Heartbroken

[SillyLittleBiscuit]

Friends of ours, 2.5 years ago, started letting us take their boxer out at weekends. It built from there to us having sleepovers and taking him on holiday. He died at the weekend when I picked him up. Was excited and jumping up to greet me then just lay down. How do I deal with this? Am distraught also aware that, as much as I loved him, he wasn’t mine. It’s so hard to make sense of how and why this could happen. He was just 5 and an absolute diamond in every respect 💔

[SingingMyOwnSpecialSong]

So sorry for your loss. Of course it is okay for you to feel upset, you looked after the dog frequently and he obviously loved you. When I have lost pets looking through photos of them has helped, and remembering the nice times. But like any grief there is no easy fix.

I would assume he had an undetected heart condition, my friend lost two cats who were brothers to a congenital heart defect. Both died suddenly and unusually young.

[SillyLittleBiscuit]

Thank you. I’m so bloody sad. Dogs are the best.

[AvocadosBeforeMortgages]

I'm so sorry for your loss. I don't think it matters that he wasn't your dog on paper - you spent a lot of time with him and clearly cared deeply for him. I'd be grieving too

In terms of the how and why, I'm not a vet but boxers are very prone to cardiac issues, and these can cause sudden death, so that would be my bet www.ufaw.org.uk/dogs/boxer-arrhythmogenic-right-ventricular-cardiomyopathy

[spiderlight]

Oh bless you - that must have been traumatic. Poor lad. It's totally understandable that you're upset: he wasn't technically 'yours' but you loved him and spent time with him. He sounds as if he was a lovely boy. Boxers are such clowns.

[SillyLittleBiscuit]

Honestly, he was such a character. I have loads of photos and videos - I can watch for a while before it gets too much but I know they'll be a comfort soon. Facebook memory today is of him finding a umbrella in the park - ran off to fetch his tennis ball and came proudly back with a rainbow umbrella in his mouth.

Thanks all, it helps to talk.

[spiderlight]

He sounds like he was great fun! The image of him proudly presenting you with an umbrella made me smile.