Time to say goodbye?

suki1964

I did say I wasn't going to return to this thread

Tomorrow morning my wee Alfie is going to the vet for the last time

We have kept going this past year because yes he would have the odd good day and take a charge around the garden

Truth is, he's totally blind and deaf, and is being pumped full of antibiotics and steroids to keep him comfortable - ears, eyes, skin problems


You know if the vet could come up with a plan that would stop his suffering I'd go for it, only they can't. We get maybe a weeks reprieve from what ever ailment, and he's back there, as bad if not worse

I met Alfie when he was four weeks old and we took him home when he was 8 weeks. I'm allergic to dogs, so time we drove him home I was looking like a lobster and scratching like I had fleas

He was so smart. Toilet trained within 4 weeks, walking on the lead as soon as he was allowed , the perfect pup

Then he hit his teens , omg, dog from hell. We got a dog trainer and worked and worked with him. Unfortunately he never could abide entire males and would attack

A few years on and we moved to the country. Fields galore to walk on for hours on end. Many a day I'd pack the back pack and we would find a field away from the cattle and sheep and spend the day just enjoying being outside

The grandchildren arrived and he was poked and prodded and tormented without a grumble. Yes I took care he was never left alone with small arms and legs waving around him. I trusted him, I couldn't trust kids and dog

Alfie was eight when we knew his joints were playing up. Nine when his eyes went the same way

For the past 3 years our lives have revolved around caring for him. Mornings it was wash his eyes and start the rounds of 3 lots of drops, 4 times a day. Then add the metacam for his joints, and then the thyroxine as his thyroid went. Then the constant ear infections, constant, a round robin of ear daily ear washes, ear drops and antibiotics. Along with his skin breaking down and the constant changes of foods to try find the holy grail of food that didn't flare him. Hence the high doses of cortisone

Slowly no matter what we did he got worse. I posted last year how he was getting deaf and going blind. He now totally blind and deaf. We manage by always being beside him as he moves around, using a hand on his side to direct him

However the past month or maybe more he's got worse. He no longer knows when he's been out or in. He can't work out where his food bowl is. He's distressed

He wakes around 3 in the morning not knowing where he is. We have even rescued him from the shower. I sit up with home most nights now keeping him calm and helping him find his way.

Whilst he looks for his walk, he makes it as far as the end of the drive now, usually in a lot of circles. 20 mins and we wouldn't do 5 yards. This boy would do 10 mile and want to play in his prime



So tomorrow morning we say goodbye to my darling lad

He's my wee darling boy and I'm so going to miss him.

He's up here on the sofa with me, and him being him, he's got his bum my direction . He's never been a cuddly boy, always standoffish but that's ok, I worked that out about him when he was a pup. All the same, the two times in my life ( with him) that I was bed bound, he never left my side


So I just want to say goodbye to my darling boy Alfie.

Loved you the day I met you and love you as much today. And it's the love I have for you that takes us to where we go tomorrow xxxxxxx

Froglet

Suki I feel your pain,have been through it twice with my beloved dogs and it never gets any easier but in your heart you know it's the right thing to do.


Keep these wonderful memories you have of Alfie and they will comfort you in the coming days and weeks.


I filled a multi photo frame of each of my dogs and they are on your wall each time you look up so although their physical presence is no more,their beauty and loyalty is captured for all time.


I wish you strength tomorrow.Allow yourself the time to grieve.Those of us who truly love our pets always choose to suffer their loss than watch them suffer while they cling to life .

Froglet

WHEN TOMORROW STARTS WITHOUT ME

When tomorrow starts without me,
And I'm not there to see;
The sun will rise and find your eyes
All filled with tears for me.
I wish so much you wouldn't cry
The way you did today,
Remembering how I'd lay my head
In your lap that special way.

I know how much you love me,
As much as I love you,
And each time that you think of me,
I know you'll miss me too.
But when tomorrow starts without me.
Please try to understand,
That an angel came and called my name
And petted me with her hand.

She said my place was ready,
In Heaven far above,
And that I'd have to leave behind
All those I dearly love.
But, as I turned to heel away,
A tear fell from my eye,
For all my life I never thought
That I would have to die.

I had so much to live for,
So many sits and downs to do,
It seemed almost impossible,
That I was leaving you.

I thought about our lives together,
I know you must be sad,
I thought of all the love we shared,
And all the fun we had.


Remember how I'd nudge your hand,
And poke you with my nose?
The frisbee I would gladly chase,
The bad guy, I'd "bark and hold".
If I could relive yesterday,
Just even for awhile,
I'd wag my tail and kiss you,
Just so I could see you smile.


But, then I fully realized,
That this could never be;
For emptiness and memories
Will take the place of me.
And when I thought of treats and toys,
I might miss come tomorrow,
I thought of you and when I did,
My dog-heart filled with sorrow.


But then I walked through Heaven's gate,
And felt so much at home;
As God looked down and smiled at me,
From His beautiful golden throne.
He said, "This is eternity,
And now we welcome you,
Today your life on earth is past,
But here it starts anew.


I promise no tomorrow,
But today will always last;
For you see, each days's the same day,
There's no longing for the past.
Now you have been so faithful,
So trusting, loyal and true;
Though there were times you did things,
You knew you shouldn't do.

But good dogs are forgiven,
And now at last you're free;
So won't you sit here by my side,
And wait right here with me?"
So when tomorrow starts without me,
Don't think we're far apart.
For every time you think of me,
I'm right there, in your heart.

gettingtheresometime

Ah Suki I'm so sorry to hear this & I'm sure it wasn't an easy decision to reach.

Will be thinking of you and be gentle to yourself

X

Pollycat

Thinking about you today, Suki. :grouphug:

bugslet

He's been a lucky dog to have so much love in his life.

I hope today goes as well as it can and he's now at peace.

Hugs to you

Bugs x

Mayflower10cat

I'm sending my loving thoughts and deep sympathy to you, your family and darling Alfie. May he have a gentle passing.

suki1964

He went peacefully, in my arms, snoring away with his tongue poking out

A wee sigh and huff and he passed


Hopefully he's running free as a bird, out of pain and confusion

Love the wee fella

I will miss him terribly


Thankyou all for your kind thoughts xxxxx

chris_n_tj

My tears are running for you all, its so bloody hard. xxxxx
God Bless Alfie xxxxxx

ripplyuk

Sending you hugs Suki. xx

What a lucky boy Alfie was, to have an owner like you.