We started our journey with a “Hello” post in December 2015.
This time hello comes from Dashie’s Dad, with news about Dash.
The picture is from about nine months ago. Dash had made it through many challenges at this time and was very happy, on his way to an internal medicine specialist.
Dash passed away this morning.
Dash struggled with his weight for the past six years. We had him on metabolic food, and I counted the number of pieces of food he ate each day. He ate between 1/3rd and 1/2 the recommended dose of metabolic food. He gained weight regardless. In two bursts. From 2020-2021 and then again in 2024-2025.
In the 2020-2021 timeframe he began drinking way too much water. He’d go outside to the pool to get water!
From 2021-2023 we managed to get a couple of pounds off of him, but for what he ate it made no sense that he couldn’t lose weight and would gain weight unless we severely restricted his diet to about half of what we fed a comparably weighted prior dog.
In 2024-2025 he gained another five pounds, same diet. He lost fur. His belly was bald and almost pot-bellied pig-like. He panted all the time. He continued to drink an excess of water. His desire to take walks waned. In August 2025 he developed a horrible sore on his right leg. We eventually took him to a dermatologist (Mom’s idea). She read some stuff into AI on her phone, and said “Have you considered Cushing’s Disease”?
Ding! That sure explained the water intake issue.
For the next few months Dash made every-other or every-third-week trips to an internal medicine department. They got him on a steady dose of drugs to help him with Cushing’s Disease (a tumor on his pituitary gland). They also found that he had “gunk” in his gallbladder. Drugs for that issue helped him. He was put on drugs for his constant sneezing. He had a well-stocked pharmacy in his closet.
And for about eight months, he was much better. Much better! His weight stabilized – he didn’t lose weight, but for the first time in years he stopped gaining weight. Water consumption was normal. No panting.
On a follow-up trip to the dermatologist in April, we told the dermatologist of a mass on the right side of his neck. An scan revealed he had two tumors on his neck, they were invasive, and they were pressing against his esophagus. A follow-up meeting with a surgeon gave less-positive news … it might be cancer, he couldn’t remove all of the tissue, and Dash would likely need radiation afterwards if it were cancer. Worse, the mass would grow right back.
That was in May. We decided Dash didn’t need the indignity of a surgery given his overall condition.
In the past month, the masses grew so large that Dash struggled to breathe unless his neck was in an optimal position.
Three weeks ago, sores reappeared on his legs.
One week ago, his groomer said “Dash isn’t himself anymore”.
Two days ago he stopped eating, had bowel problems, and threw up every two-ish hours. I suspect something went horribly wrong with his gallbladder.
Dash was miserable.
This morning we made the decision to end his suffering. He passed at 10:00am.
Dash had many adventures, the first half of his life was well-documented here. The past five years were a bit of a struggle, especially the past eighteen months. While his health wasn’t spectacular the last half of his life, his spirit was amazing. He was such a KIND and HAPPY dog, just an absolute pleasure to spend time with. We spent nearly eleven years with him, and I wouldn’t trade a moment of it (maybe I’d omit the past three days).
We started our journey in the moist, dark, clammy winter environment of the Pacific Northwest.
We end it on a 113 degree August afternoon in the Desert Southwest.
You were a great friend, Dash. Thank you for blessing us with your joyous spirit for more than a decade. I will miss you.
Dash the Dachshund 
I
LikeLike
Kevin – thank you for including me
LikeLike
My heartfelt sympathy goes out to you. Dash was such a beautiful member of your family. Treasure all of the beautiful and blessed memories that Dash brought to your life. Dash has left many paw prints on your heart. The love that is shared with our fur babies lives on in our hearts just as Dash carries your love in his heart as he has passed over to the Rainbow Bridge where he is free of pain and waits until reunited one day with all who loved him. Rest in Peace sweet Dash. Sending hugs to you and prayers that you may be comforted in knowing how much others care.
LikeLike
My heart goes out to both of you. You are in my prayers during this difficult time. Remember the good times, travels and smiles.
Yahoo Mail: Search, Organize, Conquer
LikeLike
The last time I saw Dash was when I visited you in Goodyear, he was in his prime, so that’s the way I will remember him. I can see him now… Mr. Dash so debonair, sitting in the golf cart, supervising all that we did around the house, always loving and cute! You three were an awesome trio! If ever there was a dog who will rest in peace, it’s Dash. My love, my heart, and my hugs are flying your way. Thanks for letting us all know and for the wonderful posts of the past…. xo Robin
LikeLike
Oh my. Oh Dash. Sweet sweet boy. Rest easy now, buddy. And watch over mom and dad. They’re gonna be very sad for a while. So sad it’ll make their hearts ache. Your not being there with them will be confusing. They’ll feel lost. The empty space will feel like a big door’s been torn off its hinges, letting out all the air that won’t come back, leaving only quiet.
They’ll wonder if they did everything right for you, and what they might’a done differently. They’ll miss you so strong that they’ll sometimes imagine you there with them. They’ll see you out of the corner of their eye, reach for your bowl at dinnertime, and start to talk to you before they remember you’re not there to hear them. They’ll hurt so bad, not being able to touch your fur.
It’ll take a while for them to adjust, ’cause they loved you deep and wide. But they’ll never get over you. You’re permanently tattooed on their lives, on their hearts. So maybe give them a sign from time to time that they did right by you. That you understand how hard their final act of mercy — the truest test of love — was for them. That you’re ok now.
You gave them the best life they could have, buddy. Amarite?
💔❤️🩹💝
502.648.7622 http://www.debrakayguess.com
LikeLike
Thank you for sharing this final chapter of Dash.It’s apparent that his life was filled with love as you tried and tried to keep him healthy.Our Boston Terrier, Lucy also has Cushings and her final symptoms caused us to make the hard decision about her needs.I
LikeLike
no words can express how I feel. I am glad Dash is at peace. My sadness is for the joy and personality he always greeted me with. May the memories of his life give you peace and comfort.
LikeLike
Kevin, my heart aches for you. Dash was such a special boy. He greeted everyone with joy and happiness, because that was him, pure joy and happiness. Hugs.
LikeLike
We’re so sorry to hear about dear Dashie. He was such a big part of your household and we will miss walking into your house and yelling “Dashie”. He was always there greeting us with a smile, a wag, and sometimes a small pee. We had the pleasure of meeting Dash as a puppy on San Juan Island. He had an amazing life filled with love and joy from amazing parents. May your memories of Dash bring comfort to you during this difficult time. Hugs to both of you.
Sue and Ken
LikeLike
i am so very very sad to hear this. holding you in light and sending wishes for peace…♥️
LikeLike
My heart aches for you both. I knew you were the perfect parents for him when you came to my house to pick him out. Thank you for taking such good care of him and keeping me updated through the years. Cedarcroft Dachshunds sends you hugs and sloppy kisses. Especially from his sister Autumn. God Bless.
LikeLike