Hello!  I thought it was high time for me to file an update….

Two weeks since Baer met his demise- and I reached out to Tripawds for advice on amputation, etc.  One more heartfelt thanks to all the very considerate thoughts and posts I received.

For the benefit of others that might wonder about growths, at first from external analysis it was thought we were dealing with a fatty deposit- not unusual.  So removal was the plan of attack to avoid multiple operations.  But upon exam was a different type of growth- but still a very common dog growth type. Turns out the biopsy sample taken before he passed on was analyzed and he had a mast cell growth in that leg- yet blood work did not show evidence of mast cells in his system- so perhaps it could have been treated, or amputated.  I did read in several sources that mast cell tumors, once cut open usually will not stop bleeding- so therin lies the cause.  SHould have been biopsy initially, without the attempt at removal, to determine nature of cell growth- hindsight for me, of course.  Most likely some difficult decisions would have then loomed in the near future.  It's a moot point at this juncture, but I just wanted to know what happened.

Regardless, Baer's passing has naturally left a huge void.  A mature intelligent, companion of over 10 years!  His favorite activity was jumping in creeks and rivers- no doubt because a Norwegian Elk hound has two layers of fur and easily heats up in any non-winter season.  In fact on the coldest days of winter, he would relax outdoors in the snow, for a nap! One of our favorite walks was in Irvine Park Zoo in Chippewa Falls, WI, near home.  This is a very animal friendly, open zoo, with heavy woods, trails and river.  One area of several acres contains a herd of buffalo- which always came to the fence when we walked Baer past.  They would snort their warning, Baer would then bark a warning back!  Good thing the fence was there.  Baer also, for whatever reason, barked at the turtles, as well!  Curiosity? There then were three different spots in this daily morning walk where we would unhook him, and he would rush into the streams!  Fun to see him so contented!

Up until three years ago,  Baer had a partner, Tessie, another elkhound, and they were adventuresome.  And up to about five years ago there was a third dog, a husky named Tasha.  I think due to Tessie's nature, if we inadvertantly left the gate open, they would slowly wander away!  One of the more memorable incidents was a late Spring day where they got out, and broke through some ice in a river about a mile away.  A witness saw them break through- jumped in a canoe and rescued both!  After a call to us ( dog id tag) we got them home.  This never happened when Baer was on his own.  He would often just hang on the porch and watch the world pass by!  I can also say without a doubt, that Baer was then very careful walking on ice with us- never wandered close to any openings or flowing water- smart !

In addition, we always had a dog bed in the back of the SUV and Baer went everywhere with us.  He also kept me company when working around the house or garage.  We had a great setup for Bear with the 1/2 acre back yard enclosed, a doggie door leading into a doggie room/sun room where his bed was, which gave  him the freedom to go in and out at will.

So you can see as time passes we do remember all the great things about Baer.  We framed some of his best pictures and have them in his favorite spots in the house as a reminder.  OF course we have many Baer moments, some with emptiness and regret that we  could not grow older together.  The suddenness and finality of his passing continues to be a challenge!

I have to admit that I live life enjoying each moment of passing time, and thus had many moments that I shared with Baer, well aware that 'now' is a great time, and tomorrow is never guaranteed.  I could tell by his behavior that he, too, enjoyed those moments!  I am VERY happy for that!

Dave.