Over Thanksgiving he tore his left cruciate (tendon). We didn't figure out that's what it was for a few weeks. We decided to have TPLO surgery on it ($2000), probably late this month or next month.
Early this week, he tore his right one. He was unable to walk up and down stairs, and spent these last few days living in the basement, and going out the walk-out to eliminate. We put him on painkillers, but he was still in so much pain.
The vet said surgery was still an option, but with both legs injured, recovery would be extremely difficult for him and us, as well as painful for him. Getting both legs done at the same time was not recommended, since he would not be able to bear weight on either leg.
Tuesday, Kernel stopped eating, and would only drink minimal amounts. He also began growling at me when I'd go downstairs to pill him, pet him, let him out. We felt this was his way of telling us it was time to let him go. He had not been himself since Thanksgiving.
I miss him so much. Our house feels so empty and quiet without his constant presence. He was my daytime companion, my exercise partner, and my attentive audience when I needed to practice my music. I thank him for teaching me about big dogs, and about Rottweilers, and allowing me to fall head-over-heels in love with the breed.
I don't know how I will be able to make it through the days without seeing his quirky ears, his caring, loving, expressive eyes, his silky fur, and his adorable rottie-butt. I hope he knows we loved him more than we could ever express.
Kernelius Maximus von PolkhausJune 30, 2003 - January 25, 2007
