The story of a dog's last day

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RDMcG

Original Poster:

19,096 posts

206 months

Tuesday 15th July 2014
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Like most dog owners, I have had too may of these days in my life. ..I noticed this photo essay, which does seem to express it adequately......

http://www.buzzfeed.com/alanwhite/this-story-of-a-...

Edited by RDMcG on Tuesday 15th July 16:12

bakerstreet

4,755 posts

164 months

Tuesday 15th July 2014
quotequote all
There seems to be something in my eye frown

I remember reading on the net that if you are prepared to get a dog and give him a home, then be prepared to say good bye as well. Herbie has only been with us for 5 months and the thought of saying good bye to him now is quite upsetting even though that is 10 years away (hopefullY)

AngryPartsBloke

1,436 posts

150 months

Tuesday 15th July 2014
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Wow, wish i never looked at that while in the office! Or at all.

it's just hayfever i swear.

Lost soul

8,712 posts

181 months

Tuesday 15th July 2014
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frown

Jasandjules

69,825 posts

228 months

Tuesday 15th July 2014
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I won't read it as it will simply bring back too many memories for me.


bexVN

14,682 posts

210 months

Tuesday 15th July 2014
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I did read it in the DM. Brought back the still to fresh a memory of our last weekend as a family with Jimmy. Doesn't seem like a yr ago, esp when our now 4yr old son said he wanted Jimmy back just the other day (and could we swap Bryn for him frown)

axgizmo

1,095 posts

152 months

Tuesday 15th July 2014
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Really shouldn't have looked at that at work, it has not been long enough since I went through that day (12 months)

Miss you Candy xx


Edited by axgizmo on Tuesday 15th July 16:38

Bungleaio

6,324 posts

201 months

Tuesday 15th July 2014
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Thats quite upsetting to view but it's very well done.

Making that decision is the worst part of pet ownership cry

LukeSi

5,753 posts

160 months

Tuesday 15th July 2014
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Wish I hadn't just read that. Burst out crying while reading it. Made me realise how much I miss my Sandy weeping

Jasandjules

69,825 posts

228 months

Tuesday 15th July 2014
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Bungleaio said:
Making that decision is the worst part of pet ownership cry
And one of the most important to ensure they do not suffer.

Worry not, their souls remain with us.

ClaphamGT3

11,269 posts

242 months

Tuesday 15th July 2014
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A great reminder that when the time comes for the big sleep, don't be a cheapskate; ffs get the vet out and do it at home

Dalto123

3,198 posts

162 months

Tuesday 15th July 2014
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It's really dusty in here. It's taken me all evening to summon the courage to open that link (pathetic, I know).

This year I've lost both my dogs after 10 and 13 years companionship respectively. Hattie, my younger, smaller one, passed away very suddenly at the end of January leaving Meggie, the older, biggrer one - and our family heartbroken.

They were completely inseparable. Both were rescues and had a bad start in life. Meg took Hattie under her wing and treated her like her own puppy. Thinking back, it's hard to think of a time they've been separated - they were that attached to one another

Meg passed away 3 months ago next Tuesday. I spent our last day together one the ground with her fussing her all day, keeping her company and feeding her treats when she was up to it. I'll never forget the look she gave each of us when the vet came - she just relaxed and went to sleep

They're back together now cry








Apologies for the essay, this really touched a nerve tonight

Windlepoons

159 posts

172 months

Wednesday 16th July 2014
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New I was going to regret clicking it. Brought back too many memories, I made it half way through before I had to take a break.

It is Great that someone has dedicated the time to do it though, and I think the fact they have worded it as though the dog is explaining the photos is what makes it so powerful.

ehasler

8,566 posts

282 months

Wednesday 16th July 2014
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Very powerful and moving cry

Dr_Rick

1,592 posts

247 months

Wednesday 16th July 2014
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Bungleaio said:
Thats quite upsetting to view but it's very well done.

Making that decision is the worst part of pet ownership cry
At least some get to make that decision though. We lost Cameron at 8mths old through no fault of his own and no time to assist him either through treatment or help him in other ways. He died while I was transporting him to the vets when he took a rapid turn for the worst. Worst day ever.

dram

210 posts

241 months

Wednesday 16th July 2014
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Beautiful......

I have to admit that I didn't have the guts to go the vet with our 12 yo Irish Wheaten Terrier called Dilleas ( 'Faithful' ) when he had to be put to sleep and my wife went on her own . She phoned me at work when it was all over , and I felt ashamed that I wasn't there .

To this day I regret this....and that was 5 years ago....


RDMcG

Original Poster:

19,096 posts

206 months

Wednesday 16th July 2014
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NeMiSiS said:
This is completely stupid, but when I adopted our Bailey 3months or so ago, I didn't think I/we would get too attached too him, I've never had a dog before but they are more than just dogs.

Our Bailey is almost human, he is honest, loyal, funny, friendly, good company, he encourages us all to get out and about more, and he is ALWAYS welcoming and happy to see us, if someone or something can put a smile on my face on an early Monday morning start...... it's Bailey.

Now you're all screaming that's what Dogs do!

Well I didn't know.

And now I've read the above link, it's very, very sad.

How long to fit dogs live for? I hope I die before my Bailey.
The length of life varies widely, and as a rough and ready rule, the smaller the dog, the longer the life. I have Great Danes, and a good life there is about 7 to 8. My standard poodle is 11 and very healthy. I would say ten years for an average dog.

rasto

2,188 posts

236 months

Wednesday 16th July 2014
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My parents border collie cross made it to 16.

Reading that link really brings home how much our pets add to our lives.

Butter Face

30,192 posts

159 months

Wednesday 16th July 2014
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Very emotional to read!

We had to have our Gecko put to sleep last week, I can't even begin to imagine how I will feel when my two babies have to go.

RDMcG

Original Poster:

19,096 posts

206 months

Wednesday 16th July 2014
quotequote all
NeMiSiS said:
Thanks for the reply, I had no idea the life span was so short, I was thinking 25-30 years for some reason.

Bailey is a Shih-tzu boy and will be 3 in September.
Shih-Tzus have fairly long lifespans by dog standards..at a guess about 12 would be average, but more is certainly possible.