Belle Cloutier
RIP
18Jan1996-25Dec2010
We have lost Belle. As I type this, Baxter has his head in my lap. He'll never be the lovable gentle soul that Belle was, but he tries. What follows is the email I sent to the Yankee Golden Retriever Rescue League yesterday.
"Well, once again we have spoiled the holiday season by losing another lovable golden. It was New Year's Day of 2004 that we put down Riley (YGRR #2424) after determining that a brain tumor was causing his seizures. We got Belle (3852) from you five months later. She was euthanized this morning, Christmas day, just three weeks short of her fifteenth birthday. Actually we had taken her to the vet a week ago anticipating putting her down then, but she got a second wind. X-rays and blood tests couldn't find any organ problems or cancer, so we got some pain meds and canned food and took her home. She had been exhibiting severe lethargy, a loss of six pounds in four weeks, lack of mobility and a fist sized (but unattached) growth on her right shoulder that had been there for six months. For a few days she seemed comfortable and would go out in the back yard as needed. She NEVER had an accident inside. We got up Christmas morning to find that the growth had burst and was bleeding. She couldn't eat or get up. I guess all that sleigh chasing last night was just too much. Fortunately, the Charleston area is blessed with a very professional, 24/7 emergency vet service. It was they who had taken care of Riley for us six years ago. So Belle made her last trip in our Jeep. She actually managed to get to her feet with assistance and walked to the car which always excited her.
Belle was a special lady. She was turned in to YGRR at 108 pounds and with heart worms. Through your excellent care, we inherited a healthy, gentle senior. She was an enthusiastic puppy for all but the last few months of her life. This spring, before we left on one of our five month long motor home trips, she went to the vet for a check-up. Dr. Lerma pronounced her "the healthiest 14 year old golden I've ever seen!" She had a great life highlighted by appearing on page 2 of your 2011 calendar. We thank you again for all you do. We still have Baxter (4552) and can't imagine not having a golden."
8 comments:
RIP Belle, hope you are having fun chasing rabbits in some place warm and special right now.
We are so sorry to hear of the loss of Belle. She has left her paw print on many hearts. We are thinking about you during this sad time.
Wendy and Tim
To me it is strange. Shmefully speaking even sometimes we refer some death as "dog's death." Shame on us. You might have lost Belle, but you have proved that you are realy compationate to all creatures.
....don't know quite what to say. Belle was such a very special dog and tears were in our eyes as I read your post. We will all miss her but know she is at peace now.
Eleanor & Dick
Belle was part of the Mooring's family and will surely be missed. By now Lizzie has welcomed her friend, and they'll never be alone.
So sorry to hear of Belle's passing, she will be greatly missed. She was such a sweetie! Jeri
So very sorry to hear about Belle. She will be missed by all. Rusty has a tear as we all do do right now.
Skip, Donna, and Rusty
Just going back to look at some of your entries and noticed this about Belle. So sorry for your loss. We miss our goldens and often talk of getting another. They are a very special breed.
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