We Lost Claude Today

He didn't even make it through the second summer of his tragically short life.  We lost our blind Great Dane Claude today to his Wobbler's Syndrome.  When the end came, it came fast.

Back on July 4th, I posted an update on Claude and said he was still going strong.  We were managing his neurological disease medically, and he was showing few signs of his Wobblers.  But a week after I posted that, he began wobbling again ... first a little, then a lot.  After consulting with our veterinarians, we increased his dosage on the medication.  It helped a bit, for a while.  Yet he increasingly had difficulty getting up and down, and he would fish-tail occasionally when walking.  His face became puffy, his hair coarse and his skin dry.  He developed sores on his legs.  These were all consequences of the prednisone therapy.  He started looking like he just didn't feel well.

Then, two days ago, he went down and couldn't get up.  When we helped him up, he'd walk a short ways and then start sinking to the ground.  And although he continued to eat, his breathing began sounding labored.  He looked unhappy.  The spark was gone.  We could just look at his face and see it.  We knew the time had come.

At noon today Alayne and I placed a soft fleece blanket on the stretcher, lifted Claude onto it, and carried him out to the truck.  I took the photo of Claude just before Alayne drove him to our vet clinic in Helena, Montana Veterinary Specialists.  There our primary care vet, Dr. Brenda Culver, brought his young life to a gentle, dignified and peaceful end.  He was barely 15 months old. 

Goodbye, Claude.  We love you.

Comments

[Jan Schipman]

Claude, you were an earth angel who touched so many lives. I know you are with Blanca now teaching her the ways of the ranch. You are with everyone there. They must feel your spirit and love always. You touched our lives with your beautiful soul and loving ways. We will miss you, sweet Claude.

[Janel]

I am so sorry to hear about Claude. Our Doberman, Helaena, was diagnosed with Wobblers 3 years ago when she was 2. We caught it early but our vet gave us little hope and suggested euthanization. We did our own investigating and found success with permanent acupuncture using magnetized gold beads(Dr Durkes in Marian, IN did the surgery). She's doing great now, but I wonder every day if or how long it will last. So reading Claude's story hits home for me and breaks my heart.
He was so fortunate to have you all to give him a loving home.

[Laurie]

Dear Claude - rest in peace little guy.

Thank you all at the Rolling Dog Ranch for giving him a life filled with love & comfort.

[Nina]

Just returned from holidays to learn about your loss....my heart goes out to you both. Claude was loved and treated royally during his short time here on earth and now he is running and playing on the other side of the rainbow bridge.

[Rose May]

I just got back from Sturgis and was catching back up on the 'goings on' at the ranch. So here I sit watering my desk with tears but still so happy that he was able to live the short life he had. I had orginally inquired about adopting Claude but had heard it might be unlikely due to a spinal problem. I wish I would have been able to meet you Claude. I was so close and was looking so forward to next month. I will still get to meet all your brothers and sisters and feel your happiness. Love you...

[s.mast]

about claude;the picture of steve and claude a few mounths ago with steve and claude face to face with steve holding claudes face in his hands is still heart breaking. it should be a poster for love and caring in this crazy world.

[Susan]

I'm so sorry for your loss. Claude had a wonderful, albeit short, time on earth because of YOU. The RDR fills such a special place for animals.

And hello from Buddy, your alumnus!

[Linda O'Neill]

I'm so sorry, Alayne and Steve. Claude was such a sweet, beautiful boy. He had a very happy life there with you...thank you so much for provided a safe and loving haven for him.

[kim]

I am so sorry for your loss. It is always a difficult decision to make, even when it is known that it is time. Thank you for giving Claude a wonderful life, as short as it was. Sending my love to all at Rolling Dog.

[Brittany]

Poot Claude. If only he didn't have to suffer through all of that pain in his short life. What a wonderful life you must have given him. He must have felt the love the minute he arrived. All of the animals are specail and I am greatful that you take the time and the effort to care for all of these animals. Claude is now in a better place where he can run and jump and play and be pain free. Keep up the good work!! :)

[Mehdi]

I will always remember you my sweet claude......

[GiLe]

Claude, though your time here on earth is short, im sure you lived knowing what love is. Steve & Alayne, thank you so much for giving Claude and all the other animals a second chance at life. Giving them all the love and care. Im sure Claude is now happy there in the big rainbow in the sky. Rest in peace dear Claude, and lots of hugs for you Steve & Alayne.

Gile

[maggie]

oh claude... i am so sorry. the poor fella. what a good dog he seemed to be. i wish his short life hadn't included so much pain, but he certainly had love, and he knew it, thank goodness. thank you again for the work that you do to give these animals a chance for a good life.

[Carolyn Kupferschmid]

Writing with a heavy heart and conveying my deepest sympathies to you and Alayne, thank you, thank you, thank you for giving Claude and all the others a second chance at life. What a gift Claude was to you both and what a wonderful gift you gave to him-his dignity. With highest regard to everone at RDR, Carolyn Kupferschmid

[Margaret]

You are both such special people for the love and devotion you give all of your animals. Claude was loved and cared for in his short life and is now at the Rainbow Bridge frolicking happily. Rest in peace, sweet Claude.

[Becca & Sweet Pea]

No words can ever take away the pain of saying goodbye. I am so sorry for your loss. Claude was very fortunate to have 2 loving people in his life to care for him.

[Mary Ware]

Though every loss is very, very hard, Claude was so young and so special. Thank you for giving him so much love and comfort in the time he was with you.
Mary Ware

[Kae]

Oh Claude.

How loved you were. Your disease was too much for your body my sweet, I hope you understand that there are those left behind who will miss you.

Hugs to Steve, Alayne and the people at RDR....

Kae Norman
Rescued With Love
Melbourne
Australia

[kim]

I am so sorry for you, i remember when clause arrived. i fell in love with him.

[Wendy Cohen and Matt Giroux]

Hi Steve and Alayne,
Please know that we are sending lots of warm thoughts to you and all the wonderful living creatures you care for as you all mourn the loss of Claude. You've created such an incredible place, and everyday we live it through your blog. On this day, we pay tribute to Claude and the wonderful people who cared for him.

[Regis Dalton]

Thank godness there is a "heaven on earth" for these beautiful animals who have such enormous challenges. The big handsome boy, Claude had so much love from RDR and that makes me smile in spite of a tear in my eye.

[Janet]

RIP, sweet Claude. You were surrounded by love and care. I still laugh when I read Steve's description of you navigating a houseful of short-legged dogs. He said you looked like you were "walking on hot coals or wading through a group of snapping turtles." Your life may have been short, but I think you must have enjoyed yourself.

My condolences to you, Steve and Alayne and all the animals at RDR.

[George and Eva Jorochilov]

It never gets easy, no matter how many times we go through these heart wrenching moments.

Claude had 15 months of love and compassion thanks to you two.

'In Loving Memory' RIP Claude .... your friends in Los Angeles.

George and Eva Jorochilov

[Peggy]

I’m so sorry to hear about Claude. I know how hard it is to say good-bye when it’s time to let them fly away. Queen Elizabeth once said, “Grief is the price we pay for love.” We do pay a price to love them like we do. Even though Claude’s life was far too short, it was one filled with love. And that’s a wonderful memory you will never lose.

[Elaine Miller]

My thoughts and prayers are with you Steve & Alayne for your loss.It hurts to lose Claude but know that he is without pain and can run and walk without any problems now on the other side of the bridge.He was loved and cared about by many,even those like I who never were blessed to meet him.He was so lucky to have you both to love him in his short time on this earth.All the animals at RDR are so blessed to have you two very special people.Stay strong and my prayers are going out to all at RDR. Love & Peace, Elaine & her 2 relocated boys