I just wanted to thank everyone who expressed their sympathies. I was really surprised how much it meant, and helped. A virtual hugwho knew? Yesterday was a really rough day for us.
I know she was a dog, but she was a member of our family and this really blindsided us. Three weeks ago, her heart was strong, her liver and kidneys were functioning perfectly, etc. All she had was normal aging (rapid, but the vet said that can happen when a dog doesnt start aging at the normal time) and an infection that the vet said was common in dogs this time of year. And the infection was taken care of and cured.
I have literally had dogs all my life, and therefore, have had the loss of dogs. It has just never been unexpected before. I think it is actually harder to have a dog die at home, too. At the vets office, they go into a nice, comfortable room, lay down on a nice thick blanket/bedding and go to sleep softly in your lap. You never have to see the rest, the ugly side of death. I just hate the fact she was alone and outside.
DH said he was working late on the deck to be with her since she didnt want to come in and she stayed by him. When he was done, he stayed with her for awhile and then decided he had to get some sleep, even if on the tile floor by the door. He says he thinks she was waiting for him to leave. She also didnt go to her very favorite spot to lay, by the kids swing set. She was such a good dog; I wouldnt put it past her to be so considerate.
OK, Im still having a rough time. And its so much the little things. DS2 dropped some crackers and she wasnt there to clean them up. And now the kids are worried about the puppy. It's just so hard to explain to a 4yo.
so sorry, we know how hard this time is, we lost our 13 yr old doxie
she too died overnight while we were sleeping. I woke to find her the next morning. I will say that time will help heal how you are feeling and they stay in yor hearts and mind forever
