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Related: Culture Forums, Support ForumsI lost my Cocker Spaniel, Roy, tonight.
He was dying...events started in the last few days and progressed rapidly. Tonight I took him to ER, and they explained to me how bad he was and that he may not make it through the night. So it was best to put him to sleep.
I am having him cremated and will keep his ashes alongside my last Cocker Spaniel's.
I have his companion, Rosie, still (a terrier mix). She seems to know, but I'm not sure. She's very smart and smelled Roy's blood and saw me crying, carrying Roy around. She gave me a special welcome when I came home, as if to say she knows. I hope she understands and won't start looking for him.
My heart is breaking. I loved the little Munchkin. He was so sweet and good natured and happy. He was 11 or 12 (not sure...he was a rescue). I will miss my little fellow.
MFM008
(19,818 posts)love lives on.
Honeycombe8
(37,648 posts)Rhiannon12866
(206,016 posts)But I have also been there and I do understand. I grew up with a cocker spaniel - since my father did - and have had four in my life. The last three were senior dogs who I adopted from rescue. My heart goes out to you, I'm getting choked up as I type this. The most important thing to remember, though I know you hurt terribly right now, is how fortunate your beloved Roy was to have found you. And your Rosie will need extra attention since she will be missing him too.
Honeycombe8
(37,648 posts)Thanks.
Rhiannon12866
(206,016 posts)That's how my cocker had also become homeless, her owner had died, as well. And I found out awhile afterwards that I had actually known her. She'd been a nurse in the oncology unit of the local hospital where my Dad had been, she was memorable because she was so upbeat and humorous - and I had adopted her dog. Those two pups hit it off from the very first night. He'd been separated from his biological sister who was adopted elsewhere. And I realized that it was probably tougher on him than on me.
Honeycombe8
(37,648 posts)so I do some special things with her, like more walks in the park, petting her more, and such. I will need that, too. I am reminded that one day, Rosie will be gone, too.
That's the bad thing about pets. They usually die before you do. But better that than the other way around.
Rhiannon12866
(206,016 posts)I often wondered if the two pups hit it off so well because they both had lost their owners. That was the worst thing, my little guy found another sister, then lost her as well. But you're right, it is better than the other way around - painful as it is. Rosie is very fortunate to have you since you still have each other.
catbyte
(34,451 posts)And the only time they ever break your heart is when it's time for them to leave you. Again, I'm so, so sorry.
Honeycombe8
(37,648 posts)Angry Dragon
(36,693 posts)Honeycombe8
(37,648 posts)CurtEastPoint
(18,663 posts)Honeycombe8
(37,648 posts)NanceGreggs
(27,818 posts)The pain of losing a beloved pet is just so hard to bear.
Honeycombe8
(37,648 posts)If losing a pet is this hard.
renate
(13,776 posts)On one hand, your pain and his weren't drawn out... on the other, how awful to suffer such a terrible loss so suddenly.
You did a kind and difficult thing for him. I know from experience how painful it is to make that decision. He sounds adorable and I'm glad he was so happy for so long. You must miss him and his sweet spirit so much.
Honeycombe8
(37,648 posts)Yes, it was so sudden. Maybe undetected cancer, although I always had the annual exams with blood work. But although I'm in shock at the suddenness of it, he was a senior, so I knew to expect problems soon.
DarthDem
(5,256 posts)Sounds like a wonderful, cherished companion. RIP, Roy and all my best wishes to you.
Honeycombe8
(37,648 posts)get the red out
(13,468 posts)I am so sorry for your loss.
Honeycombe8
(37,648 posts)Doreen
(11,686 posts)Losing pets can be just as hard as losing people.
Honeycombe8
(37,648 posts)Thekaspervote
(32,793 posts)If there aren't dogs and horses in heaven, I'm not going!
Honeycombe8
(37,648 posts)until I know for sure, ANYTHING is possible. I choose to believe I'll meet up with my cherished pets again. Thanks for reminding me!
democratisphere
(17,235 posts)So sorry for your family's loss.
Honeycombe8
(37,648 posts)pnwmom
(108,994 posts)Honeycombe8
(37,648 posts)BigmanPigman
(51,627 posts)Everyday I treat my little girl like it could be her last one, she is 14 1/2 and I dread the inevitable. I lost my first little one and it was devastating (actually it was worse than that). I have never experienced such loss and pain. The only silver lining is that I was recently diagnosed and I have only a few years left so I am grateful that the time I will have to endure the loss and pain will be shortened. I can't imagine going through the death of my girl again. My mother was right when she told me I should never have dogs. I need them, but the loss is so excruciatingly painful. I live alone and am sick so when she goes I will no longer have my best friend and my best medicine...warm, soft kisses on my toes from her and pink belly rubs from me.
Honeycombe8
(37,648 posts)I can relate to your situation. I live alone and LOVE my dogs. I've wondered what it would be like when I get really sick or infirm...whether I should have pets. "Warm, soft kisses on my toes" and "pink belly rubs" is a good reason to have them. But like you, I probably wouldn't get a young dog or replace one, if I'm sick or really old. I don't know that that would be fair to him.
I'm impressed yours lasted 14 1/2! Anything special you did so she made it that long?
BigmanPigman
(51,627 posts)has had and that I have had lived to be 14-16 since smaller dogs live longer. My family also believes that if you can't afford to take care of your dog properly (like a person who gets ill) then you shouldn't have one. I would rather hand my money over to my dog's vet than to Blue Shield. My neighbor's dog lived to be 18 and Fran Dreshers dog (who was on The Nanny with her for 6 years) was 19 when he died. If my little girl lives that long it would be perfect timing (meant to be). I do not want to get all of my stuff and affairs in order until after she dies since she is a creature of habit and I do not want her to be confused (no needless stress for her). I want to keep a comfortable routine for her sake. Why upset her, you know. After she dies I will do all of that stuff. It will keep me busy and hopefully I will not be curled up in bed and in tears for 6 months. You can tell I have given this much thought.
Honeycombe8
(37,648 posts)I'm retired and healthy. My current Rosie is about 11 (she's a mix and healthy, so may live a few more years). But then...do I get another dog? I'll think about that when the time comes.
BigmanPigman
(51,627 posts)years definately get another dog. My parents did 3 years ago when they were 80 and my granmom did when she was 83 (she outlived her 15 year old schnauzer...she died when she was 104). If you are from good DNA and know of someone who would love the dog as much as you in case you died first then do it!!!!!! They DO make you healthier since they provide unconditional love and just petting them immediately lowers your blood presser and anxiety as well as theirs..
Honeycombe8
(37,648 posts)Oh, yeah...I will live at least another 30 years, probably, unless I get cancer or something. You never know.
BigmanPigman
(51,627 posts)Fun, cute, happy, unconditional love, loyal..... I never have met a single person that has all of those qualities and in such endless amounts.
Moostache
(9,897 posts)May time and warm memories of better days carry you through this loss.
It never goes away, but the thoughts of happier times make it seem less painful every day.
I still miss my departed pets...years after they passed, but I also remember fondly the times we got to share.
I hope you can dwell on the happy thoughts soon.
Honeycombe8
(37,648 posts)LeftInTX
(25,555 posts)He was on his way to Austin to file a complaint with State Board of Veternarians (actually it was to testify) on behalf of one his Spaniels that had died a year ago. Anyway, he took his other two Spaniels with him. Apparently one of them got overheated in the car and died suddenly. He dogs were adorable. I think they were pure breeds. Adorable dogs and a bit smaller than most Spaniels. Long moppy coats and you just wanted to pick them up and hold them.
I'm so sorry. It is a bad time of year to lose a beloved pet
Honeycombe8
(37,648 posts)His a/c must not have been working? I've heard that purebreeds are more susceptible to illnesses, but I don't know that for sure. Mine was a purebreed, but adopted from a rescue organization (as is my other dog...but she's a mix).
It IS a bad time of the year. I lost my last Cocker Spaniel during the Thanksgiving holidays, too. AND...I adopted Roy around Thanksgiving about 10 years ago.
CottonBear
(21,596 posts)Honeycombe8
(37,648 posts)ironman25
(26 posts)I am so sorry for your loss, it is like having your heart ripped out. Upon being born he was going to live somewhere in this world and he was lucky enough to end up with you. I can only say cherish the memories and be thankful he was yours.
Honeycombe8
(37,648 posts)shenmue
(38,506 posts)Honeycombe8
(37,648 posts)hlthe2b
(102,360 posts)It took me nearly 18 months to move on--aided by obsessively long walks that inc;uded a lot of crying on less populated trails. Allow yourself the catharsis and then remember how many pets in need there are... FOR YOU
Honeycombe8
(37,648 posts)I will go on long walks, and take my remaining dog. We loved to go on walks. Maybe getting involved in a rescue organization is in my future. My heart goes out to these discarded and mistreated and neglected dogs. Hard to believe that people just threw my two dogs away like trash. Adorable quirky fun loving doggies who gave my life more meaning. Thanks!
lapucelle
(18,319 posts)This must be heart-breaking. Be kind to yourself and stick close to Rosie. My thoughts are with you.
Honeycombe8
(37,648 posts)livetohike
(22,163 posts)of Roy push away the sadness.
Honeycombe8
(37,648 posts)FM123
(10,054 posts)Honeycombe8
(37,648 posts)TEB
(12,890 posts)irisblue
(33,023 posts)brewens
(13,620 posts)remember.
Honeycombe8
(37,648 posts)samnsara
(17,635 posts)(((hugs)))
Honeycombe8
(37,648 posts)roscoeroscoe
(1,370 posts)Please keep your sweet memories of your friend.
Honeycombe8
(37,648 posts)Drahthaardogs
(6,843 posts)It hurts. God Bless You and Roy.
Honeycombe8
(37,648 posts)But it usually happens that htey go first, because they don't live as long as we do. Better than that us going first, I suppose. Maybe it's not the time for yours to go...I hope.
sinkingfeeling
(51,473 posts)Honeycombe8
(37,648 posts)Fla Dem
(23,743 posts)Your love was returned a 1000 fold I'm sure. Always hard to let any loved pet go. I dread the day. Sending a hug your way and a scratch behind the ears to Rosie. May you both comfort each other.
Honeycombe8
(37,648 posts)cilla4progress
(24,766 posts)To you!
sl8
(13,886 posts)MelissaB
(16,420 posts)Our pets are family. Sending positive thoughts to you all.
(((((hugs)))))
Hoyt
(54,770 posts)Take care.
Phentex
(16,334 posts)I'm so sorry for your loss. I know how much it hurts.
Honeycombe8
(37,648 posts)The Velveteen Ocelot
(115,836 posts)UTUSN
(70,740 posts)peacebuzzard
(5,182 posts)So very sad to hear this.
niyad
(113,553 posts)Lady of the Beasts, please take Your little one gently home, and send peace and comfort to those who love him.
lunamagica
(9,967 posts)Corvo Bianco
(1,148 posts)hispanic white guy
(22 posts)Exactly 50 years ago today, Nov 20. 1967, my father succumbed to lung cancer. He was only 44 years old. And over the ensuing years I have learned that the loss of what society calls a "pet" but is actually a member of the family can hit every bit as hard.
Godspeed, Roy. (See, I'm an agnostic, but I gotta believe there's a nice, gentle place where animals go after leaving this earthly plane. Because they deserve such a place, because they're so much better than us!)
LisaM
(27,830 posts)I loved them all dearly, and I'm really sorry about Roy.
Honeycombe8
(37,648 posts)and a good combination of couch potato and athletic at times. (Well, some of them aren't so little. Roy was a big boy.)
MLAA
(17,327 posts)Honeycombe8
(37,648 posts)Jack-o-Lantern
(968 posts)Honeycombe8
(37,648 posts)I really do. Silly or not. If I don't know for certain, who's to say it's not true? It helps.
Permanut
(5,637 posts)Losing a little pal. I have Murphy's ashes beside me as I type, so I know where you are emotionally, and lots of other DU'ers do too.
Thing is, we have a great gift in being able to feel the love and loyalty of a little critter. The flip side is that we feel so deeply when they go on to their next spiritual adventure.
Now I have Joey the Jack Russell terrier. Got him at the shelter, and he is a rescue dog. He rescued me.
Honeycombe8
(37,648 posts)Very smart, too. I wouldn't mind getting a smallish Jack Russell next time, if I'm lucky enough to find a rescued one.
My last several have been rescued. I am convinced they know they were rescued, and can tell it used to be a bad life, and now it's good. They've all been loving and devoted, as I was to them.
Thanks so much. I love the name "Murphy." Roy's name came about because that was what the rescue organization named him, so I just kept it.
rurallib
(62,448 posts)so sorry for your loss
Honeycombe8
(37,648 posts)spooky3
(34,476 posts)Im sure he had a very happy life with you.