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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Absolutley Gutted

122 replies

FuckCovid19 · 27/03/2020 11:46

Not sure if this needs a trigger warning
(Name changed cos I felt like it and this might be outing)

I know that this isn't exactly the end of the world, and I realise that there are worse things going on right now, but I just need a moan. So here goes:

Last Friday, our beloved Rottweiler died. He was 10 and a half and had been diagnosed with cancer (osteosarcoma, that had spread basically everyfuckingwhere!!) the week before and the vets couldn't say how long he had left. I'm still wondering why the fuck they woke the poor sod up after his xrays but hey ho

I came downstairs to let him out for a wee and there he was, lying on the floor Sad I thought we'd have more time, and I honestly thought we'd end up taking him to the vets to be PTS because everyone kept telling me "you'll know when it's time". But no, he passed away, alone, on the living room floor, after seemingly wandering about during the night in pain.

Anyway, he'd obviously been lying on the couch and had had a bout of diarrhoea (with some blood in it) which has soaked through the throw that was on there and has made an absolute mess of the couch Sad DH (god bless him) spent ages cleaning up the mess on the floor where DDog passed away, but we aren't really equipped to clean the couch, and I actually bought couch cover from DFS when we got it, so we rang and made a claim, filled out all the forms and have been waiting patiently for them to come and clean it for us.

Well, they aren't coming now cos everyone is on lockdown and their staff aren't going out to anyone's homes. That's fair enough. I get that we have to do our best to stop this stupid fucking virus from ravaging the country. But I'm still gutted that my couch fucking stinks and it's a contant reminder of walking downstairs to find my lovely dog dead on the floor.

I'm devastated that my lovely boy has gone, and who knows how long it will be till someone can come and clean the couch. I can't afford a new one, but even if I could I can't go out and buy one anyway!!

I also would just love a hug from my mum, but she's 71 and is self isolating Sad so fuck knows when I'll be able to actually get near her!!

So, thanks for reading. Not sure what the point of this thread actually is, just needed to vent I suppose.

OP posts:
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Affirmative106 · 27/03/2020 13:36

Sorry for your loss, OP. Losing a pet is so hard. I think about my boy everyday. Focus on the happy times you had with him. Flowers

Original poster
FuckCovid19 · 27/03/2020 13:37

@VivaLeBeaver we do have a proper VAX carpet cleaner with all the attachments needed to clean it, but if we do it ourselves and it ruins the couch and the fire retardant coating on the foam, our contents insurance would no doubt then be invalid should anything happen. So do we take the risk, or do I put up with the smell for a few more weeks?

I just don't know. And I'm just pissed off at the whole sorry situation. And I'm sad, my heart is broken Sad

OP posts:
TheLadyAnneNeville · 27/03/2020 13:39

@FuckCovid19 I know you’ve enough to think about, but if you have a moment, could you post a photo of your dog? That Ok?

VivaLeBeaver · 27/03/2020 13:40

I’d take the risk and do it. It’s very, very unlikely your couch is going to be on fire unless you sit smoking fags on it. If there’s a fire somewhere else in the house and it spreads to your couch then the fire will be so bad your insurance isn’t going to be quibbling about a couch and the damage will be so bad to the whole house they won’t tell the fire retardant bit didn’t work. That’s my gut feeling.

twinnywinny14 · 27/03/2020 13:40

I think in the circumstances I would take my chance and attempt cleaning it- if it works and the DFS cover is no longer valid- so what. If it doesn't work and DFS wont deal with it then you end up replacing the sofa, or you have good reason for not being able to wait. You need to get it sorted now as that will help you in one of the worst times possible.

VivaLeBeaver · 27/03/2020 13:41

I’d be more worried about it possibly damaging the look/surface of the sofa? But I’ve never had a carpet wrecked so I’d risk it. Can you do a small test patch?

TheLadyAnneNeville · 27/03/2020 13:41

Actually, that sounds awful. It’d just be nice to see him. So sorry.

Helpwithaversion · 27/03/2020 13:42

Honestly , I’d get rid of it
After even a few hours the bacteria will be multiplying the smell will get worse and it’s going to be a health hazard for you. Not ideal as sofas are expensive but I’d move it to a garage/outside and get a new one when you can last thing you want is to get sick during this time
Sorry about your dog x

Original poster
FuckCovid19 · 27/03/2020 13:43

Here he is, looking all coy

Absolutley Gutted
OP posts:
Original poster
FuckCovid19 · 27/03/2020 13:45

He did not like his Halloween costume... 😂

Absolutley Gutted
OP posts:
Phoenix76 · 27/03/2020 13:46

Oh op, you sound like an amazing dog owner. The pain of losing a much loved pet is real. My little Billy went to the rainbow bridge in 2017, I was absolutely beside myself and was in real danger of plunging into a depression. The lovely mn lot saved my sanity and were a huge support. I can tell you, it does get more bearable and I'm able to smile at photos of him rather than cry.
As to your sofa, I really don't know, perhaps cling onto the fact it will be cleaned by the professionals when the situation allows.
Sending a virtual hug and very best wishes Flowers

Soontobe60 · 27/03/2020 13:46

OP, ring the insurers back and explain that it is a health and safety hazard to have to live with the couch not being cleaned properly. Ask them if steam cleaning it yourself now will be acceptable and not invalidate the insurance.

Original poster
FuckCovid19 · 27/03/2020 13:46

This is one of my all time favourite pictures of him and DD when she was little. He was so good with her, like a big brother but more slobbery

Absolutley Gutted
OP posts:
Original poster
FuckCovid19 · 27/03/2020 13:49

And this is him last Monday, looking decidedly sad. You can’t really tell from the picture but it was his right hind leg that was affected by the cancer.

Absolutley Gutted
OP posts:
MarginalGain · 27/03/2020 13:50

Gorgeous.

Eckhart · 27/03/2020 13:52

I'm so sorry OP, this is utterly horrible. I really feel for you.

I think you need to replace the couch, it's a health hazard, surely? And it will always be a reminder of this unhappy time. I'd focus on finding out about what insurance you can claim, and getting rid of the couch. Have the council got a 'large items' removal scheme? God knows how it's affected by the crisis, but you can't be expected to live with a couch covered in excrement and body fluids.

Again, I'm sorry.

GiveMeStrength2day · 27/03/2020 13:53

I'm really sorry about your fur boy

When one of my cats died on my bedroom carpet, he sicked up a tar-like substance leaving a dark stain (upon initial cleaning, it looked a bit like I'd dropped hair dye). When I tried claiming on my household insurance (I had accidental damage cover) they told me that any animal inflicted damage was never covered so I just had to scrub and scrub the mark until it faded (it did damage the carpet a bit).

I do think if I had lied and said it was actual hair dye they may have paid out. Please check your insurance policy

Again, I'm very sorry Flowers

PS. Don't feel guilty for mourning

theemmadilemma · 27/03/2020 13:53

I'm so sorry for your loss.

Is it worth trying DFS again? Explaining the dilemma, and that you understand they cannot possibly send anyone, but you have a problem for quite the foreseeable future and no way to fix it. Can they agree to send some cleaning stuff for you to try, or even just agree that you won't break your cover if you attempt it yourself in the meantime?

Original poster
FuckCovid19 · 27/03/2020 13:54

thanks @Phoenix76

I didn't always like him, but I loved him Sad

He was annoying, and loud, and messy, and smelly, and his fur shed loads cos Rotties have a double coat...

But he was loving, and gentle, and nosy (if we walked past a house and someone was in their garden he'd jump up and nosy over their wall), and funny, and clever and just the absolute best dog ever

OP posts:
HoofWankingSpangleCunt · 27/03/2020 13:55

Oh Op, I'm so sorry for your loss. Ddog was indeed a very special animal. You can see his personality so clearly in the photos. My darling Dog was hit by a car two months ago.its a pain like no other.

I don't really have any advice for your sofa other than an enzyme based cleaner. Ideally you need something in writing from dfs or the insurance people that in the light of the current situation, special dispensation has been given to you to clean the sofa by yourselves.

Hugs.

rainbowstardrops · 27/03/2020 13:57

No words of wisdom but just to say I'm really sorry for your loss. He looked like an absolute beaut Thanks

oohnicevase · 27/03/2020 13:58

Buy a carpet cleaner with a suction hose on . That's how we clean the sofas .. sorry about your dog 😔

Eckhart · 27/03/2020 13:58

Just seen your pictures. He was really lovely. And, clearly, really loved.

oohnicevase · 27/03/2020 13:59

BISSELL Stain Pro 4 | Carpet Cleaner With Stain Removal Tools and 4 Rows Of Rotating Brushes | 20686 https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01N5V1TL4/ref=cmswwrcppapiii_NAGFEbDRDC6D6

oohnicevase · 27/03/2020 13:59

Like this with an animal urine etc cleaner .