[aprillovesherdogs]

Laurie,
Make every moment count. I know what you mean about not getting another Rottie because of the statistics. Tomorrow (Saturday) will be two weeks that I've been w/o my Matty "Zooky Man" and I am just now getting to where I can discuss it with my 4 year old daughter. I thought the same thing until today in the car just out of the blue she said "Mommy, can we get another Matty because he is the best kind of dog".

If it weren't for people like us on this thread that love our breed and want to find out the why and how of this disease and share what we learn, alot more hearts would be breaking all alone.

As for the breathing, I consulted with my cousin who recently lost her beloved GSD to hemangiosarcoma, and she said that she had an initial x-ray done to find a reason for his labored breathing. It came back with just some fluid in his lungs. She is a former vet tech and was not convinced. They stood Dante up and did another and found the "demon growth". I mention this only as a reference.

Laurie, I am thinking of you and Lucas daily.

Xena's Daddy-I feel for you and the putting away of the personal items. My well intentioned husband immediately removed EVERY item of Matty's from my sight. He is not a good hider and I have slowly been bringing stuff back out. I'm not sure why. I think I am still in a denial stage.