We have just lost our 14yr old lab

red_arrow_2

Well, its now 3 days on from Maddies death, & I still can`t believe shes gone- I still expect her to be in her favourite place, follow me when I get up, etc, etc. It`s helped that we have a 2 year old rescue labrador, who still needs to be fed & walked, but even now, I don`t feel like facing anyone, apart from my own family- the problem was, because of her early terrible ill treatment, she was very frightened of some people, particularly men, despite being a good sized dog- she was very much mine. I have been thinking of the OP, & wondering how things have been going for her, & just wanted to say how very much I have appreciated everyones kind comments- she was a part of our family, not `just a dog`.Please treasure all the time you get with your much loved animals, their time here is all too short xx

katy-lou

We lost our 14 year old collie cross a couple of years ago and the memory of her last minutes still brings me to tears.

I'm sorry for your losses xx

ajaney

Big Hugs to Missstropy, Red Arrow & all who have lost pets.

It's the thing I absolutely dread - we have a black lab called Cleo who is coming up 4 years old. Its my first dog & i didn't want a dog at first, it was my OH who got her at 12 weeks. I said 'no way is she coming in the house, she will live in kennel' Of course, she is the best dog in the world who often comes on my bed in the morning for a cuddle. I cannot imagine my life without her so I understand exactly what you mean when you describe your loss.

You might like to read the eulogy John Grogan wrote about his lab Marley - the subject of the film 'Marley & me'. Be warned, everytime I read it, I am crying my eyes out but it is like a reminder to think about all the good times which you have had.
http://br.geocities.com/anton_tijolinho/english/texts/farewell/

Missstropy, you gave her a loving home - she couldn't have asked or wanted for any more x

Quinny_2

Ajaney's word are oohhhhhh so true.

When our rabbit Snowy died,I said that we would never have another pet in this house,no way,no how,as it was too much hassle to look after,but when our eldest daughter arrived with Stella,she just melted my heart,and she's been here ever since.

She is such a pampered pooch,that you would never believe it.She sleeps on our bed,follows us like a lost lamb,and adores her walks.And for those that know it,we've just come back from Pontefract racecourse,where we walked around the inner circuit,and she absolutely loved it.

I now couldn't face life without her,even after only 7 months,and I miss her when I'm at work.In fact,I'm off to Scotland at 02.00,and don't get back until Saturday,and am missing her already,and I haven't even gone yet!!!!!!

What has made me realise,is that there are some dedicated owners on this forum,who give their all for their pets,despite the supposed credit crunch,and I'm sure that Missstropy and Red Arrow are no exception.

Juan_Karder

missstropy wrote: »

Our 14 yr old lab had to be rushed to the vets last night. Her heart had given up, and the vet said without even checking anything that is was time to let her go._pale_

I'm so sorry, try and remember all the good things she gave you and brought into your lives.

Pets eh? Who'd have 'em, they ALWAYS end up breaking your heart

hethmar

Yes, its totally devastating when you lose one, but think of all those years when they are making your life a joy and you are doing the same for them.

Id never buy a puppy from a breeder as I wouldnt want to encourage the practice, but if you take on a rescue you are saving a life and making your own life fuller and happier. We cant think of those last bad days - remember the thousands of good ones. And when you feel able, think about giving that love to one of the thousands of desperate little souls waiting for their own home and your love.
xxx

red_arrow_2

The main thing that I have been reminded of by my OH (who was desperately upset himself), is that we rescued Maddie in a horrific state, from Madeira- cost us a fortune, with quarantine, etc, etc, & we went without a holiday the following couple of years. She was always difficult to feed, as she suffered from reflux, so finding something she would eat, particularly in the past few years, was always a challenge. I think when she did stop eating, a few days ago,we were just so shocked how fast she deteriorated- a week ago, she came for a walk, yet 3 days later, had to be put to sleep. I just hope, that as the days pass, I can think more of the good times that we had with her, over the past 12 years- she was a fab girl! We never did establish what breed she was- a mixture of several, I think, but she was quite a large dog, with a lovely golden coat- RIP, sweet girl. Thanks to all for putting up with me, & being so understanding.

Loz01

We had to have our 14 year old golden retriever put to sleep this time last year I was absolutely devastated, crying for hours and hours afterwards, we got her when I just 6. Bloody pets I want a new puppy now but Im actually considering not doing it, dont wanna go through the pain again in 14 yrs time!

black_paw

By the edge of a wood at the foot of the hill, Is a lush green meadow where time stands still, Where friends of a man and woman do run, when their time on earth is over and done, For here between this world and the next , Is a place where each beloved creature find's rest ! On this golden land they wait and play till Rainbow Bridge they cross over one day. No more do they suffer in pain or sadness for here they are whole, their lives filled with gladness!!!! Their limbs are restored their health renewed their bodies have healed strength imbued !!!! They run through the grass without even a care, until one day they Stop and sniff the air !!! All ears pricked forward, eyes dart side to side, Then all of a sudden one breaks from the pack ! For just that instant their eyes have met Together again person and pet, So they run to each other these friends from long past, The time of their parting is over at last !! The sadness they felt while they were apart has turned into Joy once more in each heart, They embrace with a love that will last forever and side by side they cross over together !!

the version i have . many pets waiting for me there . sniff sniff sniff

quietheart

Really feel for you.
It's over 4 years since we had our lurcher put to sleep, it still makes my eyes fill up to think of her. I never ever believed I could feel so much grief for an animal. It's so tough because you can't go on about it, people don't understand and expect you to move on so quickly.
Our house was silent without her, her presence was huge in every way. It's only now that we are considering replacing her.
Allow yourself to be upset with the knowledge it will get easier in time. I got all our photos of her together and made up an album. So tough.