Posted on 01/05/2022 10:09:28 AM PST by MountainWalker
We lost our dear dog, Sully, yesterday, and I'm absolutely heartbroken. He was our second recuse dog - the older one is strangely still alive and well. So, this was our first time going through the process. I expected it to be terrible, and it's worse than expected.
He was about 13 and getting pretty rickety, falling down a lot, had trouble going up and down stairs, had poor bladder and bowel control anymore and had some dementia - staring off into walls at times. But, he was still as sweet as he was the day that we decided to keep him after fostering him through the rescue organization that my wife has volunteered for.
He had cancer surgery right before Labor Day when he was starting to get a little wobbly and the surgeon estimated that we might have bought him another year or so. It was eye-wateringly expensive, but we did it anyway without a second thought.
His arthritis accelerated quickly, however. Toward the end of his life, his lower back would slouch down because his hind legs were too weak to hold him up, especially near the end of the day, and had trouble getting comfortable even laying down. We tried some pain killers, but that made him even more clumsy.
It makes no sense, but the sharpness of pain is as much as I remember feeling when we got my father's terminal illness diagnosis. Maybe time has only softened my memory of the pain compared to now, but it's definitely in the same ballpark. Watching a helpless creature whose life revolved around you and was by your side constantly pass away based upon your call is indescribably painful. He was sleeping wedged against me with his head on my pillow next to mine on Monday night and now he's gone.
Any prayers or suggestions for how to manage the pain are appreciated. Thanks, FRiends.
I can relate. The loss of a family pet is as bad as the loss of some of my family members. They are like family and they never stabbed you in the back or lied to you or stole from you.
I’ve lost more than my fair share fur babies. I always made sure they knew they were loved right to the last minute and will hold them tightly as the vet approaches, while whispering my love for them in their ears.
It sounds like your baby knew he was loved.
Ihave had dogs all my life and have lost many to old age. One we had to have put down this past summer.I have had some die from heart attack, others put down when they could no longer have quality of life. Also lost a wife in hospice who insisted on DNR.Have also lost Mother , Father and Brother. So it is the cycle of life and we will all experience it. Yes it is sad but before I ever let a pet suffer because of my selfishness, I will make that sad journey to the vet.
Sooo Sorry....
Our Doberman died in our arms...Was like loosing a kid...very traumatic :( So in the meantime we have another rescue mutt. a GSHP/lab mix...does the whole pointer thing. She was abused and still has issues with noise but trained as a service dog so she knows all her commands. She follows the lead dog like Velcro. We cringe with her as fireworks go off and the lightning crashes. She is under the impression she can dig her way through concrete but damn so we love her so.
It will pass and you never forget them but if possible I suggest a rescue. Its a win-win situation.
Sorry for your loss. It’s hard losing a beloved pet.
So sorry. It hurts, terribly. Months later they return
in your dreams and the fresh hurt begins again.
Time does heal, just not fast enough. Losing a good
friend is never easy.
We just lost ours a few days ago too. Had her about 12 years and she was 4 when we got her. RIP Mollie.
I’m sorry for your loss.
Have you heard of the poem, “Rainbow Bridge?”
5.56mm
Sorry for your huge loss. Been there a few times.
Fake it till you make it.
All dogs go to heaven. They are better than people. God gifts us dogs. You gave him a happy life, much happier than he likely uad before. He knew it.
Dogs seem to know when “it’s time.” They let uou know it’s ok to say goodbye now. But it’s the toughest thing I’ve ever had to go through.
Tip: get another one very soon. Like tomorrow. For real. There is another rescue waiting for you, hoping you will show up tomorrow. You’ll recognize each other.
Do it.
Another tip: Always have 2 dogs. It’s much easier when you must lose one. Then keep it going. Rescues are the only way. Nothing like the love they give. They just know.
Go get your new buddy. He/she is waiting for you.
FRegards.
So sorry for you...it is hard to lose a “family member”...hurt is finally waning after our loss 3+ years ago of our rescue doggie, Abby. Their unconditional love makes it so very hard.
Rainbow Bridge
“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....”
Humans don’t deserve dogs.
Be happy that you gave the dog a nice life...then get another so that it can too.
Rainbow Bridge
“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....”
The loss of a pet gets to me more than the loss of many humans.
They are innocent loving creatures.
Condolences.
I got close to my late father’s German Shepherd, and she died five years ago. I would say for two years I was sad to very sad. The first days and months it was a very sharp grief. The pain I felt reminded me of how I felt when I was a little boy and my grandfather died. I don’t mean it was the same as losing a person, but it was pretty bad. Still get teary-eyed thinking of her.
Been through it twice. Never easy. Some I know quickly get another dog others take a longer time. All the best in this difficult time.
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