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? 

[Adrianne Matzkin]

Dear Mandy,

I wish there were words that help comfort you and your parents but I know there aren't. Only time will help ease the pain in your heart.

I saw this prayer being read on a show on Animal Planet and asked that they send it to me, which amazingly enough, they did. 

  God of all creatures, ease our grief today as we bid farewell to Riley, whose

passing leaves a gap in our family circle. He demanded so little of us – fresh

water, food, a patch of sunlight for sun-bathing, our presence – and gave so

much in return – uncritical, undemanding, unlimited affection and devotion for

all of us.　

 

  Greeting each day, each moment, happily on its own terms, he showed us how to

live in the present rather than regret the past or worry about the future. He

easy forgiveness of our flaws, his inability to hold a grudge, gave us an

example of grace.　

 

  Creator, we are grateful for being allowed to share his life for our allotted

time.  We will miss Riley bounding through our family life, but he will always be

present in our hearts.　

 

  Amen.

RIP Riley

[Mandy & Benny]

This is beautiful! Thank you so much for this wonderful prayer. I'm holding it especially close to my heart right now.

[Adrianne Matzkin]

I don't it can't possibly fill the hole in your heart but I am glad that the words gave you a little comfort. 

I, too, had my best friend go the bridge when I wasn't home. The guilt was unbearable but with time I knew she waited for us to go out (my girls were 2 and 4 at the time). She had been to the vet 2 days earlier, it was Memorial Day weekend, we had to wait until Tuesday for the test results. She was eating, playing just like her usual self but something told me something just wasn't right. She passed on Monday. Tuesday the vet called to tell me she was in kidney failure. Why? No one knows but what I do know that she didn't want me to have make that decision. She took it out of my hands. That was close to 30 years ago and we talk about her all time. I have pictures of her still in my office. 

Mandy - give yourself a break - there was nothing that anyone could do. You did everything you could. 

Listen to what Joanne said, she is a smart, wish woman who sadly feels your pain all too well. 

Sending you hugs! Please give some to your Mom and Dad from us!!!

[Mandy & Benny]

Thank you so much!  Your words are very much appreciated from me and my parents!

[DJ & Chance]

I had tears just reading about this and I know how much this loss hurts. I still choke up when I remember losing my last dog, who was my companion during a challenging time in my life. There is nothing you could or should have done differently--take heart in that as you grieve. I am so sorry this happened.

[William]

Mandy, I am really sorry for your loss, please know that you are in my prayers and thoughts.

[Sue & Lily Grace]

My heart is breaking for you. It is so hard to lose you dog way too early. Cassie has been gone just a year and I still miss her every day. Sometimes no matter what you do it just will not save them. My,prayers are with you for healing. God bless.

[Cheryl and Finnegan]

I'm so very very sorry for your loss, Mandy.  We can't fill the emptiness or the hole in your heart but you can lean on us. The suddenness of this is such a shock but please don't blame yourself. I know you want answers but sometimes there are none. You and your parents did all you could.  It's better that he was with you.  I think it's beautiful that you spent the afternoon lying by his side. I've heard that sometimes a person or an animal won't "let go" until their loved one leaves. Sweet Riley felt your love and wouldn't want you to be sad. Tears, hugs and prayers for you tonight.  RIP dear Riley.   

[AndySharon BoomerShaynaMariner]

Sorry for your loss. 

[Kelly]

I often see people take care of a loved one only to step out for a moment and they draw their last breath. Whie you want to be there at the very end, only God knows when that will happen. What is important is the lifetime you had together. You loved each other and that is what counts. I am so sorry for your loss.

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

I am so sorry, Mandy. You gave Riley a wonderful life and I am sure he loved you beyond measure. Your being gone for a time did not cause his illness or him to get worse.  Please take comfort in the wonderful memories you have of him.

[Kyoko]

I am so sorry to hear about this... :-(