~ REST IN PEACE SILVERBACK ~

[Officially Retired]

Had a real rough weekend and had to kill Silverback yesterday.

He took ill on my way to Trish's last Friday (8/24), which I attributed to car sickness (that he never got before). I was also worried about a blockage (since he eats stuff out of my trashcan), but since he pooped while I was at Trish's, and ate a bit, I figured he was okay.

By Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, Silverback was again eating & pooping normally ... but on Thursday he refused to eat and also again on Friday. By Saturday, he was wobbly, but (cold as this may sound) I wasn't going to pay $1,000 at an emergency clinic for a 10-year old dog with cancer on his nuts, and other places, and so I just did the best I could with supportive care. By Saturday night, Silverback ate some chicken and seemed stronger again and on his way back to normal ... but I remained concerned as he hadn't pooped since Wednesday. I again considered blockage, but it seemed odd a case of blockage would last so long and have the symptoms be sporadic.

By Sunday morning, Silverback pooped again ... but there was a lot of blood in his stool ... and by noontime he started shitting pure blood. It began to dawn on me that Silverback probably had cancer in his intestines, that finally ruptured, which is what Tuffy died of last year ... which in Tuffy's case was confirmed by xray and autopsy ... and Silverback's symptoms happened suddenly just like Tuffy's had. Well, when Silverback started shitting blood he really started going downhill (vomiting, grandmal seizures, blood out of his ass, etc.) ... so I put him down then and there on Sunday, which was very hard for me to do.

Before I go, I have to say that Trish was great with her support throughout. She came up here to see me for a weekend of "fun and relaxation" ... and she handled this very tragic curveball like a truly good woman would. Where Trish was originally "against pit bulls" at all ... and yet quickly grew to love Silverback ... she was also totally against shooting any dog for any reason ... yet went out with me to do the deed, gave Silverback a sobbing kiss goodbye, and supported my decision when she saw how bad he was getting. I thought this was an amazing display of open-minded willingness for a city girl who was pretty much born with a Silver Spoon.

Anyway, Silverback marks the last of an era for me. He was the very last dog off of the 3 original littermates (Poncho, Missy, and Ruby) and IMO he the last true "superstar" in ability that I have personally owned. Silverback was right there with Stormbringer in his ability to finish, and while perhaps not as robust as Stormbringer in some areas, Silverback was a better-structured, better overall athlete ... and an absolutely great companion and house dog to boot.

For those who have his offspring, that are still alive, please take care of them ... because there will never be any more of them after this ...

Rest In Peace My Friend,

Jack


.

[R2L]

wow r.i.p. wish you strength for the coming time.

[evolutionkennels]

Deepest condolences

[bulldogsrus]

Sorry to hear of your loss, I'm sure we all knew how much he meant to you.

[OGDOGG]

RIP SilverBack

[ARKANEPITS]

His legacy will be felt for decades to come. RIP SILVERBACK

[scratchin dog]

So sorry for your loss. Rest in peace Silverback.

[ponchday]

Sorry for your loss. R.I.P. Silverback

[hogdog]

my condolences

[Ez Country]

sorry to hear, condolences