We lost our dachshund, Brutus, today.

[Longhorn]

I had just come to this group to find out more about Cushing's Disease, as I suspected that must be what he had. He had some of the symptoms and was losing his eyesight and googling "dog going blind" brought up the Cushing's connection. Through this group, I found a link to an EZBoard group and learned even more about the disease. I put a call in to the vet to find out more.

I went downstairs to tell my husband what I had learned, forgetting that he had left for a meeting. I then thought I'd bring Brutus back up with me and couldn't find him in the house. I looked in the backyard and there he was, floating in the pool.

I just didn't realize that his eyesight was that bad and I feel terrible that I didn't recognize the danger. We'll never know for sure what happened -- we're not even sure that he drowned, since there was some blood on both ends and he had experienced some mysterious bleeding a couple of weeks ago. He was only ten -- so young for a small dog.

Our 23-year-old daughters drove out from town, apparently crying all the way. Our son is a Marine in Japan so I haven't told him yet. Our oldest daughter lives in Denver so I called her. But the twins were the closest to Brutus because they work for our remodeling company and he loved hanging out with them in the shop. They said they dread telling the employees at one of the lumberyards because they all loved him.

I'm just so sad and drained from crying right now. But I knew this was the best place I could pay tribute to him.

[BrklynLiberal]

1. Oh...Longhorn. How sad for you and your family. Brutus looks like he was

a real sweetie and a true member of your family.

I am so sorry. From your post it is obvious that he was loved and must have had a wonderful life with you.
A long, lingering illness would have been difficult for Brutus and for your family, so perhaps this was the universe's way of making it a sharp, clean ending for you and Brutus.
It would not have been any easier no matter how you lost him. I have lost many wonderful furbabies, and there is no "easy" way, believe me.

He will always be with you...watching over you, protecting you, and living forever in your hearts and thru your love for him.
:grouphug:

[Jeanette in FL]

6. I agree, BrklynLiberal

So sorry to hear this. Sad day for DU pet lovers. There is no easy way to lose a member of the family. Even when you know it is coming or make arrangements to have it done. It just hits you hard. I am so sorry for your loss and Rest in Peace, dear Brutus.

[regnaD kciN]

2. R.I.P. Brutus...

:hug:

[SiouxJ]

3. So sorry Longhorn

today just seems to be a really sad day. R.I.P. sweet Brutus.

[superconnected]

4. Sorry to hear about your loss Longhorn.

[Suziq]

5. So Sorry

He looks like he was such a sweet boy. I am a fellow doxie owner.


:hug:

[livetohike]

7. I'm so sorry Longhorn

:hug: to you and your family. Brutus looks like a real sweet heart. I lost a Lab/Shepherd mix to Cushings disease back in 2000. I had to educate my vet on the disease.

I hope all of the good memories you have of times with Brutus will help ease the sadness you all have today.

[Lorien]

8. I'm so very sorry Longhorn

what a sad day-and sad week-for DU petlovers (and their families; my mom lost her ten year old cat Rusty on thursday). So many beloved fur kids taken away, too young. There are few things in life that are more difficult than losing someone who loves us unconditionally, as all our animals do. It's easy to tell from Brutus' photo that he was a very happy little guy who knew exactly how much his people loved him. He was so lucky to have so many kind and loving souls in his life!

:loveya: :hug:

[wildeyed]

9. Oh Longhorn, I am so sorry.

:hug:

It is so hard to lose a friend. My sweet pup passed two weeks ago, so I am right there with you. The first few days were awful. But now the grief kind of comes and goes.

[City Lights]

10. What a sad story!

So very sorry for all of you...:hug:

[roguevalley]

11. Oh god. I am beyond sorry for this. How incredibly terrible. Your

little boy looks like two of mine and my long-gone Gretchen. Cushings is something my Timmy had. Its often fatal. I wish I could hug you. My dog, Tippy, was diagnosed with it in March and died about a week later. He is in my sig line. Put him in your sig line and when you write, he will be there. It comforts. My Andrew pulled through just a couple of days ago from a very dangerous illness and I know your worry. I wish I could hug you. Please know we understand your pain and we love you, your family and your baby. He was so beautiful. I am so sorry.

[linazelle]

12. I'm very sorry to hear about your loss. nt

[Longhorn]

13. My DU friends and pet-lovers --

thank you so much for your kind and comforting words. I'm sorry to sadden your day but it truly has helped me to share this with those who understand.

I've been away from the pets group for awhile (mainly because I've become obsessed with cycling) but as soon as I realized that Brutus' condition might be more than "old age," I came to this group for information and ended up needing your sympathy.

Thanks for being here for me today. The tears still come and my heart is still heavy but I'm beginning to accept our loss. :grouphug:

[Digit]

14. I am sorry for your loss, Longhorn

Losing a beloved family member is difficult.
:hug:

[Robeson]

15. Sorry for your loss Longhorn...

...very, very sad.

[SW FL Dem]

16. I am so sorry for your loss

Losing a furkid is never easy, it is even harder when you they are so young and you aren't prepared.

[CC]

17. Sorry to hear you lost

your Brutus. I know its hard. May your memories of him and his love help you to smile through the tears one day.

[legally blonde]

18. I am so sorry, Longhorn

Your baby was much too young. :cry:

[hobbit709]

19. Sorry to hear about your loss too

Brutus looks pretty comfortable in that picture.

[roguevalley]

20. I hope you feel better today, honey. I thought about your pup all

day. Little cutie.

[Longhorn]

21. Thanks, RV!

I assume you're referring to my sweetie since you said "little" and it looks like Hobbit's BB, cute as he was, wasn't little! :)

I am feeling better. I have a hard time getting the image of him in the pool out of my mind. My husband went swimming today but I just can't bring myself to get in the pool. I've tortured myself with the "what-ifs" but my wonderful husband, who was probably closer to Brutus than any of us, keeps reassuring me that nature took its course and perhaps Brutus was saved from months or years of suffering. As others have said, it wouldn't have been any easier no matter how he went.

Y'all are so great and it means so much to me to know that you're thinking of us. Thank you so much!

[auburngrad82]

22. Sorry for your loss, Longhorn

I'm dreading the day when we start losing our buddies. Three of them will be 10 years old in a few months and our boy Petey isn't holding up well. It's inevitable but still very sad.

[ernstbass]

23. So sorry for your tragedy

Please take care - I'm so sorry

[Beaverhausen]

24. I'm so sorry

:hug:

What a bad weekend for our group.

:cry:

[Catchawave]

25. So very sorry.....

...from another Doxie mama :hug:

[Eurobabe]

26. Awww, so sorry to hear about your furbaby

Gosh, this has been a rough week for so many good folks in the DU pet group. So many kids crossing the bridge.

My heart goes out to you, sorry that you lost your pup. -48

[serryjw]

27. I talk to Einstein every night

I will be sure he welcomes Brutus when he crosses the Rainbow Bridge and introduce him to all our DU furrbabies.Think of all the wonderful memories you all have.

[Patiod]

28. Every day with a doxie in it is a better day

They are such dear little creatures, so funny and affectionate.

Brutus had a comfy life from the looks of it, well loved part of your family "pack", and what else can a weinerdog want?

[peacebuzzard]

29. Oh ! I am so sorry for your loss.

Little Brutus was so lucky to have had a family who loved him.

[kikiek]

30. I am so sorry. I suspect our boston terrier who died a week ago today

had undiagnosed cushings also. I can't tell you how bad I feel for you. I found a card today I put by his picture that says "Life is eternal; and love is immortal; and death is only a horizon; and a horizon is nothing save the limit of our sight." Rossiter Worthington Raymond. My deepest sympathies.

[Longhorn]

32. I'm so sorry for your loss, too.

Thanks for the quote. I'd never heard it before. :hug:

[Pool Hall Ace]

31. I am so sorry.

I have a doxie, so I know how wonderful they are. :hug:

R.I.P., Brutus