My doodle's time was up. ;-(

[Mandy & Benny]

On Sunday night I lost my best friend, my Riley.  I was out of town for the weekend, Riley was staying with my parents while I was gone.  On Saturday he started throwing up and my dad noticed blood on his tail after he went to the bathroom.  They took him to the emergency vet and he was diagnosed with gastroenteritis.  They gave him flagyl, something for nausea, and a bolus of fluids.  The vet said if they wanted him to stay over night he could, but he believed Riley was okay to go home.  My parents took him back to their house.  I returned early Sunday afternoon to my little pal unable to stand or barely lift his head.  My usual greeting of a tail wag and a lick was nowhere to be seen.  The vet said he would be lethargic and probably wouldn't be eating or drinking much.  I got him to drink a little water while his head was laying on my lap.  He seemed to perk up a little, stood up, and walked upstairs to the main floor of the house.  I thought this was a good sign.  I lay next to him all afternoon, just petting him and giving him hugs.  He ate a few pieces of chicken and drank a little water.  I had to run out for a couple of hours but had no reason to think anything would happen while I was gone.  My parents were there and he was looking a little better.  After being gone for about an hour, they called to have me meet them at the emergency vet.  He had started bleeding from his behind quite a bit.  When they pulled into the lot I opened the back door of the car.  I saw his sweet face, his eyes open with little tears going down, and he wasn't breathing.  The vet rushed him inside but couldn't bring him back.  I was, and I'm still hysterical.  I can't forgive myself for leaving him when he needed me the most.  I'm just sick over it.  That dog was my child, the one I went home to.  Now I can't stand to be in my house.  He's everywhere there, except embraced in a hug from me.  Has anyone else had an experience like this where the dog was energetic, bouncing around, and healthy one day and then gone the next?  I asked the vet how this could have happened if they weren't terribly concerned the night before.  She said it could be anything- he could've gone into shock from the fluid and blood loss, his stomach could've twisted (he wasn't bloated though), or maybe he ate something that irritated his system, passed it, and then was sick from that.  In the xrays done the first night, there were no obstructions.  The vet only noticed excessive gas- and my dog was the greatest because he RARELY greeted us with a curious odor.  Besides a bit of inflammation, that was the only out of the ordinary thing they found.  I keep trying to put the pieces together, what I should have done differently, how I could have prevented this.  Any wise words you can share? 

[Lori, Quincy & Frankie]

So sorry for the loss of your sweet boy.  As I read your words here at my desk at work, my tears flowed, because it of course brought back my own memories.  The loss of our dogs is heartbreaking.  Try to find comfort in your memories. I have a new boy now, but I still hold a place in my heart for all my dogs.  To love them as much as we do, we grieve them as much, too.  Time will help you heal.  

 

[Kristi and Mickey Finn]

Dear Mandy,

I am so sorry for your loss. I understand. Last April we put our Maggie down at 15 and that lead us to our new guy Mickey a Golden Doodle. Its a hard time. Please know our thoughts are with you and your sweet memories of Riley.

[Jarka, Monty & Auggie]

I'm so sorry for your loss! I cannot even imagine how you (or even your parents) feel. I've got no advice for you. Riley knew he was loved, so please don't beat up yourself. It won't help him. Try focusing on the happy memories you had with him and start the healing process. Hugs to you and your parents. Hang in there.

[Nicky, Riley & Boris]

I am so very sad to read this. What a tragedy to lose your darling Riley this way. Thoughts and prayers are with you.

[Sheila & Finnley]

I am so sorry for your loss. It's a hurt that someone who never has had a pet just doesn't understand.

I think it's safe to say that many of us here on DK have walked in your shoes before, and we are here to lean on, and give you all the support that you need at this difficult time.

Riley will live forever in the memories that you keep. Hugs...

[Lynda Kamrath]

So sorry to hear about Riley.  I can imagine how you are feeling because I lost my best (and first) doodle, Hondo, two years ago and am still not over it.  We have his cremated remains in a beautiful wooden box in our living room and a stone with his name and dates on it in our garden.  Do what you can to remember all the good times and make sure that your parents are okay also.  They must be going through a lot of guilt also (unnecessary) and may need some consolation.   It is so hard when a treasured pet dies.  Remember that it is not your fault and there is nothing you could have done differently.  He was with people who loved him and feel consolation in that.   My thoughts are with you.

[Lee Seidman]

So Sorry for your loss

[Heather]

Mandy, SO VERY SORRY for the loss of your Sweet Boy-

[Rita and Fazzy]

Mandy....I am so so so very sorry for your loss.  Please don't beat yourself up over this, it wasn't your fault.  Just take things day by day and slowly, very slowly, the pain will get less.  Remember all the good times and the love that the two of you shared...that's the way that Riley would want it.  My thoughts and prayers are headed your way.  Take care of yourself, grieve for as long as you need and smile when you think of Riley.

[Oliver & Elizabeth]

I'm so sorry for your loss. This could happen to anyone, don't beat yourself up over it. 

[Veronica Z.]

I'm so sorry for your loss.

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

I'm so very sorry Mandy.