My dog - gone

[MiaSRN62]

Sending you big hugs I can imagine how upset and sad you must feel. We've lost many pets over the years and it always hit us hard whether it was a hamster or our family dog. We lost our male Rottie to bone cancer a few years back. He went downhill very quickly over 2 months. We have since gotten another Rottie (female this time). I swore after our male rottie died that I would never have another dog because it's just too difficult when they pass away. But we're very happy we got another dog and she has fit in so perfectly with our family.
Hugs to your children as well.....I'm sure this is so tough for them to understand. Hope you all can find a bit of happiness in the memories you made with your lab.

 

[Doctor P]

I am so sorry for your loss. The love that a pet can give and get in return is very special. aw:

 

[Rozzie]

It is so hard. We just lost our Gracie, our beloved greyhound suddenly. She had just been to the vet and got a clean bill of health. She was 9. We were outside playing ball, and she went to lay down, moaned twice, and died suddenly in my arms. I was such in shock. The shock and not being able to know it was her last days was especially hard.

Don't feel like there is anything you could have done. I am sure I would have done the same thing. If one of our dogs was acting tired but not in visiable distress, I would have waited till' morning also. I am so sorry this happened. There is a whole in your heart that only that special dog can fill, but with each day it does get easier.

I hope you feel better soon, and give some hugs to your little ones for us.

 

[jarestel]

When I read your story, I went over and gave our yellow lab "Mickey" a big hug. We consider him as much a member of our family as the rest of us, and I understand your feelings.

Sincere condolences to you and your family,
Joe

 

[NJOYURLIFE]

It is tough losing a loved pet.

Lots of Hugs,

 

[mom2alix]

I'm so sorry for your loss. At least he went quickly and didn't seem to suffer. With the cuddling before you went to bed, he also knew he was loved. Hugs to your family!

 

[calypso*a*go-go]

So sorry...you must be in shock over this. I know I would be. Try to hang in there, and when the time is right, consider getting another dog. It certainly won't be a replacement as your Choc. Lab will always have a special place in your heart. But it seems as though you are very compassionate and have lots of love to give and there are many animals out there just waiting for the chance to be placed with a wonderful family like yours. Until then, know that you've got lots of DIS'ers sharing your pain.

 

[LisaS]

I'm so sorry for your loss. I know from personal experience how hard it is to bear the loss of a dear companion. Last week was the anniversary of the loss of our beloved "Miss Cat". We planted a tree in the back yard in her honor shortly after she died. We planted it near several of our bird feeders, so it is always full of song birds, flying back and forth between the tree and the feeders. It makes me smile to think how much she would like watching all those birds flying in and out! I was so completely heartbroken when she died, but planting her memorial garden with the new tree and some pretty mums really helped us get through the first month after losing her. Now, every year at this time, we plant some new mums around her tree and remember how fortunate we were to have such a dear and wonderful companion in our lives.

We have adopted two new cats in the years since we lost Miss Cat. So life does (eventually) go on and the pain subsides enough to allow you to open your heart to another furry family member. And it does help to know that other people understand what you are going through. I hope that all of us who have replied to your post have been able to offer you some comfort.

 

[SueOKW]

Thinking of you and your family - and the others who have also lost pets. They are such a part of your life and heart.

 

[allie&mattsmom]

I'm crying as I write this. We have a four y/o chocolate lab who is sooo loved. I can not even imagine how you and your family feels right now. I'm so sorry. My heart breaks for you.

 

[kristielee]

Dear Marathonmommy, My heart goes out to you at this time of loss. I can tell from yuor post that this was one beloved pup. I once heard an Oprah segment on the grief of losing a pet. This psych professional said the best thing I've ever heard. He said what we fail to realize is that the sadness is so real and palpable because your dog was such a big part of your everyday life and routine. And once they are gone it disrupts that balance. So you need to give your heart time to cry and time to grieve. Lots and lots of hugs sent your way.

Also, don't know if this is something you'ld consider....we are big animal shelter rescue suckers. I know you can never replace the pet you lost and in your heart you may not even want another dog. But consider making a donation in your labs memory to a shelter in need. So many beautiful animals are euthanized everyday all over the country because of overcrowding. Even those with 'no kill' policies have their limits. Especially now, with all the devastation of Hurricaine Katrina, you might want to consider a donation to the Louisiana SPCA or PetCoCharities. What a great way to remember a dog you and your family loved so much by helping out another animal in a time of need.

Lots of love,

Kristie

 

[kmc33]

My heart goes out to you too. I don't think there is much more you could have done. Even if you had gone to a vet, they may have not been able to do much.

About 7 years ago, my mother's German shepherd suddenly wasn't himself and she thought he was sick. I went over and we took him to the vet. She did a couple tests (I can't remember what now) and I think she took an x-ray. She couldn't find anything abnormal, but thought he was having some minor intestinal trouble and gave us some medication.

He seemed a little better on the way home and actually walked into the house (where we had to carry him on the way to the vet). Then he laid down and within an hour was dead. It was devastating and I know the vet was really upset too.

So don't beat yourself up. There may not have been anything you could have done. I am sorry for your loss.

 

[beagle744]

So sorry for your loss. Big hugs to you and to the others who have lost their beloved pets. We lost our 9 yr old beagle 2 months ago after a short battle with an aggressive form of cancer. It truly is the loss of a family member.

 

[flexsmom]

I'm so sorry for your loss and I do understand your pain. Our 12-yr old chocolate passed away in June - I found Flex in the yard. DD6 insisted on seeing him, to "understand" what he would look like (and she held up very well, thinking he just looked asleep), and DS2 seems to understand now that Flex has gone away and he sleeping for a long time. It took a long time to stop thinking about filling the water dish or wondering if it was time to let him out/in, so give yourself some time. We are getting twins (2 girl chocolate puppies) in November and are all very excited, but no dog will ever replace Flex - my 'stepdog'!

 

[Bracho]

One of the hardest things to go through is the loss of a loved pet. I know that pain all to well..... but it sounds like you gave him a great home, a wonderful life and alot of love.

I wish you the very best.

 

[Patricia721]

I'm so sorry for your loss - our pets are truly part of our family and we love them as unconditionally as they love us. When we lost our beloved dog, Muffin, 6 years ago - a friend said to me "that lump in your throat will go away, but it will take time". It does get easier as time passes but I still miss her every single day. We have a Sheltie now named Maggie May - she's her own unique little personality. We love her dearly and she has her own place in our hearts.

You did all you could for him and he knew that you loved him. Take good care of yourself and your family as you work together through this sad time.

 

[idratherbeinwdw]

I understand exactly how you feel, losing a pet is losing a member of the family. I don't mean like losing a member of the family, as some might say, because I feel my animals are part of my family and I love them just as much. It's never easy to say goodbye to a loved one. I am so sorry for your loss.

 

[disneygemuk]

So sorry to hear about your loss. I am a dog lover and have a 10 yr old cavalier King charles spaniel - huge part of our family life and I can imagine how you're feeling. Like everyone else has pointed out - it seems like there's nothing you could have done - at least you know you gave him a wonderful home and life with your family. aw:

 

[jekjones1558]

I'm another dog-loss survivor sending sympathy in this time of great pain. It was a good idea to post here. Sometimes even close friends and family members do not understand that losing a beloved pet is devastating, especially since the loss is not always acknowledged as being as "worthy" as the loss of a human family member. Blessings to you. And, just in case you have not seen this lately, please read:

"Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.

When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge.
There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together.
There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.

All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by.
The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.

They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent; His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.

You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.

Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together...."

Author unknown...

 

[DisneyJen]

Marathonmommy we are sending you hugs on the loss of the member of your family

I don't care what others say ... our dogs were our first children. Our lab has been with us longer than our DD. Actually our DD still refers to him as her brother

Our beloved 12-year-olf chocolate lab, Hershey (such an original name) just went through another surgery yesterday to remove another tumor ... and we didn't have the heart to have it biopsied. He seems to be recovering well but I held my breath all day yesterday until I could bring him home.

Your story brought tears to my eyes. It will get easier