I've had dogs my entire life, and those who do not know the joy of owning a dog are missing out on one of the true pleasures of life. Most of the dogs that I have owned, and lost over the decades have been wonderful companions, with only a very few that I did not get attached to. But yesterday I got some bad news from the vet. My little Ruby, 11 years old but of a breed that normally lives to 17 or 18 years, has a seriously failing heart. The vet thinks that there might be a large tumor in one of the heart's chambers making that chamber work much harder than the rest of the heart and causing her to have breathing challenges as well. He said that if she were a human she would be moved up high on the heart transplant list with such a condition, and that she might last awhile or could pass at any moment. Most of my life I have had larger dogs, and Ruby is one of the very few exceptions but I have never bonded with an animal as I have with this gentle and loving friend. I also have a large, younger dog, and I know that when Ruby passes it will not only be hard for myself and my wife, but will be hard on her best buddy Ralph who has known her all of his five years. I'm 82, and doubt that I will ever get another dog as I don't want to obligate my kids or grandkids to take care of a dog who might well outlive me. For now I will just try to make life as good as I can for Ruby and will just hope for the best.
Sad news regarding the best dog in the world
- Thread starter vito
- Start date
Few things hurt like losing a dog. I have had my share, some lived long and some not so long, and it never gets easy.
I have always had two dogs at a time, until my most recent loss....Ozzy.
The surviving pup always helped heal the pain a little. Ralph will miss Ruby, for certain. I understand your feelings about getting him a playmate, but it might do both of you well
My heart goes out to you!
I have always had two dogs at a time, until my most recent loss....Ozzy.
The surviving pup always helped heal the pain a little. Ralph will miss Ruby, for certain. I understand your feelings about getting him a playmate, but it might do both of you well
My heart goes out to you!
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I feel ya. The last pup I had to have put down about killed me. Took me ten years to feel like getting another. Two years ago we brought Quigley home - a male Australian Shepherd (we've always had black labs in the past). Quigley has made me remember the joy a pup can bring to your life.
I hope your Ruby has some good days left. Whether few or many, she will know she was loved and adored.
I hope your Ruby has some good days left. Whether few or many, she will know she was loved and adored.
we feel your loss and wish you good thoughts for your pet, we too always had them around first Labs then onto the small Yorkies,my wife loved them all until this past year when she got sick and then actually poisoned our last little Yorkie, Chloe,also 11 years old, and as my wife was/is, "sick" and gave her whatever she may be eating at the time, like garlic chicken and white macadamia nut cookies ,etc , Chloe went from over 5 pounds ,down to 2 pounds ,Vet thought she was a goner but saved her,,,and in the first of this year ,I got her back up to almost 4 pounds but in May, she did it again, Chloe went into spasms, Saturday night, May the 3rd, and on Sunday morning ,she lay in her bed , tried to get her to the emergency vet , just south of us but did not make it, two heavy pants and a howl, and Chloe looked up to face Laura in the car, went limp, I turned around, went home the sun came out, it stopped raining, and I got to bury her out back in the "Maxine Memorial garden", ( One of our Chocolate Labs when we moved here 30 years ago) yes 7 other 'family' dogs are buried out back, also......, May the "fourth" be with you ..........:(
Sorry to hear that. I do not know why dogs cannot stay with us as long as people do, maybe because they are just too good for this world.
Condolences, been on that sad road more than once and looks like I will be again soon.
We feel the same way about our cats. They are family and much better than most people
Its hard when we lose them. When they have to go early its especially hard. Our big mix had bone cancer and we had to pit him out of his suffering. The vet came out and put him to sleep in his bed in the family room. As a rescue we didn't know how old he was but before he started limping, he was very spry. It was really heartbreaking, I do share your sorrow on this.
Hankus
Buckeye
You might want to think about rescuing a senior dog, so as to not outlive them. I’ve had so many dogs over my 62 years, and my wife and I have had as many as six at one time. After my special buddy Buckshot passed in August of last year we’re down to three, two other mini dachshunds and a 120 pound livestock guardian dog that looks out for the dachshunds and the grandkids. We’re thinking about adding to the pack again and will likely adopt an older dog.
Older rescues are at the slow to move end of the rescues. Good plan.
OP
I hadn't thought about an older rescue. Worth thinking about. And I appreciate all the kind comments. One of the hard parts is that she clearly does not understand what is happening. She wants to run and play, and has to stop after a few seconds and looks around confused. I hope we get some relief from the cold and snow so that I least I could take her for short walk. Walking on icy sidewalks is probably more dangerous for an old man like me than it is for my dog.
contender
Ruger Guru
No matter if it's a dog, or a cat,, any furry friend that adopts us,, and steals our hearts is truly a blessing. And they offer something humans never can,, unconditional love,, w/o any strings attached.
I too have had the pleasure of dogs & cats over my life,, and every one of them,, when we lose them,, it feels like losing a close family member,, because it is.
And it's extremely frustrating to know what's wrong with them,, and not being able to do anything to stop it.
But the best a person can do is be loving & kind. And as long as they are not suffering,, enjoy them. But when the suffering or pain starts,, well, we have to let them go. it's the right thing to do.
As you can see by the posts above,, we feel your pain. Because most of us here have had the very same pains.
I too have had the pleasure of dogs & cats over my life,, and every one of them,, when we lose them,, it feels like losing a close family member,, because it is.
And it's extremely frustrating to know what's wrong with them,, and not being able to do anything to stop it.
But the best a person can do is be loving & kind. And as long as they are not suffering,, enjoy them. But when the suffering or pain starts,, well, we have to let them go. it's the right thing to do.
As you can see by the posts above,, we feel your pain. Because most of us here have had the very same pains.
one bullet
Single-Sixer
Went through it August 30 of this year with my best buddy Tucker. Grief still has a hold on me. I truly don't think I will ever not miss him. I just hope and pray My savior Jesus has made a place for him and my other two in heaven. I hope they greet me when I undeservedly get there.
Lost 2 female Labs over the years , bone cancer and severe colitis. Don't think you ever get over their loss. At 76, I'm having a tough time deciding on possibly getting another, and if so, would be as before a rescue. Don't know that I ready, mentally or physically just yet
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Sorry Vito it’s definitely a hard road to go down like you said just make her as comfortable as possible
As very much an "animal" person, I definitely understand and I'm sorry for this news. It never gets easier to hear this type of thing.
