Loss of a Beloved Pet

allikins137

My boyfriends family dog of 16 years, a german shorthair pointer named Ranger, had a bout of seizures around 11 this morning. He was in a lot of pain and we believe that all of the cancer tha plagues his body has finally caught up with him. He is fighting the benedril we gave him to put him to sleep. (over 100 pills and he wont go). He is in soooo much pain. I have been crying off and on all day long. Hopefully he passes peacefully on sometime tonight. The hardest part was my boyfriend getting off work and coming over and seeing him cry. I have never seen him cry before.

I only have know this dog for the past two years.. But anyone who knows him knows that he is impossible not to adore. You could always count on a hug from this over sized lap dog. He is one of the most stubborn dogs I know as well. Last year at this time.. He had had a seizure and could hardly walk. We thought that was it and had said our goodbyes. But three days later he was up and about although he still wasnt 100%. He would loss his back legs quite a bit. The look of embarrassment was comical only because we knew he would be okay. We are blessed that we got an extra year with him.

God Bless you Ranger. You had a wonderful 16 years and are loved and adored by many. May your next life be filled with hundreds of bunnys to chase and kittys to play with. We love you.

My profile photo is of Ranger earlier today during one of his brief moments where he felt a little better. We love you boogy-doodle-bug.

benol1

There is nothing like the unconditional love of a pet. When we lost our first rescued greyhound four years ago I was inconsolable for months. I'm very sorry for the loss of your beloved friend.

allikins137

He just passed away at 1:24 am. We love you big boy.

2essie

I am so sad for you but he had a loving family around him and no doubt a happy life up to being ill.

Just remember the good times you had with him. Your pain will pass but you will never forget him. I have lost many pets over the years and each one is still very special and never forgotten.

It is one of ghe worst things that can happen in life when you lose a pet.

Hugs ((( ))) for you and let your boyfriend cry. Men should cry too. My husband cried with every pet we lost. Nothing wrong with that.

Thinking of you

Terasome

Sorry to hear that. Ranger was obviously very loved and you can tell this from your post. I hope he wasnt in too much pain xx

I can only imagine how distraught you are. Please take time to grieve your dog xx

FinallyDoingMe

So sorry for your loss!

Momf3boys

I'm so sorry my sister in laws iguana is not well right now and she is having a tough time with it. She has had him for 15 years. Losing a pet is horrible...again, I'm so sorry

Lisa1971

Awwwwwwwwww...I am so sorry. I also have a German Shorthaired pointer! Wonderful dogs! My heart goes out to all of you.

Manda86

You OD'd your dog? What was wrong with letting the vet euthanize him, exactly? There had to have been some unpleasant side effects.

tatokalan

I'm feeling with you... we lost our beloved dog 6 months ago (he was about 16-18 years old - we didn't know exactly as we had him from a dog shelter). He spent 11 years with us. At the end he did not eat and could not walk. We called a vet as we did not want him to suffer even more. He survived two brain strokes some years ago. He was very strong and loving and also very loved. It's been six months and I'm still crying for him. Be strong and if you have the possibility, get another dog - people say it helps a lot.

allikins137

We had to OD him because the vet isnt open @ 11 @ night, my bf had our only car at work (which if he left he could have gone to jail) and Ranger was in too much pain to wait til the next morning. We had a gun, but no one could shoot him. So we figured the best way was to OD him and let him go peacefully. He was in no pain as he drifted off because we also gave him traminol for the pain (Old very strong pain meds and seditive from when our other dog got fixed a few months ago).
With benedryl it just makes them really drowsy and slows their heart and breathing til one or the other gives out. We have done it with pet rats in the past.

totallydevious

I am so sorry for your loss.

73Freckles

So sorry for your loss! I had to put down my Beagle, Lucy last August. My first dog ever and it was horrible. Time will help. Huggs to you all!

akaMrsmojo

Sending hugs, I lost my lab 4 years ago. I still miss her and have great memories. You are not alone.

quirkytizzy

I'm so, so sorry. When my cats have died, it took ages to feel better. And even now, thinking about it too long will make me cry.

He was a beautiful puppy. Thank you for sharing about his life. I am glad to read it.

DesireeAshley90

Bless his little heart.

_Witsy_

:brokenheart:

5ftnFun

So sorry for your loss. I have lost a number of furkids in my lifetime too, it's so awful.

coliema

You OD'd your dog? What was wrong with letting the vet euthanize him, exactly? There had to have been some unpleasant side effects.

There probably were some unpleasant side effects. Hopefully OD'ing the dog didn't put him in any more pain than he was. Jeez.

kaekencoffee

Our sincerest condolences! We had to put our beloved girl Miss Em (golden retriever) to sleep on our wedding anniversary. She was with us from the time she was 7 weeks until almost 14. She was being eaten away by cancer.
This poem really helped us during the hardest time and I hope it will help to ease your minds as well.
http://www.petloss.com/rainbowbridge.htm It's called "Rainbow Bridge".

kaekencoffee

Rainbow Bridge

Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.

When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge.
There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together.
There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.

All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by.
The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.

They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent; His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.

You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.

Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together....

Author unknown...

RobfromLakewood

I have two lab mixes, the big one, Rusty is mixed with German pointer, the little one is mixed with Jack Russel is named Ranger. They mean so much to me, I know the day they pass away will be the start of big heartbreak and I am sorry you and your family are going to go through it, but also happy you had Ranger's love and Ranger had all of you.

I'm posting something I look at regularly, to remind me to be good to my boys and appreciate them:

1. My life is likely to last 10-15 years; any separation from you will be painful for me. Remember that before you buy me.

2. Give me time to understand what you want from me; don't be impatient, short-tempered, or irritable.

3. Place your trust in me and I will always trust you back. Respect is earned not given as an inalienable right.

4. Don't be angry with me for long and don't lock me up as punishment; I am not capable of understanding why. I only know I have been rejected. You have your work, entertainment, and friends, but I only have you.

5. Talk to me sometimes. Even if I don't understand your words, I do understand your voice and your tone. You only have to look at my tail.

6. Be aware that however you treat me, I'll never forget it, and if it's cruel, it may affect me forever.

7. Please don't hit me. I can't hit back, but I can bite and scratch, and I really don't ever want to do that.

8. Before you scold me for being uncooperative, obstinate, or lazy, ask yourself if something might be bothering me. Perhaps I'm not getting the right foods or I've been out in the sun too long, or my heart is getting old and weak. It may be I am just dog-tired.

9. Take care of me when I get old. You too will grow old and may also need love, care, comfort, and attention.

10. Go with me on difficult journeys. Never say, "I can't bear to watch" or "Let it happen in my absence". Everything is easier for me if you are there. Remember, regardless of what you do, I will always love you

Maribel_1986

I have two lab mixes, the big one, Rusty is mixed with German pointer, the little one is mixed with Jack Russel is named Ranger. They mean so much to me, I know the day they pass away will be the start of big heartbreak and I am sorry you and your family are going to go through it, but also happy you had Ranger's love and Ranger had all of you.

I'm posting something I look at regularly, to remind me to be good to my boys and appreciate them:

1. My life is likely to last 10-15 years; any separation from you will be painful for me. Remember that before you buy me.

2. Give me time to understand what you want from me; don't be impatient, short-tempered, or irritable.

3. Place your trust in me and I will always trust you back. Respect is earned not given as an inalienable right.

4. Don't be angry with me for long and don't lock me up as punishment; I am not capable of understanding why. I only know I have been rejected. You have your work, entertainment, and friends, but I only have you.

5. Talk to me sometimes. Even if I don't understand your words, I do understand your voice and your tone. You only have to look at my tail.

6. Be aware that however you treat me, I'll never forget it, and if it's cruel, it may affect me forever.

7. Please don't hit me. I can't hit back, but I can bite and scratch, and I really don't ever want to do that.

8. Before you scold me for being uncooperative, obstinate, or lazy, ask yourself if something might be bothering me. Perhaps I'm not getting the right foods or I've been out in the sun too long, or my heart is getting old and weak. It may be I am just dog-tired.

9. Take care of me when I get old. You too will grow old and may also need love, care, comfort, and attention.

10. Go with me on difficult journeys. Never say, "I can't bear to watch" or "Let it happen in my absence". Everything is easier for me if you are there. Remember, regardless of what you do, I will always love you

That was beautiful !

weighlossforbaby

I'm sooo sorry for your loss. I lost my first pet almost 3 years ago and it's hard. I got her memorial stone with Peternity and they did a great job on it. I know how heart breaking it is so I'm praying for you both during this hard time.

crazytreelady

You OD'd your dog? What was wrong with letting the vet euthanize him, exactly? There had to have been some unpleasant side effects.

There probably were some unpleasant side effects. Hopefully OD'ing the dog didn't put him in any more pain than he was. Jeez.

Yah, I don't know if that is the best way to let a beloved friend go....

kimberly2122

If he was so beloved why didnt you take him to the vet and have him put down without the suffering of a drug overdose! SORRY for your loss but what a insensitive thing to do. Having him put down at the vet would have been quick and painless. Poor dog!

jojo37696

Don't pay attention to the negative posts. You did what you thought best and probably with the vets advice. It is hard losing a 4 legged loved one. There love is unconditional and they become like your children. I glad he is not suffering anymore and he will be waiting to greet you, tail wagging when it is your time

emsicle_o

So sorry for your loss. We've just found out my cat has a cancerous tumour on her lung. But why didn't you take it to the vet? Seriously, shouldn't be giving him things like that?! I assume you're in USA, but do they not have 24 hour emergency vets? We do in UK. Not sure for USA. Unless you were actually acting on advice from a vet? So sad, sorry again for your loss.

Timshel_

From my favorite author, Gene Hill:

He is my other eyes that can see above the clouds; my other ears that hear above the winds. He is the part of me that can reach out into the sea. He has told me a thousand times over that I am his reason for being; by the way he rests against my leg; by the way he thumps his tail at my smallest smile; by the way he shows his hurt when I leave without taking him. (I think it makes him sick with worry when he is not along to care for me.)

When I am wrong, he is delighted to forgive. When I am angry, he clowns to make me smile. When I am happy, he is joy unbounded. When I am a fool, he ignores it. When I succeed, he brags. Without him, I am only another man. With him, I am all-powerful. He is loyalty itself.

He has taught me the meaning of devotion. With him, I know a secret comfort and a private peace. He has brought me understanding where before I was ignorant.

His head on my knee can heal my human hurts. His presence by my side is protection against my fears of dark and unknown things. He has promised to wait for me... whenever... wherever—in case I need him. And I expect I will—as I always have. He is just my dog.

Tears and Laughter

Ocarina

I am sorry for your loss.

I am with others on this and am sad you OD'd your dog. I'm so surprised it's even legal to do that here. My father-in-law did that to his family dog of TWENTY ONE years to save money on a vet bill. I was very resentful about that and vowed to never do that.

Thoughts aside, I am happy your dog had a wonderful life to live up until it's last day. Sorry don't mean any harsh feelings.

domino38

Although I truly sympathize with you and your loss I have to respond to this so that anyone else reading this will not take matters such as this into their own hands.
Having worked in the veterinary field I can with utmost certainty say that a Veterinarian would never suggest to overdose your pet. There are so many variables involved and every situation is different when euthanizing your pet. Drugs that are used in humans may or may not have the same effect on our pets. Benadryl for instance can have a stimulating effect on humans and in our pets.
I am not going to go into detail on how euthanasia is performed but it is humane and quick in most cases under the proper care of a trained animal care technician or Veterinarian.
I am not trying to make you feel worse or post something negative. The fact is that no one should perform this unless they are trained to do so and certainly not using Benadryl.
I realize that you thought you were doing the right thing and trying to end the suffering before being able to make the trip to the vet but in the future please make arrangements in the final days of your pets life to euthanize before the suffering goes too far. It is a hard painful decision but one that must be made before situations like this arise.
Again I am very sorry about your loss.