Gus was my shadow.....UPDATE

[Cathy, Fozzie & Shaggy]

I just talked to my vet about Gus who is almost 14 years old and the decision was made....I can't stop crying!

Gus has been my shadow for since he was 6 weeks old (too early but I didn't know better then).  He follows me EVERY WHERE I go.  I have not been able to use the bathroom by myself for all the years he's owned me.  His spot in bed was just behind my legs. He has been my couch buddy, my leg warmer, the door bell, dog dish collector, and shoe/slipper thief.  If he's not on the couch with me he is right beside me on the floor- ALWAYS. 

So many many memories... I know I'm making the right decision but that doesn't make it any better right now...

We go tonight.....MY heart is breaking.......

He was so hard to take a picture of.  He knew there was a flash of light with the camera and would go crazy as soon as he saw the "black box with the flashy light".

I know you all know what this is like....thank you for letting me tell you about my Shaddow -Gus.

 

5-19-13....UPDATE....

 

This last week was a tough one.  I have SO VERY MUCH appreciated the caring support of this wonderful DK community throughout the week.   I'm waiting for the "new normal" to kick in and feel ok.  When I talk about Gus it is in terms of "wow, I can eat a whole banana or apple for the first time in 13+ years", and "huh, I just cracked an ice cube tray and no Gus to share the ice with".  The conversations revolve around the things that will never happen again...I'm in tears just typing this.  I'm hoping some day soon the memories will bring laughs and smiles. 

I have noticed Fozzie stopping to look for Gus when he eats.  Gus always waited for Fozzie to leave his dish and if I wasn't watching, Gus would bark and try to intimidate Fozzie into leaving his food for Gus to steal.  Now Fozzie takes a bite and looks around, takes another bite and looks around.  This continues until he's done eating.  Fozzie also doesn't come upstairs to bed like usual.  Shaggy seems to be doing fine.  He's taken over the bathroom floor space and the space next to the couch both of which were reserved for Gus.  I guess life goes on......

While it has taken me a week to come back and update this post, I just couldn't do it until now, I have read many of the disturbing encounters DK'ers have had with lousy vets.  Please don't settle for the closest, cheepest, most expensive, progressive, etc. vet, if you are not satisified with their care.  Two years ago I changed vets and now drive almost 1 hour to the office (the other offices were 5-15 minutes away).  It was the best move I could have made for my boys.  He was so supportive of me and helped Gus pass with dignity.  I did not have to walk into and through the office in my hysterical tears with Gus and we were not in a cold examining room.  He let Gus stay in my SUV where he was comfortable.  He stayed with me well after Gus had passed and I have yet to see a bill (I know it's coming but a big deal has not been made).  This kind of care is worth everything to me!!

Thank you so much for letting me ramble on here.  Gus was not a doodle but he was so very important to me....he was my shadow.

 

[Lonnie & Libby Lu]

Thinking of you and sending hugs and love!

[Cathy, Fozzie & Shaggy]

Thank you - each and every one of you!!

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

I'm so sorry for your loss. I know Gus will stay in your heart forever. 

[Lucy & AnnaBelle's Mom]

Someday, hopefully soon those tears will fade and you will find you begin to smile as you think of the wonderful times you had together. 

[Stella]

Hugs to you. So sorry for your loss.

[Christine & Shelby]

So sorry to hear about your Gus.... Sending love and hugs!

[Seamus & Haidee]

Cathy, Im so sorry to hear about your Gus.  Take comfort in all the wonderful memories you shared together.  He will always be in your heart. Big hug to you and your doodles. xx

[Doris, Knox & Flash]

Cathy, I'm late in seeing this.  I sure hope you are doing OK.  With a nearly 15 year old Jack Russell, I know I'll soon be faced with the same heartache.  Hoping his memories make you smile soon!

[F, Calla & Luca]

It is so hard and there really is nothing but time to make you feel a  bit better. But then he was so important.

[Cathy, Fozzie & Shaggy]

I will do that Laurie.  Thank you for thinking about us.