Growing Colour Tyfu Lliw: Death of the old dog

Today we had to make that heart rending decision to put the old dog to sleep. He had started to go downhill and was painfully thin even with his three meals a day and last night we got up 14 times to let him out and this morning he looked at me with woebegone eyes. When the vet arrived it was hard for him to stand for more than a few minutes although he managed a deep woof but his rear legs were trembling with weakness so we all knew it was the right thing to do . He went with his head peacefully in my lap lying on the dining floor next to his bed being stroked and being talked to.
The springer spaniel looks a bit bemused but we went out for a walk and enjoyed ourselves, although after the walk she had a good sniff around the house . Talking to the postman who is a great dog lover and owner he reminded me how awful it is when the only dog goes which is no doubt true but the old dog won't be replaced much as we loved him and enjoyed his company- keeping two dogs is proving a luxury we feel we can no longer afford.

8 comments:

Martine16 October 2008 at 22:16
Dear Helen, I feel for you.
How come, its so much easyer for dog as it is for men?
Leigh17 October 2008 at 00:31
Helen, I'm so sorry. I know it was a sad decision but it sounds as though it was the right one. I know he'll be missed terribly.
Sue17 October 2008 at 07:43
Helen, sorry about the dog - it's always hard to lose a much loved pet.
Alison17 October 2008 at 07:44
Oh, I am so sorry. I think the last time I commented on your blog was back at the beginning of June, when you were so sad about your lovely old dog's health. I am sure that you have done the right thing, though. I have a quote from a Terry Pratchett book, of all things, that sums up my feelings of stewardship towards our animals. Not 100% accurate, but close: "We are as gods to the beasts of the fields, my jiggit. We are the time of their births and the time of their deaths. And then and between times, we have a duty".
You have given your old boy a good five months of extra love and attention, and I'd say you've amply done your duty by him. Remember the good times.
Leena17 October 2008 at 15:22
Helen, I am sorry, I know how hard it is.
Helen17 October 2008 at 21:54
Thank you all so much for your kind comments all of which have been so helpful. I found your quote from Terry Pratchett very moving Alison and very true. Enys, who adores dogs, read it when she came round to do her gardening stint and we had to have a supportive hug as we both loved Pepper! It seems very quiet tonight without him and the packets of his dog food on top of the fridge -expensive sachets for senior dogs- very emotive. Oh well it is all part of life. Thanks to all of you. bw Helen
Woolly Bits18 October 2008 at 16:08
Helen, that is really sad. but loving a dog means that we have to help them when life becomes too painful and hard for them. with two 12year old dogs I know that I have to get through this myself sooner rather than later:(( and I don't think you can replace a dog anyway!
Helen19 October 2008 at 19:21
Hi Bettina no you can't( replace a dog) but we have always had two so having just one feels very odd at the moment. The springer looks anxious but I am sure she will settle down soon.