We then took Bailey to our vet Metz Pets in Ada. Normally we go to Shawnee but Nathan who she really likes is in Ada today. We knew that the chance of putting her down today was high. She's been losing a lot of weight, and just hasn't been herself. Tim and I were both so sad as we've had her since she's been a puppy and is now almost 13 years old. We got to the vet and he came in and felt her. He said that there is a large lump about the size of a softball around her spleen area. He doesn't recommend surgery as she probably wouldn't make it through it to see if it was cancer. He said that with her not walking, seeming like she was in pain and losing so much weight that it probably was time to put her down.
He gave us some time with her to say goodbye and gave her a shot to relax her. After about 15 minutes he came in and administered her final dose that would lead her to the Rainbow Bridge. Putting down a dog is such a hard decision but we knew it was the best one for her. She is in such a better place now.
After we got home we realized that she has swam in the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans, Gulf of Mexico, and almost all of the Great Lakes including Lake Superior, Lake Michigan, Lake Huron and Lake Erie. She has been to a total of 34 states (probably more than most people) and has been well traveled. She's been such a good dog and I am so happy that she had a good life. She loved the water most of all and I'm sure she has found a good area up there to swim in :) We will miss her dearly!!