Our Loss of Man's Best Friend

Yesterday was a very sad day at our house as we had to put Champion down due to somewhat of a freak accident. On Monday morning, Champion was jumping out of the bed and got his back leg caught between the mattress and the foot-board of the bed. He was obviously in a lot of pain, but seemed to be OK for about 24 hours. Then yesterday, he was simply trying to climb up onto his ottoman to lay down for a nap and his hip popped out of the socket. He was in excruciating pain so we got him to the vet quickly and they sedated him. After some x-rays, they anesthetized him and popped it back into the socket. The doctor said that he got it back in, but it went in way too easily, and thus would easily pop right back out when he tried to move. He simply had too much ligament damage from his accident the previous morning. We were given the option to try surgery which would require weeks/months of recovery time. Of course, Champ was not a young pup anymore (he was about 11 and a half) and he had some other health issues so there were no guarantees. Plus, the recovery process would require Champ to stay downstairs in a crate for an extended period of time, which would be pure torture for him. And of course, the next few weeks/months won't exactly allow us to be overly attentive to his recovery. Ultimately, we made the incredibly difficult decision to end Champ's suffering. Melissa and I, as well as Rokky, were there with Champ 'til the end. He's now in doggie heaven and pain free...and warm...and will never be hungry again (he was always starving)!

Below are a few favorite photos of Champ, doing what he liked to do best...being lazy! When fed, and warm, Champ just wanted to snuggle!!

Rest in Peace little buddy...we'll miss you!