now_what Posted August 6, 2009 Posted August 6, 2009 This past year has been such an emotional roller coaster. I have felt pretty good the past two weeks, trying to not think about my ex and just moving on with my life. But, now, out of the blue, my little rat terrier is very sick. I had noticed that she has lost a little weight but seemed normal. But Monday she was not herself at all, just sleeping, not eating, and her eyes were very red. I took her to the vet Tuesday and blood work shows that her kidneys are not functioning and her blood is very thick. They admitted her to the vet clinic today and it was just so sad, she was so weak and passive - not like a terrier at all. What I'm hearing from the vet is not good and I think my heart will break if she dies. I realize she's a dog, but after my 30 year marriage ended quite unexpectedly with my ex leaving me for another woman, I just can't take another loss in my life. Crystal (my dog) has slept with me for the past couple of years, so, tonight it will just be me alone in bed. She would sleep between me and my ex when he was still around, but now her favorite spot is right against my back. Maybe, if you are not an animal lover, you will think I'm being silly. But I just can't stop the tears. I'm all alone tonight, my daughter is at band camp until Friday. My other dogs ( three others) miss her too, they are being unusually quiet, they sense that one of their pack is not here. I just can't take anymore heartache.
MSUE Posted August 6, 2009 Posted August 6, 2009 well I'm a huge animal lover and have 2 dogs ( a beagle and a lab) and 2 cats and I know the love that I feel for them is out of this world...I would be so devastated too ...I'm so sorry you are so sad but your dog is getting the right care in the mean time all you can do is wait and love on your other 3 and nurture and be nurtured by them...yes animals do sense everything specially when a pack member is not home...I hope that your terrier pulls trough this tough time...best of luck...I WILL PRAY FOR YOUR LIL GUY
Peanut9330 Posted August 6, 2009 Posted August 6, 2009 I'm so sorry to heart that I know your pain even though i'm not going through that right now but if something happend to my cat I would be heartbroken. I know its hard but its not over yet dont lose hope maybe things will work out you never know and I hope they do!!! Once again i'm sorry this makes me really sad but try and stay positive.
t0ri Posted August 6, 2009 Posted August 6, 2009 I'm very sorry to hear that I know where you're coming from. My 15 year old dog has been having a variety of health issues over the past few months, and today I noticed a very large lump under his eye. Vet bills are so expensive and I'm a college student, so that's an added stress. If I lost my dog right now, so soon after my breakup, I think I'd seriously fall apart. Mine sleeps with me every night as well, and used to sleep next to my ex and I. I've had him since I was SEVEN! So I completely understand how you feel. I hope your dog gets better, and gets to get back in bed with you very soon! ((hugs))
TaraMaiden Posted August 6, 2009 Posted August 6, 2009 How old is your dog? Please know also that your other dogs are picking up on YOUR distress, and that's what's fazing them most, not your absent pet. They don't know where she is or what's wrong with her. All they know is she's gone. This happens in packs, and pack members re-adjust and get used to it. But if a pack member (that would be you) continues to show distress and pain - then they can't get on with things and continue to live life normally. You're falling apart - and they're noticing it. And if you're pack leader, this is going to be very stressful for them, because they know one of them may have to take over, so it's possible one or more of them will begin displaying different behaviour. You're obviously in no fit state to keep command.... But if you're NOT pack leader, then the designated pack leader will be feeling helpless and not know what to do to remedy your situation. It will become more protective, and could become crabby with the other dogs.... Either way (sorry about this) you need to pull yourself together. You guys are a pack, and simply because one of you is missing, doesn't mean the pack stops existing. You have to become stronger for the guys you still have with you. or else you are setting yourself up for fresh and different problems.....
curiousnycgirl Posted August 6, 2009 Posted August 6, 2009 If your dog is not terribly old, there are options here. Don't give up hope! I kept a cat alive for years who had been in kidney failure, and my friend's maltese was in kidney failure 7 years ago and is still going strong. It's amazig what veterinary medicine can do now. Good luck and keep us posted. I will pray for your pup.
Thornton Posted August 6, 2009 Posted August 6, 2009 Sorry to hear about your doggy My Shih-Tzu was put to sleep after being my best friend for 13 years, so I know how devastating it is to lose a beloved pet. We had her cremated and scattered the ashes around a special memorial rosebush, which made me feel a bit better. If your dog isn't old then there's a good chance she might pull through, I'm keeping my fingers crossed for her.
Author now_what Posted August 6, 2009 Author Posted August 6, 2009 Thanks for the kind words from everyone. Unfortunately, Crystal passed away overnight at the vets. I went out there with my mom today to see her one last time and she just looked like she was sleeping. This just happened so suddenly, I can't believe she is gone. Thanks again to all the animal lovers out there.
quankanne Posted August 6, 2009 Posted August 6, 2009 *hugs* as hard as this must be to have to deal with the loss of such a beloved companion, I am glad that you her in your life when you needed her (and her unconditional love) the most. you'll be in my prayers, q
TaraMaiden Posted August 6, 2009 Posted August 6, 2009 Really sorry to hear that, N_W.... keep your chin up, mourn, and look after yourself - and your other lovelies.
Peanut9330 Posted August 6, 2009 Posted August 6, 2009 I'm really sorry that your dog passed away, I know its hard but try and stay positive and keep your chin up.
MSUE Posted August 6, 2009 Posted August 6, 2009 OMg I'm so sorry u lost ur dog...but life goes on and u have 3 others that need you...so grieve and get urself back up...also look at it this way u have room for a new guy that' shomeless waiting for u in a shelter : ) I'm sorry about ur loss
whichwayisup Posted August 6, 2009 Posted August 6, 2009 Sorry for your loss.. I know how much it hurts to lose a pet.
curiousnycgirl Posted August 6, 2009 Posted August 6, 2009 My deepest condolences to you. I know what you are going through and I know there is nothing that can be said to make it better - but know that you gave Crystal a wonderful life, and that it is a blessing she did not suffer.
2sure Posted August 6, 2009 Posted August 6, 2009 Its never a good time for a loved one to become ill. Do not ever ever feel the need to justify grief or worry for a member of your family, our pets are important to us.
Thornton Posted August 6, 2009 Posted August 6, 2009 Oh, I'm so sorry At least you gave your little dog a good life and did everything you could for her. I hope your other dogs can be of some comfort to you, because they will miss her too.
t0ri Posted August 6, 2009 Posted August 6, 2009 My sympathies to you ((hugs)) That breaks my heart. Take comfort in knowing you provided a great life for her and did everything you could. Stay strong. RIP Crystal.
Author now_what Posted August 8, 2009 Author Posted August 8, 2009 Thanks again to everyone for the messages of condolence, I really appreciate the support. I miss Crystal terribly and it was so hard tonight, my 16 year old daughter had been away at band camp for the week and I had to tell her about Crystal - who technically is her dog - she got her for her 9th birthday. She was extremely upset, but we talked and then I think we both felt better. I had been dreading telling her. Band camp is 90 miles away, so I told her in the car after we stopped to get a bite to eat. I hadn't wanted to upset her at camp and I didn't want her to come home and find her dog gone. She agreed that I had told her at the right time - if there ever could be a right time. This just came out of the blue at us. Again thanks to everyone for the kind words.
LakesideDream Posted August 8, 2009 Posted August 8, 2009 I feel very sorry for you. I had to post. I lost my best friend in the world, the tiny (13 year old 5lb) kitty that got me through my divorce and made me enjoy living, for another six years in Sept. of 07. The pain you feel is real.
moo Posted August 8, 2009 Posted August 8, 2009 I am profoundly sorry for your lost. Please take care of yourself. Give the other dogs extra hugs.
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