Goodturn
Ontario Canada
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Lumpy is our 12 year old Golden Retriever and we are leaving next week to Florida for 5 months. Lumpy has always traveled south for the winter with us, but this year his health has slipped quite a bit. His right rear foot was knuckling and we have had 2 growths removed from his abdomen in the past few years. He now takes 5 pills a day and has lost over 20 pounds in the past 2 months, down from 117 pounds. The growth has returned and is larger than a softball, but smaller than a football. The medication has corrected the knuckling, and now he makes a sound like a cat with a hairball. Our Veternarian does not recommend removing the growth again. My question is; what if he passes while we're in the USA, can we cremate his remains and bring him home? We don't have anyone that we could leave him with here, and besides, that would break his heart. What should we do?
* This post was
edited 11/22/09 07:54pm by Goodturn *
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PapPappy
Wilmington, NC
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Most larger towns will have someplace that can cremate him. I would take him with us....he's part of the family. So sorry to hear about his problems....
A worst, you may have to stay in one place to wait for the cremation, but you can deal with this when the time comes.
I have to make an additional comment...when I was in college, I was called "Lumpy".....and eventually, I developed lots of fatty lumps on my arms and legs. They are really nothing, but my DW often suggests that it would have been much better for us, if I had the nickname "Rich" instead of "Lumpy"....
Sounds like your Lumpy has the same problem I had....developed Lumps as we got older!!
All the best on your trip.....enjoy him while you have him....
Bill & Claudia / DD Jenn / DS Chris
Dogs: Sophie, Abby, Brandy, Kahlie, Annie, Maggie & Beau 
RIP: Cookie (Sheltie) & Gidget (Lab-mix) over the Rainbow Bridge.
2000 Winnebago "Minnie" 31C, Ford V-10
Purchased April 2008 FMCA# F407293
The Pets
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Goodturn
Ontario Canada
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We stay at the same park for the full 5 months. Thanks.
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fordsooperdooty
Orange Kounty Kalifornia
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Pet cremation services are available widely in the USA, you should have no problems with that. Our Goldie was much the same at 12 years, with the non-cancerous tumors, then hip problems and lastly kidney failure. Gotta do what you have to do...but having had 6 fur pals so far, and all having lived full lives shared with us, and it never gets any easier to let them go. When the time comes, he'll be met at the Gate by my little guys! Best of luck.
This is our 7th new Jayco in 30 years! Loved 'em all!
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CatandJim
Tulsa, as in Oklahoma
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Joined: 08/23/2004
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I'm sorry to read about Lumpy's health challenges, it is so hard to watch them grow old. I hope you will take your long time companion and much loved pet with you. He will love spending time on the road and being with you. Cherish each & every day you have with him, after all that's what he does where you are concerned. When/if the time comes while you are away from home you will be able to make any arrangements you need to make. Remember Lumpy is at home anywhere you are....
Best wishes on a memorable journey for all of you.
Cat
(Jim just reads the forum once in a while)
Our toys:
Sunline Travel Trailer
ProCraft Fish & Ski
Live simply, love generously, care deeply, speak kindly, trust in those Who cherish you.
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Chuck&Gail
In the Colorado Mountains
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Sorry to hear of babies problems.
IMO when it is time, just ask a local vet. They will know. That is our plan, as we travel with a 15+ year old GSD. You can't leave them home. In fact our GSD will lie between TV and TT to be sure she goes. Sometimes she almost crawls to get there. Heartbreaking to watch, but the eyes are still bright, and she still wants to go.
You HAVE to take him. No other choice except everyone to stay home.
Chuck
Wonderful Wife
Lovely Australian Shepherd
1999 Mercedes ML320 TV
2003 Wanderer 187TB Toybox, 3620# UVW, 4800# loaded
Not yet camped in Hawaii, 2 Canada Provinces, & 2 Territories
I can't be lost because I don't care where this lovely road is going
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Sluggo54
Madison, SD
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When Maggie was approaching the end of her life, we were fulltimers - so she was with us. She would have been with us anyway; she was our soul dog.
We were fortunate to be near her loved and trusted vet - she had been our vet for nearly 30 years - when the time came.
We have her with us still. Everywhere we go where she had fun, we leave a bit of her ashes. The rest will be divided and buried with us.
Yes, please take your old pal. Can you imagine how his heart would be broken if you didn't?
Sluggo
DH = Bruce, DW = PK, DD = Maggie (Lab, Pointer, Viszla)RIP 4/13/2007
Apprentice Princess = Kaia Grace (Blue Heeler - Wire Haired Terriorist) Thanks, New Nodaway Humane Society, Maryville, MO!
TV = 2005 Chev CC LWB Max & Allie
5'er = 2005 Excel R30CKW
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Spike88
New Glasgow,Nova Scotia Canada
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Sorry to hear about Lumpy. Gosh it is hard isnt it. I would definetely take him as he is part of the family and he will definetely die from a broken heart if you leave him home.
I would plan out my trip and make sure I know where vets are located on my way down to my final destination. Have directions and phone numbers. I am sure if he passes on the way down you could have him cremated and sent to where you are going. I know it will be hard but if you are prepared before you leave it will make it easier
Love him lots just like you have been doing.
Keep us posted so that we can help if you need us to. There are lots of people on this forum who can assist you if something happens.
Prayers from Nova Scotia
Margie UPS~44
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I am still wayne_tw
everywhere
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Bring Lumpy to the States. He is part of your family and the trip is familiar to him. When you get to your destination park, find a veterinarian you are comfortable with, as you may need him while here. Be sure to bring Lumpy's vet records with you, as well as your home vet's contact information, as the vet here may want to talk with your vet at home. Should Lumpy not survive the trip, the vet here can direct you to a crematorium. Many will pick up Lumpy's remains from the vet and return his ashes to you. You will have no problem having Lumpy cremated in the States. I hope Lumpy makes this trip without any problems and does it again many more years.
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Goodturn
Ontario Canada
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Thanks all. We're taking him in to visit the Vet this afternoon to get his opinion. Lumpy has not slept the past 2 nights as he has a difficult time laying down. Our vet has 2 Goldens, so he knows the breed quite well. His oldest is 15 and still hanging on. Our fingers are crossed and Lumpy's docking ramp is loaded in the MH for him to come south with us.
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