My dog - gone

[marathonmommy]

I know that I don't know any of you personally and I am relatively new to the boards, but I thought posting this might be therapeutic or something. Early this morning my chocolate lab died. He was fine after dinner . . . scaveging from my 1 1/2 year old's highchair as usual. Later that night, he was just not himself - listless, non-reponsive. He wouldn't take a drink, eat, etc. (so not like him - he LOVED people food and would have knocked me over ordinarially). I laid next to him for a while hoping he was just feeling under the weather. He seemed to want to be alone. I let him go into another room and cuddled with him a little later. In the mean time, I tried to call the vet - no answer. I was really worried, but DH thought he would be fine and due to the hour thought there was nothing we could do (I'm sure if we thought this was "it" we would have driven all over creation looking for a 24 hour animal hospital.) A little later, the dog jumped up onto the couch to lay down. I felt a little better, thinking he had regained some energy. I decided to go up to bed. I had a dream about him - that the doctor said he had diabetes and needed a medication that cost $210 per month(in the dream). After I woke up, I went downstairs to check on him, and he was dead. I feel horrible! I wish I had stayed with him throughout the night. I don't know what happened. He was totally himself at 6:30, 9:00 he was listless, and 4:30 the next morning he was dead. I have a 5 year old who will miss him. The 1 1/2 year old had such an incredible bond with the dog - it was bizarre. I guess he won't notice too much. Sorry to ramble on . . . I need to vent, release, etc.
I loved that damn dog. He was only 7 years old. I'm not sure what happened? aw:

 

[Louise-Montreal]

I have a doxie and I can only imagine your devastation.

 

[disgirl]

I am so sorry. Growing up we had a beagle mix and I remember the sadness of having to put him "to sleep" at age 16. Even having him such a long time, we were wo sad. Now, I have a 5 year old Cairn terrier and he has truly become part of our family, so I know you must be feeling such a sense of loss right now. I am so sorry for you and your family.

I know it is extra sad because he was only 7 and seemed fine earlier in the day and then he was gone. I wish I had an answer for you on what happened.

Patty

 

[iankh]

I understand what you're feeling right now and I understand how painful it is. I experienced nearly the same thing 2 years ago with my dog, Penny, a Maltese.

Attachment to a pet is not trivial. I wish I had more than words that could offer you comfort. My heart goes out to you.

 

[problemchild718]

So sorry for your loss. Doesn't sound like you could have done anything differently given the bizarre circumstances. God bless

 

[DVCCarrie]

I am glad you posted and I found it because when I lost one of my dogs I really didnt know who to talk to because some people just dont get it. I lost an Elkhound suddenly to a rare liver disease, only the second case my vet had come across. Have you ever read the poem "The Rainbow Bridge"? It is a tearjearker but helps as well. I still remember the dogs I have lost over the years everyday. I have never really gotten over losing them but as time passed I learned to live with it. My thoughts are with you.

 

[Pea-n-Me]

Wow, what a devastating thing to have happen!! I am so sorry. It's hard enough when you know a dog is sick but something like this must be completely devastating.

Are there any clues to what may have been the problem? Had he had any recent illnesses or accidents? He wasn't panting heavily or having difficulty swallowing, was he? Possibilities that come to my mind are bloat, bowel ischemia due to ingestion of foreign substance, blood clot, kidney failure, arrythmia, toxin, allergic reaction? Is it possible he could have been hit by a car without noticable injury (neighbor had that happen once and dog was found dead the next day)? I hope you can figure it out for your own peace of mind. Let us know, will you?

www.petloss.com

 

[MrGrumpy222]

I know exactly how you feel. I lost my German Shepard 4 years ago when she was only 7 years old too. One morning she was playing with the kids and very happy and by that night she was very sick. A trip to an emergency vet showed that her kidneys were failing. We took her home to say good bye and I took her to vet in the AM to have her put to sleep. I had to cary her to and from my car. It was a devistating loss to me and my family. She was a good friend and a great playmate to my kids. We loved her vey much. You are not over reacting and my sympathy is with you. I suggest you go to a pet store to pet some puppies, it is great therapy. Just buy from a breeder or go to your local shelter.

Sorry,

 

[lllovell]

*long swaying hug* I am so sorry to hear of your loss.

It sounds like your dog had a wonderful life with you - just as much as you loved your live with him in it. Take care of yourself and your little one that will greatly miss your dog.

 

[dgaston]

It's always been hard for us when it's time for us to put our pets down, or one dies unexpectedly. Grover, our found stray calico, was 18 when she was too sick to enjoy living any more. Dixie, the Brittany spaniel who climbed stairs to sit at my feet despite her arthritis as I worked on my dissertation was 16. Rags the cairn terrier died unexpectedly at 10. I still miss each of them for their unique quirks and the companionship they brought us.

Here in New England Tufts Vet School offers a group for folks who have lost a pet. Some find that very helpful. I always needed some time before I was ready for a new dog or cat. And I know that I will continue to have animals in my life after our golden retriever Leia and cat Zelda (this time the kids chose princess names).

 

[nono]

Don't beat yourself up -- sometimes there's just no warning! I feel so much for you and your family. We have a yellow lab and had a chocolate that lasted to almost 16. It's never enough time with a good dog...so allow yourself to deal with the emotions...for your entire family. I do think your 18 month old will definitely notice....ours is about that age, and let me tell you, she'd notice. I think it is esp. hard for children that age because they can't express themselves well and put names to emotions yet. I'd try to talk in simple terms to your children about how you feel bad and you will miss your dog...they need to know that you are feeling it too...and that it is OK for them to feel bad, mad at the dog for leaving, etc.

Big cyber hug from the shore! Any pics of your pup that you can post?

 

[T.E. Yeary]

As a dog lover, I can understand!

You feel so sad for your loss and then are dealing with the guilt of not being able to help him. Chances are NOTHING you could have done would have stopped the process. It was HIS time! You just have to try your best to let the guilt part GO! He knew you loved him and took that love with him to where he is now!

I am genuinely sorry for your loss.
Tom

 

[DVCforMe]

I'm so sorry for the loss of your beloved friend. It sounds as if he passed peacefully. I sometimes think that dogs have sense about the severity of an illness and want to be alone - away from the pack as it were - in their final hours. I hope that terrible ache you have in your heart now will lessen with time and leave you with happy memories of unconditional love and joy.

 

[isyt]

My heart goes out to you and your family. I really believe that animals have a sixth sense about this and probably waited for you to leave. I am sure there was nothing else you could have done ( or even a vet for that matter).

 

[dianeschlicht]

As a dog breeder and exhibitor, I love dogs, so I understand your grief. Since 7 is certainly not old for a Lab, I would definitely have your vet do a post mortum on him. If nothing else, it will tell you what really went wrong. It sounds like he may have had an intestinal blockage. That can take them very quickly before they really show signs of anything being wrong. I once lost an 8 month old that way. HUGS to you and your family.

 

[lisaviolet]

I am so sorry. It's so hard. Earlier this summer we lost our six year old cat Billie. He went so fast. One day he was running around and fighting with his brother. And suddenly he was acting strange. We thought he was reacting to the move we just made. And delayed going to the vet right away. I spent about two weeks, after days of IV at the vets, nursing him....sticking needles into him ....subcutaneous fluids ..forcefeeding him......and he still went downhill...acute kidney failure and I felt and still feel so helpless and sad.

I was a dog lover but my partner wanted cats. But my God did I love him. He brightened every day. I look at his brother every single day and think about Billie.

You must be in shock. I send all of your family warm wishes and I am so sorry for your loss.

 

[Luigi's Girl]

So sorry about your dog. We love our Maltese so much I can imagine how you feel.

 

[O2BNWDW]

I am SO sorry for your loss. Pets have such a special place in our hearts and homes. aw:

 

[Stimpy]

I am so sorry for your loss Having had many pets over the years I know how you feel. Each loss is painful. Hugs to you and your family!

 

[Donna]

I am SO SO sorry this has happend to you and your family. You have to grieve this like any other death. I can tell you from experience (having lost my 17 yr old cocker spaniel in the middle of the night), even though you never truly get over it, it does get easier, even though it takes years. I thought my grieving process was abnormal until i read about others. I put a picture of my dog in every room of the house, i still look at those pictures every single day; now i smile instead of cry. I truly believe when our time comes, they will be waiting for us. No amount of pixie dust can heal your heart right now, just give it time and know that you were loved by your pup as well.