Goodbye Günter

We said goodbye to Günter today.

About a month ago he was diagnosed with Immune Mediated Haemolytic Anaemia (IMHA), which basically means his immune system was attacking his own red blood cells.

He received one blood transfusion and has been on medication that we'd hoped would slow and ultimately reverse the process, but his body didn't respond. Instead, slowly faded away.

He lost most of his muscle mass, and his organs were being gradually starved of oxygen.

He's been very weak but otherwise in good spirits until recently. It had become clear he was not a happy pup and his condition was getting worse.

Heather and I are feeling intense grief, but we're also relieved. Our grieving process began about two weeks ago when we learned the medication wasn't working. 

I'll miss our Günter. He was the most affectionate dog I'd ever met, and a great friend. He was 12 years old.

For the first time in 16 years our home is dogless. It feels empty.