09/24/2026
We are absolutely heartbroken to share that we lost our precious boy, Obi, on Tuesday night.
It happened with terrifying speed. Right after dinner, Obi suffered from bloat - Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (GDV). Even though we followed all the rules, his deep chest and naturally anxious personality made him incredibly vulnerable. It is the mother of all emergencies, and despite noticing the signs immediately, it took him from us in what feels like the blink of an eye.
For the two years he was with us, Obi filled our home with his hyper-alert personality, his booming bark that could wake the dead, and so much love. After being surrendered and returned before finding his way to us through the Atlanta Weimaraner Club Rescue (AWCR), we are so grateful we could give him a safe place where he could finally rest his head and know true love.
We miss him more than words can say. Please, if you have a deep-chested dog, please familiarize yourself with the signs of bloat—knowing them can save a life.
Rest in peace, Obi. You were the best boy.
Key Warning Signs of Bloat in Dogs
• Unsuccessful retching: The dog tries to vomit or cough but nothing comes up except foam or saliva.
• Swollen or hard abdomen: The stomach area looks visibly distended or feels tight like a drum.
• Extreme restlessness: Pacing, whining, or an inability to get comfortable or lie down.
• Heavy panting: Rapid breathing and excessive drooling.
• Pale gums: A sign of shock and poor blood circulation.
If a dog shows these signs, every minute counts, and they must be rushed to an emergency vet immediately.
The Hidden Connection: Anxiety and Bloat
Obi had an anxious personality and was constantly on high alert. This is a massive piece of the puzzle of what may have caused Obi to bloat. Major veterinary studies, including extensive research from Purdue University, have proven that nervousness, anxiety, and a high-stress temperament are significant, independent risk factors for bloat (GDV).
Anxious dogs tend to:
• Swallow excess air (aerophagia): When a dog is hyper-vigilant, panted frequently, or easily startled, they unconsciously gulp air into their stomach.
• Have altered stomach motility: Chronic stress physically changes how the stomach processes food and gas, making a sudden accumulation much easier.
Even though we gave him a full hour to rest after his dinner—which is the textbook standard recommendation—his baseline anxiety meant his stomach was already vulnerable. When he drank water and went out to p**p, a sudden movement or a simple gulp of air may have been all it took to trigger the twist. The fact that he physically vomited his entire dinner means the twist happened with terrifying speed, sealing the stomach's entrance and exit.
Thank you to Dogwood Veterinary Emergency & Specialty Center in Atlanta, known for their compassionate, skilled care during the most agonizing moments a pet owner can face. Knowing that Obi’s transition was handled with gentleness and dignity can bring a small piece of comfort to an otherwise devastating night.
