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

[Shirley & James]

As I read the comments I'm so touched and tears are flowing. We all have such a strong connection and bond through our deep, deep love of animals. God Bless each and everyone of YOU!!

[michelle]

I'm so sorry.

[TL]

I am so sad that we lost this big boy I have followed his progress in youe blogs. I am so glad he had love and caring that he deserved in his short life. I can still see his sad face at the pound before he came to the RDR. I have to admit I cried this morning when I read we lost him. God Bless both of you. And also the rest of the RDR family

[Jenn]

I am sorry for your loss, but happy knowing that the time Claude spent with you was incredibly happy time. Thank you so much for all that you do.

[Nancy]

Thank you for giving him joy and love while you could.

It is so sad, especially because I imagine his medical conditions were caused by poor breeding.

Nancy

[Vicky Pauli]

I am sorry about Claude, he was way to young, but you guys gave him the best life you could and he was very glad. Just remember him for the next furbaby you save.

[Mircat]

Big hugs to you both in your sadness over Claude. He looks very melancholy in his photo, like the spark had gone. For whatever it's worth, you did the right thing. His life may have been short but it was filled with love and caring. Thank you.

[Patty]

I am so sorry to hear about Claude. He was so very lucky to find you and to experience love and happiness.

[Tracye J.]

Man - what a heart breaker. Claude was an extraordinary dog with extraordinary care-givers - even if he didn't get that love and care in early life, he sure knew it while living with you Steve and Alayne. I can barely type - I am so upset that he did not get to enjoy his life more. I will never forget him.

[Margaret]

Claude, we shall see you in the stars, comforted by the fine, loving care you received while here. We're so sorry... words can't express. Hugs to you all.

[Mary Young]

Dear Rolling Dog, so so sorry to hear of your loss.I am so glad Claude got to spend his short life at such a loving place. God bless you all!

[Sasha]

Dear Steve & Alayne,
Our thoughts are with you all at Rolling Dog Ranch. The losses you experience must take such an emotional toll but the joy you bring as guardians will forever change the lives you touch. Claude was blessed to come home to you and I know he was thankful. Take care.

[Lahna Zandi, Coral Springs, FL.]

Thank God that Claude had the Sanctuary and the both of you. You were there when he needed you from the begining and you were there at the end. Sometimes, you know when they need to rest and be at peace.Thank You for all the Love you give to them all!

[kara]

He's over the rainbow now, running and playing...
[Hugs for all of you today.]

[Gabby]

I must echol the sentiments I have just read regarding the life and passing of Claude. Thank you, Steve and Alayne, for all that you do, for giving animals like Claude a good life as long as it possible. Life can be so hard and even though the lives of our four-legged friends seem so fleeting, we are very blessed to have them as companions.

Sending you a hug.

Gabby

[Harold]

I am sorry to hear about Claude he was such a sweet guy. Thanks for giving him such a wonderful life. every animal no matter thier handicap or not deserves
q good quality of life. i am happy to know that there are people out there believe the same way as i do. Steve and Alyne thanks for giving him such a wonderful life :)

[Boundforglory]

I'm sorry to hear about Claude's passing. It's so very sad. His eyes reach your own soul to say it's time to be free from the body.
It took great strength and putting your own feelings and desires aside to let him leave with peace.
Thank you for taking wonderful, loving care of him. He couldn't have received more anywhere else. My condolences to you and Alayne.

Peace to you sweet, gentle Claude.

[Ellen M. Kays]

I also look forward to reading the RD blogs, with laughters and tears!! With tears in my eyes now, am REALLY SADDEN to read about Claude's death!! THANK YOU to the loving TLC from you two, he was able to enjoy his TOO SHORT life to his UTTERMOST!!

Now he can run around and roll around in the grass freely up there with all of those dearly departed dogs, cats, horses and so forth!!

Sending y'all hugs from DC/MD

[Kathy Goog]

MY HEART IS BROKEN...yet thru the tears a half smile comes to my face when I read that he continued to eat. As a Dane owner, I know they are ruled by their stomachs. Claude is now free of his earthly problems and I'm sure very grateful to the RDR for his time spent there. My sympathy to Steve & Alayne and all of us who feel their loss.

[trace]

i am so sorry for your loss. claude's is really a heartbreaking story. it just seems so unfair but at least claude was given a chance to love and be loved in his short life. you did all you could for him and i know he appreciated it and loved you for it. farewell claude. may you find peace and happiness wherever you are.

[ginger & Tobias (the greythound)]

Thank you for taking such excellent care of dear Claude & giving him so much love. He was so fortunate to be at the RDR to get the best of everything. My heart goes out to you & Alayne. God speed Claude, for I know you are now running & playing, having a great time with those that have gone on before you.
With special hugs,
ginger, Tobias & Tlingit

[Jen]

I'm so sorry. He was lucky to have such loving people around him. He'll be missed.

[danielle]

I'm so sorry to hear about Claude. I've always believed that our furry kids tell us when it is time, but I so hate that time when it comes. I'll have to give a special hug to my great dane at home for Claude; I really was hoping for the best on this one.

Take care of yourselves.

[Jessica, NL]

May the winds of love blow softly
and whisper for you to hear
that we love and miss you
and wish that you were here
We'll meet again
someday
somewhere

[Cathy Chambers]

Hi, its one of those crying mornings today.. I always check your blog first thing,, most mornings is a smile or a laugh..today its tears. I am so thankful that Claude had such love and care in his short life.. Thanks so much Alyne and Steve for all you do.. you are wonderful