comes quickly. Both ways are heartbreaking and leave us feeling lost and broken.

Run free sweet Hemi! And, hugs to you, Jeff.

[JC001]

My condolences. Hemi was a special boy, and Jeff you are a special man. I always loved hearing about your adventures.