Best friend

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anonymous-user

Original Poster:

55 months

Thursday 19th July 2018
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HTP99 said:
Humphrey (our Pug) absolutely hated the vets, he would put the brakes on when just walking past, once in he'd shake and just wouldn't settle.

He had a degenerative condition which affected his lower spine, his back end was paralised so he had wheels to get around.

Anyway him being PTS effectively came out of the blue (we knew we would have to do it at somepoint but he had a decent quality of life and was in no pain), I went down in the morning to give him his breakfast, he was slumped in the corner of the hall but perked up when he saw me, I put him out for his food (he ate in the porch as he struggled to hold on to a wee when eating), and he passed blood, I knew from that point that this was the day!

We didn't have time to organise a vet to come over to the house so we went straight to the vets, but what was weird was, he was really calm at the vets, he'd never been calm at the vets, he just stayed in my arms looking content, almost as if if he knew what was coming and was at peace with himself, it was very surreal.

As for another dog, well we weren't looking and I said to the wife that I wanted to leave it some time and then lo and behold a month later I was told about a year old deaf Frenchie who's owner was desperately trying to re-home, the rest is history, the Frenchie is 6 this year and still with us.

There are pictures of Humphrey all around the house and his ashes are in a wooden box with a plaque, placed on the top of a unit with his collar on top, surrounded by a couple of cards from the vets, expressing their sympathy.
Just sounds like Molly. Doubt many dogs after having to stay overnight at a vets in the past would want to return even for a check up.

I was hoping Molly would be too weak to notice. But as soon as we parked the car she started shaking. Talk about making you feel bad.

Molly was such a calm and none aggressive dog. But when she got the first needle she attempted to bite the vet which has never happened. She had to have a muzzle put on which was a shock. She had cancer of the bladder and it was her rear that the needle went into so clearly she was sore.

The sedation was great for the dog but it I could have done with some myself at that point. I said I was going to be strong and not get upset but that went out the window.

It sounds very much like Humphrey knew what was going to happen and was happy. Obviously for you it must have been hell but knowing he was calm must have made a huge difference.

Delighted you got another dog. They never replace what you have lost but they just bring a new different experience and character to your family. You are clearly a very caring family.

Yes I have pictures orders and like a shrine set up in my bedroom. This will all be moved to different parts of the house but just needed to be close to her things for the first few days.

Thank you for sharing your experience and memories. Means a lot and helps


anonymous-user

Original Poster:

55 months

Thursday 19th July 2018
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mustdash said:
OP, I feel for you.

Last April I had to have my best mate Charlie put to sleep, after he was diagnosed with a very aggressive form of cancer. From having a lump removed and the vets being quite optimistic they'd caught it in time, to it spreading to his liver and kidneys and having him put to sleep was about 10 days. He helped me through some tough times - times where I may have done something silly if he hadn't been there - as he knew when I was feeling rubbish. It was the hardest thing I've ever had to do (he was my first dog, and at 37 I was a mess on the floor of the vets). I still can't bring myself to spread his ashes, and still talk to him. I was in the lucky position that he was his normal, happy, playful self until the morning he made that final trip, when he was very clear that he'd given up his fight. That made it so much easier, as he told me when it was time.

Thinking of you at this time.
My word that must have been very hard. Like a nasty roller coaster of emotions. To having a optimistic outlook from the vet to losing your friend in 10 days. frown

Molly help me through very rough times. It just seemed to be one thing after an other yet she was there for me. As you say they just knew when you needed them. They were there. This is why when it came to the end it was so hard being helpless when she needed me. I know there is nothing I could have done but you do think strange things when your emotional.

If you ever want to spread the ashes they you can but it's not something you ever need to do. If it gives you a comfort having the ashes there then keep them. I could not even think of spreading her ashes and they will be kept.

Thank you so much for sharing your story. Even with time it must be hard to bring up.



anonymous-user

Original Poster:

55 months

Thursday 19th July 2018
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Berkshire bred said:
I know I haven't posted on this thread for a couple of days but I'm very much still thinking about your loss. It has been yet another reminder to enjoy the time I have left with my ageing mate. Really like the picture frame idea.

At the moment Jack (my dog) is led tight along side me as he knows I'm feeling very thoughtful. I really can't imagine him not being there anymore.

Do whatever it takes to make yourself feel better, get pissed, be angry, bash one out, time to yourself or be social. Whatever it takes. As they say laughter is the best form of medicine. When I'm struggling I find watching people hurt themselves in ever more inventive ways on YouTube normally goes a long way to chearing me up, or at least raising a smile.

Chin up fella, you and Molly are in all of our thoughts.
Just keeping myself as calm as possible. Got my daughter etc. to think about.

When she is sleeping I let my guard down more and have a few drinks. Not slept more than an hour or so each night since Saturday when I knew things were going South. I do speak about it to her but just keep my emotions in check. She has slight learning difficulties and cerebral palsy. Molly really helped her after some past trauma so it has hit her hard as well.

As you say watching people is funny situations does bring you out of the thought process. Was doing that with my daughter last night. Watching people falling on ice which was sick but hilarious.

Think I am going to try and get out for a drink this weekend. Just try and catch up with some friends. Getting away from it for a night will surely help.

Thank you again mate. Some great support and wishes on here. smile



anonymous-user

Original Poster:

55 months

Thursday 19th July 2018
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Fermit The Krog and Sexy Sarah said:
Condolences Jim. A fellow dog lover here, we have 3. I've been where you're at, it is tough. Without wanting to be harsh you will feel crap for at least a few more weeks. Don't let it catch you off guard, it's completely normal to grieve.

Vent as much as you need to on here. Anyone who's ever had a dog shall feel your pain, and be here for support. All the best.



Edited by Fermit The Krog and Sexy Sarah on Thursday 19th July 19:23
I think because it's a pet you don't want to mention it to anyone. Like it's a bit crazy being so upset about a pet. But as you know they are so much more than that.

This is why venting on a thread like this and having fellow pet owners telling their past experiences makes it easier in a way to get your feeling out.

It's refreshing to have conversations with people who actually care about your situation. smile

anonymous-user

Original Poster:

55 months

Thursday 19th July 2018
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Berkshire bred said:
I imagine your daughters difficulties can be very difficult at times for both you and her, I hope she can deal with Molly's passing in her own way.
glad to hear that you've got the option to get out and try to enjoy yourself. Invaluable to have people to talk to at times even if their not animal type of people, sometimes that might be a godsend so it takes your mind off the current situation.

Yes some of the youtube videos are a guilty pleasure, when you're watching you think I shouldn't be laughing at this and I bet that really bloody hurt! But I still find myself pissing myself laughing at some of them.
As I said before do whatever it takes and don't worry what others think, perhaps a bad phrase at the moment but as they say, life's to short. ATB.
Honestly my back story would be a very interesting read. My daughters journey was unfortunately in the same vein in aspects but she is away from that situation and with me full time.

Yes it is challenging and she needs a lot of support and care in certain ways. Not so much physically as she has had an operation since being with me which has helped her walking and other health aspects so she is doing great. Just the past and some issues which still give her night trauma's. Also the learning difficulties and Cerebral Palsy means she needs a lot of emotional support. This obviously was where Molly would be with her and help.

Yes can do your best at times but Molly was just there for her. No questions and she didn't feel like she needed to say anything. Just hugging Molly gave her a lot of time to just be in the moment and relax. Molly was just Molly and she was happy if someone gave her a hug so it was great for both.

As you say some of the clips are pretty full on which makes them even better. Some of the drunks being captured falling over is funny as well as educational. "Don't ever get drunk as this is what could happen. Your father never did this" cough cough.

Think trying to live more without caring what other people think is the way to go.

Heard this quote and loved it. Well I think this is how it went

"If you try and be everyone's cup of tea you will only be a mug" biggrin

Edited by anonymous-user on Thursday 19th July 23:02

anonymous-user

Original Poster:

55 months

Thursday 19th July 2018
quotequote all
yellowtang said:
My Wife went though a similar situation with her 20 (yes TWENTY!) year old Lab. She just took her to the vets for their opinion and upsetting though it was to not be at home, it was right to end her suffering there and then. This happened a couple of years before I lost my dog, so whilst I was very upset, I still had my dog to go home to and cheer me up.

I now wish we'd got another dog at that point, having two (or more!) with a large age gap between them would ease this situation to some degree I guess.

Thank you for your kind words - I know you (and the other posters are right and I probably ought to have dogs in my life again. I shall give it some thought.

Sad as this thread is, it's also very nice to read with so much goodwill being shown by everyone smile
My word. 20 years old Lab. That is an amazing age. What was she feeding him? biggrin

Yes having two dogs with an age gap would soften the blow. Some of my relations were in that situation but they said the younger dog then needed to have new friend as it would not eat after the older dogs death. Clearly a very strong bond between the dogs as well. They then bought another dog.

I think you will know when the time is right to get another dog. The issue is I was the same as you and if someone else had not taken the control and bought Molly I would still be waiting for the right moment now. That would have been a waste now looking back.

When you get hurt and lose something you love it is very hard to then take a step forward and try again. After Tess I was not interested as it hurt too much. But now even tho it is very early days I would love another dog when my circumstances change housing wise.

You are so right. I nearly didn't post this thread as typing how I felt was hard. But I am so glad I did as the responses have help me so much.

Again I want to thank everyone. Really means a lot smile

anonymous-user

Original Poster:

55 months

Friday 20th July 2018
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W12GT said:
It’s horrible when you know they are coming to the end. We had to have our German short haired Pointer PTS last August and our English Springer Spaniel in May this year. They were both working dogs and I had them with me most of the time. As a family we are really struggling with the loss as our home now feels like a house and they are sorely missed. It’s amazing how you end up missing even the nuisances they could be at food time! We’ve still got one of the dog beds in the corner as our cats lay on there patiently waiting for our Springer to come home....makes me sad every time I walk by it.....
It's exactly that mate. The memories. The whole house and surrounding area's are full of memories. Even the car had another bed in the rear for her. Honestly spoilt rotten.

To lose two dogs in that short space of time must have been extremely hard. One is bad enough.

Also the fact they were working dog and with you 24/7. Molly was not a working dog but I lost my job a year ago so I spent even more time with her during the final year. Thankfully I had saved a good amount to be able to be with her daily and it was a very precious time.

Do you have new dogs as these were working dogs?

Feel for you mate as it must still be very raw.



anonymous-user

Original Poster:

55 months

Friday 20th July 2018
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bakerstreet said:
Sorry to hear about your loss. Looked like a lovely dog.

We struggled doing this and even after a house move and 16 months, his bowls got moved from under the sink in he old house to under the sink in the new house. We are ripping out our kitchen and I found them and I struggled to hold it together. His blankets, leads and everything else are in the loft. There was no way we were throwing them out.

We said goodbye to ours in April of last year and I still struggle struggle typing this post.

You gave the dog a great life and try and remember the good times rather than the last few minutes.
I have actually refrained myself from giving her bowls and lead etc. away. I had them all packed up but I don't want to then regret it in a month's time.

Think it was a coping as seeing her things without her there was just getting too much.

It is crazy how many dogs you now notice when your's is no longer there. Clearly you just pay attention to your surroundings more but there seems to be owners with their dogs everywhere.

Decided to go for a walk she loved last night to try and clear my head. What did I meet. A new puppy Cocker Spaniel. Just about lost it.

Perhaps a sign biggrin

anonymous-user

Original Poster:

55 months

Friday 20th July 2018
quotequote all
bakerstreet said:
I can 100% relate to this and think about Herbie every time I see someone walking their dog, which is most days.

Also, I still love giving a random dog a pat and I always go up to a Greyhound if I see one and give them a pat. Usually open with the line, 'can I pat your hound. I used to have a greyhound. Sometimes I just want to chat about dogs (greyhounds). Some owners will oblige.

My wife doesn't like me doing it as she thinks the boys will just go up to random dogs and pat them and I agree this is bad practice, but I miss not having a dog to pat. DOn't think she gets it.

We have had a second child since and my OH wound't even entertain another dog now. She has very much moved on. The house we purchased is also not as well suited as our previous property.
That must be hard. I like you always ask before approaching dog. They are wonderful animals.

Must be hard when you would like another dog but your OH is not interested. Yes the house is not as suited but I am sure you could still have another.

Perhaps dirty tactic installing the kids into wanting one might change your OH mind.

Did I just tell you to bribe your kids biggrin

anonymous-user

Original Poster:

55 months

Friday 20th July 2018
quotequote all
HTP99 said:
Humphrey was PTS almost 5 years ago (where does the time go) we still have his wheels, and his lead, I won't get rid of them.
Totally understand this. Just having something there seems to help.

anonymous-user

Original Poster:

55 months

Friday 20th July 2018
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W12GT said:
This week we have just decided to get another two, waiting to hear if an English Pointer we know is pregnant and will also get a German Shepherd - hoping to to be able to get both at the same time....


ELUSIVEJIM said:
W12GT said:
It’s horrible when you know they are coming to the end. We had to have our German short haired Pointer PTS last August and our English Springer Spaniel in May this year. They were both working dogs and I had them with me most of the time. As a family we are really struggling with the loss as our home now feels like a house and they are sorely missed. It’s amazing how you end up missing even the nuisances they could be at food time! We’ve still got one of the dog beds in the corner as our cats lay on there patiently waiting for our Springer to come home....makes me sad every time I walk by it.....
It's exactly that mate. The memories. The whole house and surrounding area's are full of memories. Even the car had another bed in the rear for her. Honestly spoilt rotten.

To lose two dogs in that short space of time must have been extremely hard. One is bad enough.

Also the fact they were working dog and with you 24/7. Molly was not a working dog but I lost my job a year ago so I spent even more time with her during the final year. Thankfully I had saved a good amount to be able to be with her daily and it was a very precious time.

Do you have new dogs as these were working dogs?

Feel for you mate as it must still be very raw.
Delighted for you mate. I bet your like a kid at Christmas.

Please let us know when you get the dog/dogs and post some pictures biggrin

anonymous-user

Original Poster:

55 months

Friday 20th July 2018
quotequote all
Fermit The Krog and Sexy Sarah said:
How are you baring up Jim?
Honestly just struggle sleeping. Again last night it was an hour.

Bit of background which hopefully doesn't turn into a novel biggrin

Molly was always in my room at night so I actually have her ashes in her bed in my bedroom. Also have like a small shrine with her lead, collar and pictures. This actually made things a bit better but still can't sleep. Thankfully I am not married or seeing anyone as they would have perhaps walked seeing all this biggrin

Crazy as it has now been 4 days since she was put down.

The thing was back in 2014 she was diagnosed with cushing's so was put on tablets for that. Then in December 2016 she was out for the toilet at least twice a night. They tested her for a urine track infection and she got antibiotics as there was blood in her urine.

As soon as the course finished things started again but even when on the tablets she was out at least once or twice a night. Kept going back so we asked for blood tests and a scan and this is when they find the cancer in her bladder. This was April 2017 so she was given a 6 Month life span and put on full time Antibiotics and pain killers as I didn't want to put her through chemotherapy after hearing that it was most likely not going to work. They were amazed when we took her back every two Months how well she was doing.

Anyway since December 2016 she was out twice a night. Say mid 2017 it could be one or four times a night. In the last Month or so this increased to 4-6 times but she was still eating very well and loving her walks.

My point is I think I have been so use to being up all the time it has actually messed my sleeping pattern up as it has been so long. This along with my mind now due to her passing seems to have made things worse.

Might actually speak to the GP and get a small amount of sleeping tablets. This just might get things back to normal.

I think due to the sleep being so limited it is making everything more difficult as I am not thinking straight.

Things will get a bit easier on a day to day basis. I honestly can't believe it is Friday night. To be fair I don't think I know what day it was all week.

Honestly thank you so much for asking.

The people on this thread have all been amazing.




anonymous-user

Original Poster:

55 months

Friday 20th July 2018
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CAPP0 said:
Duffy departed this world about 4 years ago, her collar lives in my study and isn'y going anywhere - ever.
Totally understand mate.

I still have the bed and lead of the family Lad we lost in the early 2000's. I have the exact date but the brain is a bit foggy.

Still have very fond memories of Tess. Just feels like it was not that long ago.

Did you get another dog since then?

anonymous-user

Original Poster:

55 months

Saturday 21st July 2018
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moorx said:
I think you're absolutely right about the reasons for your difficulty sleeping, and the effect it's having on your wellbeing.

Also agree that you should see your GP.

You looked after Molly, now you need to look after yourself.
Thank you mate.

Yes will make an appointment and get something to help get things back on track.

Will see if the chemist has Kalms or something for the weekend.

If this helps then it will save a Dr appointment but I doubt it will be strong enough.

Again thank you smile

anonymous-user

Original Poster:

55 months

Saturday 21st July 2018
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Berkshire bred said:
Still here mate.
I find a drop or 2 of a Decent scotch does the trick for me, does make me a bit more honest than is always best though.

drink = drunk = argue = tumbleweed

Second thoughts might be better with sleeping pills wink.
biggrin

That made me laugh.

I actually collect Whisky so that could be very dangerous. Thankfully I always buy two so I can open one or two to see what they actually taste like.

Imagine waking up having opened something rare. That would require a Dr's visit............LOL

Better go check I didn't biggrin





anonymous-user

Original Poster:

55 months

Saturday 21st July 2018
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jonamv8 said:
Mate sorry for your loss

Ive just read this thread and got quite emotional, my dog is my first and has been with me thru some tough times too.

I finished reading this thread and just lay on the floor with my dog. Hes 11 soon and I know this day is coming and I do not know how I will cope
Thank you mate for your sympathy.

When you read back over this thread there was a Lab who passed away at 20 years old.

How amazing is that.

So you could have your friend for a lot longer than you think.

Molly got a 6 month sentence in April 2017 yet she was extremely happy and loved life until her death. The vets could not believe she was so well.

Just enjoy each day so don't try and think too much about the future.

When we were told Molly had 6 Month's we were distraught yet we had her for an extra 9 months more.

If you love them and spend as much time with them then you have no regrets later on.

This is what my rational brain is telling me now. Well at this moment in time biggrin

anonymous-user

Original Poster:

55 months

Saturday 21st July 2018
quotequote all
Fermit The Krog and Sexy Sarah said:
St John's Wort is a natural pick-me-up, which can also help with sleep. Maybe grab a jar of these to try before going to the quack?
Thank you so much.

Will pick some up at the chemist as I would prefer not to go to the Dr's

Was on antidepressants for 22 years and no doubt they would state this is the reason and want me back on.

Was never depressed but had terrible anxiety, panic attacks and agoraphobia.

Just sh** in the childhood hence why dogs were so good to me.

The best medication would be another Cocker but I will have to wait just now biggrin

anonymous-user

Original Poster:

55 months

Saturday 21st July 2018
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garythesign said:
I think most of the people posting here are animal lovers. So we have either been through similar to you, or dread the time when it comes.

I also notice that you have answered every post. I think that takes some effort and is much appreciated.

I expect your sleep will settle down after a while. Once you start to see improvements it will probably get better and better.

German GP this weekend, so that could help with the sleep. Just joking!

Carry on posting on here if it helps you. Animal owners are a compassionate bunch
Your spot on regarding animal lovers. Think if you care for animals it shows a very good quality.

Yes I like to acknowledge everyone who is kind enough to give advice or support. It takes very little to just be grateful. My daughter always writes a thank you card for any gifts she receives from anyone. It is very rare to receive one back when sending gifts which I just don't understand.

Laughed at your point about the German GP. That could be better than any medication biggrin Honestly the dog watched that with me. Would sit up and lean into me. Perhaps thought she was in the car biggrin

Sounds a bit crazy but moved 6 years ago to a new town. Don't go out much as I have my daughter full time. I actually don't have any friends in this area only one or two from where I use to live. Well I have associates but no one I would call a friend who you could speak too. So having this thread has been amazing.

Chri** I sound a miserable sod. biggrin

Thank you again for taking the time to check in.

anonymous-user

Original Poster:

55 months

Saturday 21st July 2018
quotequote all
Berkshire bred said:
Afraid I'm fairly new to the whisky world, although doing my best to rectify that.

So far I've tried most of the standard blends, whyte and mackay is probably my favourite blend so far, had a couple of bottles of islay single malt (laphroaig) that i found very Smokey, soon got a taste for them but deffinetly a sipping whisky in my opinion.

Apparently some of the more mature islays are very strong flavoured. Also found that I'm very fond of Jameson, not the most complex drink but lovely all the same. What's your tipple of choice? I'm keen to try glenfiddich and talisker hopefully soon, any recommendations?
I use to work in the Whisky World for 5 years so my eyes were opened to what to collect etc.

It was very strange as when I was 18 my friends at the time put one of each Whisky in the bar which was about three quarters of a pint glass and I had to down it.

You can imagine I could not even smell Whisky without wanting to be very sick. Stupid youth.

So trying to taste Whisky and getting use to it was very hard. But after a while I was able to stomach it.

Macallan is the biggest name. This is what many collectors will only collect. The Sherry Casks are the most popular but you for the money can get a better one without spending hundreds.

But for a drinking Whisky many like the Peated Whisky. Many younger drinkers like the Peated which was a surprise.

But personally for me a very good Whisky which sold VERY well is the Aberlour a'bunadh. It is only a very young no age Whisky but it is a sherry cask and it wonderful.

Many people who were into very expensive bottles costing thousands loved this one so it just goes to show. They could not believe it was a no age Whisky and stated it was the best. It was up against Whiskies which were 5-6 times the price.

Needs a little bit of water however as it is around 60% volume but then it will last much longer biggrin

The price seems to have gone North which is a pain. Use to be £33.00 when I was the retail manager and now the new one is £80.00 to £100.

This is the cheapest I have seen on the internet but a closer look might find it a bit cheaper still.

https://www.fortnumandmason.com/products/aberlour-...

There is this one too but I have never dealt with them

https://www.ocado.com/webshop/product/Aberlour-Abu...

Some reviews are not so good now as people think the price has gone up too much. IMO it was too cheap.

There is a new one as well which I have not tried.

Aberlour Casg Annamh Batch 1 but this seems to be heading to auctions pretty quickly. Guess it being the first batch will increase value's in the future.

anonymous-user

Original Poster:

55 months

Saturday 21st July 2018
quotequote all
Berkshire bred said:
Cheers for your experience mate, food for thought deffinetly. Afraid my budget is a little modest at the time being as well due to other expensive hobbies, cars being only one of them. What are your thoughts on talisker, I hear lots of good things and know some fairly esteemed people who rate it. Peasants mouthwash, or worth a go?
To be honest is is 100% up to your palate. If I recommend you one you might think it's horrendous while others love it.

One of the best ways it to find a local Whisky shop who might be doing a Whisky tasting. Or you can buy samples from a company called Masters of Malt

https://www.masterofmalt.com/samples/all/

Paying for a sample and not liking it would not hurt so much biggrin

Both my Uncles love Laphroaig but my Aunts think it smells of a hospital.

It is very peaty.

I would order a few samples and see smile