Fri Nov 24, 2017, 11:19 AM
sinkingfeeling (40,403 posts)
I just had to release my 16 year old tri-paw dog, Sugar. It's a beautiful
morning here, the day after Thanksgiving. He got up, as normal, and I helped him down the stairs. Let him outside while I fixed his breakfast. When I went to let him in, I knew something was terribly wrong. He had collapsed and wouldn't even try to stand. I rushed him to the vet's where xrays showed a tumor near the liver and spots on lungs. His tummy was enlarged and extremely sensitive to touch.
He was 16, so they did not recommend surgery and believe the tumor had ruptured. I will miss him terribly. He had an extra 5 years since his leg was amputated due to cancer. His 'brother' will be lost without him. He's 15 and they spent their lives together. R.I.P. Sugar Bear.
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59 replies, 6220 views
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Author | Time | Post |
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sinkingfeeling | Nov 2017 | OP |
shenmue | Nov 2017 | #1 | |
CanonRay | Nov 2017 | #2 | |
Lucky Luciano | Nov 2017 | #23 | |
MFM008 | Nov 2017 | #3 | |
onecaliberal | Nov 2017 | #4 | |
cilla4progress | Nov 2017 | #5 | |
elehhhhna | Nov 2017 | #6 | |
japple | Nov 2017 | #7 | |
Scarsdale | Nov 2017 | #57 | |
catbyte | Nov 2017 | #8 | |
TenHouseCats | Nov 2017 | #9 | |
Angry Dragon | Nov 2017 | #10 | |
Bayard | Nov 2017 | #11 | |
MelissaB | Nov 2017 | #12 | |
OregonBlue | Nov 2017 | #13 | |
spooky3 | Nov 2017 | #14 | |
peacebuzzard | Nov 2017 | #15 | |
GeorgeGist | Nov 2017 | #16 | |
roody | Nov 2017 | #17 | |
femmocrat | Nov 2017 | #18 | |
CountAllVotes | Nov 2017 | #19 | |
40RatRod | Nov 2017 | #20 | |
packman | Nov 2017 | #21 | |
SammyWinstonJack | Nov 2017 | #22 | |
Lucky Luciano | Nov 2017 | #24 | |
irisblue | Nov 2017 | #25 | |
niyad | Nov 2017 | #26 | |
Tracer | Nov 2017 | #27 | |
renate | Nov 2017 | #28 | |
lillypaddle | Nov 2017 | #29 | |
paleotn | Nov 2017 | #30 | |
theaocp | Nov 2017 | #31 | |
Donkees | Nov 2017 | #32 | |
sweetroxie | Nov 2017 | #33 | |
KY_EnviroGuy | Nov 2017 | #34 | |
maddiemom | Nov 2017 | #35 | |
IUPACify | Nov 2017 | #36 | |
FuzzyRabbit | Nov 2017 | #37 | |
SunSeeker | Nov 2017 | #38 | |
Tikki | Nov 2017 | #39 | |
Duppers | Nov 2017 | #40 | |
sl8 | Nov 2017 | #41 | |
Fla Dem | Nov 2017 | #42 | |
LiberalLoner | Nov 2017 | #43 | |
IthinkThereforeIAM | Nov 2017 | #44 | |
BigmanPigman | Nov 2017 | #45 | |
lancelyons | Nov 2017 | #46 | |
Maraya1969 | Nov 2017 | #47 | |
kanda | Nov 2017 | #48 | |
Phoenix61 | Nov 2017 | #49 | |
Doreen | Nov 2017 | #50 | |
radical noodle | Nov 2017 | #51 | |
pnwmom | Nov 2017 | #52 | |
Shoonra | Nov 2017 | #53 | |
area51 | Nov 2017 | #54 | |
C Moon | Nov 2017 | #55 | |
whathehell | Nov 2017 | #56 | |
Plucketeer | Nov 2017 | #58 | |
bleedinglib | Nov 2017 | #59 |
Response to sinkingfeeling (Original post)
Fri Nov 24, 2017, 11:19 AM
shenmue (37,492 posts)
1. My condolences
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Response to sinkingfeeling (Original post)
Fri Nov 24, 2017, 11:22 AM
CanonRay (9,947 posts)
2. I'm so sorry
My girl Ursa is 18 and nearing the end...seems to be getting weaker by the day.
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Response to CanonRay (Reply #2)
Fri Nov 24, 2017, 12:26 PM
Lucky Luciano (9,298 posts)
23. 18! You are so lucky!
My last dog passed at 5 about 5 years ago due to a sudden meningitis like brain infection.
![]() We got another dog 6 months later, but that sudden death was so sad! I hope my dog now makes it to 15 or more! |
Response to sinkingfeeling (Original post)
Fri Nov 24, 2017, 11:22 AM
MFM008 (16,856 posts)
3. Sorry
It's so tough to lose our fur babies.
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Response to sinkingfeeling (Original post)
Fri Nov 24, 2017, 11:23 AM
onecaliberal (14,653 posts)
4. Im sorry.
Response to sinkingfeeling (Original post)
Fri Nov 24, 2017, 11:23 AM
cilla4progress (12,309 posts)
5. Aww!
Hugs. Just went through this a couple weeks ago. Spent the last grace-fulll year of her life with 14 year old Coda after her dog brother Howdy died at 17 last year.
It was a close time, spent caring for a senior dog. Puppies are cute, but senior dogs are something special. I feel you. |
Response to sinkingfeeling (Original post)
Fri Nov 24, 2017, 11:27 AM
elehhhhna (32,076 posts)
6. He never had a bad day, I'll bet...
You did a very selfless thing on his behalf today.
He fulfilled his responsibilities and you certainly fulfilled yours. Big hugs to you from Texas. |
Response to sinkingfeeling (Original post)
Fri Nov 24, 2017, 11:28 AM
japple (7,874 posts)
7. So sorry for your loss and brother dog's loss as well. My eyes teared up just
reading your post. It really, really hurts to lose a family member, and you will miss your Sugar forever. He was so lucky to have a loving family like yours. Rest in peace, Sugar.
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Response to japple (Reply #7)
Sat Nov 25, 2017, 06:54 AM
Scarsdale (7,463 posts)
57. You gave him
so many happy, love filled years. More than a lot of animals get. Take comfort in the fact that he KNEW without a doubt that he was loved. So hard to lose a family member, though. They touch our hearts in so many ways. Hug his brother extra close. Sympathy to all.
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Response to sinkingfeeling (Original post)
Fri Nov 24, 2017, 11:29 AM
catbyte (15,885 posts)
8. I'm so very sorry about Sugar Bear. They're family.
The only time a furry companion ever breaks your heart is when it's time for them to leave. My heart breaks for Sugar Bear's brother, too. Again, I'm so sorry.
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Response to sinkingfeeling (Original post)
Fri Nov 24, 2017, 11:29 AM
TenHouseCats (52 posts)
9. Fly freely, Sugar.
n/t
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Response to sinkingfeeling (Original post)
Fri Nov 24, 2017, 11:33 AM
Angry Dragon (36,693 posts)
10. I am sorry for your loss
Response to sinkingfeeling (Original post)
Fri Nov 24, 2017, 11:34 AM
Bayard (6,407 posts)
11. I'm so sorry.....
Really hard to lose fur babies. I just lost my 14 yr. old Siamese, Cisco, last week to cancer. Miss him crawling under the covers with me. Every time I walk past the little cemetery where my fur and feather kids are buried, it still gives me many pangs, but I talk to them. Most of them are there from old age or some kind of cancer......
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Response to sinkingfeeling (Original post)
Fri Nov 24, 2017, 11:40 AM
MelissaB (15,081 posts)
12. I'm so sorry for your loss, sinkingfeeling.
Response to sinkingfeeling (Original post)
Fri Nov 24, 2017, 11:40 AM
OregonBlue (6,148 posts)
13. I'm so sorry. I know your heart is broken today.
Response to sinkingfeeling (Original post)
Fri Nov 24, 2017, 11:41 AM
spooky3 (23,866 posts)
14. I'm so sorry.
Response to sinkingfeeling (Original post)
Fri Nov 24, 2017, 11:42 AM
peacebuzzard (3,117 posts)
15. So sorry for your loss of Sugar,
I really feel for you and his brother. Rest In Peace, brave soldier Sugar.
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Response to sinkingfeeling (Original post)
Fri Nov 24, 2017, 11:42 AM
GeorgeGist (21,955 posts)
16. So sorry, been down that road a few times.
Response to sinkingfeeling (Original post)
Fri Nov 24, 2017, 11:42 AM
roody (10,623 posts)
17. This song comforts me. I have a dog and cat cemetery in my yard.
Response to sinkingfeeling (Original post)
Fri Nov 24, 2017, 11:44 AM
femmocrat (27,944 posts)
18. I am very sorry, sinking feeling.
We never quite get over them.
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Response to sinkingfeeling (Original post)
Fri Nov 24, 2017, 11:47 AM
CountAllVotes (17,603 posts)
19. Very sorry to read this
May Sugar RIP
I suspect you'll be doing some OT loving care for his brother. Again sorry to read this and I hope you are ok and thank you for caring for him for so many years. ![]() Know he is in a better place and no longer suffering! ![]() ![]() |
Response to sinkingfeeling (Original post)
Fri Nov 24, 2017, 11:59 AM
40RatRod (312 posts)
20. Sorry isn't enough
...but I know how difficult it is.
Carl |
Response to sinkingfeeling (Original post)
Fri Nov 24, 2017, 12:15 PM
packman (10,947 posts)
21. Most difficult, saddest day in a pet owner's life
Missing that part of your day which made it whole.
Sorry for your loss. |
Response to sinkingfeeling (Original post)
Fri Nov 24, 2017, 12:17 PM
SammyWinstonJack (42,322 posts)
22. It's heartbreaking, I know.
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Response to sinkingfeeling (Original post)
Fri Nov 24, 2017, 12:26 PM
Lucky Luciano (9,298 posts)
24. So sorry for your loss. A good long life. Rest easy puppy. nt
Response to sinkingfeeling (Original post)
Fri Nov 24, 2017, 12:28 PM
irisblue (19,422 posts)
25. I am so sorry. It's one of the worst and most loving things we do
Response to sinkingfeeling (Original post)
Fri Nov 24, 2017, 12:32 PM
niyad (66,962 posts)
26. Lady of the Beasts, please take Your little one gently home, and send peace and comfort
to those who love him.
((((((sinkingfeeling))))))))) I am so very sorry for this tremendous loss. Hugs to you and his little brother from my furry and me on this sad day. |
Response to sinkingfeeling (Original post)
Fri Nov 24, 2017, 12:39 PM
Tracer (2,312 posts)
27. I understand the heartache.
I lost my 7 year-old dog in August, due to that cruel disease cancer.
Perhaps this book will give you a little solace. It's beautifully written. "Will's Red Coat" by Tom Ryan |
Response to sinkingfeeling (Original post)
Fri Nov 24, 2017, 12:42 PM
renate (11,738 posts)
28. I'm so sorry
I love the word you used: "release."
Letting him go was so hard for you but it eased his suffering, which thank goodness was brief. And even while he was in pain he must have felt reassured to be in your presence and care, knowing you would make the right decision, however difficult and sad it was for you. You took such loving care of him; he had a wonderful life with you. I'm so sorry for your loss, and for the shock you must still be feeling. ![]() |
Response to sinkingfeeling (Original post)
Fri Nov 24, 2017, 12:44 PM
lillypaddle (7,166 posts)
29. aw, so very sorry for your loss
He had a loving family and a good life.
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Response to sinkingfeeling (Original post)
Fri Nov 24, 2017, 12:53 PM
paleotn (6,004 posts)
30. I'm so sorry
Been there too and it's tough. They're family.
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Response to sinkingfeeling (Original post)
Fri Nov 24, 2017, 01:00 PM
theaocp (2,853 posts)
31. My thoughts are with you and yours.
It is never an easy process, but you gave bear a great home and loving life.
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Response to sinkingfeeling (Original post)
Fri Nov 24, 2017, 01:01 PM
Donkees (19,599 posts)
32. Farewell Sugar Bear, Run Free ...
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Response to sinkingfeeling (Original post)
Fri Nov 24, 2017, 01:07 PM
sweetroxie (776 posts)
33. So very sorry
I have a near 16 year-old and I know her days are numbered. It's a heartbreaker.
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Response to sinkingfeeling (Original post)
Fri Nov 24, 2017, 01:22 PM
KY_EnviroGuy (7,014 posts)
34. RIP, Sugar. What a blessing to have a Pawdna that long!
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Response to sinkingfeeling (Original post)
Fri Nov 24, 2017, 01:32 PM
maddiemom (4,811 posts)
35. So sorry for the pain of losing Sugar.
We had an Afghan Hound, nearing 15; old for a large dog. You don't mention Sugar's size or breed/mix, but 16 is quite old for most dogs. In any case, Raj loved to run, even with increasing arthritis in his hips. He loved our heated water bed, but we were now having to lift him up. Eventually he lost control of his bowels and could no longer have the run of the house. We hated to keep him penned, and it was winter, so we couldn't leave him out in our fenced back yard. The only outcome was inevitable, but made worse when our vet told us that he had an amazingly strong heart, "like an athlete," for a dog even half his age. We were offered a young Afghan from a rescue group when they learned we had lost Raj. He was a sweetheart, but , of course, not a replacement. My heart goes out to you and his "brother," who's bound to seriously pine for him. I hope you were able to find a solution to ease things.
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Response to sinkingfeeling (Original post)
Fri Nov 24, 2017, 01:53 PM
IUPACify (19 posts)
36. Sorry for your loss.
My deepest sympathies to you and your family.
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Response to sinkingfeeling (Original post)
Fri Nov 24, 2017, 01:55 PM
FuzzyRabbit (1,083 posts)
37. So sorry.
We miss our loving companions so much when it's time for them to go.
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Response to sinkingfeeling (Original post)
Fri Nov 24, 2017, 02:17 PM
SunSeeker (37,092 posts)
38. I'm so sorry. Take comfort in knowing you gave Sugar a long, happy lifetime of love.
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Response to sinkingfeeling (Original post)
Fri Nov 24, 2017, 02:18 PM
Tikki (13,421 posts)
39. Hugs to sinkingfeeling...
So sorry for the loss of Sugar Bear.
Fifteen years builds so many wonderful memories. Hold on tight to those and extra hugs to his brother... ![]() Tikki |
Response to sinkingfeeling (Original post)
Fri Nov 24, 2017, 03:05 PM
Duppers (17,807 posts)
40. So, so sorry. 😞
I too know how it feels to lose a cherished fur child. It tears our hearts. Our last kid has a marker in the big flower bed in our front lawn; they're never forgotten.
Hugs to you and to Bear's brother. |
Response to sinkingfeeling (Original post)
Fri Nov 24, 2017, 04:58 PM
sl8 (4,489 posts)
41. I'm sorry for your loss.
Response to sinkingfeeling (Original post)
Fri Nov 24, 2017, 05:56 PM
Fla Dem (12,402 posts)
42. So sorry, and no time for you to prepare for the end. I'm sad for you, but
Sugar Bear is not in pain any longer. You gave him 16 wonderful years. He'll live on in your heart. Give his brother a warm hug for me.
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Response to sinkingfeeling (Original post)
Fri Nov 24, 2017, 07:36 PM
LiberalLoner (7,049 posts)
43. My condolences.
Response to sinkingfeeling (Original post)
Fri Nov 24, 2017, 09:12 PM
IthinkThereforeIAM (2,667 posts)
44. Heartfelt sympathy...
... I just took in a rescue pup as my Peanut is getting to be 12 years old and no telling what I would do without another sweet dog with me. |
Response to sinkingfeeling (Original post)
Fri Nov 24, 2017, 10:20 PM
BigmanPigman (30,980 posts)
45. My family was discussing this at dinner last night.
Her dog is 15 and mine is 14 1/2 and the time remaining is like a weight that gets heavier by the day...anticipating the loss is too much. I have complete empathy. These things happen for our family during the holidays for some reason. Of course that makes holidays bitter sweet. I feel your loss...
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Response to sinkingfeeling (Original post)
Fri Nov 24, 2017, 11:22 PM
lancelyons (988 posts)
46. Wow so sorry. I too have a tripod
I am sorry for your loss. My 11 year old lab Rufus had his leg removed 6 months ago. Just finished chemo. I understand how you feel.
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Response to sinkingfeeling (Original post)
Fri Nov 24, 2017, 11:50 PM
Maraya1969 (14,948 posts)
47. I'm so sorry for your loss.
Response to sinkingfeeling (Original post)
Fri Nov 24, 2017, 11:58 PM
kanda (150 posts)
48. Deepest condolences
So very sorry for the loss of your fur baby. I'm sure he loved you as much as you loved him. RIP Sugar Bear.
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Response to sinkingfeeling (Original post)
Fri Nov 24, 2017, 11:59 PM
Phoenix61 (5,898 posts)
49. I'm so sorry for your loss
Some people call them pets but we know they are our fur babies. They add so much to our lives and their passing leaves us changed.
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Response to sinkingfeeling (Original post)
Sat Nov 25, 2017, 12:26 AM
Doreen (8,283 posts)
50. I am sorry for your loss.
Response to sinkingfeeling (Original post)
Sat Nov 25, 2017, 12:28 AM
radical noodle (6,751 posts)
51. I'm so sorry
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Response to sinkingfeeling (Original post)
Sat Nov 25, 2017, 01:01 AM
pnwmom (101,093 posts)
52. It doesn't matter how old they are or sick they are -- it still hurts like heck
to have to put them down -- and to miss them afterwards.
I'm so sorry! |
Response to sinkingfeeling (Original post)
Sat Nov 25, 2017, 01:53 AM
Shoonra (355 posts)
53. My condolences
You have my sincere sympathy.
A year and half ago I had to put down my beloved cat. He was a true rescue, having been found starving, half his proper size, and very sick, in freezing rain. Other people who saw him that day said he wouldn't last the night - they were wrong by other fourteen years. He had fourteen very good years with us, but it broke my heart to have to have him euthanized. |
Response to sinkingfeeling (Original post)
Sat Nov 25, 2017, 02:02 AM
area51 (8,258 posts)
54. I'm so sorry. n/t
Response to sinkingfeeling (Original post)
Sat Nov 25, 2017, 02:03 AM
C Moon (7,271 posts)
55. R.I.P. Sugar Bear!!!
Response to sinkingfeeling (Original post)
Sat Nov 25, 2017, 06:46 AM
whathehell (24,047 posts)
56. I'm so sorry for your loss..
I,'ve lost two dogs to cancer as well.
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Response to sinkingfeeling (Original post)
Sat Nov 25, 2017, 10:12 AM
Plucketeer (12,882 posts)
58. Sincerest sympathies
We recently lost a Macaw that had hatched in our home 26 years ago. That was in July and we still haven't recovered from his passing. The first 5 years of his life, he slept in bed with us every night. He had a good life and was as sweet and fun-loving a pal as one could ever hope for. One day he was fine, the next day he was visibly weak. He died in the vet's care that night. His kidneys had completely failed. It honestly hurt more than anything we've endured.
Now, we have an ailing Amazon parrot that's been with us for 34 years. He's developed arterial sclerosis. He's been a part of our lives longer than we've been married. It's not like he's an invalid at this point. He's free to fly anywhere in the house, but that makes it a real challenge when he sees me getting his meds out of the refrigerator. All you can do is love them while you've got them. Condolences to your household. This household has endured losses such as yours time and again - and still we go back for more. |
Response to sinkingfeeling (Original post)
Sat Nov 25, 2017, 10:34 AM
bleedinglib (212 posts)
59. One of the hardest things
I'v ever done in my life is put down my
best friend !! He always met me at the door & was always glad to see me !! He never complained or got mad at me !! I got him from the pound as a puppy & he was just a mutt, but he was quick to learn. He figured out what I was saying with very little training !! He's been gone 8 years now & I still grieve over him. I swore I would never get another dog, BUT, I now have 2 pugs. It was hard living with a dog, a best friend. So, I'v resigned to the fact I'll always have a critter running around the house |