Swiss Lick Swissies

RIP Gryffindor, 4/10/03 – 1/3/10

Sunday, January 3rd, 2010 | Gryffindor

My heart is breaking to write this. Tears are fogging up my glasses and dripping on to the keyboard.

We had to let Gryffin go early this morning during surgery at the emergency vet.

The big guy started acting weird in the evening on New Years Day. More drooly than ever, kind of lethargic, just not right. We figured it was upset belly issues and gave him some Gas-X and Pepto and figured we’d be taking him to the vet on Monday. He was worse on Saturday morning, so we got in at our normal vet. We were hoping for a pancreas infection or something (sounds weird to hope for that), but it was not. They suspected either autoimmune disease or the big C word that I don’t like to say or type. They sent us home with prednisone with the promise of test results in a couple of days.

As the day progressed, we did see some improvement. But I was kicking myself for not pushing the whole Xray thing. So, thinking it could be a spleen thing, we decided to head to the emergency vet for the xray. The vet there was able to see fluid (blood) in the stomach, so we moved forward with a chest xray and abdominal ultrasound. He found a mass on Gryffin’s spleen, so we moved forward with the splenectomy hoping that it would get everything. Sadly, they found more masses on the kidney and prostate that could not be removed, so he recommended we put Gryffin to sleep. Not wanting to cause Gryffin any more pain, we did.

So today we trudge on.

Run free, big boy. Tell Alex we say hello.

Tags: Greater Swiss Mountain Dog, Gryffin the Swissy

6 Comments to RIP Gryffindor, 4/10/03 – 1/3/10

Elizabeth
January 3, 2010

Melissa and Dan,

We are so sorry to hear about Gryffin. We were thinking about you all last night and this morning. I was really hoping for good news today when I got on my computer. It had to be an awful decision to make, but know that you did what was best for Gryffin and that he’s his big, happy, goofy self again up there with Alex. Almost makes it harder that it was so sudden, but better for him that he got to live life to the fullest all the way to the end. Give Indy and Beowulf extra hugs and they’ll help you make it through. Let us know if there’s anything we can do for you.

Elizabeth and Greg

Dana Montero, RVT, Dip. ACNS
January 3, 2010

Melissa and Dan, I am so very very sorry for your loss. There are no words to describe my profound sadness upon learning of Gryffin’s passing. You are both in my thoughts.

Copper
January 3, 2010

He was truly an amazing and beautiful Swissy. One of the best.

Be free big man.

(hug)

rudysmom
January 4, 2010

Melissa and Dan, I am so sorry to hear about Gryffin. What a beautiful happy boy he was. I cannot imagine your pain right now. Know that you are in my thoughts and prayers right now. Val

kendra
January 4, 2010

RIP sweet, goofy Big G.

Shannon
January 6, 2010

Thinking of you all…….. Godspeed Gryffin.

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