Think we’re losing our elderly Shih Tzu today

[Tarkan]

He’s 14.5 now and I think this may be his last day.

DH had him before we met (DH and FIL got him as a puppy and FIL named him, he was the runt and when they got him said “he’s so titchy” and that was it, he was Titch from then on). FIL passed away before I met DH so Titch is his last little link to his dad and I don’t know how he will cope.

He’s just been showing signs of aging for a while. His hearing and most of his sight had gone but he still loved tearing up and down the hallway between nice long naps.

But today has been different. He started barking weirdly this afternoon and then he collapsed. He won’t touch his food. The vets have given us an appointment at 5.30 but we’re not sure if we will make it. That’s all we could get despite explaining everything.

Right now he’s lying on the sofa between me and DC1 and getting lots of cuddles and he’s content right now. DC2 is here as well. DH is thankfully off work today so we’re all just taking it in turns to give him lots of cuddles and tbh if today is going to be the day I hope it’ll be while we are cuddling him like this in his favourite place.

As heartbreaking as it is, it would be a lovely peaceful passing for him to just slip away surrounded by those who have loved him for all those years. Glad you are all there to support your husband .

Thanks. Honestly I think we would prefer this. We lost his little Lhasa Apso “brother” at 14 last year too and it was peaceful at home for him with both DC cuddling him (DH and I were out and I still feel bad we weren’t home at the end, DC are 21 and 17). DC have both said they don’t want to come to the vets so they would likely be saying goodbye as we left.

Old pics but some of my fave. Titch with our late Lhasa, Jupe. The kids used to dress him up a lot and then one where he had the funniest grumpy face when my phone went off loudly and woke him up.

I'm so sorry; however old they are, it's still a very painful loss.

I am so sorry you are all going through this. It sounds like Titch has had a lovely life, and if it is his last day all he will know is that he is surrounded by love and his favourite people. Thinking about you and sending love ❤️

Sending lots of love

He’s been yelping a bit and trying to move. Heading to the vet now.

Will be thinking of you and Titch xx

I hope it goes ok. He looked like a lovely dog and clearly much loved.

Sending heartfelt hugs. Good luck

I'm so sorry.

Thank you everyone. Sadly it was as we expected. The vet did say we could have gone through a whole lot of tests and scans etc but also said in reality we’d probably have ended up in the same position anyway. He had a lovely day full of cuddles from everyone and he had a long and happy life with us.

DH is obviously in bits. I’ve seen him upset a lot over the years but never to this extent. He had to get out the house so we’re in a pub right now but I’m keeping an eye on him too.

We picked a nice scatter tube for Titch’s ashes. We still have some of FIL’s at home so we will scatter them together somewhere meaningful.

And this is the way we will remember him most fondly. When he won first prize in the fancy dress category at a local dog show by being “Titchy Potter”. I made the outfit myself and we even beat a dog dressed as a clown who kept the red nose on the whole time.

I’m so so sorry for your loss (but I love Titch Potter 💜 what a dude)
🐾🐾

Oh he’s adorable and was blessed to have a life full of love.

So very sorry that you have lost Titch but I am firm believer that they tell you when it is their time. He clearly had a lifetime time of love and a very special last day with you. You will never forget him.

A lovely idea to "reunite" him with your FIL. My husband's parents were reunited with their beloved airedale's ashes once they had both gone.

Raise a glass to Titch and I hope that you can have a gentle day tomorrow xx

What a beautiful boy, I’m devastated for you, it is so hard when we have to say goodbye but it sounds as though he was ready 💔 he won’t have gone far i’m sure

So sorry about Titch. I totally empathise as we lost our elderly shih tzu at the start of October at 15 and it was heartbreaking. I got him before DH and I married and he came to our wedding and was the first 'baby' before our 3 DCs arrived. So they were obviously very upset too. Really hard losing a dog but it sounds as though he had a much-loved life.

I'm so sorry. We went through this with our 16 y o Border/JRT x a couple of weeks ago. It's heartbreaking. I hope he will send you a sign soon that he's crossed the rainbow bridge and is running free.