My friend is gone

Ace is gone. I had to put him down last night as his condition worsened and he went into congestive heart failure. He was a gift to us and I miss him terribly.

Update on Ace April 07

Ace is back in ICU today. It's his second episode of congestive heart failure in the last month. The condition is worsening, as it does. I know we are nearing the end. I'm thankful for the time we've gotten with him since August. He's mostly been his normal doberman self (which is fabulous), but with these last couple of episodes it's hit home hard that he's declining rapidly. I know my sweet boy is going to be gone soon.

Still Going Strong!

It's been almost 5 months and Ace is still bringing us joy (and testing our patience) daily! We can't believe how much time we have been given with him, we feel truly blessed. Many thanks to the University of Minnesota for their skillful, compassionate, and creative care for Ace's condition. We are so lucky to have such an institution available to us.

8/15/2006

Ace was diagnosed today with DCM, which is a heart condition common in Dobermans. We will be going to the vet school tomorrow to get a specific prognosis, but in general this appears to be a condition with few happy endings. Think good thoughts for the Ace-man, the whole world is a better place with him here.