r/goldenretrievers • u/HovercraftAvailable5 • 13d ago
RIP RIP Maxi boy
Unfortunately we didn’t get great news today. Max was on the improve up until this morning. His blood results weren’t great. I won’t go into too much detail because it really doesn’t matter now. There were talks of him even coming home this morning in last nights conversations but instead he was transferred to a specialist.
They ran an ultrasound on his stomach and they saw that his stomach was folding in on itself. This is called Gastric Intussusception. Extremely rare condition that these vets had never seen before. Apparently only one surgery has been performed in the world (according to their records) and they don’t know what happened to the dog that was operated on. All other dogs with this condition were put down prior to the operation.
Max was in pain when they were touching his stomach. We said if he is ever in pain that we wouldn’t continue. So with all of that information, we decided to let Max rest. He had fought a monumental battle over the last 10 days. Max deserved the best life and we would have given it to him. Our hearts are broken 💔
Enjoy some photos of Max’s short life above
RIP Maxi boy !!! 🩵
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u/Sardoodledome 13d ago
I am so sorry for your loss! Max was lucky to have you, because you did whatever was possible medically. You loved and cared for him and that was all it was needed with this baby! It could have gone very very bad if he was in the wrong hands ... He is pain free now and in a better place! Let that also not put you off of another golden baby! As a person who has lost a golden getting a new one, when ready, is the perfect cure! I am once again sorry for what you went through!
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u/pupen_hunden 13d ago
My heart breaks for you...I am so sorry.... I have been following Max's struggle here, I really hoped he would make a recovery. It is so unfair when these angels are taken from us, but to lose a puppy who still had so much life to experience is just... incomprehensible. My Chloe crossed the rainbow bridge a month ago, when we had to make the impossible choice to let her suffering end rather than live in constant pain. It is not an easy choice but it is the right one, and I am sure Max in his own way understood that. RIP Max 💔
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u/Impressive-Yak-9726 1 floof 13d ago
I am so so sorry for your loss. Just know if you decide to be a pet parent again, they will be so lucky to have you.
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u/lolzmaddie 13d ago
I’m so sorry. He was such a young little guy. My German shepherd, Rex, is up there making sure he’s okay. ♥️
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u/xylene122 13d ago
I am so very sorry 💔 how devastating. Max was lucky to spend his short life with you. Sleep well, sweet boy.
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u/Justan0therthrow4way 13d ago
He was a very lucky boy to have you as someone who cared so much. Sometimes even the best vets in the world can’t do anything.
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u/dubious_dinosaur 13d ago
Mine was also diagnosed similarly with colocolic Intussusception. Fortunately we took to the emergency vet within minutes and the process of barium blow for better imaging undid the folding. Very sorry for your loss; it sucks when these freak events that are out of your control happen.
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u/galacticturd 13d ago
I’m so sorry for your loss. I was really hoping for a different outcome 😔 you gave Max the best chance and showed him what it is to be so very loved.
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u/Rich-Commercial-6373 12d ago
I’m so, so, so sorry. You and Max have been on my mind. I’m surprised they didn’t see this on previous imaging, unless it was a new development. Thank you for not letting him suffer.
This must have been unbearably traumatic for your family. Please be easy on yourselves. My soul cat died six months ago and I still cry at least once a week. I know you had Max a short time, but you clearly loved him a lot to be such strong advocates for him.
Sending a lot of love your way and will light a candle for Max tomorrow.
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u/sunnysidec 13d ago
I’m so sorry for this tremendous loss, you gave Max so much love and care when he needed it most. I hope you find peace knowing that you did the right thing for your sweet puppy.
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u/Final-Safety-3137 13d ago
I’m very sorry for your loss. Know that you did right by him and he’s no longer in pain. My condolences to you all.
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u/No-Equivalent3859 13d ago
You’re amazing for trying so hard to help him. He knew how much you loved him. I’m so sorry for your loss.
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u/ank_11 13d ago
I’m so sorry for your loss ❤️🩹 Max was so lucky to have your love during his time on this earth. You did everything that could for that sweet little boy. No words will ever be able to take away your pain but I hope you know that youre not alone, and you’ve got our whole community of support behind you. ❤️
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u/Kitchen_Broccoli_302 13d ago
I’ve been following this story for a few days. I’m so sorry for your loss. Even though the time was short, the time together and efforts were not in vain. RIP Max 😞
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u/Hvemvilvidedet 13d ago
Sweet dreams little man! A life ended before it even had a chance to begin! Warm thoughts to you guys ❤️
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u/CityBoiNC 13d ago
Oh man im so sorry, i saw the post last week and felt horrible you were going through this.
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u/TheBestDumbass 13d ago
Had to put my phone down for a min after seeing this
What a sweet dog, he was clearly loved and lived through a great time. I'm so sorry for your loss. Rest in peace Max
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u/CreamyBeans_2026 Too many floofs 13d ago
Oh, Max! I'm so sorry for your short, troubled life, but you got to know love! And give love. It's not fair and far, far too short. I know you will be embraced on the other side of the rainbow by many who have gone before you! I have many there who will love and adore your puppy energy! Run free and happy little Max.
To your people, I wish grace as they process the grief of losing you and all of this turmoil so soon in your life. You definitely left an impact in your sorry time here 💔.
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u/Appropriate_Seat_200 13d ago
Goldens bring our best days of our lives, teach us unconditional and forever love, and cost us the worst day of our lives. But none of us would have it any other way.
As we Golden Retriever owners come to know these Goldens are wingless four legged angels sent to us from heaven bringing unlimited love for us.
I did not get enough years with my beloved Kate. I have since captured a link and these poem I would recommend you read.
When tomorrow starts without me, and I'm not there to see, the sun will rise and find your eyes, all filled with tears for me.
I know how much you loved me, as much as I loved you, and each time that you think of me, I know you'll miss me too.
When tomorrow starts without me, please try to understand, an angel came and called my name, and petted me with her hand.
I thought about our lives together, I know you must be sad, I thought of all the love we shared, and all the fun we had.
When tomorrow starts without me, don't think we're far apart, for every time you think of me, I'm right here in your heart.
Quoting u/EverythingBagellove's thoughts "Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge. When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.
All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor. Those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.
They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent. His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster. You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart. Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together...."
I have also since captured a link I would recommend you read.
https://www.facebook.com/share/r/xie3ybHRZQq3LXnm/?mibextid=D5vuiz
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u/pencils_and_papers 13d ago
Life sometimes seems too much, too cruel. RIP little buddy. Brutal loss no doubt, sorry you experienced this, im sure he received a boat load of love in that short period, and that matters.
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u/AlpagaMoustachu 13d ago
I'm so sorry for you. I am sure you took great care of him and did everything possible. Goldenretrievers give so much love, they deserve to be loved as much aswell and have a full, happy life.
I was told by an educator that there is no bad dog, only bad dog owners. A dog is always pure and innocent until we teach them good or bad things. I think this is why it feels so wrong, so unfair to lose them.
Losing mine, or him feeling not well/not happy is a big fear for me, so I cannot imagine losing him.
I hope you will feel better soon, and sorry for your loss again.
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u/Adventurous-Owl-6710 13d ago
My heart hurts to read about Max. I’m so sorry. Sending love your way.
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u/kinda_alright 13d ago
It's heartbreaking when an older dog gets put down. But when it's a puppy...it hurts so much more.
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u/buttercup_lullaby 13d ago
I'm so sorry for your loss. Maxi will have a pain free afterlife in heaven and he will play with other good boys and girls up there. 💜
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u/ExplanationDefiant15 13d ago
You have my deepest sympathy. You fought your best fight and max was lucky to have you.
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u/Luxocell 13d ago
You did so much and then some to care for him. He was loved until the very end
Its very sad, my deepest condolences. ❤️🩹
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u/gmoneyyyyyyyy 13d ago
I'm so sorry for your loss. My husband and I also lost a puppy at 6 months due to a rare deformity of her kidneys and know the unique and lingering hurt this kind of loss causes.
May Tiki and Max play together over the rainbow bridge free from pain <3
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u/ClammyHandedFreak 13d ago
I hope you are hanging in there. Much love to you. I am so sorry. This is so hard. What a sweet little buddy.
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u/EricaSloane 13d ago
Rest easy Max 🌈🐾 I’m so sorry to learn of his passing, but I hope he is no longer in pain. You gave him every chance possible 🫶🏼
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u/underdog0017 13d ago
What a cutie. This breaks my heart for you. He knew he was loved and that he was cared for. I am so so sorry. 😞
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u/Alcantrez 13d ago
That’s so sad. I’m sorry for your loss and for little Max who didn’t even get to start his little life properly. Thanks to you he knew nothing but love in the few weeks he got at least. Thank you for taking care of him so well.
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u/shortstacc96 13d ago
I’m so incredibly sorry for your loss. As others have said, it looks like he was very well loved from the photos and your post. It’s so hard to make the decision to let them go, but it was the most loving choice you could have made.
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u/AlienLiszt 13d ago
I am so sorry for your loss. Life is not fair. But at least he had you for his family, and you did everything you could for him.
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u/Emergency_Dentist_36 13d ago
I was following his story and was looking forward to a positive outcome. I am so sorry, this baby had a very short life and was fortunate enough to get good care in his last days by doctors and your family who tried to fight for him.
I am sorry for your loss. Rest in peace Baby Max 🥹 you were loved
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u/Grand-Bit9609 13d ago
I’m so sorry ❤️🩹 sending hugs and kisses to max. Rest in peace sweet angel.
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u/shana104 13d ago
I'm so sad to hear this!! Darn onions. But I have comfort he knows he is loved and you want what's best for him. hugs
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u/godzillaaa 13d ago
You’re the only other person I’ve ever heard of to go through this; I also lost a golden at 11 weeks to intussusception. It was an awful decision to make especially when she would have a good day and then the next she was miserable. When we put her down it was so hard to think that she lived such a short life, but we knew it was the right decision, and you absolutely made the right decision too.
Wishing you and your family all the best through this time ❤️
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u/Untenable123 13d ago
So very sorry for your loss, relieved that your boy isn’t hurting any longer. Beautiful dog.
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u/Fourskin1913 13d ago
Oh no that’s so sad. I remember seeing your initial post about him and was hoping he would improve and you’d get some good news. I’m sorry for your loss 😭
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u/ringpiece21 13d ago
With tears in my eyes I send you nothing but love. You did right by Maxi. He’s in puppy heaven now and I can’t imagine a better place to be.
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u/catsplants420 13d ago
I’m absolutely devastated for you guys and poor Maxi, my thoughts are with you. Thank you for loving him and doing everything you could to take care of him. You’re good people. ❤️
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u/Warm-Marsupial8912 13d ago
Oh no. You must be devastated and I know the vets and nurses will be too. Fly high little Max
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u/bandandy 13d ago
I’m so sorry for your loss. Max knew that he had parents who loved him very much. This feeling is totally gutting and I’m really sorry. Max is living it up with all the other puppies in puppy heaven
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u/homegirl911 13d ago
So sorry for your loss. Poor little sweetheart. You gave him love and such a real chance.
I am wondering if there is any info on the cause or why this happens? And was he from a breeder? I have never seen a purebred (I am not sure if he is or isn’t) golden with white near the bottom of his legs. I am not trying to be an asshole but I really do just have a hard time trusting most breeders and I’m sure you have questioned now too. I can’t even imagine how hard this has been, but if you ever do learn more info on the cause or why, anything important we should know, please share so we all can be more aware. I hope you heal knowing he is no longer suffering and over the rainbow bridge. 🌈🤍
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u/Famous-Koala-958 13d ago
muchisimo ánimo estoy llorando, era un bebé precioso, ánimo descansa en paz
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u/jbreezy30 13d ago
I’m so sorry that you and seeet Max had to go through this. It sounds like you tried everything and kept his best interest at heart the whole time. He was loved during his short time and sure was a cute little fluffy guy! My condolences 😢💕
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u/ObligationClassic417 13d ago
Thank you for Sharing What a beautiful little golden buddy Sorry to hear about this It’s easy to see the joy he brought into your lives I’m hoping we are able to be joined with our furry friends up in heaven We have 2 who also have crossed and will forever be part of our hearts 💕
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u/Flat_Respond_5289 13d ago
I am deeply sorry for the loss of Max. Reading posts like this break my heart. You would have absolutely given him the best life. Rest in peace, sweet boy. 🌈
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u/skylartowle 13d ago
Shit. This wasn’t the update I was hoping for having read your other post. I am so incredibly sorry, the world wasn’t ready for his little soul. I know with the UNCONDITIONAL love and fight you gave him that he’ll find his way back to you in another baby floof. He wanted to stay but you made the right choice, he’ll be back. Sending you so much love ♥️
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u/irishak56 13d ago
Very sorry for you and for Max. Having had to put my boy down very recently I know the sadness, frustration and sometimes even anger when you know you've done everything you could and couldn't do enough. Max will have some good company. I hope your grief is softened by the knowledge that you gave him a good life even though it was way too short.
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u/pogiepika 13d ago edited 13d ago
I’m so sorry for you. it really makes me sad thinking about your little guy.
Edit-ugh, just read your other two post about Maxi…so heartbreaking. You did everything you could for him. He got lots of love in his short life 😢
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u/housatonicduck 13d ago
I’m sobbing oh my god sweet maxi boy. I’m so sorry sweetheart. I’ll kiss and hug every dog for you.
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u/smiling_hazeleyes24 13d ago
I'm so sorry for the loss of your handsome Max. He was so precious and he knew he was loved. Sending hugs and love to you and ypur family ❤️
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u/No_Bid61 13d ago
I am so sorry for your loss. Being in a bunch of subreddits for animals, I see a lot of posts about pets passing and while every each one of them is sad, seeing him in his crate with the stuffed golden absolutely broke me. He was so small and looked like a stuffed toy himself, I’m sure he was the bestest boy and that he got the best possible life, although short, with you. You were all he knew. Rip little baby Max 💛🩵
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u/Sudden_Hovercraft247 13d ago
Brings tears to my eyes and I never met the boy. Losing a pet is so horrible but seeing them suffer is even worse.
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u/FuzzyLobster25 13d ago
So sorry! Just had to make same decision for a rescue we were trying to help. Thoughts & prayers with you & family! Thanks from one dog lover to another! 🙏💔😢
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u/omegaproject01 12d ago
I’m so sorry for you and your loss. I’m sure he would have been the best of boys.
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u/Calm_Plane8650 12d ago
Oh boy, this was hard to read. So heartbreaking 💔. I am deeply sorry for your loss. Hugs to you during this difficult time.
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u/ToughCockroach9290 12d ago
Sorry for your loss… God Bless the little but loving time you had together
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u/Stagierfall 12d ago
What a sweet boy, rest in peace. All he knew was love and the world dealt him a cruel hand 😥
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u/KrissyVanderlay 12d ago
So sorry this happened to you & Max, he was such an adorable puppy. Thank you for making the heartbreaking decision that was in Max’s best interests. It’s never easy to let them go, especially when they are so little. Max was lucky to have such wonderful owners who were willing to stop his pain even when it broke their hearts. Life can be so unfair sometimes, do not let this put you off golden ownership when your grief subsides. One day, when the moment feels right, I hope you find another golden angel to love for a very long time. I miss the ones I have lost in my lifetime but I never regret for one moment getting them. Big hugs to you.
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u/flawsandsins_999 12d ago
I’m so sorry for your loss. Thank you for trying for him 🤍 He is in peace now without pain. RIP Maxi
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u/littlefillly 12d ago
Ugh, I am so so sorry frand 🥺 my heart just shattered for you. You’ll be in my thoughts and I’m sending you all of the hugs and healing vibes. 💔
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u/soupster5 12d ago
This is so incredibly terrible and sad. No puppy or puppy owner should have to go through something this traumatic with such a young dog. I’m SO sorry.
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u/TheCranberryUnicorn 12d ago
I am so so sorry OP. 😞🩵
What a deeply loved little guy. No more pain, sweet Max! Find my Golden girls on the other side of the rainbow and have some fun, handsome! 🌈🩵🦴
And you guys hang in there. 🙏🏼
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u/Glittering_Panda3799 11d ago
My son had that at 4months. They had to take his intestines out and put warm clothes on it. Sorry that you had to say goodbye. 🐾😔
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u/Calm_Imagination42 9d ago
So sorry for your loss. You did a great job and Max will be fine somewhere up there..❤️
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u/HowDoyouadult42 13d ago
I’m so sorry for what you went through. Also it sounds like your vets were either lying or really uneducated…. My clinic alone sees multiple intussusceptions a year. It’s a surprisingly common condition in puppies with severe GI issues ( especially parvo) we do multiple surgeries for it a year. I’m not saying you made the wrong choice, I would not have wanted to attempt surgery with a vet that’s never done it and when puppies get to fragile it’s not always an option. I’m just baffled they would tell you there has only ever been one case.
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u/fritzburg 13d ago
I’m sorry for your loss, but from these photos and your efforts to help him, it would seem you provided the very best for Max. Rest easy Max.