Bulldog that saved owner from Grand Rapids fire is euthanized

[Bozita]

http://www.detnews.com/article/20090527/METRO/905270390/1361/Bulldog-that-saved-owner-from-Grand-Rapids-fire-is-euthanized

Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Bulldog that saved owner from Grand Rapids fire is euthanized
Associated Press


Grand Rapids -- A terminally ill bulldog whose barking awakened her owner in time for both of them to escape from a burning house over the weekend in Grand Rapids has been euthanized.

The Grand Rapids Press reports Brittney, a 9-year-old American bulldog, was euthanized Tuesday at the Animal Hospital of Kentwood. Thirty-nine-year-old owner Scott Seymore was by her side.

The early Saturday fire came about two weeks after it was discovered the dog had cancer. Seymore initially had decided not to end the dog's life, instead blunting her pain with medication.

That decision saved Seymore's life. But he says Brittney's mounting misery caused him to change his mind.

He says it was "really depressing," but he says he knows it was the right thing to do.

[malaise]

1. What a painful decision

When our beloved dog was euthanized I cried for a week and she had never saved our lives. :cry: :cry:

[Horse with no Name]

2. It had to be horrible to make that decision, especially after Brit saved his life

But I have no doubt that his love for this dog forced him to do the right thing.
I will light a candle for his loss.

If it should be....
If it should be that I grow frail and weak,
and pain should keep me from my sleep,
then you must do what must be done,
for we know this last battle can't be won.

You will be sad, I understand,
but don't let grief then stay your hand,
for this day, more than the rest,
your love and friendship must stand the test.

We've had so many happy years,
what is to come can hold no fears.
Would you want me to suffer? So,
when the time comes, please let me go.

Take me where my needs they'll tend,
only stay with me until the end,
and hold me firm and speak to me,
until my eyes no longer see.

It is a kindness that you do to me,
although my tail it's last has waved,
from pain and suffering I have been saved.

Do not grieve, it should be you,
who must decide this thing to do.
We've been so close, we two these years,
Don't let your heart hold any tears.

Author unknown - contributed by Carol Johnson

[Vickers]

3. Damn.

:(

I bet that was the hardest decision of that guy's life.

[Bozita]

4. GR Press article - pic of dog with owner

http://www.mlive.com/news/grand-rapids/index.ssf/2009/05/bulldog_with_cancer_takes_turn.html#more

Bulldog with cancer takes turn for worse, euthanized days after saving owner from house fire
by Kym Reinstadler | The Grand Rapids Press
Tuesday May 26, 2009, 6:55 PM

GRAND RAPIDS -- Scott Seymore owes his life to his American Bulldog, who barked to awaken him Saturday in a burning house.

The 39-year-old Grand Rapids man said he realized the only way left to demonstrate his love and appreciation for the pet -- dying with an advanced blood-borne cancer -- was to end her suffering.


Johnny Quirin | The Grand Rapids Press
Brittney is pictured with owner Scott Seymore Saturday, after she awakened Seymore with her barking, due to a fire in their house.
Brittney was euthanized Tuesday at the Animal Hospital of Kentwood, a blurry-eyed Seymore at her side. The 9-year-old dog was to be cremated.

Seymore, a salesman, said Brittney's mounting misery caused him to make the decision.

The terminal diagnosis came May 7. The dog had been receiving steroids to keep her comfortable since then.

"A dog loves you unconditionally and totally, which makes this really hard," Seymore said. "To have to do it days after she saved my life is really depressing.

"I know that it's the right thing," he added, "but it feels like the worst thing."

Seymore said Brittney quit eating on Monday, and bloating in her stomach increased noticeably. The 96-pound dog had to be carried.

By Monday night, every breath became a struggle and Seymore, temporarily staying with his parents in Zeeland, doubted she could survive the night.

"I laid her in bed with me in my parent's spare room and she shook the bed with us in it just breathing," Seymore said. "She didn't deserve to be in such distress."

more...

[Frustratedlady]

5. Oh, how sad. I just had to have my "bestest friend" put to sleep and it was

the hardest thing I have done. He was my protector for 12 years, but developed pancreatitis. I, too, tried to help him toward a natural death by keeping him comfortable with pills, but he finally went into seizures and I couldn't stand to see him suffer.

My heart goes out to him.

[Botany]

6. Seems to me that the dog lived just long enough to save his master's life ....

..... and in return Seymore gave his "buddy" the best gift he could .... he stopped the dog's suffering.