Ziva Is Gone


Today has been a very, very difficult day. A month or so ago we noticed that Ziva’s lymph nodes were increasing in size in many places in her body. We never actually received a diagnosis but all of the signs pointed to lymphoma. At more than 12 and multiple other health problems we did not feel that chemotherapy or, indeed, any aggressive therapy was in her best interest. We did our best to make her as comfortable as possible and support her general health. The lymph nodes continued to enlarge from the size of peas to the size of robins’ eggs.

Last week we decided to have her euthanized, made an appointment with a vet to come to our home, and set a date—today. We’ve spent the last day or so pampering her—we were no longer worried about spoiling her!

The vet arrived a little after 1:00pm. She was very, very nice. Kara, our remaining Samoyed, stayed with us during the entire process. She was very calm and I thought it was good for her to know what was happening.

That’s Ziva in the picture above in our yard with some of her favorite toys. She had a wonderful day yesterday and a great, happy morning. Now she has no more mornings and we will miss her terribly. The Aussies are looking for her and I suspect they will continue to do so for a time. We and the pack will recover but I don’t know how the pack dynamics will change.

10 comments… add one
  • TastyBits Link

    My sincere condolences. I know how it feels. When my two little hounds died, it was heart wrenching. While I have a stepson, they were the closest I will ever come to having children, and they were like spoiled brats.

  • jan Link

    So sorry to read about your loss, Dave.

  • steve Link

    Sorry to hear Dave. Hope your other dog(s?) is OK. I am convinced they mourn when they lose a companion.

    Steve

  • I am convinced they mourn when they lose a companion.

    I don’t think there’s any question. Our remaining Samoyed, Kara (Ziva’s niece), is doing pretty well. She was with us during the entire process. She didn’t panic or anything like that.

    When the two Aussies, Mamie and Ghillie, came downstairs, they both searched for Ziva. Ziva and Ghillie were pretty close. He’s reacting pretty strangely. I’m not sure if he’s mourning or just confused.

  • Drew Link

    I’m very sorry to hear that. I’m sure she was an important part of the fabric of your lives. But I’m sure you know you ultimately had to face the decision you did, for Ziva’s sake.

    I have no doubt Kara knew something was wrong. We are dealing with uncontrolled diabetes with one of ours. The dogs behavior, intermittent disappearances to the vet, food changes etc have been noticed by the other dog. The healthy dog obviously does not “think” but clearly has a sense that routines are off, perhaps even an evolutionary sense of disease. For sure, the diabetic dog has a sense that the exams etc are directed at helping her. She accepts it readily. We have no idea how long until cumulative damage destroys her quality of life.

  • William Link

    Sorry to hear that Dave and I agree, they do mourn for each other.

  • Andy Link

    Dave,

    I’m sorry for your loss. Kara was fortunate to have you as her pack leader and the love of your family.

  • Janis Link

    So sorry to read of Ziva’s death.
    What was her personality like? I don’t think you’ve often mentioned her here. Of course, you don’t mention any of the dogs very much.

  • Ziva was one of the sweetest dogs we’ve ever had. She knew who needed her and immediately provided them with attention. My wife described her like this:

    Bossy
    Pushy
    Impish
    Pixilated
    Sweet
    Loving
    Strong
    Brave

    I went back and checked. I’ve posted about her about once a year. Here’s a decent example from a couple of years ago.

  • Janis Link

    So sorry for your loss.

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