Anyone awake? Our wonderful old dog has just died.

[YesIJudge]

Beside me on the sofa, where he's been every night for the last 12 years. He just slept away an hour ago with his head on my lap. DH is working away and DD is away at uni. DS (20) is inconsolable. I kind of guessed this was coming as he's been a bit 'wandered' for a couple of weeks and very unsettled the last few days. I know some people will think this is pathetic but I took a days holiday yesterday because I was worried about him. I'm completely devastated and I don't know how to tell DD.

He's a chocolate lab and cost us a fortune over the years eating things he shouldn't and generally being a knobhead like most labs are but, my god, how we loved that boy. He is absolutely part of our family. I've wrapped him up and put him in his bed and DH is on his way home. I've had dogs all my life and my parents had dogs before they had us and I really didn't want another one for the very reason that I knew I would have my heart broken all over again.

I don't really expect a reply to this, I know not everyone likes dogs or understands how much they can mean to people. I just know that my children are going to feel the way that I did when we lost our first 'family' dog. The one that came on all the holidays and stole the birthday cakes and chewed the school shoes.

Our boy really was the goodest boy.

Oh, this is so sad. Condolences, OP.

It sounds like your boy had a wonderful life and what a lovely way to go - snuggled with one of his humans. I'm sure that gave him so much comfort.

What a gorgeous boy he was, sending you best wishes at this sad time. We lost our gorgeous lab cross last year and miss him still, but we can now remember the good times. Also sending thoughts to @Anisty

Ohhh OP, I get it. Lost my dog earlier this year. Rescued her when she was 3, she does at almost 16. Bestest, weirdest girl and even though it’s been months I still miss her and tear up when I look at photos. But then I look down at my latest rescue-in-her-honour and feel my heart might explode 🥹🥹 She’ll never been the same as my old girl, but she’s already mended us so much. Here we go again I guess! 🥰

I’ll do it again and again and again no matter what I say!

Look after yourself today, and remind yourself how lucky you all were to have her. 😘😘😘

I’m so sorry to hear about your beautiful dog.

I'm so sorry OP. Anyone who has a dog will completely relate to you. I'm the first in my family to own a dog and I sympathise. People will not understand until they become a fellow dog mum. Sending lots of hugs your way, it'll be tough but you will get through it

What a beautiful, beautiful frosty chocolate bear 🤎. He must have felt so very loved and safe to have slipped away like that. What a privilege you had to have him in your life, and what a privilege he had to have you as family. Sleep tight seeet boy and sending all my love to you (I have big fat ploppy tears reading this, on your behalf)

He’s beautiful. I’m so sorry he’s gone — but glad (for him) he got to go peacefully, at home, with you. I’ve wanted that for all my dogs, but it’s never happened that way. Sending much love. Xx

What a beautiful dog. Sorry for your loss ❤️ I lost my family dog 2 years ago. It's heartbreaking.

What a gorgeous boy! Sounds like he had an amazing life full of love.

Sending you love today op.

RIP beautiful chocolate boy.
I am a lab mum to a 4 year old. You must be devastated. I can aliken to the eating everything in sight and vet trip atuff. Labs are the best but keep us busy!

So sorry. It’s so devastating. But what a peaceful way to go. In his sleep, next to you feeling loved. 💗

Hugs, mine died on Friday,

Beautiful boy. Sounds like he was loved by his family and had a wonderful life. He was with you at the end and in his loving home. So sorry for your loss

Sorry to hear this op his photo is lovely. Our pets are so loyal. Xx

So, so sorry to hear this My first thought was how at ease he must have felt in those last moments; I think we'd all hope to slip away peacefully in our favourite spot with our favourite person. He sounds wonderful and was lucky to have you. Take it easy ❤️

I'm so sorry. Absolutely heartbreaking. I love his eyebrows, he looks like a wise and kind dog.

I know some people will think this is pathetic but I took a days holiday yesterday because I was worried about him.

How lovely that your instinct told you to have that last day with him.

I'm so sorry. I know exactly what you're going through. 7 weeks since we had our pug PTS but what a wonderful way for your dog to go. It sounds so peaceful. Please try and take comfort in that. You will in time 💐

Bless you OP, he sounds as though he has been a wonderful companion. How fitting that he should pass away feeling your love and warmth. It sounds as though he has had a great life with you and your family.

This thread has made me cry and I bet I'm not the only one. Beautiful dog x

Oh bless him, what a gorgeous boy. 🥰

I'm so sorry for your loss OP, they break our hearts when they have to go. Dreadful shock for you all, but actually a beautiful end for him. I'm glad you didn't have to make that awful decision we all dread, and that he was just snoozing on his mum till the end. Hope you're all OK this morning. Really feel for you.

WestwoodHo1: This thread has made me cry and I bet I’m not the only one. Beautiful dog.
No, you are not the only one. He was a beautiful boy and he had a good life and died in his comfortable place next to you. 💐

He sounds like a wonderful dog who had a wonderful life. It's devastating for you, but a very peaceful passing for him, asleep, comfortable and loved.

I still miss my dog who died years ago, he was part lab, ate everything he shouldn't (we had to put a baby lock on the fridge), escaped from the kennels when we were on holiday and was found walking home, and generally adored us all. They live on in our memories.

Thinking of you ❤️

So sorry for your loss.

I Have a three year old chocolate lab and she's the most amazing family dog ever.
🤎