And then there was one

Fosterdog

We lost my old boy last night

Although he has had arthritis in hips, knees, elbows and spine plus hip and elbow dysplasia we had been managing his pain for the last few years, he hasn't been able to do much more than hobble about for a while. We fully expected to have him PTS when the time came that he was loosing quality of life, he was originally a foster from a serious abuse case and once bonded we couldn't let him go so we adopted him. He was around 12-13 years old but we have only had him for a little over 5 years.

It's been a shock to the system because I got home from work yesterday to find him not himself at all, almost like he was spaced out and just not with it, he turned down food which is unheard of. I was thinking along the lines of a stroke or possibly coming around from a siezure but because I wasn't at home I couldn't be sure. Off to the vet we went, not easy with 43kg of dog who can't hold himself up, I expected them to just let him go peacefully but instead the vet thought he appeared to be more in pain than anything neurological so gave him morphine and sent him home with some other painkillers to try for a few days and to take him back on Friday to re-evaluate his current pain meds. Unfortunately either it was neurological or he had a reaction to the morphine because he slipped away around 9pm last night.

I am devastated, we moved him to another room for the night until we could bury him today and first thing this morning my young girl went up to him and kept trying to nudge him awake before curling up next to him and grooming his face. It was heartbreaking to watch.

I really am at a loss with what to do with myself now, the house feels empty without him and it's only been a year since we lost our old girl and losing him has just come too soon.

There was no other point to the post other than to get it off my chest. Rest in peace my big beautiful boy, you have left a big hole in my heart

Edited: This was meant for the pet board but I obviously put it in the wrong place, sorry

katglasgow

Big hugs to you. It sounds like you made a massive difference to his life and made him a very happy boy in his later years what a lovely thing to have done x

Diary

Heart breaking news, I'm so sorry. He was a lucky big guy to have you. All my best to you all.

Primrose

Well of course our pets are loved as much as our other family members. They have a special place in our hearts because we have to use other means to communicate with them so that in itself makes for unique relationships.
All at can say, having been down this route, is to go with your grief. If his death has made you sensitive to the benefits of life and the inevitability of mortality, that too is a gift in its own way and made you more of a feeling human being. His time had come. You cared for him as best you could at the end. Nobody can do more than that.

Art_Deco

So sorry for your loss , its always hard losing a loved pet ,try to take comfort in the knowledge that you gave him so much love for his final few years and he will be out of pain now, time is a great healer, soon you will be able to think of him and smile not cry.

Pollycat

Think of the good times. :grouphug:

Gigervamp

Yeah, been there too, a couple of times over the last 2ish years. It's heartbreaking.

You gave him a loving, safe home. Let the tears flow, and eventually, you'll be able to smile when you remember him.

(((hugs)))

Skintmama

So sorry, it is a heartbreaking time and one where we don't usually get much notice, or time, in which to adapt to our dog's sudden decline in health. My dog is elderly so I am very touched by your situation. Take care of yourself.

London50

So sorry for your loss, they start off as pets but soon become a family member and the end is a hard thing for anyone to handle.
As others have said remember the good times and know that you and yours gave him a loving life and he will always be in your thoughts.

Red-Squirrel_2

So sorry for your loss, he was clearly a huge part of the family and how fantastic that he got his second chance with you.

Fantastic too, in a way, that he got to slip away gently, in his own home, with his loved family close by, free of pain. I hope that can provide some small comfort in the rough days ahead, as that's probably how most of us would choose to go.

catkins

So sorry for the loss of your pet. I know only too well how upsetting it is. Not easy I know but try to think of the good times and the fact that you gave him a happy and loving home after his awful start in life