Our beloved Springer died today

[Twrch62]

He usually comes to work with me, today,(yesterday) being so hot I left him at home and asked youngest son16 to walk him. He did, had a panicked phone call to say he had gone in a hedge and wouldn't come out.I was passing and got to him 15 mins later. Heartbeat, but otherwise lifeless, got him to the vet straightaway, Heatstroke with what appeared underlying problems we were unaware of. Organ failure, brain damage followed, had to let him go 2 hrs later, just going to youngest son now as can here him sobbing, middle son distraught, they were so close the dog was his best friend. Eldest got in from work 10-30 and shut down, I wish it was me who died.8-1/2 too young, he was the most laid back, loving, fit and healthy dog you could wish for, FUCK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Twrch62]

Thanks owllady, that was lovely, Drama, helped me too, 1-30 in the morning and trying to be supportive to the boys, but was devastated myself, just being able to tap something out was so helpful, thanks again to everyone.

[Twrch62]

Ilove,
thanks, we all seem a bit more at peace tonight, going on holiday saturday, so although not overly keen to go now it will be good to be together in a different environment.

[Twrch62]

I'm sorry dingalong, its really tough, its so tough to get the timing right when its time to let them go, I really hope she does rally and you can enjoy her for a bit longer, only if she's enjoying her life though.

My last to springers lived to 14 and 16-1/2 and Max seemed so fit, healthy and agile I was expecting the same for him too, just wasn't to be.

[Legionofboom]

I too am in tears reading this.

I am so sorry, it is so very tough to lose a beloved pet. Max looks like he was a beautiful dog, and your posts clearly convey how loved he was.

He may not have lived as long as you hoped but it sounds like he did plenty of living while he was around.

[Peanut14]

Some people just don't understand that a dog is also a family member, I feel sorry for people who don't understand why people love dogs. I can sympathise op with you and your family, it is a very sad time. Be proud of your boys that they are upset over your dogs death, what loving boys.

I also have a springer and a lab and we just love them, we had them before our baby and they are our family, dread the day they pass.

[Ilovemydogandmydoglovesme]

Dingalong I always say that my boy is my first baby. We had him for three years before the first dc came along. He's eleven now but still going fairly strong thank god. Am dreading the day though. The older he gets the more it worries me.

[cashmerecardigans]

I posted a very similar thread here last September when our beloved 7 year old working cocker died very suddenly. It is so truly shocking and I found it took a very long time for my brain to catch up with the fact that she wasn't here, as dogs are so intertwined with your life. Even yesterday I found myself holding the fat off the ham for her to collect from me.
The solace for us has come from knowing she had a very happy life in a home where she was much loved. I feel so much for your poor boys, your post has made me weep, thinking of their distress.
I hope things get easier for you all, just keep talking, crying,hugging and remembering the good times and the funny things Max did.

[OscarWinningActress]

I'm so sorry OP .

We have a Springer too. Absolutely wonderful, amazing dogs... So devoted.

Max was very handsome .

[Twrch62]

Thanks again all, you have all been a great support, your comments have really helped me cope, which in turn helped me to support my family.

Off on holiday tomorrow, house cleaned, bags packed and the last load of washing in the drier.
Take care you lovely doggy people I'll check in again when we're back

[Ilovemydogandmydoglovesme]

Have a lovely time.

[DramaAlpaca]

Oh, dingalong I'm so sorry for your loss.

Bonnie was a gorgeous dog, I love the photo.

You did the right thing for her so she didn't suffer. I know how hard that is having had to have one of our lovely springers pts a few weeks ago. I've attached a picture of her. Springers are truly wonderful dogs.

{{hugs}} to you

[Ilovemydogandmydoglovesme]

Oh dingalong I'm so sorry.

[Ilovemydogandmydoglovesme]

And Drama too. Oh dear.

[moosemama]

So sorry Drama and dingalong.

[DramaAlpaca]

Thanks everyone.

dingalong they slip away so gently don't they? You'll miss her terribly, but it will get easier, I promise. It's six weeks since we lost our old girl & the raw pain has worn off now although I think of her often & really miss her being around. It helps that we have two other springers, but she was definitely the boss & has left a big gap in our lives.

[DramaAlpaca]

That wonderful photo just sums up springers. Bounding around, ears waving in the air, with a big doggy smile on their face. Fabulous

[Twrch62]

Dingalong and Drama, we just got back tonight, I'm so sorry for both your losses, it is heartbreaking, springers are so full of life,and love their family so much its awful when we lose them. Dingalong, I know what you mean about being a gentle soul, Max was the same.
Holiday was ok in parts, but losing Max so horribly was always with us, We did come back to some lovely condolence cards from dog walkers I hardly know, which was lovely.
I really wish my younger 2 hadn't had to see him dying, he had a great life for the 8-1/2 years he was with us, but for the 18 year old in particular mortality is really making him wonder what the point of life is, we can listen to him, give our perspective, but he has to find his own way. Week after next he is going on holiday to spain with 3 mates, I'm hoping it will do him good. 16 year old has trouble sleeping, but he seems to be coming to terms slightly better.