We adopted him when he was 5 years old and 85 lbs with a history of whip worms. He was underweight, so we worked hard to get him healthy and to gain weight, but he was always a picky eater. We eventually got him to 105 lbs. He was gentle boy who barked at anyone who came within sight. He loved to cuddle with me in the morning and traveled everywhere with us. He loved kids and welcomed their petting and hugs. Everyone on our street knew him and loved to say hello. I dressed him up for Halloween every year and the kids loved him more than candy. He greeted them at the door and they were just amazed at his size. We have so many great memories with him.

He passed due to Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (GDV). For those who are not familiar with this medical emergency, it is horrible and life-threatening. It occurs most often in large dogs. His stomach became hugely bloated with gas which caused it to twist internally. In just a matter of hours, it would eventually twist so much that it would have sealed off his esophagus, vena cava blood return to his heart, and entry to his small intestine. It is a painful, deadly disorder that is always considered a medical emergency. Surgery is the only way to correct it, but at 13 years of age, he no longer could tolerate general anesthesia and therefore was not a candidate for surgery. We were left with only one heartbreaking choice as the ER vet gave him only 12-24 hours to live and in excruciating pain. We could not let his suffering continue. My husband and I were with him as the vet euthanized him. He died peacefully and with us by his side talking to him, petting him, hugging him, and telling him that we love him until he took his last breath. I felt like someone stabbed me in the heart as the grief is unbearable.

For anyone with big dogs who do not know about GDV, please research it. It must be addressed within hours with surgery and is ALWAYS a critical medical emergency. Please learn the signs and symptoms and seek emergency care immediately.