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Original poster

Dear old dog died this morning

26 replies

higgle · 03/02/2010 08:03

Marston was 16 and almost a quarter, and had been getting weaker for months, but up until 3 days ago he was eating well and seemed happy. We decided last night that as he hadn't shown any interest in food for 3 days that the time was right, and I spoke to our vet. This morning he was sleeping peacefully in his bed at 7am and the when DH went to work at 7.30 he had slipped away in his sleep. So sad, my sons now 18 and 15 can't remember life without him, and he was only feet away in the next room when DS2 was born at home ( slept through all the screaming and kerfuffle) He was a PBGV and loved to get the scent of a rabbit or fox, barked a lot, loved me to distraction and only really disgraced himself once in a fight over a packet of Smarties with DS1. I've never heard of a dog dying peacefully in its sleep before, think it is quite rare. Anyway I shall go and have another little talk to him before I ring the vet about what to do with his poor old body later on, can't face work today.

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Bucharest · 03/02/2010 08:12

Aw, bless you.
I know it won't make you feel better now, but at least he died peacefully rather than with intervention.
You stay at home and eat lots of chocolate and Mnet all day. xx

abride · 03/02/2010 08:13

I'm sorry to hear this, higgle. Marston was a good age! You must have looked after him very, very well. Perhaps he slipped away like that because he loved you and wanted to go quietly, when you weren't around.

He sounds gorgeous.

I lost one of my dogs last summer and I don't think I've ever cried so much. If it's any consolation, I did feel better quiet quickly. If you've given a dog a good life, lots of love, lots of walks and fun, you have only happy memories and these are what fill your mind after a while.

Bella32 · 03/02/2010 08:20

So sorry Higgle - he was clearly a very special dog and incredibly well loved, as he deserved. It'll hurt like hell right now but in time you'll be able to look back on all your fantastic memories of him, and in that way he will always be with you
Take care of yourselves x

CaptainUnderpants · 03/02/2010 08:24

That is so sad , but take comfort that he had a good life , and died peacefully in a place that he was well loved.

xx

throckenholt · 03/02/2010 08:26

it is good that he died at home - then you didn't have to make the decision and get him to the vet. (We had to do that with our 12 year old collie last summer). To be honest - you can't ask for more - a long healthy life, and then dying quickly at home - I wish we could all order an end like that.

You will miss him being there - lots of little things. And if you are anything like me you will cry a lot too.

We have buried all of ours in the garden - is that an option for you ? (although frozen ground doesn't help at this time of year).

MmeLindt · 03/02/2010 08:37

Ah, he sounds lovely and what a great life he has led. Take comfort in the fact that he died peacefully at home.

Can you stay home from work today?

bedlambeast · 03/02/2010 09:29

This reply has been deleted

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sb6699 · 03/02/2010 10:24

So sorry

Take comfort in the fact that he passed away peacefully in a home where he was loved.

Original poster
higgle · 03/02/2010 10:53

Thank you all for kind messages. We only have a little garden so I've taken him down to the vet's for cremation, still curled up in his bed like he was asleep. the nurse said she would give his nice bed a wash and use it for for poorly doggies. I gave him lots of cuddles before we set out and sat down with a cup of coffee and talked to him about what a great dog he was. I have had three dogs over the last 33 years and I always think about this day when I get one. He was one of six puppies and his mum was so proud of them she showed them off to us when we visited ( remember DS1 who was about two kissing her on the head ane being worried she might be snappy with him, but she had a lovely temprament too) Yes, I'm just having a moping about day now, as I work with older people don't think I'm up to grieveing famillies at work too today.

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elsiepiddock · 03/02/2010 12:55

Am crying reading this. Sorry for you higgle, but what a lovely way for him to go.

I am dreading this day as my much adored dog is 12 and not in excellent health. I hope when her time comes she slips away like your dog.

WynkenBlynkenandNod · 03/02/2010 13:37

So sorry to hear this Chocolate is very important at a time like this I think, take care x

Blondeshavemorefun · 03/02/2010 14:08

((HUGS)) higgle

your woofa was obv a big part of your family and will be sorely missed

so glad he died peacefully in his sleep - hard for you and your family, but far better for him xxx

Chillohippi · 03/02/2010 14:24

It's lovely that he died in his sleep, peacefully at home where he was so loved. I think in such situations, if you don't feel able to take him to the vets (assuming you want him cremated), they will come and get him.
He lived to a grand old age and sounds like he was smashing pal to have for so long.

beautifulgirls · 03/02/2010 16:39

Sorry to hear your news - he was a part of your family that you have lost and you must allow yourself time to grieve properly for him. You will continue to miss him, but it will get easier too. I lost my old dog almost a year ago and still miss her, but I can think about her and all the good times without crying now (well most of the time!)

midori1999 · 03/02/2010 17:26

I am really sorry to hear this, but it sounds like he lived to a wonderful age.

I hope you are OK.

ghandisflipflop · 03/02/2010 18:40

Oh i am sorry to read about your lovely dog. He really sounded so very much loved. Isn't it just so awful when we lose our pets, they are so much part of the family, and yours grew up with your children too.

Thinking of you x

aJumpedUpPantryBoy · 03/02/2010 19:22

He sounds lovely.
I'm glad he had a peaceful end, surrounded by people he loved.
My thoughts are with you as you adjust to the dog-shaped hole in your lives.

Vallhala · 03/02/2010 23:00

My heart's with you higgle. I've been there and know how much it hurts. I hope that you will take comfort in knowing that Marston was loved and cared for throughout his life and that he didn't suffer when he quietly slipped away... and in your happy memories too.

Thinking of you and yours, I feel for you all.

Val x

SuperflousBuns · 03/02/2010 23:05

Am so sorry for your loss xx

Molesworth · 03/02/2010 23:07

Oh higgle, I'm so sorry to hear this

littlelozz · 03/02/2010 23:09

Sorry for your loss Higgle - brought back memories of my dog when he passed. He was really ill and in so much pain wish he could have went as peacefully as Marston.
Thinking of you all x x

bibbitybobbityhat · 03/02/2010 23:14

You speak so lovingly about Marston, I am welling up too! I am sure he knew how much you loved him. All my deepest sympathies to you and your family x.

Mumcentreplus · 03/02/2010 23:17

Sorry for your loss Higgle

frostyfingers · 04/02/2010 09:09

Oh it's so sad isn't it. You're so lucky that he picked his time peacefully at home - we've had to have both ours put to sleep through illness and it's heartbreaking.

I think when it's a dog you've had while your children are growing up, it's all the attached memories that make it hard - it makes you aware of the passing of time and that your family has grown up too.

All best wishes, think happy things and be grateful that you had the pleasure of his company for so long.

Original poster
higgle · 04/02/2010 09:51

Thank you for all these messages, you are all very kind. We had a quiet evening talking about all the fun we had with Marston - he was named after the beer because everyone thought he was a cross breed, but he wasn't, just a bit of a rare breed 16 years ago. Still keep thinking I've got to let him in or let him out or feed him, and the house seems very quiet without him, although recently he had not got out of his bed much. Anyway chin up and back to work today. No! I did not resort to chocolate, made a big pot of comforting soup instead.

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