Girtie Crossed the Rainbow Bridge

My darling Gertie was given peace in sleep yesterday. She had the evil disease known as DM (More information on Canine Degenerative Myelopathy can be found here: https://gsdwelfare.blogspot.com/2022/01/health-topics-what-is-canine.html). 

Gertie would not accept wheels. She freaked out. She struggled to accept the help of a sling and clearly voiced her objections, however, we managed. We came to an agreement that she was allowed to swear at me whilst I was putting the sling under her and getting her moving. Once she was on the go she forgave me and enjoyed her walks. Sadly her front end became weaker and she became tired. Trying to get her to toilet was another issue. She struggled to go which in turn affected her health. Her quality of life was diminishing. That’s when we have to re visit our decision of how we are handling the situation. 

Anyone who has ever loved a dog with DM will know what I mean when I say there is nothing more heartbreaking than taking a beloved friend who is happy and in all other ways and seems healthy, except their legs no longer work, to the vets for that final visit.  The final vet visit is never easy but at least if they appear sick, you can tell yourself you are taking away their pain. With Gertie there was no pain. Just a smiley happy face. 

Gertie had 2 pork chops and 2 eggs for breakfast before we set off on our journey. For the past week or so, she had not wanted to go far on our walks and had slowed right down. When she knew she was getting in the van she almost ran with excitement and I struggled to keep up with her holding the sling. 

As always my vet was amazing and handled the situation with the respect and compassion that Gertie deserved. 

There is a gene test that breeders can have done on breeding dogs and thankfully many are now doing this, yet there are still some that don’t as they say it’s not 100%. It may not be 100% but it’s all we have right now. Even if it helps 10% of dogs to avoid this evil disease then it is worth it. If you have ever taken a DM dog for their final vet visit you would totally agree and make sure this gene test is part of your breeding routine. 

Gertie came to Welfare when she was about 5/6 years old. A change in circumstances had brought her to us. It soon became apparent there was some issue going on and tests came back proving she had thyroid issues. She was put on medication which was a great help. The thyroid problem had affected her behaviour. Gertie wasn’t for the faint hearted. She would run at full pelt and body slam you. She also took her gardening very seriously. We made the decision that she wouldn’t be put up for rehoming. She had been in Welfare about 5 or 6 years. She loved her creature comforts and my bed was her favourite place to relax. 

Gertie will leave a big hole in my heart. You would never have called her sweet. You would never have called her an easy dog. But she was Gertie and totally loveable ❤️. 

Leaving her at the vet was horrendous but I came away with Norris’s ashes 💔💔💔

Fly high precious girl. I hope rainbow bridge is ready for your chaos. ❤️❤️❤️

Debbie Hill