missdependant Posted August 30, 2009 Share Posted August 30, 2009 I've had my dog since she was a baby (8 weeks old). When I got her, I didn't know pets could be such amazing friends. She is now 6 years old, and I found out she has kidney disease. She is young still, and I'd always figured she would have at least another 5 years left. Quite the downer, considering I'm supposed to be giving birth any time now. I'm probably going to have to put her down in the next couple of days, and I am so heartbroken. I don't remember a time in my life when I've ever been so sad and felt more helpless. She's been going to the vet for treatment, and some days she seems healthy, other days she seems completely miserable. Anyway, she is a great dog. I remember when I first brought her home, I remember moving to California with her and taking her to the dog beach almost every day, I remember cuddling up in bed with her during some rocky, emotional times.. It's been so comforting to have her get so excited when I'd get home from work or school or a long night out. She hasn't been herself the last week, and it's time to face the fact that I'll probably never have that again. Some of the best times in my life included her.. and now she's slipping away. I've been watching her suffer for the last week, hoping that some treatment might make her act like her old self again. But of course it isn't working. Which means she won't be my family dog, I won't be able to introduce her to the baby which is one of the things I was looking forward to most. Anyway, just had to vent.. I'm devastated to be losing my best friend. Link to post Share on other sites
Thaddeus Posted August 30, 2009 Share Posted August 30, 2009 I'm sorry to hear about your pooch. You're right, dogs can be amazing companions, and it's very difficult to watch your companion suffer. I've been through it too and I actually shed real, bitter tears when my dog died. I don't have any advice to offer, just wanted you to know that you're not alone in feeling this way about your dog. Link to post Share on other sites
anne1707 Posted August 30, 2009 Share Posted August 30, 2009 I'm really sorry to hear your news about your dog. I know how tough it is when you have to make that decision and whilst every part of you wants to keep her alive, you really have to think of what is best for her. Make the most of these next few days - it's your time to say goodbye. And whilst it will hurt and you will initially remember the pain of the final moments, in time all the good memories will start coming through and you will be able to smile again when you think of her. She will always be with you. Link to post Share on other sites
Author missdependant Posted September 1, 2009 Author Share Posted September 1, 2009 Thanks for the kind words.. I guess I'm just trying to get used to the idea. I'm so used to having her around. She's so sweet. I truly would consider her a best friend. I'm due to have a baby in a couple weeks. I guess the hormones might be making things a little more difficult, too. Link to post Share on other sites
icyness Posted September 1, 2009 Share Posted September 1, 2009 *bighugs* to you sweetheart. I'm so sorry. Link to post Share on other sites
JamesM Posted September 1, 2009 Share Posted September 1, 2009 I am sorry to hear this. I truly understand your pain. Three years and a half years ago, we too lost our dog to kidney failure at the age of seven years and one week exactly. Her grave sits in our back yard and I can see it every day. We got her as a puppy so the children (or as my wife would say..so I) could have a dog. She had been with us since our oldest was two years old, and she was with us until our last (of four) was four years old. She literally "babysat" all of them as they played in the house and outside. My wife often said that when the dog was outside with the boys she knew no one would touch them. We have pictures of her sitting by one of our boys as he is attached to a monitor for breathing. She would sit and watch him while he slept. She seemed to know that something could go wrong, and she would let us know if it did. (I doubt she trusted that monitor thing.) While she was never good with strangers, and could even be rough with me, she NEVER was rough with any child no matter what they did. The things they got away with...and they were really good with her...she would not tolerate from anyone else. I have pictures that show her under a pile of blankets with her head showing...as a boy lay sleeping on her. One of those times, I called her name and said something to her. All she did was wag her tail and looked at me without moving a muscle as if to say, "Love ya, but I am busy right now." There are many memories that we have of her. I think the only reason my wife allowed her to stay was because she was so good with the children. She definitely had her faults but as a dog for the children, she was great. I don't want this to be about my dog, but I relate that story as a way to show I understand but also to offer some hope for the future. I do not want to diminish the pain or the loss of your dog. Time will heal some pain and leave memories as I have. A little while after her death, we found a young nine month old female dog and added her to our busy house. And maybe as I have found out, you will find that another dog can add to those memories. As I sit here three and a half years later, I watch our new family dog. She is not as the other one, and in some ways (such as being a good watchdog for the children) is not as good, yet in other ways she adds much more. Now the children have her as the dog they will remember from their childhood, I think. But I doubt that they will forget their first. It is a tough time you are going through. And as I type this, the pain that I felt then is actually causing me to tear up again. I too wish that our last dog could have continued raising our children. She would have been a part of so many other memories. I also expected her to be around for at least another five to six years, but it was not to be. I understand what is ahead, but try to enjoy every moment with her that you can. She was your friend and she made your life more enjoyable when you needed her. And you still have her. Take the time to appreciate her every moment you can. Hugs to you. I feel for you. Link to post Share on other sites
Author missdependant Posted September 2, 2009 Author Share Posted September 2, 2009 No worries, James.. it helps to hear other people's stories. I love hearing people's stories of their dogs and other pets. I have a lot of pictures of her.. some of the pictures are just some portraits of her, the others are pictures from the last 6 years where she's included in the pictures or seems to be in the background of a lot of them. Because she's always around. She's at the vet again right now, I'm letting them do everything they can. I don't even care about the cost anymore. They haven't used the "E" word yet, and I'm hoping they don't have to. I worry about her constantly when she's at the vet, just think of how scared she probably is and how confusing.. Hopefully we'll get luck with news today. Link to post Share on other sites
junglejim Posted September 9, 2009 Share Posted September 9, 2009 I'm sorry Miss'd and I can only tell you that whatever you feel or how you decide to get over it, it will be the right way. I do rescue work for a number of dog based charities and help groups. Predominantly, I work with fear and dominant dogs to see if they can be re-homed. I temporarily adopt the dog, try to help retrain the behavior, increase confidence etc. but if I am unsuccessful, I have to put them down (so the rescue groups can claim to be non-kill shelters). In order to do what I do, I have to build a strong relationship with the dog so putting them down is always an issue. The point of me telling you this is to say that I focus on what was good for the dog in the time they were alive, how their last months were full of attention, patience and guidance (and good treats!) and that whatever may have happened to them in the past, when they left me, they were feeling good and content. Sometimes the pain we feel can be lessened by thinking about the fact that our best friend had an awesome time, was loved from birth till the end and knew no sorrow. I have no doubt your dog is loved and she is probably far more ready to move on than you are. She will always be unique and special. You will find they are all special and they are all different. As James found, sometimes a new addition can help. You don't forget your loss with a new arrival, but you can redirect your feelings and love to the new adventurer in the home. Link to post Share on other sites
looking4 green grass Posted September 10, 2009 Share Posted September 10, 2009 (((HUGS))) My dog is almost 6 and she has been there through everything. A marriage, a divorce, a couple of cross country moves, and an international move. Dogs can truly be best friends (obviously since my dog is still excited to see me after all the craziness our life has been.) I can imagine how hard this must be for you! Lots of hugs from me and my dog your way! Link to post Share on other sites
Angel1111 Posted September 10, 2009 Share Posted September 10, 2009 Aww...I'm so sorry to hear about your doggie. Don't ever forget that you have also been a treasure in her life and you've given her a beautiful, happy life. You'll live in each other's hearts forever. Hugs. Link to post Share on other sites
vintagecat Posted September 14, 2009 Share Posted September 14, 2009 I'm so sorry to hear about your dog's illness. We lost our 9 year old dog to cancer last week and it is as painful as losing a dear friend. Best of luck to you in this stressful time. Cat Link to post Share on other sites
Author missdependant Posted September 16, 2009 Author Share Posted September 16, 2009 She was a great, great dog. Loved the dog park, loved having company over.. Our vet is amazing, did all she could and didn't even charge us for the last visit. I talked to her yesterday, and she said there wasn't much left to be done. The dog is going in today to be put to rest, if she makes it until her appointment. I'm trying to give her some time alone, since I know they generally try and make a break for some peaceful time by their selves. It's hard to resist checking on her every second I can.. slept on the floor with her last night. Preparing to miss her. :-( Thank you for the condolences. RIP Phoebe-Babe. Link to post Share on other sites
Thaddeus Posted September 16, 2009 Share Posted September 16, 2009 I'm so sorry for your loss, missdependant. Link to post Share on other sites
curiousnycgirl Posted September 16, 2009 Share Posted September 16, 2009 I am so very sorry for your loss. I lost my dog August 18th - and not a day has gone by that I haven't cried aobut it. They are so very special to us, contribute so much to our lives while asking for so little. My heart goes out to you during this very difficult time. I am also very happy for you that you have the upcoming birth of your baby to look forward to. It won't take your dogs place, or make the hurt go away - but it is still something so wonderful for you. I hope your Phoebe and my Voodoo find eachother and are up there playing their little hearts out. Link to post Share on other sites
sb129 Posted September 16, 2009 Share Posted September 16, 2009 So sorry to hear about your dog MissD- I think it would be tough even if you weren't pregnant. As NYCgirl says- even though your baby won't take your dogs place, it is something wonderful to look forward to. We got a little puppy about 6 weeks ago so our baby and the puppy can grow up together- they become part of your life so quickly.. hugs to you. Link to post Share on other sites
t0ri Posted September 17, 2009 Share Posted September 17, 2009 Aw, very sorry to hear that Link to post Share on other sites
Soul-Searcher Posted September 17, 2009 Share Posted September 17, 2009 Sorry about your loss. *hugs* Link to post Share on other sites
JamesM Posted September 17, 2009 Share Posted September 17, 2009 Sorry about your loss. I understand completely. We did not have to make the decision to put our dog down as she died at home in our arms, but the feelings of losing what can only be described as a family member, is very difficult. Link to post Share on other sites
shunter Posted September 17, 2009 Share Posted September 17, 2009 Very sad.. and painful. I have had the pleasure of growing up with dogs and havings dogs now as pets. I dont like to say you get used to it, but you accept it as reality. There may be a time in your future where you will get another dog (or two) as a pet and you will potentially love them as much or more. I think what we miss the most is the affection these little creatures can give us. Link to post Share on other sites
2sure Posted September 17, 2009 Share Posted September 17, 2009 I am very sorry for your loss. Losing a four legged companion is so difficult, they are with us such a relatively short time, some people say: I cant go through that again. But the time with them, even though we know it will be shorter than we want ...is SO worth it. Link to post Share on other sites
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