I have been crying off and on today as my worst fears have been realized - my border collie akita mix, Hunny Bear, who will be 15 on April 1 is dying. She has had arthritis in her hip and being old, she’s getting a little senile. She hasn’t been eating much at all in the past week and that has really been concerning me. Thursday morning my wife told me that she couldn’t stand up and I figured she had a stroke. When I got home from work, the situation was more dire than I expected. Hunny Bear couldn’t even walk. We took her to the vet today and the vet and the vet tech were pretty much crying- Hunny Bear has a high White Blood Cell count, she’s anemic and worst of all, her kidneys are failing her. We are doing one last pain medication but the vet said if she doesn’t respond we are going to have to put her down- this sucks so much.
I remember when we got her in May 2007 and even though I was divorced for 8 years, she never ever forgot me. When I remarried the wife in 2020, no one was happier than Hunny Bear. I often said that she was happier that I had come back more than my son and my wife. I was able to get 2 more years with her. I have had many dogs but she is the best.
Hate to hear it. As a pet owner, its never easy and the bonds you make with them are hard to let go. It took me 4 and a half years to get over my best companion and finally got 2 more dogs and now some cats, knowing that a dreaded day like this will come again. Just be glad and know that you gave her a good life and that she will forever be grateful. Sorry for your loss.
I have a dog. I found him hiding behind a bush on the side of the road 5 years ago. The love a dog gives is unconditional. I can go to the grocery store for 20 minutes and when I return home my little guy greets me like I’ve been gone for 2 months. He drives me crazy at times, but the house would seem empty without him. Dogs really are a man’s best friend.
Sorry to hear that Manny. With my first real paycheck, I purchased a dog in 2008. Chester is 14 now and declining in health. He's a shih tzu poodle mix. He's getting extremely skinny, though he hasn't stopped eating and seems to be generally in good health. Though his bowel situation isn't great. Either way, I don't think he'll make 15. I've been preparing myself for it. I also think I'm well equipped to handle search compared to most, because of my line of work, unfortunately. I worry most about my son who is 4, and is starting to ask questions about death and dying, but clearly doesn't get it. He asks about his grandma, who he is close to, and if she is going to live forever. Anyways, it sucks. Sorry I'm off on a tangent, but I know I will feel your pain soon, too. I wish you guys peace.
Sorry to hear it, Manny. We can just give them the best send off possible. They are super brave creatures. I can't imagine where my mental health would be over the last two pandemic years if we didn't have our (now 13-yr-old) dog. I know we'll be in your shoes pretty soon so we really appreciate every good day with her. Take good care and know that you helped give her a great life with many tail wags. PS -- sorry, but pretty great subplot here, rejoining your family. I think I had forgotten that. Also nice to rejoin loved ones in difficult times.
So so sorry. We had to put our 16 year old dog down due to kidney failure as well in 2020. Awful feeling.
Sorry to hear about your dog, hopefully things get a little better even for just a little more time to maybe give her a hamburger/human food treat etc. And have a few more good times. I honestly don't know what's easier though, the times I had to do it for my dogs over the years they didn't give me a choice, like on my first actual dog I owned from a puppy he let me know it was time by saving me from a huge vet bill, like I literally was giving the "okay" to spend whatever and he crashed at ER vet. That one really hurt though because the dog went from a healthy 8 year old lab to passing unexpectedly (we literally were walking him and playing fetch earlier on in the day). Anyway, I just try to think about all the good times and good memories that made it all worth it and while you'll probably repeat the process and get another dog when you're ready, it still hurts to lose them, especially when you're so bonded. I just think back after time eases the pain and always come to the conclusion that the good times/memories always out weigh the bad, making it all worth it in the end. Again, sorry to hear about this and for my long run on.
Had to put my dog down as well a couple of years ago. Made him spaghetti as a last meal the night before. I'll never forget the medicine smell coming from his last exhale. I cried uncontrollably in that Petsmart. Then I cried in the car and at home and at work. Now I don't want to get another pet. I feel your pain OP.
Manny really sorry to hear that. I know my pet is closer to me than many of my family members and being an 17 year old cat things will end for her not too long from now. That will be a very painful day but in the meantime I want to make sure she's lived a good life. So remember the good times with your puppy and how much joy she brought to your life and you to hers..
Sorry to read this news, Manny. I am dealing with an old, beloved pet with arthritis and hip dysplasia. It sucks watching pets hobble around. Hope your dog pulls through.
Thanks everybody for your posts. I have given her pain medicine and it isn't really helping. She has pretty much laid down the whole day and doesn't want to move. We have made the decision to go ahead and put her down on Monday afternoon. My grieving has come in waves - right now I am ok but earlier this morning, I was in a bad way. I tried to play online bridge (something I do every Saturday) and played pretty poorly. I can't focus until this thing gets resolved.
She's always been there with you, this is your time to be there for her. Living in pain is no way to be. It's the sh!ttiest part of being a pet owner, but it's the responsibility we take on when we take on pet ownership...everything done out of love.
I’m so sorry. The decision is hard. Pets are family. We adopt pets knowing the day will come. No matter how much we prepare, it sucks. I love the saying dogs are only in your life for a short time but for them it is their whole life. A whole life of great memories that will live on.
Manny I am just hearing this and sorry for that, as one of the few clutch fans peoples that I actually met in real life, I can only imagine how tough it is and it’s relatable, It’s family …hoping the best during these times
