My poor dog

[robino]

We have recently moved overseas to a very hot country. We left our older but of undetermined age (probably between 10 and 12) cross breed rescue pooch with my mum because she (the dog) has bad hips and we felt it unfair to make her travel. There was also concern that if we had to leave here within the first couple of years then she might still be alive but definitely not fit to travel and this is not a place I would willingly leave a dog.

My mum called on Sunday to say that my dog was unwell and she would take her to the vets on Monday. I have just received an email telling us that it is highly likely Dougie has a tumour on her liver and there will be an x-ray today to confirm.

She has been with us 9 years. She's never been reliable on recall, is very barky on the lead and weirdly takes dislike to some small dogs (yes, we've worked on these but just had to take measures to limit the behaviour). when we brought DD1 home from the hospital it was plainly obvious that Dougie had never seen a baby before and for one worrying day we thought we may need to rehome her. My mum looked after her for a couple of weeks and then spent a week with us while we slowly introduced them. Dougie has been a star ever since. She even went as far as actually licking DD3 when she came home.

I want to give my dog a big cuddle and I can't.

[robino]

Oh scuttle, I'm sorry.

I couldn't even speak to my mum last night, had to make DH do it. Which is mean because I know it's horrible for her too. We only left 17 days ago.

The one good thing (even though it means I can't give her a cuddle) is that we didn't put her through a 7 hour flight and massive temperature upheaval.

[RedwingWinter]

Oh Scuttle. I'm sorry for your loss too :(

[Scuttlebutter]

Robino, I am so, so sorry.

We lost our darling elderly girl this week - the pain is awful and the house seems so empty even though we have two other gorgeous hounds. We knew the night before that she would be going, and that night was probably one of the longest I have ever spent.

I am also v sorry for your mum - it will be very tough for her too.

Please have a big unMN hug xx

[RedwingWinter]

That's awful. I'm so sorry, robino.

[robino]

Thank you all. I am sad. And I can't even have a drink to toast her slightly odd quirks and her faithful houndiness because we don't have our alcohol permit yet.

[assumpta]

Oh dear, that is so so sad. My heart goes out to you. X

[BassaiDai]

Robino,
I am so sorry you are going through this.
I don't know what to say, but would like to pass you some unmumsnetty hugs.

Crying at the mere thought of this, and I don't even own a dog! (yet)

[BassaiDai]

Oh Camel!

That's beautiful!

[BetterOnACamel]

Oh no! I'm so sorry OP. I just read that and feel like bursting into tears just thinking of it. (((BIG GINORMOUS HUG))) for you and Dougie.

Maybe you'll like this - a friend sent it to me a long time ago, makes me cry though:

Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.

When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge.

There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together.

There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.

All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by.

The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.

They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent; His eager body quivers.

Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.

You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.

Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together....

Author unknown...

[coffeeinbed]

Sorry to hear that.
It's heartbreaking.
Lots of hugs!

[foolserrand]

I'm so sorry. Sounds like she was a great dog with her quirks.

[thestringcheesemassacre]

Oh no. Poor you, poor Dougie.

We lost our dog in Feb (PTS) and it's still upsetting now.
Take care.

[robino]

Just spoken to my mum. Dougie does have a liver tumour. There's nothing they can do for her. She will be put to sleep tomorrow.

[bilateral]

Poor you:(

[NuggetsForTeaAgain]