The DU Lounge
Related: Culture Forums, Support ForumsWe unexpectedly had to put our dog Dug down today
Dug had inoperable cancer. This afternoon he collapsed. He wasn't breathing. He wasn't moving. After about 45 seconds to a minute he started moving and breathing. I carried him to the car to go see the vet. She listened to his heart and lungs. She said she didn't like his breathing. Knowing his end was near, we decided it was time to do the humane thing. I stayed with him through the end.
I posted Dug's story here years ago: https://www.democraticunderground.com/10027865713
OS
50 Shades Of Blue
(11,391 posts)The Mouth
(3,414 posts)Always one of the worst days of one's life.
LetMyPeopleVote
(179,869 posts)I am sorry for your loss
MOMFUDSKI
(7,080 posts)You did the right thing. You gave him a good life. Be kind to yourself.
CaliforniaPeggy
(156,620 posts)I'm sure he knew you were there and that this eased his crossing.
They sure do leave their pawprints on our hearts.
LuckyCharms
(22,648 posts)Diamond_Dog
(40,578 posts)Our sweet fur babies are never with us long enough. Rest in peace, little one. You brought your Dad so much happiness.
onecaliberal
(36,594 posts)We never get enough time. 💔
montanacowboy
(6,714 posts)It's never easy and it breaks your heart. We love them so.
PittBlue
(4,795 posts)I enjoyed reading the story of Dugs rescue. Our pets are family and they give us so much joy. Sending you love and peace.
FalloutShelter
(14,466 posts)That beautiful soul will never leave you. You shared your life, you gave him the rainbow bridge. Love stays.
Sending a hug.
Permanut
(8,391 posts)It's inevitable with these little guys, but so hard.
I'm sorry for your loss, Omaha Steve
debm55
(60,618 posts)Last edited Thu Nov 9, 2023, 10:13 PM - Edit history (1)
Embrace the memories and time the both of you had together. Let your grief flow--you lost a companion and a buddy. When the time is right, the memories of Dug might bring you to another buddy. Until then and if then, let your feelings flow. Love ,Debbie
Eko
(9,993 posts)I'm glad he was with you for the time he could be.
Keep on keeponing.
Eko.
Codifer
(1,205 posts)to do.
I hope that Dug will meet up with Underfoot, Ariel and Cody.
They will have fun.
ZZenith
(4,469 posts)They deserve our best and Im sure thats what you gave him.
Mr.Bill
(24,906 posts)virgdem
(2,318 posts)Fla Dem
(27,633 posts)Having just lost my cat pal of 17 years 3 weeks ago, I understand the sorrow and sense of loss you are feeling. I expect to see her whenever I come into the house or look at the sofa. But it's getting better and I'm sure it will with you as well.
They stay in our hearts forever.
Response to Omaha Steve (Original post)
niyad This message was self-deleted by its author.
niyad
(132,440 posts)loving arms, and send peace and comfort to his grieving loved ones.
I am so very sorry for the loss of your beloved Dug. Our hearts are with you and Marta.
stage left
(3,306 posts)Losing one of your babies always hurts so much.
2naSalit
(102,798 posts)Marthe48
(23,175 posts)Wish there was no such thing as cancer.
You did the right thing. Be nice to yourself
BigmanPigman
(55,151 posts)is the worst pain I have ever experienced. I hope you can get through this better than I have.
Haru
(55 posts)A dog is the best friend one can have
OAITW r.2.0
(32,141 posts)Sucks to do, but you have to do it.
cachukis
(3,937 posts)He knew you would be wise.
highplainsdem
(62,147 posts)have to make the decision that's the kindest for them, and nearly unbearable for us.
You gave Dug a great and very loving home - years that must have seemed like heaven on Earth to him.
And I do believe in an afterlife, and reunions with loved ones including pets.
lapucelle
(21,061 posts)MLAA
(19,745 posts)May Dug rest in peace a bit and then soon be getting treats from angels. 💗
Hotler
(13,747 posts)https://poets.org/poem/epitaph-dog
To mark a friend's remains these stones arise;
I never knew but oneand here he lies.
Laurelin
(897 posts)I read it every time I lose a beloved dog, and all of them were beloved.
BComplex
(9,914 posts)Delmette2.0
(4,505 posts)Dug had a good home with you and your family. Remember the good times.
mzmolly
(52,793 posts)Hermit-The-Prog
(36,631 posts)It always hurts to lose one.
May your grief be short and fond rembrance be long.
peacebuzzard
(5,870 posts)I know how painful this is. Dug was just a little angel on earth to share some time with you.I am so very sorry. Thanks for sharing Dug's beautiful story of how he came into your life. And how he left; and how he shared a story of love and hope with his little journey through your life and now you share the moment of life love and loss with your friends. What a beautiful friend and angel on this fragile earth.
💔
Warpy
(114,615 posts)It sounds like Dug told you he was done and it was time to go.
Letting go is hard, man.
DemocraticPatriot
(5,410 posts)I had to do the same thing with my last dog, who was old and had become completely blind in his last days, from cataracts...
The blindness made him more restless--- apparently he was 'searching for the light' and would make the circuit around the house, walking round and round, bumping his head into the wall all the way around...
When it was over, I embraced him and cried.... but it was better to put an end to his pain and frustration.
He will probably visit you in your dreams... savor those moments!
PlutosHeart
(1,445 posts)Boy oh boy it is has been just an awful pet loss week for so many.
I hope you will be able to remember all of the good and bless you for taking him into your home.
Be The Light
(154 posts)but they love us with all their hearts.
I put my Becca down last year.
Take care of yourself
Deuxcents
(26,918 posts)Gave him his best life and he gave you sweet memories. A perfect match 🐾
I_UndergroundPanther
(13,369 posts)And your pup. Remember he's alive in your heart and memories until you meet again.
Mick Travis
(106 posts)I had to put my rescue heeler Ellie down a week ago. When she went to bed everything was seemingly normal but she woke up paralyzed. I had only had her for 22 months, and she was dedicated to me more than any human being has ever been. I am still stunned and devastated.
As I always have rescues...Ellie was my ninth dog...you never know when this moment might occur. I have always had medium to large dogs, but I adopted a rescue miniature poodle last week. She is loving and super-smart, but so far continues to chase (no biting) my long-time senior cat, who is putting up with her while wishing she would stop.
My best thoughts to you and Dug. I know how much it hurts.
LoisB
(13,028 posts)I am very sorry.
Stuart G
(38,726 posts)Rhiannon12866
(255,538 posts)I know how tough it is, but look back on the life and love that you and Marta gave him - and how lucky he was that he found you.
Laurelin
(897 posts)But glad you had your Dug, and he had you.
Personally I think all dogs go to heaven... not so sure about people.
claudette
(5,455 posts)is with you. We lost our girl doggie a few months ago. I miss her so much.
underpants
(196,498 posts)❤️
gademocrat7
(11,940 posts)On the loss of Dug. Our fur babies give us their love and loyalty. Take care.
sinkingfeeling
(57,835 posts)Losing a beloved dog is terribly sad.
electric_blue68
(26,856 posts)Niagara
(11,852 posts)COL Mustard
(8,222 posts)Had to do that with one of our cats last month. It's the part about pet ownership that I hate the most. My condolences.
Bumbles
(439 posts)It is always so hard to lose a beloved animal. They ask so little and give so much. I have always felt privileged to be able to be with them at the end.
JudyM
(29,785 posts)Wishing you comfort through this painful grief. My heart goes out to you
twodogsbarking
(18,785 posts)Goddessartist
(2,176 posts)FoxNewsSucks
(11,704 posts)Wild blueberry
(8,295 posts)Wednesdays
(22,603 posts)Halloween night, by all appearances Jinx was a completely healthy dog. She was an American Bully, rescue dog from our local shelter, about six years old when we adopted her in 2019.
Best. Dog. Ever. She never snapped at or even growled at anyone or anything, and always greeted strangers with wagging tail. A perpetually happy dog.
Suddenly, last Wednesday she collapsed in a seizure so we took her to the vet. Blood tests and x-rays were normal, but she was shown to have a mammary tumor, which we scheduled surgery for today. Jinx was given an antibiotic and sent home.
Jinx began having seizures again, at first every other day, then every day, then several times a day. By this past Wednesday, she was barely able to stand up. We agreed with the vet that the mammary tumor likely metastasized into a brain tumor. We didn't want her to suffer any further. But it was so hard because it came so suddenly.
Omaha Steve
(109,230 posts)JudyM
(29,785 posts)💔
❤️ Jinx ❤️
debm55
(60,618 posts)Saoirse9
(3,954 posts)He was a rescue with loads of health problems. But we loved him so much. I still keep thinking I see him in his usual spots. He loved to lay on the sofas, at the foot of the bed, and he had two dog beds. He loved luxury and soft blankets. He was a character.
JudyM
(29,785 posts)That is so hard. Glad he enjoyed his life, though, thanks to you. Wishing you a lot of cozy memories like that to help you through your grieving.
debm55
(60,618 posts)Midnight Writer
(25,410 posts)Take comfort in knowing you gave him his best possible life, and you did the best thing for him right up to the end.
CousinIT
(12,541 posts)He went loved and was not alone and you didn't let him suffer. That's all you could have done.
Rest in Peace dear Dug
murielm99
(32,988 posts)I know that they are family.
Bundbuster
(4,018 posts)but you have countless memories to always hold close.
ZonkerHarris
(25,577 posts)Maraya1969
(23,497 posts)brewens
(15,359 posts)Duncanpup
(15,651 posts)AKwannabe
(6,890 posts)Better days ahead friend.
DU got your back.
Peace and comfort for you and your angels peeps.
spooky3
(38,634 posts)Ocelot II
(130,538 posts)Grumpy Old Guy
(4,319 posts)Sadly, we were on vacation and couldn't be there for her. A dear friend who loves her took care of her for us. We are brokenhearted because we feel that we let her down. We would have given anything to have been there and held her. Life will not be the same without her.
debm55
(60,618 posts)her, You showed her during her life that you loved her, She knew it and loved you also.
Omaha Steve
(109,230 posts)Permanut
(8,391 posts)Life isn't the same, I know. I will always miss Sassafras the chicken stealer, Oscar the runner, Murphy the clown and Joey the all around dork. Now we have Jake, the rescue, who is a Momma''s boy, a 10 pound chihuahua with a 100 pound attitude. They're all different, and all give us such wonderful memories.
I spoiled every one of 'em rotten; that was my part of the deal.
Evolve Dammit
(21,777 posts)bluestarone
(22,179 posts)One of the hardest things we go through. Take care Steve.
cate94
(3,102 posts)samnsara
(18,767 posts)No matter how old we are or how prepared we are these things never get any easier.
I'm so very sorry.