His name was Shemp and he was a 15 year old Basset Hound.
Though I could see signs, and his age being an obvious thing....it still felt like a shock to me. He had his best day in a long time this past Tuesday, but there was nothing that could be done. It all just happened early this morning. He aspirated and his lungs clogged with fluid.
This is particularly difficult for me because for most of his life it was just me and him. Also due to circumstances in my life and work I was with him pretty much 24/7 for 15 years and that's no exaggeration. 24/7.
I've been told by people today that 15 years for any dog let alone a Basset Hound whose average age is 8-10 is remarkable and that I should be proud of the life I gave him. I am proud of that and I suppose in time that will give me some comfort. But as of this moment now I'm really struggling with the whole thing.
He was a very special dog to me and I will miss him very much.
I don't usually make posts like this, but I thought this might help me out a bit to talk it through, so thanks for reading.
As some have already said here, it's the price we pay for having the blessing of such a loyal friend in our lives.
If dogs go to the hereafter (and I'd like to believe they do in some form or another)then we can hope to be with them again someday! I hope the following helps:
Rainbow Bridge Poem
Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.
When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our pets are warm and comfortable.
All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by.
The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.
They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent; Her eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flyingover the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.
You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress thebeloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your dog, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.
Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together....
~Author Unknown
I lost my 14 year old black lab a couple years ago and not a day goes by where I don't think about him.
I know how rough it can be.
My Airedale, Tiki, was 15 and a half when i had to put him to sleep about 13 mos. ago. I cried like a baby a lot. Sucks.
Hang in there.
No words I can say to help you feel better, just offering my condolences.
I Loved You Best - ( New Window )
There truly are no words that help. Just know your buddy will never leave you.
This is why I had posted a video, mainly because I wanted to give a face behind the name.
I'm not going to sugar coat this in any way! And even though I may be judged in what I have to say, so be it; I cried for 52 straight days after the loss of Trixie. I paused from crying on Valentines days when I rescued a brother/sister Border Terrier combo who were a year old. But that was only a small pause because I can tell you that nearly 8 months have passed and I teared up 3 times this week alone.
I only had one dream since Trixie's passing and it came three days after she died and even though I won't get into the specifics of this dream, it turned out to be a clear and wonderful message that Trixie made it to the other side, safe and sound! I asked her to throw (send) me a bone (message) before she passed to let me know she was OK and boy did she ever.
Some 4 months after her passing as I was still going through a bad time, I decided to get a book called "The amazing afterlife of Animals" written by Karen Anderson. The book was so moving and inspiring that I decided to get in touch with Karen who is able to speak to their spirit (soul). Karen asked me if I wanted to send Trixie a message. Keep in mind that Karen Anderson knew nothing about me except my first name. She also requested a photo of Trixie and the date of her passing. Ms Anderson, the author got back to me that same day and told me she was able to connect with Trixie and went on to tell me a few things that even the most non believer would be floored!
The reason I am sharing this with you is because you sound very down as expected at a time life this! You were very close to Shemp as I was to Trixie. I worked from home the last 8 years of her life so I know what 24/7 means. Trixie was with me through the passing of both my mom and dad and we were both diagnosed with cancer on the same week. My news came on a Monday and her news came on a Wednesday, just 48 hours apart so yeah, we went through quite a bit together! I love my 2 new dogs and it's not fair for me to compare 15 years to six months, but there will only be one Trixie in my life !!
Finally, After her passing and the many signs I received that there is an afterlife and the assurance that I WILL ONE DAY BE REUNITED AND SEE HER AGAIN, I decided to open up the very first 24 hour / commercial free internet radio station that is dedicated to Pet welfare and Pet rescues. It's basically a blended music format with Pet Welfare tips at the top and bottom of each hour from 9 am - 9pm. It's all music after 9pm (EST) This is one of the ways I decided to honor my best friend. I've included a link to the station for anyone who has a dog or cat and is interested in daily tips of how to take better care of your pets.
I'm sorry this was such a long post, but I hope this helps you and some of the many folks on BBI who know that one day they will have to pass down this road.
God's Speed !!!
Link - ( New Window )
occasionally. They grab your heart with everything they have. RIP.
Cherish your memories!
It's heartbreaking for sure. I still remember that palpable feeling of this gigantic void when I had to put my first Golden down back in 2017. It was shattering.
Time heals. You'll never stop missing him - but I can promise you that it does hurt less and less as time goes on. The pain starts to be replaced by your best memories of him and you start to recall all of the great years and great times you had more vividly as you focus less and less on the very end of his life.
Be grateful for the time you had together (15 years really is a long time! - you can certainly find some solace in that) - know that you gave him the best life you possibly could have, and that the bond you had is everlasting - you'll still feel it in everything you do, even now that he's passed on.
Take care, pal. It does get better... in order to grieve, we have to have first loved. As much as the grief hurts, we'll always accept it in exchange for the years of happiness and companionship our dogs provided for us.
Best of luck.