Trixie was laid to rest around 2am on Saturday, March 17, 2007, from complications of an enlarged spleen and liver. The vet believed it was possibly due from a tumor which sadly there was little we could do for her. Fortunately, the vet also believed that Trixie did not suffer any pain and that she was just merely uncomfortable at times. She was 12 years old.
In the past couple of years, Trixie displayed no signs of hip dysphasia or arthritis, which is prevalent for larger dogs. She also had a good amount of energy and very playful for a dog of her years. The past week appeared routine for Trixie. There was a day or two where she was very sleepy, but she was also known to have allergies around this time of year, which would slow her down a bit. She was also known to want to eat grass as she would get an occasional upset stomach with her allergies.
It was early afternoon on Friday, Trixie did not want to finish eating some potato chips that were given to her, which is very odd for Trixie. But later that afternoon, she did eat a milk bone treat and showed a little increased energy in the early evening. But by mid to late evening, it appeared she could not get comfortable when trying to sleep. We watched her for a while, but by midnight, we decided to take her to the animal emergency clinic. After examination, we learned of her condition and realized that the day we all dreaded was here.
By this time, Trixie was sleeping on the cool floor of the exam room and appeared to be relaxed and calm. There wasn't any real indication that she was nervous, uncomfortable or in pain. We decided that because she was so calm that this would be a good time.
In Trixie's 12 years, she lived a very full, happy and carefree life (though thunderstorms would stress her out a bit) with more love than any dog would know what to do with. Uncle Charlie Schafer once commented that Trixie "was the best dog." Charlie was known to tell a tall tale or two, but in this case, he was completely telling the truth.
This is a huge adjustment for us, and while we miss her, we are doing ok.
