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> Brando, An Ambassador To His Breed
Missing My Frien...
post Dec 19 2013, 10:23 PM
Post #1





Group: Pet Lovers
Posts: 3
Joined: 18-December 13
Member No.: 8,179



I want to honor and remember my friend, my child, my companion Brando who passed two days ago. Brando was a 9 year old American Pit Bull Terrier, and I always thought of him as an ambassador to his breed as I had taken him to classes for socialization with people and other dogs when he was a puppy, he was around children often, I taught him to take food and treats delicately from your hand. He was around 85 pounds, but he was a gentle giant as one of the vet techs had told me. I love him so much and my grief is intense. I hope by telling our story I will start to scratch the surface of acceptance in the grieving process. Everyone that knew him thought he was such a wonderful and loving dog. Strangers would always comment on how good he looked and how well mannered he was.

I had got Brando from a couple that had moved into an apartment building under the assumption they could have a pit bull, but after they moved in, they found out this was not the case. They had Brando's mother as well, but I had never had a large dog before, and I was worried that I would not be able to be able to handle two. He was a puppy when I got him, and I fell in love instantly. He had so much energy, so much love. There are not enough words to describe how much love he had. He loves hugs, snuggling, attention. He was always a peace maker as well as we went to many off leash dog parks or at the boarding facility I used, he would always get between dogs that wanted to fight and try to be the peace maker.

Unfortunately, I lived in one of the few cities in Colorado that enacted breed specific legislation and he was grandfathered into one of the licensing programs. After a year or so of living under these repressive rules, we moved to a different area that did not have BSL. Some of the rules were that you could not leave a window open in your house, if you walked your dog in public you had to have a muzzle on them, your dog could not be outside alone unless they were in a six sided pen. I was so glad to move to an area where we could be free again and I could be with my companion like any other dog caregiver.

We were very active together. We went on a minimum half hour to hour walks in our neighborhood, and often to off leash dog parks or very long hikes often in the mountains. Though he was never aggressive to humans, dogs, or cats, wild animals were a different story. My property is not huge, but has about a 1/4 acre, and between this and a couple of times in the mountains, he had killed four skunks. Oh what a horrible smell! I had at least one bottle of skunk enzymes in our house at all times. He had also killed a few squirrels on my property, but over the years, I believe the squirrels learned to be more on guard around him. Also, he loved to chase dear on this one mountain that did not have many trees. Of course the deer were too fast for him to ever get close to them, but he would try. And when he was younger, to this day, I have never witnessed such physical prowess of an animal as to see him run up a mountain in the snow trying to get to these deer.

A little over a year ago, I found out he had bad hip dysplasia and arthritis in his one back knee. I had tried a couple of glucosomine / MSM supplements and thought that Cosequin DS seemed to work the best. Also, when he had flare ups or before long walks or hikes, I gave him a NSAID called Metacam that worked extremely well, but again, tried to use sparingly as there could be an affect on his liver. I also tried fish oil pills, but they did not seem to make a difference.

I hope that I gave Brando a good life and he was happy. I live alone now, but for the last 9 years, he was my friend and companion. I really could not ask for anything more from a dog, and he has helped me so much on my spiritual journey. I have learned much from him and despite his chase for wild animals, his heart was so huge and loving toward people and domestic animals. I will never forget him and I will always love him.

I would like to address what I know of his death so far as to maybe help in possible prevention for other people and their pets. From the first symptom I noticed to his death was less than 48 hours. I first noticed he was somewhat winded from a relatively short walk ( maybe 1.5 miles if that ). About 3/4 of the walk, he became overheated as if it was a very hot day. It was an unseasonably high temperature of around 60F for December in Colorado and we had also just come out of one of the longest cold streaks that I had ever been through, so I was thinking maybe this had something to do with it. Then that evening, he did not eat any of his food. This was extremely unusual as he always had a good appetite except sometimes during very hot times in the summer. The next morning, again he did not eat his breakfast and I noticed he was having labored breathing as if it was hot, but the temperature was very cold. I called my vet, and they were able to see him at 3:30 pm that day. At the vet, they took xrays of his chest, on both sides, and his stomach. They also tested for anemia. The test for anemia came back ok, and the xray of his heart seemed to be ok and in acceptable specifications for size. They could not see his liver and kidneys well enough on the xray, so we made an appointment for the next day as there would be a radiologist there to take a sonogram and find out more. They had told me that if he got worse, to take him to an animal hospital that was close to me and open 24 hours.

Over the next five or six hours, I noticed he was definitely getting worse, and also he would not eat even his favorite snacks or turkey that he loved. It was like he did not even want to smell these. Also, he was having discomfort and still the labored breathing, all of which was getting worse. And the look I saw in his eyes reminded me of the look of another dog that I had for fifteen years right before he died, and to be honest, my instincts were that it was time for my baby boy to go. I could not take his suffering anymore, so I took him to the animal hospital, and from there we did a sonogram and blood work. The ER vet was very kind and diligent, but as my other vet told me, she was not a radiologist, and could not rule out torsion of the liver or spleen as a potential problem. From his blood work, two facts came back alarming. His ALT was at almost 2600 with I believe the high limit should have been 100. Also, his glucose was much under the low limit. We admitted him, and they immediately started fluids, glucose, and antibiotics.

The next morning, I went to my vet to get his xrays and past medical records sent the hospital and then I went to see him. I had actually got there about an hour and half before visiting hours, but they let me come back and see him. He looked so bad and I could not believe whatever was wrong with him was happening so fast. Again, if I had it to do over, I would have had him put down at that time. He was suffering so much and it broke my heart to see him in this way. The vets had to make their rounds, and I received a call from one of the vets that they had the radiologist look at new sonogram pictures and it seemed his liver and kidneys were enlarged. Also, we decided to get a leptospirosis test done as he had not had a vaccination for this. They would have to send it to Illinois and the results would be back the following day late in the afternoon.

I had talked with this vet about transferring him to my original vet. I went to pick him up and they brought him out on a gurney. They wanted to see if he could pee, and we tried to get him to, but he could barely stand. Every time I saw him, he looked so much worse. I knew he did not have much more time to live, and on the way to my vet, I decided to bring him back to our home and see if he could urinate or eat something where he felt comfortable. When I got home, he could barely move, and I had a neighbor help me move him first to some grass to see if he could urinate, and then into our house and on his favorite part of his sofa. We used a blanket as a gurney. I had made a decision in my mind that when I took him to my vet, I would have him euthanized. I did to want him to suffer like this anymore. I had tried to see if he would eat some turkey but he would not. At one point, I saw he was getting this strange anxiety, and it was almost like he did not recognize me and that he was having maybe hallucinations. He also put his head off the sofa in a strange position, so I put a bunch of pillows under his head so his head would not hang down. I did not know what was going on at first, but as I held him, I noticed his neck seemed to start to get stiff. Then a seizure started. I quickly got my neighbor, and we put him in my car, and I started to drive to my vet. Within five minutes, my Brando was no longer breathing. I arrived at my vet, and I lay with him for about two hours before we took him inside.

In some way, I was relieved that his suffering was over. His body was still warm for this long time, and it was like he was just sleeping. I petted him, kissed him, and laid next to him like we use to when we snuggled. And of course I cried like I have never cried. When I was ready, we took him inside, and I said my last goodbye to him.

That evening, I met with a couple of friends that loved him, and again, I was almost more relieved that he was not suffering. I went home and looked at the many many pictures and videos I had of him. I took so many videos from our many hikes, walks, and the dog parks. It was so good to see his energy and how vibrant he was.

The next day, absolute agony. I could not stop breaking down and crying. As I live alone now, I really let my grief out. I kept taking naps, exhausted from my grief. Today, not as much crying, but a numbness for much of the day, and I had to get some work done too, which was extremely hard. After work, I had a voice-mail from the animal hospital, and she said the results had came back that he did have exposure to leptospirosis. She said she would give all the information to my original vet, and I plan on calling him tomorrow. I really had not known about leptospirosis and that there was a vaccination. I had always got the required immunizations, but because of my ignorance, I did not have this vaccination, or at least for the past few years. I will ask my vet if I had this when he was younger. The hospital vet said they are not saying this was the cause of his death, but hopefully my vet will give me more information tomorrow.

I have gone into this detail, as I hope this can help people make better decisions than I have. I know this is part of the grieving process too in blaming yourself for a loved one's death, but in the future, I will know to get this vaccination.

I do know that I gave him all the love I had to give, and I always wanted the best for him. I would go out of my way to some of these dog parks just to see him so happy. He truly was my child, and I always always wanted what was best for him. I am missing you so much Brando, and I know you are in a better place and surrounded by unconditional love, but I miss you so much. I will try and be happy as soon as possible so you do not have to worry about me. Please have a great after life and know that your daddy will never forget you and always love you.
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Missing My Frien...
post Dec 22 2013, 02:04 AM
Post #2





Group: Pet Lovers
Posts: 3
Joined: 18-December 13
Member No.: 8,179



Thank you so much for your beautiful and poetic words! I have read this many times, and it gets more deep and meaningful each new time. I know you empathize with my grief as you had gone through similar experiences with your Peanut and Jenna. It is obvious your love and devotion for both and your learning and progress with Jenna.

I really like what you said, "My friends say just a pet i think it's journey." This could not be more of the truth. Brando was so loving and gentle and full of life. I still can not believe he is not next to me right now.

Here are a few videos of him:

Brando August 2013
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E68iasnl5_8"

Brando July 2013
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m2ljuJEP3dU

Brando February 2013
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2zokt_h1i8E

Brando November 2012
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8wt0rINEHUM

Brando July 2012...Rainbow at the End smile.gif
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=76LcNeXPFtY


I wish I could write more, and I will keep reading your past posts, but I am exhausted after trying to get on with life, while attempting to mend my heart constantly. I think you will see from these videos how extremely healthy and active my boy was and within such a short time my world turned upside down and him being gone now is beyond devastating. But your words really have made a positive impact on my grieving, and I thank you from the bottom of my heart.














































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moon_beam
post Dec 22 2013, 01:15 PM
Post #3


Forum Moderator


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From: Virginia
Member No.: 4,861



Hi, Missing My Friend, please permit me to offer you my sincerest sympathies in the physical loss of your beloved Brando. Losing a companion is never easy regardless of the circumstances or how long we are blessed with the privilege of their company.

This grief adjustment journey is one of the most painful experiences you will know on this side of eternity. It is a journey filled with many ups and downs twists and turns and turnarounds - - it is a journey frequently referred to as a horror roller coaster ride. It is a journey that can only be traveled one day at a time, sometimes one moment at a time, in your own way and in your own time - - for it is a journey that is filled with all the first withouts and the memories that can be very painful that include this time yesterday, last week, last month, last year to endure. But it is a journey you do not travel alone. Each of us here do understand what you are going through, and we are here for you for as long and as often as you need us.

The good news in the midst of your deepest sorrow is that the love bond you and your beloved Brando share is eternal - - it is not restricted to the physical laws of time and space. Your beloved Brando's sweet Living Spirit continues to share your earthly journey now as he always has and always will -- for he is always and forever a part of your heart and memories - - he is always and forever a heartbeat close to you.

I do know so very well from first hand experience that when our hearts are filled with deep grief there really are no adequate words in any language that can soothe the seering pain of sorrow. Still, I hope the words I share with you will be able to offer you some measure of comfort, support, encouragement, and hope as you travel your grief adjustment journey.

Thank you so very much for honoring us in sharing your beloved Brando with us, and these wonderful videos of him. There is no doubt you did everything in your power to give him a happy and healthy earthly journey.

I hope today is treating you kindly, Missing My Friend, and that you will have a very peaceful evening blessed with your beloved Brando's sweet Living Spirit to comfort you. Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers, and please let us know how you're doing.

Peace and blessings,
moon_beam


--------------------
In heaven's perfect garden there is no grief or pain, and all of God's creation join the angels' sweet refrain.

The most blessed way I have of knowing God's comforting love and grace is to look into the eyes and heart of God's creatures' sweet angelic face.
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Gretta's Mom
post Sep 22 2014, 07:20 AM
Post #4





Group: Pet Lovers
Posts: 2,020
Joined: 13-April 11
Member No.: 7,067



Mr Brando,

I did not know you or your love in person but your beautiful mom and her friend My Doxie and Me have written about you, shared poems about loving dogs, and posted many pictures of pit bull puppies like you - who have a black patch over an eye.

Brando, you lived a magic life. Your mom loved you the MOST. And she put aside her own HUGE sorrow at your parting to warn the rest of us about the disease that took your life.

You sure know how to pick soul mates, lovely Brando.

Gretta and Rufus's mom
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Gretta's Mom
post Oct 9 2014, 05:46 AM
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Group: Pet Lovers
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Member No.: 7,067



Good morning, Beautiful Brando.

I want you to get a letter from me telling you about another great bulldog up where you are. You.ve probably met him already. His name is Jake and his grandpa was his person.
If you want to, wander over to the Trevor "clan" and you might see him at the feet of an old, sweet man. We call "The Dad". He'll be telling stories or joking and laughing.
If you don't see him there ask somebody where he is. And then waddle on over and you two bark or howl or whatever you want = so you can send some love-rays down to your mom
and Jake's grandpa so they will know you guys are well and happy and are right beside them where you always were. Sometimes we people here on earth forget that and
when we feel your love rays, it reminds us that you are only a cloud away and that you spirit is beside us, doing its job of protecting us, guiding our steps and most important of all,
loving us and being loved by us, your specially chosen soul mates.

Have a Perfect Day, BB!

Gretta and Rufus's mom

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Gretta's Mom
post Feb 15 2015, 01:51 AM
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Group: Pet Lovers
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Joined: 13-April 11
Member No.: 7,067



Dear Missing My Friend.

It's the middle of the night, when all fears and sorrows are the greatest and I am up trying to calm My brother-in-law's two cocker spaniels down during an unusual blizzard that we are having. I just wanted to say my heart is with you as you try to pick up life after your best friend, other half, soulmate ..... words cannot even express what Brando is in your life. You have one of the great healers here on LS writing to you - My Doxie and Me. In the midst of his sorrows he finds the most precious words to put into poems and the most amazing pictures to send.

I know that Mr Brando is now in the Perfect World along with my Gretta and Rufus and my sister's seven beautiful cocker spaniels, especially the one who needed her the most, darling Trevor. His spirit is always with you even though the hole in your heart will always be with you. When our beloved animals fo on before us, they take a piece of our hearts with them to treasure and care for and they leave a piece of their hearts for us to do the same. When, as the old hymn says, we all get to heaven, we will look into each other's eyes with the love which has only grown since our separation and exchange the heart pieces. And we will be whole again.

God bless you for warning us about this terrible disease. One of Brando's legacies is the many animals he has saved through your warning.

Sleep well. Brando is on his job.

Gretta and Rufus's mom
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