Death of a Pet

[PeteC]

Sad day today for us. We lost our male 7 year old Golden Retriever (Rocky) to a heart attack. He's had some health issues over the past year but nothing that would have led us to believe this would happen. Fine in the morning trying to steal the daughter's breakfast....60 minutes later laboured breathing.....2 hours later in pet hospital.....2 hours after that.... gone.

I'm not sure if I agree with all the ceremony the wife is going through at the moment at the Sattahip Thai Navy pet Wat/crematorium, but to each their own. My daughter didn't want to attend but to remember him as he was earlier in the day. Had to pick her up from school basketball practice and break the news, never easy no matter how many pets come and go in your life.

Now, his litter sister "Holly" remains, and the process begins to help her through the period of wondering...."where is my brother..." These times can be dangerous for the remaining pet so we have to manage her reactions/emotions if she begins to search for him. Thanks for listening...my therapy outlet today given the man is supposed to be the rock, not always. Pete

[caller]

Sorry to hear your news about the loss of Rocky Pete, many condolences.

[MLS]

I'm really sorry to hear this. I hope your family, which of course includes Holly, will take comfort in thinking back of all the great times you've had together and those memories will keep you strong. He loved you and you loved him, and you gave him a lovely life. Job done. And now I'm feeling a little teary, as I'm sure all of us who read your sad news will be too. Hugs from everyone.

[lindosfan1]

Very sad my condolences, My retriever whose is 10 now is a precious member of the family, we dread him going.

[MDMK]

I'm very sorry for the loss of Rocky. We have lost 2 of our 3 this year, it's tough!

Regards Holly missing him, when we had two cats and one had to be put to sleep, our vet recommended that we let our remaining cat have a look at her dead 'brother'. I found it quite strange (to say the least). But she did have a sniff and it was like she knew, she didn't go looking around for him at all. While if he was at the vets for the day she would sit at the window and cry and look all around the house till he got back.

Thinking of you all.

[Bluesky]

Pete, our thoughts and condolences are with you and family. We can empathise with how you all must be feeling at the moment. We had to deal with a similar situation about three and half years ago when we lost our 2 dogs to heat stroke in Oz. For us, and particularly my wife it took some time to get over. We still look at their pictures and remember the good times. Say your good byes as you each feel best and try and fill the gap for "Holly" as best you can who will be in her own doggy way trying to deal with the loss of her mate.

[PeteC]

Thanks to all for your comments. The wife was physically holding him before, during, and after at the Wat. He died in her arms.

MDMK, when she got home Holly sniffed for 2 minutes, walked away, laid down and gave a great sigh. I think she's picked it up and knows.

Quite a solemn dog this evening, but she's okay so far concerning normal habits. Pete

[Vital Spark]

I really, really, empathize with you Pete. Losing a member of your family, which is what Rocky was, can be difficult to deal with. I bet he had a great life with you, and your family. I've been in the same situation, and it takes time to adjust to them not being there, but it gets easier day by day.

VS

[redzonerocker]

Sorry to hear your sad news mate, it's never easy when they go.

[migrant]

Sorry to hear Pete! We lost one to cancer, a long, drawn out process and very sad.

We had lost his sister many years before and they were very close. He spent about a week looking for her, but my daughter made sure he had lots of love, and soon all was good.

[STEVE G]

Yes, sorry to hear that Pete, the last Thai mutt that we lost was one my partner had in Issan and he was getting so old that it was inevitable but it must have come as a bit of a shock to lose one at that age.

[pharvey]

Very sad to hear Pete. As others have said, they become a huge part of the family and it's a very upsetting time when they leave us. "Our Bob" is a young 17, and we absolutely dread losing him.

Sincere condolences.

[PET]

It is so very sad when they go. They are always so much a part of the family and we are so lucky to have them and their loving greetings whenever one goes out and returns. They never have bad moods etc etc . Get another Pete.

[PeteC]

I need to finish and close this sad book now.

Reference my opening post above, we lost Rocky's sister, Holly, today.

Complicated medical reasons but mainly due to liver failure, and she never really recovered from the loss of her brother two years ago, no matter how hard we tried.

The feelings I expressed above I won't repeat. It's enough to say that they are the same, or even more profound, as now both pups from my daughter's youth (age 4 to 14) are gone and there is a big, big hole in this family.

We're going to take a break for a while concerning any replacements. All of us need to heal a bit first. Once again, thanks for listening, and give a smile at what beautiful dogs they were. Pete

phpv4wOtoAM.jpg (111.29 KiB) Viewed 5594 times

phprb7vtNAM.jpg (100.98 KiB) Viewed 5594 times

phpelNNThAM.jpg (180.06 KiB) Viewed 5594 times

phpveQ6XrAM.jpg (49.56 KiB) Viewed 5594 times

[caller]

and give a smile at what beautiful dogs they were. Pete

Indeed they were! Take care.