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Rest In Peace Sweet Larz

"Larz" April 20, 2000 - May 3, 2010
AKC: Father's Gift Highly Valued

May 3, 2010 - Today was the saddest of days for the family of dear Larz. He fought a terrific fight for a long time against Addison's disease but this was not a battle he could win in the end. We all know the grief of this family and so we may share it and hopefully give them comfort in knowing they do not grieve alone... This tribute to Larz's life is offered by his Mom, Annie.

"Larz" was born a fighter. When I choose him from his littermates, he temperament tested as a middle pup, what I always looked for. 48 hours later, he was in ICU from a virus that had gone thru the litter, but I wasn't told about. Given little chance to survive , euthanasia was recommended. But then he was a fighter, and was named in memory of my father, as "Larz" was born on the date of my father's passing, and ICU cost a lot of $$$, thus his AKC name <G>. He came home not the middle pup at all but the alpha. I was in for a lot of dog! "Larz" was a quick learner, and though he would rather have been a K9, S&R, or Narcotics Dog, he performed his Service Dog job well.
But "Larz" collapsed just before his 6th birthday and was in ICU again for 3 days. He was diagnosed with Addison's Disease. A truly horrid disease that I would become an expert on. Armed with many meds and monthly injections that he took like a trooper, he survived, with donations of help from friends who knew him, and friends we will never meet, but we will always be thankful for their generosity. Although he had to be retired, he proved to be a true Doberman, fighting it all the way! "Larz" also was a dashing Knight, carrying on a love affair with a beautiful Doberman who lived 3,000 miles away. Cassie, had also be dealt a cruel hand, diagnosed with Wobblers. It seemed these two brave Dobermans kept each other going. The only sad part was they never got to meet in person. But we who believe, know they will meet one day. "Larz" made and celebrated his 10th birthday, but the disease was taking it's tole. He began to lose ground quickly. "Larz" went to the bridge today. With the help of a gentle vet, and surrounded by those who loved him, he is now at peace.
Never forgotten, but he will always be missed, once again showing what a special breed the Doberman is.
Run free "Larz", with your brothers and sisters who I am sure greeted you along with all the Angels waiting at Rainbow Bridge.

With Love & Thankfulness,

Your Mom, Daddy Bob, Tealk, Rouge & Minnow"

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* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * UPDATE, June 2008 * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

This picture shows Larz in 2006 after spending 3 days in ICU. He lost 20 lbs and was diagnosed with Addison's Disease.

Addison's is a difficult disease to control due to it's many affects on different parts of the body. Larz gained most of his weight back in time, but his disease is controlled by more than the monthly injections. He receives Pred daily to replace what his body no longer produces. He has severe hair loss and is on thyroid medication. He has IBS and is on meds daily to control that. Although he wants to play with his Dobe family, his stamina is greatly decreased and he receives B-12 injections also. In humans they say one loses their temper easily. In dogs this means a dog may suddenly be more aggressive. Larz's newest med is Prozac and it has helped greatly. Addison's sufferers need to be on pred for life because their bodies no longer produce the steroids they need naturally. Larz gets a relatively low dose of 10 mg each morning. Most Dobes are hypothyroid anyway, but if they aren't, they will be with Addison's. I find Larz to always be hungry and thirsty but it isn't from the pred as it only replaces what he can't make so I have to assume it is Addison's. They can also have severe joint pain.

  
Addison's Causes many coat changes BUT Larz was happy to Celebrate Christmas 2007

It has been a long two years, with the initial cost of the ICU and the monthly cost of all the various meds to give Larz quality of life, for many it would be impossible to continue treatment. Larz was my constant companion, as my Service Dog. Now, retired due to this disease, it is my turn to give him quality of life as he battles his disability, for Addison's is a disabling disease. Just as he stood by me, I stand by him, thanks to the help of SND and the friends and strangers who have so generously allowed me to keep up with all of Larz's meds.

We both thank you so.
Annie, Tealk, Larz & Rouge

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