As I get this column started, I’d like to remind you all of my Patreon community. That community is a big part of this website. If you’d like to become a member, you can go to https://www.patreon.com/nickobot.
I’m sure this is news to many of you since I haven’t talked or blogged about it a whole lot publicly, but in early February of 2025 I welcomed in a 10-year old dog into my home. The alternative? The alternative was his owners – who I have a strong feeling abused him – would euthanize him or leave him at the shelter with no care in the world.
This dog and I hit it off immediately. It felt like we had known each other his entire life from the get go. However, due to his past with his previous owners, he did not like strangers/people he had never met.
After months of him being with me, he started to let down his guard with “outsiders” and became a spectacular dog and companion.
Back in October, he started having seizures and we went to a specialist and were able to get some medication. From the beginning of November until yesterday, he was doing fantastic and you would have thought he was a five year old pup instead of an 11-year old.
Unfortunately, after some tornado sirens this morning at approximately 2:00 AM (CT), he had a seizure shortly after at about 2:20 AM. Then starting at approximately 4:25 AM, he started having cluster seizures where he wouldn’t go longer than approximately 45 minutes without having a seizure. So I got to the ER vet at approximately 4:50 AM and I was having them try everything.
After consulting with my primary veterinarian at around 8:15 this morning – after being at the ER for more than three and a half hours at that point – we thought hospitalization was the route to go, but things weren’t getting better shortly after 9 AM we decided to make that decision that NO ONE wants to make.
At 9:14 AM this morning, my buddy unexpectedly (considering how the last five months have gone) and suddenly crossed the rainbow bridge. It is my hope that Rocky is waiting for him with open arms and lots of treats and they become best friends.
I am devastated. I am absolutely devastated. It wasn’t supposed to end like this, man. We needed more time, more love, more begging for food, more everything. I feel robbed of time and I feel my buddy was robbed of life. We only spent 14.5 months together, but I will forever cherish our bond.
I have zero regrets in doing what I did. I gave him a loving home and he gave me nothing short of love and appreciation in return.
But I know life will never be the same. I know there is a special place in heaven for dogs and I know my two best pals will keep my seat warm for me until we reunite.
When my time on earth comes to an end, I better be buried with two leashes and a ton of treats. I have my two best friends that will be long overdue for a walk and spoiled with treats.
Leave a Reply