My dog just died.

[undeterred]

I've had him since 1993. He's been panting heavily the last day or two. I was holding him on my bed and petting him and he just stopped breathing. He wanted to be cuddled at the end.

[MonkeyFunk]

1. oh, I'm very sorry

[Madrone]

2. Oh no!

I am so, SO sorry. :cry: I am thankful that you were able to be with him, and he went peacefully. :( :hug: :hug:

[snacker]

3. I'm so sorry.

It sounds like he had a peaceful ending surrounded by the person who loved him the most.

[UrbScotty]

4. (((undeterred)))

What a nice, long life you enjoyed with him.

:hug:

[flvegan]

5. I'm so sorry.

At least he passed in what was his most perfect way.

[lost-in-nj]

6. I'm sorry.....

:hug:

how wonderful you could hold him though...



lost

[RetroLounge]

7. So sorry for your loss...

:hug:

RL

[livetohike]

8. I'm so sorry undeterred

:hug: I hope the memories of a lifetime of love will help ease the sadness. "Blessed is the person who has earned the love of an old dog."

[Callalily]

9. So sorry. How comforting though

that you had the chance to be with him at the end. :cry:

[NJmaverick]

10. Sorry

:hug:

[SalmonChantedEvening]

11. I'm so sorry undeterred

:hug: :cry:

Sleep well goodboy...

[femmocrat]

12. I'm so sorry, undeterred.

It's good that you were with him
:hug:

[auntAgonist]

13. how sad.

I'm so sorry your pet has passed on.

:hug:


He came to you for the love he knew you would give him.

aA
kesha

[Tikki]

14. Oh wow, I am so sorry....

Hugs for you and talk to us here when you need to.


Tikki

[The Velveteen Ocelot]

15. I'm sorry..

:hug:

[bertha katzenengel]

16. oh, sweet jesus

I am so, so sorry.

[DainBramaged]

17. I am so so sorry for your loss.

Having been there twice in less than a year, I know what you are going through.

15 wonderful years.


:cry: :hug:

[Inchworm]

18. That is so hard

Sorry undeterred :cry:

:hug:

[undeterred]

19. Thank you, DU friends

I knew this day would come.

Harry had cancer in 1999-2000- he was treated with an experimental protocol (IL-2) and it worked. He had bloat and almost died in 1995, but they saved him. In 1996 at age 14 he had a full episode of bloat, which required major surgery, and he survived.

He's been deaf for 3 years and had arthritis for a long time. But he's always been a happy dog. Yesterday I took him for a half mile walk in the woods. He could have stayed out for longer, but the mosquitoes were killing me. As recently as yesterday he had that happy puppy look on his face and ran toward me. He ate 3 milkbones and drank a ton of water this morning.

He was panting a lot last night, and it isn't really that hot. About two hours ago I was helping him get to his feet, and his feet just collapsed under him. I had a bad feeling he'd had a stroke but he just looked up at me. So I picked him up and laid him down on my bed.

He kept panting but moved his body to snuggle up as close to me as he could. I kept petting his head. It crossed my mind that he was dying. The second time he had bloat he went and hid behind the Christmas decorations in the basement. So I expected that when he was dying he would go off by himself.

There was a moment that his body was shaking a little, like a seizure. The heavy panting stopped and there were shallow breaths that were too far apart. So I knew. But he had used his last bit of energy to cuddle up as close to me as he could.

I didn't want to have to put this dog down. I didn't want him to die alone. He died snuggled up to me, without a whimper. As deaths go, it was a good death. He was 2 and a half months short of 16, which is very old for a large breed dog (leonberger). He had a good, long life and cheated death many times. He came from the dog pound on the south side of Chicago.

But I can't imagine my life without him. :cry:

[Maine-ah]

25. I'm so sorry,

Poor baby, I'm sure he was happy to have you with him while he passed. It was obvious you were much comfort to him. :hug:

[likesmountains 52]

26. I'm so sorry, Harry sounds like he was right where he wanted to be. Your post

has me crying.

[Critters2]

28. "...he had used his last bit of energy to cuddle up as close to me as he could."

That moved me to tears. He was a lucky dog to have been so loved, and he loved you in return. You were fortunate, but I can't imagine how painful it must be to lose such a great companion. You're in my prayers. :hug:

[stuntcat]

33. ..

me too :cry: Good tears though, he's had a wonderful life.

[auntAgonist]

34. I had never heard of the breed Leonberger before .... I'm

am so taken by how handsome and large they are. Again I'm so sorry for your loss. You gave him a wonderful life and yours was enriched by his presence too.

:hug:

thank you for opening my eyes to such a beautiful breed. I am not ready for another dog yet, but someday, ... someday.


aA
kesha

[undeterred]

35. He was beautiful.

I can't believe he's gone.

[auntAgonist]

36. take the time you need to grieve.

I couldn't go to work for a couple of days after Tarn died. Life had to go on and I didn't want to participate. The world keeps turning.

It's not fair :(

:cry:

I wish I could do something for you to make it all better. There is no 'all better', just different.

[SeaLyons]

73. What a sweet and wonderful post....

Life without Harry will be tough going for a while, but you were blessed with 16 wonderful years. Your loss is huge, and my heart goes out to you.

RIP Harry -
:hug:

[Haole Girl]

20. I'm sorry

:hug:

[mdmc]

21. That is a great way to go - cuddled by loved ones

You and yours are in my thoughts and prayers. Peace and low stress and God Bless.

[Jeff In Milwaukee]

22. I'm so sorry...

I met him a couple of years ago on the Kennedy campaign. He was the friendliest guy. I'm so sorry for your loss.

[devilgrrl]

23. I'm very for your loss.

:hug:

[SeattleGirl]

24. My condolences to you, undeterred.

That's how my 18 year old cat died recently; with me petting and holding her.

It's so sad to lose a beloved pet, but I'm glad he wanted to be with you right to the very end.

:hug:

[Ikonoklast]

27. You gave Harry a good life

and helped him across The Rainbow Bridge.

[Call Me Wesley]

29. Safe passage to your companion.

Might he be free from suffering now. Peace and comfort to you and yours.

[stuntcat]

30. ((doggie))

This is so sad, I'm sorry :hug: He must have had a great life though, and I'm glad he passed so peacefully with the person he loved holding him.

[applegrove]

31. So very sorry.

[fizzgig]

32. i am so sorry

:hug:

harry was lucky to know the kind of love you gave him. peace to both of you :hug:

[DeposeTheBoyKing]

37. I'm so sorry

I know how much it hurts. :hug:

[Mz Pip]

38. I am so sorry.

Still it must have been peaceful for him spend his final moments in the arms of the one who loved him the most. We should all be so lucky to be with those we love when the time comes.

Take care.

[Breeze54]

39. I'm so sorry, undeterred

:hug:

[Redstone]

40. Fifteen years is a damn good run. But it always hurts to lose a friend.

Redstne

[undeterred]

41. It sure does.

I just went out and came home again. I don't know how I will get used to not being greeted by him.

[malta blue]

42. I am so sorry.

:hug::hug::hug:

[CreekDog]

43. I'm so sorry

having lost a dog 2 years ago, that feeling of loss is just awful.

[RiffRandell]

44. I'm so sorry.

Our Harry passed away in April 06 at age 12. He was a black Lab mix.

[TK421]

45. I'm sorry....

:hug: I know what it's like to lose a dog...it's not easy

[mnhtnbb]

46. I'm so sorry undeterred. We lost our Tanya last month who'd been with us since 1995.

Hugs to you.

:hug: :hug: :hug:

[undeterred]

47. Thank you.

Thank you everyone. :cry: This is so hard.

[bigwillq]

48. I am very sorry for your loss.

:hug:

[KittyWampus]

49. What kind of dog was he? What was his name?

[undeterred]

57. His name was Harry

and he was a small leonberger: These is a nice pic of the breed, but not him. Harry was about 70 lbs most of his life and the full size males can be twice as big.

[Connonym]

50. I'm so sorry to hear that

:hug: what a painful thing for you.

[av8rdave]

51. I am so sorry

It's so great that he was with you at the end.

My condolences.

[OhioChick]

52. I'm so sorry....

:hug:

[SammyWinstonJack]

53. .

:hug:

[BlueIris]

54. I'm sorry, hon. R.I.P., Dog of undeterred. nt

[Pushed To The Left]

55. I'm sorry to hear about your loss, undeterred

:hug:

[mitchum]

56. My thoughts are with you and everyone who knew and loved Harry

[ThomCat]

58. I'm very sorry.

I'm glad you were there, and I'm glad he passed away peacefully in your arms. That's a good way to go. :hug:

I know that's small consolation right now. I'm very sorry for your loss. :(

[LeftyFingerPop]

59. I am very sorry...

:hug:

[Fran Kubelik]

60. Oh man

:hug:
This made me cry.
Thank you for loving that dog and helping him with his last moments. That is beautiful.
I am so sorry for your loss.

[Fox Mulder]

61. Sorry for your loss, undeterred.

:(

[NanceGreggs]

62. I am so sorry for your loss ...

My thoughts are with you tonight.

[fortyfeetunder]

63. Sorry you lost your pal.

Harry sounded like a sweetie and a loyal friend. My condolences.
:hug:

[libodem]

64. I'm so sorry

How heartbreaking. I've been a little worried about my kitty so I'm feeling particularly empathetic. She's 18 or 19 years old and lives on my bed. She's spry and young looking. She leaps up on my bed which is at least 3 and a 1/2 feet high in a single bound. Her jump was a little weak today. She didn't eat her wet food last night or the fresh can I put out today. I laid down on the floor with her and her toes felt a little cold. She twitched a little when she was falling asleep. I cried like a baby and I keep a tight reign on my emotions. I love my kitty. I don't know what I'll do if I lose her. I'm so sorry for you. I'm right there with ya.:hug:

[undeterred]

65. I guess I've been getting ready for this

although I still had hope that he would last a little longer. When they get so old you have to be ready for more life or for death. I can honestly say that when he did bothersome things like wake me up in the middle of the night to go out, I did it cheerfully, knowing the days were numbered.

Normal day, let me be aware of the treasure you are. Let me learn from you, love you, bless you before you depart. Let me not pass you by in quest of some rare and perfect tomorrow. Let me hold you while I may, for it may not always be so. One day I shall dig my nails into the earth, or bury my face in the pillow, or stretch myself taut, or raise my hands to the sky and want, more than all the world, your return. ~Mary Jean Iron

[libodem]

67. No matter how you try to prepare

it's always a shock when they are really gone. I can't stand the idea that I might have to go into the anticipatory grief phase soon. I hope I'm wrong about Toonsie. Stay strong.

[Skittles]

66. they take a piece of our heart with them

and that is the price of love

Grieve not,
Nor speak of me with tears,
But laugh and talkof me
As if I were beside you...
I loved you so ~
'Twas Heaven here with you...

- Isla Paschal Richardson

[Rhiannon12866]

68. I am so terribly sorry!

And I know, lost my little guy a year ago and it still hurts. Know that you're not alone in this, and you have my heartfelt sympathy. But your pup was so very fortunate to have found you.;(

Rhiannon:hug:

[regnaD kciN]

69. May you meet again at Rainbow Bridge...

:grouphug:

[Puglover]

70. I'm so sorry. It's just as hard as can be to lose

your good friend. :hug:

[Maraya1969]

71. I am so sorry. They are our best friends.

:hug: :pals:

[dembotoz]

72. feel so sorry for you

pets are not like a member of the family
they ARE a member of the family.
over the last couple years i have lost 2 elderly cats.
very painful.

[FloridaJudy]

74. I'm so sorry.

Safe passage to him. :hug:

[BarenakedLady]

75. I'm so sorry.

:hug:

[ProfessorGAC]

76. Condolences Of The Highest Degree

It's a bummer to lose a pet. We've gone through it. Take care.
GAC

[Kajsa]

77. I'm so sorry,undeterred.

:(

Wishing you comfort and peace at
this difficult time.

:hug:

[undeterred]

78. Thank you all for your good thoughts.

As I mentioned, Harry was an 8 year cancer survivor, due to a treatment called IL-2. I remembered last night that I had signed for the Vet School to do a necropsy when he died. So this morning I took his body to the vet school. The person who met me was the same veterinary tech from the oncology department who checked him in 8 years ago. He didn't die of cancer, I'm sure, but they want to go back to the site of his cancer and take a biopsy.

I sat in a consult room and said goodbye to him for the last time.

I paid for them to cremate him but I will not get the ashes back- its $120 more for that. I don't know what comfort the ashes would be. So its all over. He's gone. I'm sad.

[marzipanni]

81. Harry must have loved his life with you, and had a strong will to live.

Almost six years ago my old Billie-girl was thirteen when she died in my arms next to a campfire. My son, who was not quite eight, said, "at least she was in a place she loved", and we talked about the ancient relationship between humans and dogs.
For a while I added to a couple of pages about Billie; her dear idiosyncrasies, funny names we gave her, whatever came to mind about her. It helped a bit.
Two months after Billie died I was looking on the SPCA website and saw Freckle's photo. We went to meet her at Petco, and adopted her, and gave her the name Sally... another great dog!

Harry must have helped save the lives of other cancer patients by trying a new treatment. I'm glad it worked and gave you eight more years together!

p.s. I love your "normal day" quote, and bookmarked this so I can print it at home.

[driver8]

79. I'm so sorry...

It's nice that you were there to comfort him.

So sorry for your loss.

[Withywindle]

80. I am so so sorry.

:cry:

:hug:


I know this might not help right now, but what a wonderful way for a dog to go. It was a blessing for him, and for you too.

[LisaM]

82. Oh that's too bad

I'm glad he lived to a good age, and that you could be together at the end. Still, it sucks to lose your friend.