Early on Saturday morning when we let the dogs out, Alayne noticed Briggs, our blind and wobbly Beagle, kept falling over after he did his business. He'd been standing up normally at first, but he was suddenly struggling. Briggs was unsteady at the best of times, but he could always get up and stand again, even if he swayed back and forth a bit. On Friday night he had seemed fine, had eaten his dinner with gusto, and had been wobbling around the living room.
Alayne went over to help him, and saw that his front feet were knuckling over when she tried to stand him up. He kept going limp whenever she picked him up. So Alayne brought Briggs inside and set him in front of the water bowl in the living room. She went back out to find me and told me something was wrong. After we finished letting the dogs out, I went inside and found Briggs still by the water bowl. I picked him up and he went limp. I carried him over to a bed and did a simple neuro exam to see what the issue was with his feet. Sure enough, his front feet knuckled over every time I moved them, and he couldn't bring them back into position.
I asked Alayne to get a thermometer, and a minute later we were shocked to see it register 105.2°. I did it again, and got 105°. Yikes. I asked Alayne for a different thermometer, just in case the first one was off, but the second themometer read 105.4°. I called our vet clinic in Whitefield to tell them we had an emergency and were on the way in. Alayne went to clear snow off the truck and warm up the engine while we got the back seat ready for Briggs.
A short while later I was at the clinic, where Dr. Chris Plumley and vet tech Kim C. were waiting for us. I explained Briggs' medical history and everything he had been through. They also got a 105.4° reading, and during the physical exam Chris thought Briggs was uncomfortable when he palpated his lower abdomen. Chris told me that the best case scenario would be an "opportunistic, severe and overwhelming infection" of some sort -- i.e., at least something treatable -- but he feared it was more likely to be a tumor. I asked whether I should rush him to the critical care clinic in Burlington, Vermont, where our internal medicine specialist is, and Chris thought that would be where Briggs could get the best intensive care given his condition.
After giving him some injections for pain, Chris and Kim hooked Briggs up to an IV drip so I could give him fluids during the trip to Burlington. I drove home to pick up some things for the road trip and also so Alayne could see him one more time. I didn't know how this was going to end, but I didn't have a good feeling. Briggs has always been one of the very special ones, and Alayne and he were incredibly close. I wanted her to have some quiet time alone with him. While I gathered my things, she sat in the back seat of the truck with Briggs, talking to him and making over him. I took the photo above of Briggs just before leaving for Burlington.
At the emergency clinic, the bad news came very quickly. After the attending vet took X-rays, a radiologist also did an ultrasound, and both sets of images revealed multiple malignant tumors engulfing Briggs' liver and colon. The vet told me Briggs' "entire abdomen is riddled with tumors." Both she and the radiologist believed there was no treatment possible, and they recommended we euthanize our little Beagle that afternoon.
My eyes filled with tears. The vet asked me, "Have you done this before?" I paused, and finally said, "Way too many times." But I told her I would need to call Alayne and talk with her first.
So I called Alayne and broke the news to her, and soon we were both crying. I told her I would call her back when it was over. A few minutes later the vet returned to the room, syringes in hand. One was to flush the catheter Briggs already had in his arm, the second was a sedative, and the third was the euthanasia drug itself. The vet had barely started pushing the plunger on the euthanasia syringe when I felt Briggs slip away. He was, I could tell, ready to go.
He had come to us just under three years ago, with painful bulging eyes, and needed surgery for them. But then we found out he had kidney disease from Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever which had never been treated, and we learned it was the Spotted Fever that had caused his blindness and the neurological damage that made him wobbly.
Briggs had, it was clear, been through a lot. And his twin disabilities made him one of the most physically compromised animals we've cared for over the years. But none of that ever kept him down or depressed, and he was as loving and spirited as any dog we've ever had. Indeed, Briggs thought he was the quintessential ladies' man, and no amount of rebuffs from the fairer sex could convince him otherwise.
We had hoped to have this special little guy a lot longer than three years, but three years was all we were destined to get.
Goodbye, wobbly boy. We will always miss you.
---
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my tears to you....i lost my katie beagle 3/5/11 and the suddeness still hurts....she was my first beagle and i never thought such a small creature could have so much love.....i now have two *special needs* rescue beagles that i thank God for everyday, and know that he could take them anytime..... katie & briggs are playing with the angels now..... they will never be replaced, and will always be missed......
Posted by: Linda Conlon | May 10, 2011 at 11:40 PM
I have been very busy lately & haven't had a chance to catch up on news at RDR.
I am so very sorry to read this news. Briggs was a very special dog & thank you for all you did for him in his 3 years living with you. He had a good 3 years knowing what it was like to live as normal a life as possible & knowing he was loved & cared for. If you hadn't taken him in it is 3 years he more than likely would not have had. God Bless.
Posted by: Colleen & Andre' | February 09, 2011 at 10:26 AM
So sorry to hear of your loss. I have enjoyed the cute stories and pictures of Briggs over the past few years. What a special dog. Once again, because of you another dog with physical/medical issues has had a chance for a great life. Rest in peace Briggs.
Posted by: Ann & Jim Arnold | January 27, 2011 at 10:14 AM
My condolences to you all. I have to say thank you for putting links on the blog to allow us to remember what a great remaining life Briggs had with you. Now, on to new things for this sweet pea. Briggs will drive my Animal Rescue Site voting to the max. With the help of this option and many wonderful, wonderful supporters, it was (although heartbreaking) good to know what was actually going on in his little body and know it was time. Fly on with your new Angel wings lil Briggs ...
Posted by: Rosemary | January 26, 2011 at 02:16 PM
Hi Guys,
Just getting caught up on blogs and so sorry to hear about Briggs. At least he had the greatest three years of his life. We lost my Grey Bear over Christmas and I still haven't recovered. Just wanted you to know we were thinking about you and sending hugs your way.
Wayne and Jan
Posted by: Jan Robinson | January 26, 2011 at 01:26 PM
Steve and Alayne, you are my heroes. I am deeply sorry for your beautiful Briggs. He was so incredibly lucky to have received your care and love. I have just finished my last will and testiment and have awarded you my entire estate. I, myself am getting ready to check out. The world is a much better place because of the two of you. I love you both and have the deepest gratitude for you. Thank you everyday for the work and love you give each and every day.
Posted by: Lou Ann Johnson | January 26, 2011 at 02:11 AM
So sorry to hear about the loss of handsome Briggs. He was truly loved by both of you. Thanks for giving him a wonderful three years.
Posted by: Nina | January 25, 2011 at 05:38 PM
My sincere sympathy. He had a wonderful few years with you. Blessings on you all.
Posted by: Lanie | January 25, 2011 at 01:25 PM
There was a beagle name Briggs;
Whose charm the ladies would dig;
The Rainbow Bridge he saw
With anticipation and awe;
No pain, new flirts,
He smiled and waved with his paw!
Posted by: Cora Helings | January 25, 2011 at 12:36 PM
Oh my gosh...I am heartbroken to hear this news! Steve and Alayne-my heart gies out to you both....Briggs was so incredibly lucky to have three magical years of love, kindness, and respect. And I know you both feel lucky to have basked in his silliness and love...sending my deepest condolences for such a sad time for you both :( lots of hugs from all of us,
Sue and the crew
Posted by: Sue | January 25, 2011 at 11:43 AM
Briggs was just one of the very special animals you have and still take care of. Briggs is smiling down at you with the other babies you have lost in the past. We are so sorry to here about Briggs passing.
Louis and Jean Colorado
Posted by: Louis and Jean Steinberg | January 25, 2011 at 11:16 AM
I am so sorry to hear of you loosing Briggs; I know how special he was to you and Alayne. He had such a wonderful life at the Ranch; a rough start so he was due to be surrounded by love and well cared for. He left you the same way he came to you; completely loved.
Angel blessings to sweet Briggs.
Posted by: boundforglory | January 25, 2011 at 11:10 AM
I am in tears........as the owner of 3 beagles, Briggs was one of my favs......... you guys gave him a good life & did the best you could......love you all.....my prayers go out to you and may Briggs have a happy pain-free life @ The Rainbow Bridge. I will miss him so much.
Annette - Colorado
Posted by: Annette Geller | January 25, 2011 at 08:49 AM
I am so sorry for what happened to Briggs. My heart goes out to you & Alayne. Others have said it so well, as I got here late, but please know that you are both in my thoughts.
Special big hugs all around,
ginger, Tobias & Tlingit
Posted by: ginger | January 25, 2011 at 03:28 AM
I think the owner of Barbaro said it best: "Grief is the price you pay for love". Briggs will be missed by all who read his escapades. Our hearts are with you.
Posted by: Donna | January 25, 2011 at 02:12 AM
I'm so very sorry. Wish there were words to make it better, but there simply aren't.
Sending cyber hugs to all of you instead.
Posted by: Kenna | January 24, 2011 at 11:45 PM
Steve & Alayne:
I mourn with you over Briggs. Although I never had the pleasure to meet him, I've heard all about him from Morgan and Andy. He was definitely one of Atlanta Beagle Rescue's Happy Tails as we got to see and hear all about his life in Montana and NH ... and with ladies of all breeds! Thank you for loving him and thank you for giving him the medical treatment and personal ove that enabled him to have such an awesome 3 years!
Posted by: Michele | January 24, 2011 at 11:11 PM
Still feel so sad! I keep on looking at his pictures. Briggs TRULY was a SWEETHEART!!!!
Posted by: Shirley * James/Portland, OR | January 24, 2011 at 10:36 PM
This is so very sad. We will all miss Briggs. This is so hard, how do the both of you cope with this as much as you do? I realize you get all the love in return but it is still gut wrenching. I still grieve for pets lost decades ago and constantly worry about mine now that are getting up there in years. Love to all of you.
Posted by: Sheila | January 24, 2011 at 10:33 PM
Wow, what a heartbreaker. I started crying, remembering losing my precious dog just 3 weeks ago. It is never easy but you must force yourself to remember the joy and care you provide to all the animals who so depend on you...peace.
Posted by: Carol D. Gentz | January 24, 2011 at 08:49 PM
Dear Alayne & Steve, Both of you mean so very much to all of us. At times like this-you losing Briggs and then telling us with such tenderness and love-reminds all of us of that once again. Thank you...
Posted by: Colleen & Wes Vermillion | January 24, 2011 at 07:42 PM
How awful, I can't believe it, losing such a character. I hope he rests in peace. I will miss stories about him and I am sure the other dogs will miss him as well. Hugs to every dog on your ranch.
Posted by: Claire | January 24, 2011 at 07:00 PM
Thanks to both of you for all you do for all of the animals. I've only had to make that tough decision once - and it was more than enough. Briggs can definitely be the ladies' man in Heaven. You made his short time here quite wonderful. Just think of all the company you will both have waiting for you on the Rainbow Bridge when your times come. God bless you.
Posted by: Anthony Salas | January 24, 2011 at 06:47 PM
I'm so sorry for your loss, I loved hearing stories about Briggs' ladies man antics...he's having a great time chasing girls up in doggie heaven now. Sucks that you lost him, but so great he found his way to you both. XOXO Lisa
Posted by: Lisa | January 24, 2011 at 06:15 PM
So many have said it so well.....you give so much to these sweet animals and they give as much and more to you..I too believe that Mr briggs is looking down from heaven saying "hummm...thats what they looked like. nice"! Twosie Mae will keep an eye on Briggs and the two of them with the host of hounds will watch over us!
Posted by: Gretchen Semke | January 24, 2011 at 06:09 PM
Thanks for doing what you do..
Posted by: Roger | January 24, 2011 at 05:48 PM
You are both such incredible people. Thank you for opening not just your heart, but your home as well to so many animals. Nothing can equal the love and the fantastics lives that you give them.
Sending Woof Lovings over cyberspace to you both and every animal in your home.
Posted by: Michelle Galipeau | January 24, 2011 at 05:39 PM
My condolences Steve and Alayne. What joy you brought to this sweet beagle. The stories you shared of his wobbly, love-filled antics brought smiles to many people. We're better off for having known him through you.
Posted by: Carol | January 24, 2011 at 05:19 PM
Rest in peace dear Briggs... such a beautiful soul you were.
Posted by: Barbara Techel | January 24, 2011 at 05:08 PM
Thank you for introducing us to Briggs and allowing us to laugh at his antics. What a cute, funny dog!
While your sorrow at his passing must be deep, aren't you two lucky to have known him???
Posted by: Lynn (in Louisiana) | January 24, 2011 at 04:49 PM
Steve & Alayne,
What a lovely life you gave to Briggs...I know you are heartbroken now, but you can be comforted in knowing that you filled his final years with love and comfort and care.
"When you are sorrowful look again in your heart, and you shall see that in truth you are weeping for that which has been your delight." ~Kahlil Gibran
Posted by: Lynn Ledgerwood | January 24, 2011 at 04:43 PM
Dearest Steve and Alayne, there is no easy way to lose a loved one, but it seems so sudden to lose your special little beagle. You are always so generous to share these sad moments with us-I hope you realize that though many of us are far away and haven't all met your animals in person, they are very real and important to us. All of these comments should tell you how Briggs made an impact much larger than his little body...his bigger than life spirit touched so many of us. He's making all of the ladies at the rainbow bridge happy now. Peace to you all, Libby
Posted by: Libby | January 24, 2011 at 02:45 PM
This was a tough one, very difficult to read but harder, I am sure, for you to experience. Thank you for sharing this account with us. It is a very thoughtful tribute to this little ladies' man, who had it good at the ranch. Rest in peace, sweet Briggs.
Posted by: MaryNYC | January 24, 2011 at 02:33 PM
My heart breaks for you..my beloved Lexie had a similar cancer condition & it was the most horrible day of my life to have to let her go. Know how truly special you both are, giving Briggs 3 years of love & care. RIP Briggs--say Hi to Lexie.
Posted by: Wendy Stasio | January 24, 2011 at 01:44 PM
My deepest sympathies. Hard way to start off a weekend, but glad that Briggs didn't suffer.
He was a special little sentient being and had much love once he hooked up with RDR.
I know everyone there misses him too.
Namaste.
Posted by: Habibi Tagati | January 24, 2011 at 12:56 PM
I'm up and down and happy and sad with each new blog entry. I share in your pain and thank God every day for people such as you and for the wonderful work that you do. You do indeed pay a high price, and I hope in some small way that our grief will help to ease your pain.
Posted by: MaryJane Cooper | January 24, 2011 at 12:49 PM
Oh sweet Mr Briggs. How sad. Poor baby boy had been through so much. Once again, it is so clear how fortunate he and all of your other 3 and 4 legged family are incredibly fortunate to have you help them through their challenged lives. He was such a lucky boy to have you there with him until the very end. Hugs to both you, and Alayne during this sad time.
Posted by: Ev | January 24, 2011 at 12:45 PM
Guides, please bless the soul of Briggs, the little Beagle who died. Please make his spirit happy in heaven. Thank you.
Cyber hugs to you both.
Posted by: Miranda | January 24, 2011 at 12:44 PM
Thank you both for all that you do, I know it's not easy to lose these wonderful animals.
Posted by: Teri | January 24, 2011 at 12:42 PM
Bless your hearts. I know how tough it is to lose a beloved pet, and I can't imagine having to go through it as much as rescuers do. As others have said, and you well know, Briggs is all better now, and I bet he will be checking in on you from time to time.
One thing I know, when you two cross the bridge......you are going to have so many wonderful reunions.
Posted by: Rhonda | January 24, 2011 at 12:20 PM
So sorry Steve and Alayne... my heart hurts with and for you all.
I know he knew how special you are, as he was to you. Thank you for every ounce of kindness and love you had for dear Briggs.
Posted by: Margaret | January 24, 2011 at 12:17 PM
Parker will be on the look out for you over the Rainbow Bridge. Play in peace little one.
Posted by: Linda Spangler | January 24, 2011 at 12:06 PM
I was so sorry to hear about Briggs and do share in your sadness. We lost our beloved Aspen on Christmas Eve and I am still heartbroken. You provided Briggs with such a loving and safe home for the past 3 years that I'm sure between frolicking with his friends he is thanking God daily for making two such compassionate and selfless humans. Remember the happy times.
Jo Baker
Posted by: Jo Baker | January 24, 2011 at 12:02 PM
This one really caught me off guard. I thought he'd be charming the ladies for much longer. So sorry Steve and Alayne, for your loss. I'm so glad that after a rough start, Briggs got three wonderful years of life.
Posted by: Kelly | January 24, 2011 at 11:55 AM
Rest in peace precious little Briggs and Bless Your Brave Hearts, Alayne and Steve for giving him such a happy life while you could. Whether it be through stories of laughter or tears, the love shines through. Briggs had lots of it. Rest well, little pup.
Posted by: Angela | January 24, 2011 at 11:55 AM
I could hardly finish reading this for the tears. I'm so, so sorry, and I wish you could both feel all the hugs that we all wish we could give you! Thank you for the life that you gave to Briggs for three years, for the life that you give to so many animals who have so many needs, and yet, so much love still to give.
Posted by: Vicki Small | January 24, 2011 at 11:50 AM
Alayne and Steve,
It broke my heart to hear about sweet Briggs. Your handsome little ladies man is out of pain and he will be the beau of the ball in doggie heaven.
Sincere Condolences,
Regis, Abby and Buster
Posted by: Regis Dalton | January 24, 2011 at 11:44 AM
I'm so sorry to hear about our sweet little Briggs! You both do so much for these animals and they know the love and devotion from you. Briggs is free from pain now...and playing with his friends from RDR up in doggy heaven. Please accept my sincere sympathy.
Rosemary from Montana
Posted by: Rosemary Furnell | January 24, 2011 at 11:36 AM
Aw, Briggs. Such an inspirational little guy. I'm sorry for your (and our) loss. I know he is in a peaceful and happy place somewhere - with no rebuffing from the ladies. My warmest thoughts to you for all you do, Steve and Alayne.
Posted by: Dawn | January 24, 2011 at 11:32 AM
We love you and will miss the stories about you Briggs. We love you Steve and Alayne. How lucky he was to have three loving years with you two. How lucky we were to hear about his adventures. XOXO and tears aplenty.
Posted by: Dee's mom | January 24, 2011 at 11:21 AM