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The doghouse

If you're worried about your pet's health, please speak to a vet or qualified professional.

Original poster

Our dog died and I'm heartbroken

119 replies

Labtastic · 15/02/2023 08:30

Yesterday came the time to pay the price of owning a dog. Our old gorgeous lab went off over the rainbow bridge after having a sudden collapse which was thought to be a ruptured undiagnosed tumour. He was too old for us to consider operating (particularly as even a successful operation would only have given him an extra 1-2 months) so we let him go. He died peacefully with us all with him, and really I couldn't have asked for a "better" death for him as he was still himself less than 24 hours before he went.

But god. The pain is indescribable. I can't stop crying. DH can't stop crying. I think he's cried more in the last 24 hours than he has in the last 10 years.

Posting here because people on this board get it, I think. I can't express the pain properly to people who don't own dogs, or even to those that do, but haven't yet lost one.

Just writing this has helped. I'll try and look out a picture of him if I can do so without bursting into tears again!

OP posts:
StarDolphins · 15/02/2023 11:12

Oh my word he’s gorgeous. I totally 100% get you. They are our family & now I’m in tears for you & at the prospect of losing my own dog. He’s 11 in 2 weeks & I can’t contemplate ever losing my bestest & most loyal friend🥲 My Daughter 7 has grown up with him.

The only time I ever saw my dear old Grandad cry was when he lost his spaniel. He was so tough but cried for weeks. As a kid, I didn’t get it but I absolutely do now.

My thoughts are with you, it’s the most devastating time. I don’t even have anything helpful to suggest because nothing helps🥲

Mariposista · 15/02/2023 11:13

Labtastic · 15/02/2023 08:44

He was nearly 13. Here's a photo of him - always happiest on the beach.

We had him before we had our children, and so they've never known a life without him so we're all grieving.

He was the best therapy for when I was sad - just stroking his ears was enough to cheer me up but now when I'm my most sad, he and his ears and his fat waggy tail aren't here!

What an absolute stunner!
I have a nearly 3 year old black lab, and I totally understand the bond you shared with your boy. They are such special dogs, ultimately loyal and just a key part of the family. Take your time to grieve, you will never forget him but time will heal your pain, eventually. All the best and RIP sweet boy.

Filde · 15/02/2023 11:15

So sorry for your loss OP. What a lucky dog to have you. Your beautiful boy looks like mine who I lost a year and a half ago. Labs are such little souls.

The grief is real and I feel for you. It knocked me off my feet. ‘We invite people into our company, but dogs into our solitude’.

It does ease, and I found seeking out dogs in those early days to be oddly helpful. I got another dog indecently quickly, a girl, a different type of dog and it’s a different relationship (but no more or less - the love has to go somewhere).

My boy is never far though - I carry him with me. You will too. All the best Op and huge un-mumsnetty hugs.

Nannyfannybanny · 15/02/2023 11:17

I absolutely get it,and sending much love 💕. We've always had 2 dogs, did have 3 for a few years. 14 years ago, similar to your situation,took my dogs to the forest,(2border collies,1phalane) one border collie collapsed,I thought she was dead,rushed her to the vet. Splenic tumour which ruptured, said that they could try and operate stop the bleeding, but she had liver secondaries showing,12 so unlikely to survive operation. 3 weeks ago,had the little man Phalane Leo PTS he would have been 18 in march. We thankfully have a 7 year old border collie.

magicstar1 · 15/02/2023 11:22

Awww what a gorgeous boy he was x.

Our family dog - German Shepherd - died back in 1991, and my parents could never face getting another one. as they were devastated. DH and I got a lovely rescue girl GSD a couple of years ago, and my parents just adore her. They've realised that they should have got another dog. I suppose I'm saying that if you decide to get another dog in the future, it doesn't lessen how much you loved him.
Take your time to grieve...dogs really do get into your heart.

Floofydawg · 15/02/2023 11:27

He was very handsome and he looks so happy in that photo. I'm sure you gave him an amazing life. Sorry for your loss.

Notasyoungasiwas · 15/02/2023 11:31

So so sorry for your loss. What a lovely handsome boy he was. We lost one of our labs three years ago aged nine. His brother has just turned fourteen and we know the inevitable is fast approaching. Please take some comfort in the fact that you gave your boy a wonderful life xx

thestringcheesemassacre · 15/02/2023 11:32

What a gorgeous good boy! Lovely happy face. I’m so sorry for your loss - I know it’s horrendous to recover from.

Zipps · 15/02/2023 11:44

So sorry for your loss, it's truly heartbreaking 💔

Justlovedogs · 15/02/2023 12:04

So, so sorry for your loss. That's a gorgeous photo you posted and I'm sure you gave him the best life a dog could have. Flowers

JulesJules · 15/02/2023 12:08

Oh God I'm so sorry. Sending love to you and your family. What a gorgeous boy. xx

Original poster
Labtastic · 15/02/2023 12:10

I'm really quite overwhelmed with the support here. Thank you all so much, it means a huge amount to hear from people that just totally get it.

OP posts:
Octopusmittens · 15/02/2023 12:18

What a beautiful boy, so sorry 💐

AliceOlive · 15/02/2023 12:25

What a gorgeous, handsome boy! Can tell from the picture that he was an absolute delight.

We lost our 13 year old yellow lab girl in October. They are so very precious and losing them leaves such a hole. We are still grieving but it has become more bearable each day.

The only consolation I know is to remember that you gave him the best life. The joy he gave you both is worth the heartbreak now, right? And you did right by him. The happiness just radiates in his picture.

LizzoBorden · 15/02/2023 12:29

Oh I am so so sorry. I said goodbye to my absolutely adored 13 year boy two weeks ago and the pain is horrific. I think, quite seriously, he has been the love of my life.

But but but. He had an amazing life. We had so many adventures and not an our went by without someone (me, usually) telling him how much he was loved. And, when the time came, we loved him enough to give him a peaceful end and be right there with him, telling him what a good boy he was and that we would see him again. God I am in floods of tears again. Much love to you op, it's fucking awful. Grief truly is the price we pay for love.

Enko · 15/02/2023 12:31

What a beautiful boy. no wonder you miss him. Your friend and family member has gone.

newfriend05 · 15/02/2023 12:32

My dog is nearly 15 and I'v got tears in my eyes just thinking this is coming to me soon ..So yeah I get it ! big hugs to you OP
X

MysteriesOfTheOrganism · 15/02/2023 12:34

What a beautiful happy boy! I'm so sorry for your loss - so heartbreaking.

Original poster
Labtastic · 15/02/2023 12:43

LizzoBorden · 15/02/2023 12:29

Oh I am so so sorry. I said goodbye to my absolutely adored 13 year boy two weeks ago and the pain is horrific. I think, quite seriously, he has been the love of my life.

But but but. He had an amazing life. We had so many adventures and not an our went by without someone (me, usually) telling him how much he was loved. And, when the time came, we loved him enough to give him a peaceful end and be right there with him, telling him what a good boy he was and that we would see him again. God I am in floods of tears again. Much love to you op, it's fucking awful. Grief truly is the price we pay for love.

Oh this completely set me off again! I'm so sorry for your loss as well. These dogs of ours are so lucky to be so loved, and we're so lucky to have had their total love for the too brief time we have with them 🐾

OP posts:
hoochyhag · 15/02/2023 12:51

Oh, he was gorgeous Flowers

userxx · 15/02/2023 13:05

I’m almost 6 weeks down the line. It’s the absolute pits, I miss him terribly but I’m starting to smile at the memories. There will be another dog in my life, when the time is right, the house is too empty.

This raw feelings you’ve got right now will lesson, it will become bare able, time does heal 💔

Gall10 · 15/02/2023 13:25

He was gorgeous! We had a black lab who’d run a mile just to find some water & jump in! I totally & completely understand your grief….anyone who’s ever had a pet will. Don’t ever be afraid to cry….the smile will come back soon. X

doodleygirl · 15/02/2023 13:29

What a beautiful boy, so sorry for your loss. It’s so hard when we lose our beautiful friends, we know it’s going to happen but the pain is unbearable.

We lost our 13yr old girl in October, the grief was horrific and I do still cry but I also think about the amazing times we had with her and what goofy, funny girl she was. Things that have helped in the last few months is creating a physical photo album and we put a little plaque up in the woods near us, I run past most days and throw her a kiss.I miss her smell and furry ears but it is getting easier as time moves on. I hope it does for you.

iloveeverykindofcat · 15/02/2023 14:22

You did the brave, unselfish thing and gave him the dignity and kindness of a good death. We had to get a young dog PTS over Xmas. (I say we, a family dog but one I had a lot of involvement with). He had a rare fatal genetic disorder. If we hadn't done it, he would shortly have died anyway, most likely in suffering and distress. As it was, he got to slip away peacefully surrounded by his favourite people, which is more than many humans get. He wasn't here long enough - they never are. But they know nothing of time, only the time they enjoy while they're here.

Eyesofdisarray · 15/02/2023 14:29

Beautiful dog OP- my dog behaves just like yours. They’re so precious aren’t they??
Love labs - such clever and funny characters
condolences to you x

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