| Mr.Jingles 14.10.2008 09:23 |
Last night was one of the most painful nights of my life as I visited my in-laws who called my wife and I to tell us that their Golden Retriever is very sick and we might lose her at any moment. It was absolutely heartbreaking to see the dog that was always happy to see us and greeting cheerfully, now laying down while her body seems to be shutting down, unwilling to eat, barely drinking, and just basically agonizing by the minute. I shed tears when I think how last night she was breathing heavily and thinking that each breath could be her last. This morning they are taking her to the vet in hopes that there's a slim chance that she will recover, however we feel that the most likely scenario is that we'll have to put her to sleep. Our concern now is how her sister will be dealing with the loss, since they've been together for 12 years now since they were puppies. I'm sure some of you pet lovers have had to deal with situations like this. |
| Ms. Rebel 14.10.2008 10:39 |
It's very hard to deal with it. My dog died last month, she was 15 years old. I cried for days... I feel like crying whenever I think of her, I really miss her a lot.. =( |
| Erin 14.10.2008 10:55 |
A couple of years ago, we had to put my German shepherd, Emma, to sleep. She was 14, and by the time we went through with it, she couldn't even walk. Her back legs were paralyzed, so I had to carry her back end for her to go outside and use the bathroom. I used to wonder if we waited too long, but it's such a painful decision to make having a dog euthanized. I'm not gonna lie. It felt just as bad as losing a person to me. I couldn't even go to the vet when she was being put down. I was affraid I would make a fool out of myself. My sister and Pieter took her. About dealing with the loss...one thing that I think helped me was making a list of all the crazy, funny things she used to do. :-) I had wanted to get a photo book made with just pictures of Emma or maybe just do a photo album. I still haven't done it, yet, but I think that is something that might help with the loss. |
| Mr.Jingles 14.10.2008 11:09 |
Thank you Erin (...and Beata too!) Erin, our beloved Chatham has had the same problem that Emma had. She's been weakening on her back legs for the past few months, so much to the point that for the past week she need to be carried inside and outside the house when we bring her in the backyard. Last night she made attempts to get up and walk, but she just couldn't do it. It was heartbreaking. My wife Katie cried so much that she got nauseous and ended up throwing up. She's a lot more sensitive than I am, and it adds to my pain to see her cry so much. |
| Ms. Rebel 14.10.2008 11:20 |
My dog had exactly the same problem as your Erin. It was a very hard decision but at least she stopped suffering. My mom and dad called the vet to check her condition, he said that he can't do anything except put her alseep. It really is like losing a person. We got her when I was 4 years old, she became part of the family... in a way. We buried her in the backyard and she has grave like little person with flowers and everything. Whenever I look at it I start crying.. because, few weeks before we had put her alseep she seemed like she's doing better but all of the sudden it got worse than ever... |
| Janet 14.10.2008 11:42 |
Oh dear, Jingles...I'm so very sorry to hear about this, I know how difficult it is for your in-laws and for you and your wife as well. (And my condolences to you too, Erin and Beata.) It truly is like losing a precious family member. I've gone through it many times through the years, having as many pets as I do. And it never gets any easier. And soon Dan and I will have to face it again. Our beloved 12 year old Border Collie, Clover was recently diagnosed with a very aggressive cancer. The vet said she has a couple of months at most, perhaps even weeks. For now she seems comfortable enough, eating, etc. But if she begins to deteriorate we will end her suffering. She has been a wonderful friend to us, and in the end I want to be a good friend to her. I owe her that much. Here is a poem that I have kept for many many years, that my mom gave to me when I lost my first dog. It gave me comfort, and I hope it gives some comfort to you who are facing (or have faced) this difficult part of loving a dog. "I explained to St. Peter, I'd rather stay here, Outside the pearly gate. I won't be a nuisance, I won't even bark, I'll be very patient and wait. I'll be there chewing on a celestial bone, No matter how long you may be. I'd miss you so much if I went in alone, It wouldn't be heaven for me." |
| Mr.Jingles 14.10.2008 11:53 |
That's a beautiful poem Janet, and thanks for the kind words. One thing I've learned from dogs is that no matter what kind of mood you are on, or what kind of attitude you have, they always welcome you with their tail wagging. While other humans see us as imperfect beings with defects, dogs see us as a companion that they are always ready to share time with. |
| Ms. Rebel 14.10.2008 12:27 |
^Exactly... That poem was very beautiful and touching Janet. Hang in there Mr. Jingles, I know how hard it is... |
| Rick 14.10.2008 12:34 |
Keep your chin up, Mr. Jingles. I really hope you can cope with the situation. |
| ***Marial-B*** 14.10.2008 13:39 |
Danny, I'm so sorry to hear this :(. The closest thing I had of that was when I had to give away my parrots 'cuz my sister was allergic. Just think of the good moments with her, that can help a bit :) |
| Mr.Jingles 14.10.2008 13:41 |
***Marial-B*** wrote: Danny, I'm so sorry to hear this :(. The closest thing I had of that was when I had to give away my parrots 'cuz my sister was allergic. Just think of the good moments with her, that can help a bit :) If that was up to me, I'd send away my sister and keep the parrots. |
| The Mir@cle 14.10.2008 14:16 |
Dogs are the most beatiful animals on earth... they give you just as much love as you give them. They get a part of the family. They're lovely. The bad thing of dogs is that they live for less than 15 years. And almost all dogs die the way you describe. It's really hard to see and handle. We had a dog which had the same symptons. At the moment we wanted to bring him to the vet, he died at our house... in my mothers arms. So thank God we didn't need to take the decision to put him to sleep... which in a decesion you almost can't take. Be strong Danny. Support your girlfriend and like the others say... think of all the good times you all had together. |
| john bodega 14.10.2008 14:30 |
Do not think me cold for making this a short reply, as I know just how this all feels - but if things go bad, they should go and buy another pet. The sooner the better. I learned this from James Herriot and it really is the only way to move on. You relive old joys from past pets when you raise another one, it is the best thing to do. |
| Janet 14.10.2008 14:46 |
I agree with Zebonka completely. The very best way to honor a cherished pet that is no longer with you, is to give a wonderful home to another one. It helps to fill the void left, and just think of the great life you will be giving to another animal. :-) |
| wstüssyb 14.10.2008 15:01 |
It always sucks putting a pet down, they don't understand the concept of death, which is heartbreaking. It sucked when I had to put my cat down, petting her while they put her to sleep. I dunno about getting a new pet right away, now if if you mean...say get a new wife asap after the 1st ones leaves, yea that makes sence, but pet, I dunno. |
| Mr.Jingles 14.10.2008 15:11 |
Zebonka12 wrote: Do not think me cold for making this a short reply, as I know just how this all feels - but if things go bad, they should go and buy another pet. The sooner the better. I learned this from James Herriot and it really is the only way to move on. You relive old joys from past pets when you raise another one, it is the best thing to do. I know where you are getting at Zebonka, and I agree that getting another pet is by no means a "replacement", but rather giving the opportunity to give love, care, and companionship to another pet. My in-laws have made the decision to not get anymore pets. Their other Golden Retriever, Mystic is still healthy as can be. She has some lumps due to aging, but nothing cancerous. Our question now is how is Mystic going to deal with not having her sister around anymore. I hope that by the time Mystic will be gone (hopefully not soon), I'm able to afford a place where I can have dogs. At this moment in my life it's hard for me to live without having dogs around. |
| Micrówave 14.10.2008 16:37 |
I've had to put down two border collies, and know that in a few years, I'll probably have to do the same with Mickey, hopefully. When I say hopefully, I hope you understand that the fact you had to do this means you got many years of love from the good puppy dog. I'd be very messed up if my dog got hit by a car, tortured by punk kids, or stolen. The first time I carried Freckles to the table and held her head as the shot was adminstered, I was 12. I remember it like yesterday. That was hard, but also very gratifying knowing my best friend wasn't hurting anymore. We got our 2nd border collie, Peanuts, 2 weeks later. She would use some of Freckles toys and such, but others she wouldn't... like her dog house. While I'm pretty sure Border Collies are the smartest dogs in the world, I think Peanuts felt the void in our family and insisted on a new dog house, almost out of respect for a fallen family member. If other dogs went near it, she chased them off!! I've got things all around the house from my former dogs: Their tags, a tennis ball, lots of photos, a frisbee, etc. You'll never forget him, but remember you did him a service that takes an awful lot to go through, emotionally. But it is the right decision. Best wishes. |
| iron eagle 14.10.2008 16:59 |
i lost fancyface in march- 18+yrs that cat and i ran around and experienced life together-she watched out for me and i watched out for her. it still hurts.. there some zoners that can attest how attached i was to her and her to me, as they saw with their own eyes. she wasnt just a pet she was a trusted and loved member of the family and she loved me unconditionally...her toys are still all around us, heck the cabinet is still full of her food about the only thing i could get rid of is the litter boxes--but truth be told Ray did that cause he knew i would take my little ole time i have thought about getting another cat and i find myself unable to do so yet. i hope your sister in law and in laws will be ok--- i will keep them in my thoughts |
| @ndy38 14.10.2008 17:34 |
Hope you're ok man, must be a tough thing to deal with. |
| Crazy LittleThing 14.10.2008 17:35 |
iron eagle wrote: i lost fancyface in march- 18+yrs that cat and i ran around and experienced life together-she watched out for me and i watched out for her. it still hurts.. there some zoners that can attest how attached i was to her and her to me, as they saw with their own eyes. she wasnt just a pet she was a trusted and loved member of the family and she loved me unconditionally...her toys are still all around us, heck the cabinet is still full of her food about the only thing i could get rid of is the litter boxes--but truth be told Ray did that cause he knew i would take my little ole time i have thought about getting another cat and i find myself unable to do so yet. i hope your sister in law and in laws will be ok--- i will keep them in my thoughts ie: I love ya, you big lug! Xs and Os, Your Publicist ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Jingles: I'm sorry that you and your family are going through this. It's never easy, so I'm sending all kinds of good vibes your way and their way. I lost my cocker spaniel, Ridley, in 2006. I'm still not over it, and I'm not the type to NOT get over something like that, if that makes any sense. He was with me for 14 years. Ridley had been picked up by the local animal control people who found him living on the street, eating whatever he could find. They had no history on him and didn't have a name as he had no collar or tags when they got him. He was on death row at the shelter, within two days of being put to sleep when I got him. To this day I can't believe that someone abandoned such a great dog. Even if he had run away from home, no one contacted the animal shelter to get him back. I just hope they know he ended up in a good home where he was loved and received good care. If anyone is thinking about getting a dog or a cat, your local animal shelter or breed rescue is a good place to start. |
| its_a_hard_life 26994 14.10.2008 18:01 |
Hang in there, buddy. :) |
| iron eagle 14.10.2008 20:45 |
you rock pulicist you were a great help to me...i hope i did just as well for you as you did for me |
| Mr.Jingles 14.10.2008 22:41 |
No first page? |
| Mr.Jingles 15.10.2008 07:18 |
Just to keep everyone updated, we had to put our beloved Chatham to sleep yesterday. The vet checked her out, and her diagnosis wasn't good. She wasn't eating, drinking, she wasn't able to walk or stand up for long, and she was vomiting. My wife Katie was feeling guilty that she couldn't be there at the vet as she was being put to sleep. Katie did one request to her mom, and that was to tell Chatham. "Katie loves you!", and those were pretty much the last words she ever heard. Last night Katie and I were inconsolably crying, as we were looking at pictures of Chatham, and we held a chunk of her fur that we cut before we said our goodbye to her.[img=link WE WILL ALWAYS MISS HER AND KEEP HER IN OUR THOUGHTS. |
| The Mir@cle 15.10.2008 07:40 |
I'm sorry Danny. :( Take care and save the good memories!! |
| AspiringPhilosophe 15.10.2008 08:59 |
Danny, I know I haven't been on much lately (busy with the new job and what not), but I'm so sorry to hear about the loss of Chatham. I could tell you that your family did the right thing by putting her down, putting an end to her suffering and what not, but I think that you know that already. I know exactly how you feel though. When my cat Boots died last year I was nearly inconsolable, and I stayed angry for a long time because had my financial situation been better I could have helped her more. I cried the whole drive home, with Boots laying in the passenger seat of my car, so that I could bury her at home because I couldn't bury her anywhere in Mt Pleasant. And as upset as I was, as soon as my parents saw me, they both started crying; seeing my father cry because I was so upset very nearly broke my heart, and of course set me off on another round of tears. You and Katie will be just fine, in time. Just allow yourself time to mourn. Her suffering is over, and that's the important thing. *Hugs* |
| Ms. Rebel 15.10.2008 10:01 |
I'm so sorry............................. =( |
| Erin 15.10.2008 10:34 |
I'm sorry, Danny. It will get better with time, trust me. Just remember the good times you had with Chatham, and that will pull you through. |
| madeinheaven! 42122 15.10.2008 12:19 |
I'm so sorry. |
| Mr.Jingles 15.10.2008 12:31 |
Thank you everyone for the kind words. Indeed losing a pet is like losing a member of the family, considering that many times we wouldn't cry over a relative, but we would for sure cry over a pet. I know it's a matter of time until we let the wounds heal, and eventually I'll keep the good memories in mind with joy rather than sadness. |
| Winter Land Man 15.10.2008 12:37 |
I hope you feel better Dan. My prayers are with you, your wife, and in laws, and your family as well. |
| Lady Nyx 15.10.2008 13:42 |
so sorry to hear that dan :( it has been a difficult year for pets this year, so it seems. a couple of my friends lost their beloved pets this year, and ive been there for them when they weer inconsolable about their loss. i cant imagine losing one of my little ones, but i know the day will come someday. and i will be a huge wreck. my biggest fear is my cat simi (will be 16 on halloween) will die while im abroad. she has lost her buddy (mom moved- and siamese cats get very attatched to one person) this year, lost my sister years ago (she was my sisters cat) and now i would be leaving her. she doesnt know when im coming back or if im coming back at all. i fear she will be heartbroken. mistey would be too, since i have always been her buddy, and shes my baby. if simi goes (mistey has known simi her whole life) she will be a mess, and im worried i would lose her too as a result of heartbreak. my cats have dealt with a lot in the past year, and i dont know howm uch more they can take with all this confusion. they will be in good hands while im gone, my dad has taken to simi (hes known simi as long as i have, mistey was an addition when i lived at my moms) and i know he will take care of them. i just hope they know that i will be there for them when i come back. they are in good health, for their ages, but i still worry... anyway, sorry to rant like this, again, i wish there was somethign i could say to help the pain go away. i wish you the best. |
| MercuryArts 15.10.2008 16:03 |
I'm very sorry to hear that you & your family are going through that. My mom had to put her dog down about 5 weeks ago. He has a sister living w/ them as well. She has been very melancholy since then. Jamie had a very tumultuous life, albeit a happy one. He was born blind. He & his sister Lilly, who was born perfectly healthy were rescued by my mother back in 2001. The two of them have been spoiled ever since. Jamie also developed epilepsy a few years ago & would have violent sezures now & then. Latey, he was having more & more problems including bladder & kidney failure. Finally a tumor was discovered & he deteriorated quickly. An operation was performed & things seemed to get better. But then there was another blockage & he wasn't able to endure another surgery. He was in a great deal of pain & a decision had to be made. It was very sad to say the least. We went & bought a heavy duty locker box & lined it w/ blankets. We wrapped him in his favorite comforter & toys & berried him out in the field on my mothers farm. He is there w/ her cat, Sweet Pea, and another dog, an Irish Wolfhound, Jack. His was a much sadder story especially for me, so I will refrain from rehashing that nightmare. I hope everyone in your family begins to move forward & doesn't grieve for very long. Iknow its easier said than done. |
| ***Marial-B*** 15.10.2008 16:05 |
I'm sorry Dan, that's too bad to hear and thinking about it makes me think of Twister a lot. The love a pet gives you makes you love them so much as a family member. Just keep the good thoughts with you, and my condolences to you, katie and your inlaws |
| Janet 15.10.2008 18:13 |
Aw, I'm so sorry Dan. Try to remember the good times. |
| magicalfreddiemercury 16.10.2008 09:23 |
I am so sorry to hear about this. As someone who unexpectedly lost two pets within months of each other, I more than understand the inconsolable tears and pain you mention. The emptiness will linger for a long while but knowing there would be no cure or relief for this precious pup will eventually bring you some peace with the outcome. It was the same for my two. One, only 9, had lymphoma and truly suffered while I remained in denial. He's at peace now, no longer confused or in pain. The other, 13 and healthy all her life, had minor surgery but died from kidney failure due to the anesthesia. Guilt still twists my heart. I don't know if this will help you or anyone else in your family who is feeling the pain of loss, but after the loss of my two, my daughter and I started volunteering at a local animal shelter. We've been there for a year and a half now. While it will never change what happened or truly erase the pain, it certainly helps to know we're doing something positive for animals less fortunate than the ones who shared our home. My thoughts are with you but I'm glad to hear you already hoping to look back at happy times and allow those to fill your heart. |
| Lisser 16.10.2008 10:39 |
magicalfreddiemercury wrote:
I am so sorry to hear about this. As someone who unexpectedly lost two pets within months of each other, I more than understand the inconsolable tears and pain you mention. The emptiness will linger for a long while but knowing there would be no cure or relief for this precious pup will eventually bring you some peace with the outcome. It was the same for my two. One, only 9, had lymphoma and truly suffered while I remained in denial. He's at peace now, no longer confused or in pain. The other, 13 and healthy all her life, had minor surgery but died from kidney failure due to the anesthesia. Guilt still twists my heart.
I don't know if this will help you or anyone else in your family who is feeling the pain of loss, but after the loss of my two, my daughter and I started volunteering at a local animal shelter. We've been there for a year and a half now. While it will never change what happened or truly erase the pain, it certainly helps to know we're doing something positive for animals less fortunate than the ones who shared our home.
My thoughts are with you but I'm glad to hear you already hoping to look back at happy times and allow those to fill your heart.
My reply button is gone from my screen, has been for a few days so I've got to quote someone to reply... Anyway, Dan I'm so sorry for your loss. I know how much I enjoy talking about our pets with especially you and Janet. It's never an easy thing and sometimes I wonder if I should ever even have my furkids bc the loss is so hard, but the joy they bring you is worth it. You loved her and gave her a wonderful life. She will be watching over both of you. I'll be thinking of you during this difficult time. :) |
| madeinheaven! 42122 18.10.2008 03:28 |
I know how hard it is to loose a pet. When I was 8 we moved to Germany and I had to leave my rabbit, Clover, behind. I never saw him again and now he's dead. I really feel sorry for you. |
