Differencial seals and my dog......
04-10-2003 | 06:15 PM
#1
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 2,362
Likes: 8
From: Sackville, Nova Scotia
Differencial seals and my dog......
First of all, I had my real half axles off recently to re-pack a CV. I was told my seals (the one between the axle and differencial) leak. Ordered new seals from Porsche (a whopping $10). The fella putting them in said they were wrong - that they went in too easy. They are not wrong - they only list this one seal for all models.
I noticed in the parts book - that there is what looks like a metal washer or something that goes between the seal and the part that has bearings (on the differencial). Does this ring (or whatever he hell it is, it doesn't have a parts number) wrap around the seal? When removing the old seal, could this piece stick to the seal and get pulled out - thus making a new seal seem "loose"???
Now, as for my dog. Any dog owners/lovers out there will understand what I'm going through/went through and I needed to share.
I have had the same puppy for 15 years. She was a Terrier-mix, about the same size as a big cat. Her name was N.R.G (she never stopped moving, bumming food, etc, etc). I have never been married at my ripe old age of 33 and have never even found a girl close enough to what I need yet......but N.R.G was my wife, sister, mother, brother and life. She meant more to me than only a handful of humans. This dog never left my side for 15 years. When I woke up, she was there. When I showered, she was waiting on the other side of the curtain. When I played sports, she was chasing me. She loved going for drives and walks more than anything. I don't have any pics I can post right now, but picture a blond face that had the "puppy look" all it's life. She was beautiful. I would home clip her hair once a month and clip her nails at the same time. She got a bath once a week and I brushed her teeth everyday.
She never had puppies or was fixed and would get tumors on her underbelly from time to time. I kept getting them removed (mostly for looks and her comfort) and the cost added up (but who cares when you love them this much right?). Everytime one was removed, they were tested and came back as non-cancerous. I though she would live forever.
Recently I moved into a new house and she started showing aging signs (loss of hearing, slight loss of sight, etc). Her body was still like that of a puppy, her senses were just fading. Over the last 6 months, she stopped jumping up on couches - her barking decreased and she was overall less active. I knew it was coming, but ignored the fact that my lil' doggie would leave me soon.
She had an episode about two and a half months ago where she tripped over my Playstation and started having what looked like a seizure. I held her till she calmed down and it took her a few hours to get back to normal. After that day, she stopped eating her hard food and started losing weight. I took her to the vet and was told she went from 25 kg to 15 kg in under two months. That was a lot. She started to stand there in the middle of the floor "dozing off". She would rarely lay down. The vet guessed she has cancer in her lungs, stomach, etc, etc - old dogs get cancer and told me to take her home and try and keep her comfortable and gave me some Prednazone (sp?) to help shrink the tumors. The "dozing off" was most likely brain cancer.
I changed her food and she started eating again, but this only lasted a week or so. She got some strength back and was sleeping more. I was happy she wasn't as "sick" as before, but my elation only lasted a few days as she stopped eating anything unless it was "people food". I had to spoon-feed her hamburger and rice. She stopped eating all together and her breathing become laboured. She couldn't lay down cause it put pressure on her belly and lungs.
She spent her final days standing up, with no sleep. Her poor lil' legs were bowed from the constant standing. I made an appointment to put her to sleep on Monday evening, she didn't seem to be in pain, but her quailty of life was at about 1. I cancelled said appointment until Tuesday cause I was scared. Tuesday morning I saw her breathing was very shallow and she was really "out of it". She wouldn't respond to me and was pre-occupied with simply trying to stay alive....but all throught this, her eyes still had that love for me I was used to seeing. She may not have been the same dog, but she never stopped loving.
Tuesday morning at 10:15 I tried to get her to lay down again to get some sleep - no go. I put on a fan (her temp was quite high) so perhaps she could sleep in front of that. I tried laying her down in front of the fan and noticed how weak she was. She didn't like being picked up usually, but this time, there was no fighting. I layed her on her side (to alleviate pressure on her lungs) and that movement stopped her breathing. Her breathing had stopped a few times before (she would get sick and pass out and I would pick her up and she would come back). This time I didn't help her back up (even though she tried with all her weak might). She fought right till the end. I caressed her and told her, "let it go girl - I'm here and I love you - don't be afraid". She listened and let it go. She stopped breathing and the next 10 seconds were the longest of my life.....I could have picked her up and kept her going, but she would have ended up back down again - she was very weak. I thought about it so hard and decided to let her go.
I've never had anything die in my hands, so the time before I knew she was gone was eternity. I felt her chest - no movement. I felt her heart and it had stopped. It was very peaceful (except for a couple front leg twitches, but it looked like she was waving bye). I cried like Sally Field. She laided there for 2 hours until my parents could come over and see her before I buried her. I spent the entire two hours laying next to her, talking to her and patting her. I couldn't believe she was gone, even though I knew it was coming. I didn't want her to ever leave.
My dad did me the favor of buring her. I put her in a microwave oven box (she loved nothing more than the sound of the microwave "ding" - she knew it was time to bum!). I packed her bowl, a bag and can of food, a piece of bologna (her fav), her leash, a couple Jerky Treats, a rawhide bone, a few of her toys and a love note I wrote her. My folks and girlfriend also added notes. I cried so hard while writing the note, the paper was dripping wet. As I was writing the note, I saw a single Crow sitting on the top of a tree outside my window - I don't know what a single Crow is supposed to mean, but I think he was there for her soul or something, cause as soon as I wrote, "I love you...goodbye, see you soon" - the Crow left.
I wrapped her in her favorite blanket with all her stuff and closed the lid on the box and saw her beautiful face for the last time. She is buried under a Cherry tree in the yard - right next to a huge rock I can sit on and be with her when I need to be. I put a cross up with her name and picture on it. It's kinda like a lil' shrine. I plan on landscaping the area so nice grass grows around her plot. I miss her soooooo much.
A few consolations are the facts that she lived a full life, was never abused and she loved everyone, all the time. She also died in my hands and not in the doctors office (where she hated going). The whole process of the "putting her to sleep" was avoided. I think she died at home cause she knew that is what I wanted. She always put me first.
I (and N.R.G.) want everyone who owns and loves their dogs to get up from the keyboard right now (or when you get home) and go give your dog a hug. It doesn't matter if they are a puppy or 20 years old, please go give them a hug and kiss for us right now. I'm guessing a lot of you can even see your dog right now, or perhaps they are right by your side. Cherish them, never take them for granted and whatever you do, never question their love....it's unconditional.
Well, I'm off to my house where I know will be looking at "her spots" and doing some more whimpy bawling for the next undertermined amount of time. That dog will never leave my thoughts or heart. Sorry if this was long, but I had to share.
944S Boyeee (and N.R.G)
I noticed in the parts book - that there is what looks like a metal washer or something that goes between the seal and the part that has bearings (on the differencial). Does this ring (or whatever he hell it is, it doesn't have a parts number) wrap around the seal? When removing the old seal, could this piece stick to the seal and get pulled out - thus making a new seal seem "loose"???
Now, as for my dog. Any dog owners/lovers out there will understand what I'm going through/went through and I needed to share.
I have had the same puppy for 15 years. She was a Terrier-mix, about the same size as a big cat. Her name was N.R.G (she never stopped moving, bumming food, etc, etc). I have never been married at my ripe old age of 33 and have never even found a girl close enough to what I need yet......but N.R.G was my wife, sister, mother, brother and life. She meant more to me than only a handful of humans. This dog never left my side for 15 years. When I woke up, she was there. When I showered, she was waiting on the other side of the curtain. When I played sports, she was chasing me. She loved going for drives and walks more than anything. I don't have any pics I can post right now, but picture a blond face that had the "puppy look" all it's life. She was beautiful. I would home clip her hair once a month and clip her nails at the same time. She got a bath once a week and I brushed her teeth everyday.
She never had puppies or was fixed and would get tumors on her underbelly from time to time. I kept getting them removed (mostly for looks and her comfort) and the cost added up (but who cares when you love them this much right?). Everytime one was removed, they were tested and came back as non-cancerous. I though she would live forever.
Recently I moved into a new house and she started showing aging signs (loss of hearing, slight loss of sight, etc). Her body was still like that of a puppy, her senses were just fading. Over the last 6 months, she stopped jumping up on couches - her barking decreased and she was overall less active. I knew it was coming, but ignored the fact that my lil' doggie would leave me soon.
She had an episode about two and a half months ago where she tripped over my Playstation and started having what looked like a seizure. I held her till she calmed down and it took her a few hours to get back to normal. After that day, she stopped eating her hard food and started losing weight. I took her to the vet and was told she went from 25 kg to 15 kg in under two months. That was a lot. She started to stand there in the middle of the floor "dozing off". She would rarely lay down. The vet guessed she has cancer in her lungs, stomach, etc, etc - old dogs get cancer and told me to take her home and try and keep her comfortable and gave me some Prednazone (sp?) to help shrink the tumors. The "dozing off" was most likely brain cancer.
I changed her food and she started eating again, but this only lasted a week or so. She got some strength back and was sleeping more. I was happy she wasn't as "sick" as before, but my elation only lasted a few days as she stopped eating anything unless it was "people food". I had to spoon-feed her hamburger and rice. She stopped eating all together and her breathing become laboured. She couldn't lay down cause it put pressure on her belly and lungs.
She spent her final days standing up, with no sleep. Her poor lil' legs were bowed from the constant standing. I made an appointment to put her to sleep on Monday evening, she didn't seem to be in pain, but her quailty of life was at about 1. I cancelled said appointment until Tuesday cause I was scared. Tuesday morning I saw her breathing was very shallow and she was really "out of it". She wouldn't respond to me and was pre-occupied with simply trying to stay alive....but all throught this, her eyes still had that love for me I was used to seeing. She may not have been the same dog, but she never stopped loving.
Tuesday morning at 10:15 I tried to get her to lay down again to get some sleep - no go. I put on a fan (her temp was quite high) so perhaps she could sleep in front of that. I tried laying her down in front of the fan and noticed how weak she was. She didn't like being picked up usually, but this time, there was no fighting. I layed her on her side (to alleviate pressure on her lungs) and that movement stopped her breathing. Her breathing had stopped a few times before (she would get sick and pass out and I would pick her up and she would come back). This time I didn't help her back up (even though she tried with all her weak might). She fought right till the end. I caressed her and told her, "let it go girl - I'm here and I love you - don't be afraid". She listened and let it go. She stopped breathing and the next 10 seconds were the longest of my life.....I could have picked her up and kept her going, but she would have ended up back down again - she was very weak. I thought about it so hard and decided to let her go.
I've never had anything die in my hands, so the time before I knew she was gone was eternity. I felt her chest - no movement. I felt her heart and it had stopped. It was very peaceful (except for a couple front leg twitches, but it looked like she was waving bye). I cried like Sally Field. She laided there for 2 hours until my parents could come over and see her before I buried her. I spent the entire two hours laying next to her, talking to her and patting her. I couldn't believe she was gone, even though I knew it was coming. I didn't want her to ever leave.
My dad did me the favor of buring her. I put her in a microwave oven box (she loved nothing more than the sound of the microwave "ding" - she knew it was time to bum!). I packed her bowl, a bag and can of food, a piece of bologna (her fav), her leash, a couple Jerky Treats, a rawhide bone, a few of her toys and a love note I wrote her. My folks and girlfriend also added notes. I cried so hard while writing the note, the paper was dripping wet. As I was writing the note, I saw a single Crow sitting on the top of a tree outside my window - I don't know what a single Crow is supposed to mean, but I think he was there for her soul or something, cause as soon as I wrote, "I love you...goodbye, see you soon" - the Crow left.
I wrapped her in her favorite blanket with all her stuff and closed the lid on the box and saw her beautiful face for the last time. She is buried under a Cherry tree in the yard - right next to a huge rock I can sit on and be with her when I need to be. I put a cross up with her name and picture on it. It's kinda like a lil' shrine. I plan on landscaping the area so nice grass grows around her plot. I miss her soooooo much.
A few consolations are the facts that she lived a full life, was never abused and she loved everyone, all the time. She also died in my hands and not in the doctors office (where she hated going). The whole process of the "putting her to sleep" was avoided. I think she died at home cause she knew that is what I wanted. She always put me first.
I (and N.R.G.) want everyone who owns and loves their dogs to get up from the keyboard right now (or when you get home) and go give your dog a hug. It doesn't matter if they are a puppy or 20 years old, please go give them a hug and kiss for us right now. I'm guessing a lot of you can even see your dog right now, or perhaps they are right by your side. Cherish them, never take them for granted and whatever you do, never question their love....it's unconditional.
Well, I'm off to my house where I know will be looking at "her spots" and doing some more whimpy bawling for the next undertermined amount of time. That dog will never leave my thoughts or heart. Sorry if this was long, but I had to share.
944S Boyeee (and N.R.G)
04-10-2003 | 06:47 PM
#2
Race Car
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 4,848
Likes: 0
From: Katy, TX - Texas Greaseslingers West
I am truly saddened to hear of your pets passing. Like you, I know that nothing can replace the companionship and love that a pet can bring. Your post shows unconditional love and understanding of what it means to be a pet owner and my thoughts are with you. I will most certainly give Bandit (my Siberian Husky) a hug when I see him tonight.
04-10-2003 | 06:52 PM
#3
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 10,033
Likes: 1
From: Houston, TX USA
My heart goes out to you. There are pets and then there are animals that are as much a part of your heart and soul as a spouse. The folks on the golden retriever mailing list call them "heart dogs." A truely special animal with whom you have a rare, unusually deep connection with. I have such a connection with Loki, my golden. He's only six, but I fear the day he goes to the "rainbow bridge" as they call it on the dog lists.
I don't know what to say other than the fact that you were lucky to be together when she passed, and as you said, you didn't have to take her to the vet for her final hours. You released her from a life that had become too difficult to keep living and made it OK for her to leave. That is truly worth something.
George Roffe
1997 Golden Retriever "Loki" (ever so lightly "modified" <img border="0" title="" alt="[Wink]" src="wink.gif" /> )
I don't know what to say other than the fact that you were lucky to be together when she passed, and as you said, you didn't have to take her to the vet for her final hours. You released her from a life that had become too difficult to keep living and made it OK for her to leave. That is truly worth something.
George Roffe
1997 Golden Retriever "Loki" (ever so lightly "modified" <img border="0" title="" alt="[Wink]" src="wink.gif" /> )
04-10-2003 | 07:36 PM
#4
Nerd Herder
Rennlist Member
Rennlist Member
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 16,526
Likes: 5
From: Central Illinois. Cornfields a plenty.
Sad. but you were there for her and thats what matters. I had to give up my dogs when I moved, but I still call the very nice lady who took them both from me. as soon as I get a place of my own that will let me have them I will make the 200 mile trip to get them. I feel your loss and am sorry for the pain you feel. Your memories will keep her alive in your heart.
Princess- Chow/malamute mix 10 years old had her since a puppy
Libby- Black lab and retriever mix- ^ years since puppy.
Libby <img src="http://boards.rennlist.com/upload/Libby1.JPG" alt=" - " /> Libby
<img src="http://boards.rennlist.com/upload/Princess1.JPG" alt=" - " /> Princess
Boyee- I hope this make you feel a little better. It was rather theraputic for me. I miss them both. <img border="0" alt="[bigbye]" title="" src="graemlins/xyxwave.gif" />
Princess- Chow/malamute mix 10 years old had her since a puppy
Libby- Black lab and retriever mix- ^ years since puppy.
Libby <img src="http://boards.rennlist.com/upload/Libby1.JPG" alt=" - " /> Libby
<img src="http://boards.rennlist.com/upload/Princess1.JPG" alt=" - " /> Princess
Boyee- I hope this make you feel a little better. It was rather theraputic for me. I miss them both. <img border="0" alt="[bigbye]" title="" src="graemlins/xyxwave.gif" />
04-10-2003 | 07:39 PM
#5
Race Director
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 11,252
Likes: 2
From: Sweden
Take care Boyee, I know the feeling of losing a best friend as a pet can be..
I had a cat, Flingan, and he helped me get through some things that noone else could've helped me with..
He walked with me as a dog and trusted me like noone else, when I was home he was around and he was there when I fell a sleep and woke me up only minutes before the alarm almost every morning...
He even hang around when I was having friends over and ticked around even if we and the music was loud..
One day when I came home I found him by the side of the road, hit by a car..
He was my best friend, and still is in my thoughts every day.
Let it all settle in and be happy that N.R.G lived all her life and had obviously had such a good time.
Go for a drive, it helps clearing your mind.
I had a cat, Flingan, and he helped me get through some things that noone else could've helped me with..
He walked with me as a dog and trusted me like noone else, when I was home he was around and he was there when I fell a sleep and woke me up only minutes before the alarm almost every morning...
He even hang around when I was having friends over and ticked around even if we and the music was loud..
One day when I came home I found him by the side of the road, hit by a car..
He was my best friend, and still is in my thoughts every day.
Let it all settle in and be happy that N.R.G lived all her life and had obviously had such a good time.
Go for a drive, it helps clearing your mind.
Trending Topics
04-10-2003 | 11:39 PM
#8
Three Wheelin'
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 1,567
Likes: 0
From: Schenectady, NY
I am sorry to hear about the passing of your special pet NRG <img border="0" alt="[crying]" title="" src="graemlins/crying.gif" /> I lost mine, only ten year old, last September. They are trully like our own children. So hard...to watch them die in our arms. 
<img src="http://www.capital.net/~plandy/hansel2.jpg" alt=" - " />
<img src="http://www.capital.net/~plandy/hansel2.jpg" alt=" - " />
04-11-2003 | 01:30 PM
#9
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 2,362
Likes: 8
From: Sackville, Nova Scotia
Thanks so much to those of you who feel the pain of losing a pet/companion and those of you who just read my blabbering.
I still haven't excepted the fact that she is gone....I still am waiting for her to bark at the door.
I'm super tired today, as I spent most of the night outside last night, sitting next to her resting spot. It got quite cold, so I came in - but if it was warmer, I would have pulled an all-nighter.
Thanks again - the words of Rennlisters have made me feel like I'm not so alone....thanks, thanks.
944S Boyeee
I still haven't excepted the fact that she is gone....I still am waiting for her to bark at the door.
I'm super tired today, as I spent most of the night outside last night, sitting next to her resting spot. It got quite cold, so I came in - but if it was warmer, I would have pulled an all-nighter.
Thanks again - the words of Rennlisters have made me feel like I'm not so alone....thanks, thanks.
944S Boyeee
04-11-2003 | 02:10 PM
#10
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 919
Likes: 0
From: Atlanta, GA
I am sorry to hear about your dog. Unfortunately I have had to live through my two dogs' deaths. I know that it won't be the same but when you feel up to it you should go to the humane society and give another dog the oppurtunity to live a life that NRG was fortunate enough to live.
04-11-2003 | 03:27 PM
#11
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 2,362
Likes: 8
From: Sackville, Nova Scotia
ahofam123 - that is so true....she did have an excellent life.....I guess I didn't take them time to realize how many other dogs out there never get that chance. I think I'll do just what you said, when I'm all ready.
Thanks
944S Boyeee
Thanks
944S Boyeee
04-11-2003 | 03:43 PM
#12
Addict
Rennlist Member
Rennlist Member
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 9,379
Likes: 89
From: Charlotte, NC
Boyee,
I've never had a Rennlist post bring tears to my eyes. It was a little bit embarrassing considering I am at work right now.
My dog is about three years old now - I cannot imagine him not being there following me everywhere!
Sorry to hear about your loss :-(
Here is a pic of my "Shadow":
<a href="http://www.geocities.com/fp_911/jacknshad.jpg" target="_blank">http://www.geocities.com/fp_911/jacknshad.jpg</a>
I've never had a Rennlist post bring tears to my eyes. It was a little bit embarrassing considering I am at work right now.
My dog is about three years old now - I cannot imagine him not being there following me everywhere!
Sorry to hear about your loss :-(
Here is a pic of my "Shadow":
<a href="http://www.geocities.com/fp_911/jacknshad.jpg" target="_blank">http://www.geocities.com/fp_911/jacknshad.jpg</a>
04-11-2003 | 03:45 PM
#14
Got Nothin'
Rennlist Member
Rennlist Member
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 4,977
Likes: 6
From: Tampa, FL
I held my best friend as he died. He was a 9 year old Rottweiler who got some form of cancer. It was one of the hardest things I ever had to go through. I feel your pain. Good Luck. You will always have the memories.
