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Original poster

My dog died and hour ago. I'm absolutely devastated.

95 replies

HarrySnotter · 12/01/2019 23:32

He was only 6 years old. He's been totally fine, no issues, asleep beside me on the sofa as usual. I got up to let him outside before I went to bed and he'd just gone. I can't believe it.

OP posts:
StillMedusa · 13/01/2019 01:09

So so sorry Op. I lost my companion.. my little girl cat, of 19 years yesterday and I knew it was coming but am still floored with grief, so I can only begin to imagine how it must feel tonight.

Try to take comfort in that whatever happened you could not have prevented it and he died at home, in his usual place, loved, warm and comfortable.

((hugs))

SamBaileys · 13/01/2019 01:12

Oh God I'm so sorry, what a shock 💙

EnidButton · 13/01/2019 01:16

I'm so very sorry. Flowers It really is heartbreaking when they go, I can imagine the horrendous shock you must be in.

I was heartbroken when my dog died a year and a half ago and posting on here just after it happened was a big help. People are very kind and I actually feel sorry for anyone who doesn't get it as they've never felt the unique love and bond you have with a dog (or cat). He is a member of your family who you loved and cared for and he loved you back.

If it had to happen then by your side feeling safe and loved was the best place for him.

It will get easier. Be really gentle with yourself over the next few days.

cricketmum84 · 13/01/2019 01:29

So sorry for your loss, what a shock that must have been. At least you know he wasn't in pain and that it was relatively quick. RUP DDog xx

Coffeebean76 · 13/01/2019 02:04

Please do tell us about your gorgeous dog. So sorry about your loss... we’d love to hear what he was like xxx

Schmoobarb · 13/01/2019 02:06

That’s awful! What a shock, I’m so sorry

justilou1 · 13/01/2019 02:57

You must be devastated! I’m so sorry for your loss! What a horrible, horrible shock! Labradors are such special people and are irreplaceable family members. He was so very young, and his death must be such a big shock. I am going to put a click link below to a news article that I remembered reading before Christmas. One of my friend’s Chocolate Labs died young also. This may be why. You might not be up to reading it tonight, or you may find the explanation comforting. Either way, as a fellow dog lover, I’m so very sorry. Flowers

www.google.com.au/amp/amp.abc.net.au/article/10418110

QOD · 13/01/2019 05:09

I am so so sorry 💔

Loveweekends10 · 13/01/2019 05:11

Im sending my hugs. X I can’t read your post though- I’m too upset just reading the title.

Justagirlwholovesaboy · 13/01/2019 05:17

No one would ever think you silly, this has broken me to tears reading this. Your dog had been lucky to have you, he was a good dog and sadly died. But he went with you next to him happy and in no pain. You won’t forget him and he knows you loved him. You were lucky to have him and he was lucky to have you. RIP

aurynne · 13/01/2019 05:32

So sorry for your loss Harry, big hugs.

If I was a dog, I would choose to go just like yours did.

FixItUpChappie · 13/01/2019 05:49

So sorry to hear - what a sad shock SadThanks I'm so sorry this happened.

rainbowstardrops · 13/01/2019 05:51

I am so sorry. Bless his little heart. Sending love and hugs to you and your family Thanks

FiveShelties · 13/01/2019 05:58

I am so sorry, what a dreadful shock. It is awful to lose a much loved pet.

mogloveseggs · 13/01/2019 06:04

Oh how awful I'm so sorry. Flowers

whymewhyme · 13/01/2019 06:14

Oh no how dreadful! Sorry for your loss!

Spagyetti · 13/01/2019 06:36

I'm so sorry, what a shock.

MudCity · 13/01/2019 06:49

I am so terribly sorry. I have been there and it is devastating. Just aim to get through one moment at a time.

I loved my dog more than anything in the world and losing him was one of the worst things I have been through. Took me a long time to function normally again. I can now look at photos of him and remember the good times but it took a while to be able to do that.

I coped by buying flowers each week and lighting a candle for him each evening next to his casket.

My heart goes out to you Flowers . Please remember that he knew he was loved and that he belonged. That is all a dog wants.

AnotherOriginalUsername · 13/01/2019 06:53

It doesn't make it any easier for you, buy what a wonderful way for him to go, snuggled up on the sofa with his favourite human - no obvious illness, no trips to the vet, no outward signs of any pain or suffering - I think that's something we'd all want for our dogs but so rarely happens.

What you will need to think about today is what you'd like to do with his body. There are essentially three options available to you:

  1. Bury him at home. This isn't for everyone, consider how you'd feel if you moved house and had to leave him behind. Obviously a lot of people can't or don't want to go for this option for various reasons.
  2. Routine cremation. You can have a cremation where the pet crematorium scatter his ashes for you.
  3. Private cremation. He will be cremated individually and his ashes returned to you. You can have them returned in a scatter box to scatter/bury somewhere (garden, favourite walk etc.) or you can have his ashes returned in a casket or urn for you to keep. The crematorium will have various options for you to choose from if you want to keep his ashes.

Give your vet a call today to discuss these options further. It's a bit difficult with if being a Sunday but if you call the normal number there will be instructions on how to contact them/their emergency provider who will be able to help you. What they won't be able to do unfortunately, is give you any answers as to exactly why he died so suddenly.

I lost my dog and best friend in the world in November and saying goodbye was the hardest thing I've ever had to do. The difficulty for me was the total change to my routine after having had a dog that needed walking/feeding etc. for 17 years, the empty space on the sofa, the strange quietness (no soft snoring at night). It took a while to get used to him not being around any more (and I had the benefit of the huge change of having a baby a couple of weeks later) but it does get easier. I found a lot of comfort in having my dog's ashes back.

If you or the children are struggling, there are resources out there to help, the Blue Cross offer free pet bereavement counselling and also have resources for children.

U2HasTheEdge · 13/01/2019 06:59

I am so sorry Thanks. Thanks What an awful shock.

MirandaWest · 13/01/2019 07:05

I’m so sorry Flowers

MudCity · 13/01/2019 07:24

Another sums it up very well.

I also agree that having my dog’s ashes back was an enormous comfort. We took our dog to the vet who kept him there until the crematorium collected him (weekly collections). However, I think I could have taken him directly to the crematorium which in hindsight I might have done had I known so there would not have been such a delay. I did call the crematorium to ask when they would be cremating our boy and I went to collect the ashes myself. They actually let me observe so I could see he was being cremated separately. They were brilliant actually...very kind and understanding...obviously used to dealing with distress and bereavement.

My thought are with you. He sounds like a wonderful boy.

Rafabella · 13/01/2019 07:47

You poor thing. This is going to be very raw for you for some time. Try and hang on to the fact that he was peaceful and happily with you - his favourite person - sleeping.

We all expect that our pets will live long lives, sadly though this doesn't always happen.

As the owner of 2 dogs myself my heart goes out to you today.

X

Awwlookatmybabyspider · 13/01/2019 18:42

Hi just popping in to.see how you all are.

justilou1 · 14/01/2019 00:08

Me too. How are you and the kids? I was thinking of you all last night. X