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.

 

[Lucy & AnnaBelle's Mom]

Having been down this road just recently, my heart breaks for you.  I hope that after the tears pass you can find your way to just remembering all the wonderful memories that you have.  Removing your own selfish wishes and thinking of Gus during this time and doing what is best for him is loving him in the best way possible.  Hugs!

[Caleb Chun]

:( i'm so sorry... i can't even begin to imagine what you're going through, but i'll be praying for you and hopefully it gets easier soon...

[Karen and Bridget]

I'm so very sorry for you. 

[Lonnie & Libby Lu]

My heart is hurting for you!  Hugs and prayers to Gus and you at this difficult time.

[Lori, Quincy & Frankie]

So sad to hear this and wish you comfort in all those wonderful memories

[Pat and Traveler]

So sorry.  My heart breaks for you.

[Joanna, Zoe & Bender]

I'm so sorry :( I wanted to cry reading this.  

[DJ & Chance]

Such a difficult and heart-wrenching decision to make. Hugs to you and to Gus.

[BG and Gavin]

Thinking of you at this difficult time.  Sounds like Gus was very bonded to you and you gave him a wonderful life.  RIP dear Gus.

[GBK]

Thinking of you and sending you positive thoughts and feelings.  This is never easy, and is the most heart wrenching thing about raising and loving dogs.