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.
I am so sorry for your loss. Claude was a very special puppy. Thank you for giving him so much love in such a short lifetime.
Posted by: Debbie B | August 10, 2007 at 07:44 AM
If ever creature had a chance to be touched by you two, the world would, indeed be a much more humane, beautiful place. Tears pour out of me as I read posts like this. You care so tenderly for these creatures and the words you chose to convey the life you give them are beautiful and make folks like me feel that we are there with you - and we are, as ever, in spirit and deep, deep appreciation and awe. Sweet Claude!
Posted by: Kari | August 10, 2007 at 07:32 AM
No No No Claude!!! Your life was much toooo short...I'm glad I was able to meet you. You were a gentle soul!! You had the best life possible with Steve and Alayne. We will miss you terribly!!!
Posted by: Laura Whale | August 10, 2007 at 02:15 AM
I'm so sorry to read about young Claude's passing! As you know, we lost our own sweet Lea just two days ago. I'm sure she welcomed Claude at the other side of the Rainbow Bridge & they're joyously running together now, no longer in any pain.
Posted by: Carla Polastro-Nigro | August 10, 2007 at 02:00 AM
I'm so sorry for your loss...Claude was always on my mind, and I always hoped that he was doing well, running in the grass, tail wagging and tongue sticking out. I know that you and everyone else involved did everything possible in the world to give him the best life possible. And for that, I'm so grateful...but I will sure miss him from afar.
Posted by: Mariko | August 10, 2007 at 01:22 AM
We who choose to surround ourselves with lives even more temporary than our own live within a fragile circle, easily and often breached. Unable to accept its awful gaps, we still would live no other way. We cherish memory as the only certain immortality, never fully understanding the necessary plan.
(I. Townsend)
Claude was well loved in his precious short life. I'm glad I had the chance to meet him and more glad he had Angels in the form of the RDR!! I'm very sorry for your loss.
Posted by: Shirley & James | August 10, 2007 at 01:10 AM
Oh Claude, honey, I was just thinking about you today. I am so sorry your gentle life had to end far to soon. I know you are not suffering, and I know your short 15 months were filled with love at the Ranch. You were a sweet, sweet soul, and I am so glad you got the love and care you deserved during your short time here with us on earth. Peace to you, dear Claude, and to you Steve and Alayne, for your loss.
Posted by: Heidi & the kitties | August 09, 2007 at 11:14 PM
i am so sorry and so sad.
thanks RDR for giving this gentle giant a chance for a sweet life. you and alayne are truly saints.
Posted by: darla magee | August 09, 2007 at 10:57 PM
I am so sorry. But, although Claude's life was short, he did know love and was cared for -- and given a gentle, dignified death. You did well by this guy. A quiet rest to you, Claude.
Posted by: Helen Rietz | August 09, 2007 at 10:52 PM
That just makes me so sad. I am so very sorry. Hugs from Florida.
Posted by: Nicci | August 09, 2007 at 10:32 PM
Oh, I am so sorry. Sweet sweet Claude. Well, he certainly got more of life by showing up in your lives. What a lucky, lucky boy. Lucky for you guys, too as you got to spend life with him. What joy!
Ah, sweet release, dear Claude... Adeu.
My prayers are with you, LuAnn
Posted by: LuAnn | August 09, 2007 at 10:29 PM
Im so so sorry for your loss. His short life was better since he had you in it and Im sure you're better for having known him. Please take care.
Posted by: Christine Baltazar | August 09, 2007 at 10:08 PM
That is so sad about poor Claude. I have tears in my eyes now, just looking at that last picture of him. Thank you Steve and Alayne for giving Claude so much love during his short life.
Posted by: Julie & the Three dachshunds (Toby, Annie, Lucy) | August 09, 2007 at 09:54 PM