We had to put Stinky Dog to sleep last night.
I came home from work and she had a good brushing and snuggled on the couch with me. We went to bed around 1 a.m. and Tiny Dog started growling from the bathroom (the room the girls stay in) and that was weird because she never growls at Stinky. I went in there and saw that Stinky was puking up foam. Felt her tummy and it was hard. In the minute and a half that it took me to google “bloated dog” she’d swelled up more and I was on the phone with the emergency vet clinic, getting directions to bring her in.
Sweety drove and I sat in the back with her. As soon as we walked in they swooped her up and took her in the back to xray her.
She was bloated and her stomach had done a complete flip so there was no blood supply going to her stomach or spleen. They had her medicated and sedated so she wasn’t hurting.
The options were surgery or putting her to sleep. It felt like the vet was trying to steer us towards not getting the surgery because of all of the complications that she said would probably be expected in a dog Tasha’s age (13 or 14). She said if we weren’t going to do the surgery that we should put her down quickly so she didn’t suffer any more.
So we did.
She was in a clear plastic bed type thing with oxygen being blown in her face and an i.v. in her paw with the pain meds. I petted her and sang to her what a pretty dog she was and that her mama loved her. Sweety tried to stay out of her line of vision because she was skittish around him and he didn’t want her to be freaking out her last few minutes because she saw him. It took less than 30 seconds from me telling the vet to put the medicine in until she was gone.
I was relieved that she went quickly. I’ve heard horror stories from people about how their pet suffered when it was put to sleep and I was afraid that she was going to look at me all terrified. She was trying to wag her tail up til the end and then her eyes closed.
The people at the emergency vet clinic were very nice. One of the women apologized to me for grabbing Tasha up so fast when we walked in but explained that she knew that she needed to be tended to right away. I was totally okay with that. I was afraid that they were going to make us fill out a bunch of paperwork and pay for the visit before they’d even see her.
They gave her back to us in a heavy white cardboard coffin and they’d taped a flower on the top of it. When we came home (while Sweety was digging the grave. btw, Sweety is a grave digging pro. perfectly rectangular hole about 3 feet deep. I guess he learned something from when his grandpa was in the funeral home business.), I opened the box to pet her and let Oliver and Oy see and sniff her so they’d know she wasn’t coming back. The vet’s office had put a flower behind her ear and put a pretty bandage on her paw where the i.v. had been and wrapped her bottom half in a little blanket.
It’s good that we went to the vet as soon as we realized that something was wrong. I’d hate to think that she hurt any longer than could be helped. I told Sweety that her memory ran about 7 minutes so hopefully, by the time the vet had her drugged up, she’d forgotten the ride to the hospital.
On Wednesday night we woke up and she’d peed in the bathroom and I saw a couple of blood clots in the pee. On Thursday she was eating and drinking just fine and peeing a lot but no blood clots. I thought she had a urinary tract infection and she had an appointment at the vet’s office this morning.
When I came home from work last night (Friday), I told her to not “pull a Chi Chi” and die from something freaky before we could take her to the vet the next day. I spent all evening watching her when she went outside to make sure she didn’t fall in the pool.
Sweety and I had talked that day about how we’d diaper her if need be and I was going to get diapers tonight after her vet visit. A small package if she had a UTI and the peeing all over was going to be temporary or a big one if the vet said she was just getting old and incontinent.
Sweety said that I seemed to be taking it better than he thought I would. This sounds weird, but I’ve been getting ready for it in my head all week. Awhile back, I decided that we were going to spoil her with love and not be mad when she was all barky or had an accident in the house. I figured that there was no telling how much longer she’d be around and I could shampoo my carpets after she was gone. When she’s had accidents in the house, we’ve just been petting her and telling her “it’s a bitch to get old, huh?” while we clean it up.
It kills me because (other than the bad pee incident) she seemed healthier than she had in a long time. More spry. Getting around without limping and eating her food at breakfast and dinner without me having to practically force feed her.
I’m glad that these last few days I spent extra time just snuggling with her and taking photos of her. That first photo where she’s alone? Last one taken of her. Thursday night. She’d just had a bath and was doing her clean “happy dance”. It’s morbid, but I told her to show pretty in case she didn’t have any more photos made. (Yes, people. I talk to my animals maybe more than average. Certainly more than Sweety realizes.)
She’s such a good girl.
49 Comments, Comment or Ping
Oh my gosh, girl I am bawling my eyes out here!! I never cry over animals, and especially not other people’s animals. What the vet did for her when she died was just incredible…right down to the flower behind her ear. What a wonderful vet.
I’m so sorry, sweetheart. I know you feel good that she’s no longer suffering. It was just so sudden.
Love you!!
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Becky said:
August 29th, 2010 at 12:37 am
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 friends 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. His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over 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 the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.
Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together….
Author unknown…
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Chickie said:
August 29th, 2010 at 6:33 pm
It was bad because it was so sudden but I’m glad that it was a decision that we had to make immediately instead of having the option to let her linger around while we thought about it.
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August 28th, 2010 11:52 pm
Oh Anna, I am still crying from this post. It just breaks my heart for you to have lost your beloved dog. I am glad that she did not suffer and that you were with her. I don’t want to live in a world without compassion for all of God’s creatures.
It still hurts as much now as it did the first time I lost a beloved pet. Just know that she loved you with all her heart and that you were the best mom to her and loved her dearly.
I hope your sorrow will in time turn to great memories of the wonderful dog Tasha was.
Love you,
Pam
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Chickie said:
August 29th, 2010 at 6:35 pm
She was a good girl to know. The house is so empty without her. I didn’t realize how much noise she made!
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August 29th, 2010 12:06 am
PS I forgot to tell you that Candy sends her love to you. I told her about your loss and she said to send you a hug too.
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Chickie said:
August 29th, 2010 at 6:36 pm
Aw, thanks Candy!
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August 29th, 2010 12:07 am
Oh, I’m so sorry. ((you))
peace…
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Chickie said:
August 29th, 2010 at 6:36 pm
Thank you.
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August 29th, 2010 12:12 am
I’m so sorry. Sometimes I think losing animals is harder than losing people.
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Chickie said:
August 29th, 2010 at 6:37 pm
It sure can seem that way.
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August 29th, 2010 12:24 am
I think you made the right decision. That, however, doesn’t make it any easier. I know how hard such a loss is. Heartfelt condolences, Chick.
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Chickie said:
August 29th, 2010 at 6:37 pm
Thanks, Joey.
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August 29th, 2010 2:09 am
I’m sorry that your dog was sick
And that you had to put her down quick.
I, too, wish to say
As well as convey
My heartfelt condolences, Chick.
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Chickie said:
August 29th, 2010 at 6:38 pm
Oh, sheesh – who would have thought that a condolence poem would make me laugh? Thank you.
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August 29th, 2010 2:24 am
Oh Chickie….I’m sobbing as I write this…I am So So Sooo Sorry…Stinky was such a sweet dear dog….I feel like I really got to know her and love her so much in these almost 6 years I have been reading your blog….I know it is heartbreaking—She was such a special wonderful sweet soul, and I know, Tiny will miss her terribly, too……My heart goes out to you my dear dear friend….And that was so thoughtful of Sweety to not want to freak her out…..Those Emergency Vets sound like They were very caring and understanding…The Flower and the Blanket…How sweet is that….! I send you all (((((((HUGS)))))))…I know she is grateful to you for making that decision and acting so quickly….Sweet Sweet Tiny. I know you will miss her in ways that none of us can know….
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Chickie said:
August 29th, 2010 at 6:39 pm
Thanks, Naomi. The whole thing was horrible but I can see that it went as smoothly as something like that could go.
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August 29th, 2010 4:35 am
The flower behind the ear. If I wasn’t crying my eyes out 3 sentences in, that would have done it. I’m grateful that you have such attentive vet staff.
I am so sorry, Chickie. I know it hurts.
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Chickie said:
August 29th, 2010 at 6:40 pm
I was crying the whole way home and when I opened up the box and saw how gone out of their way to make her look nice…I was surprised that I was able to cry harder.
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August 29th, 2010 7:28 am
The flower behind her ear and the bandage on her paw did it for me, that’s when I feel apart…
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Chickie said:
August 29th, 2010 at 6:42 pm
Me too. It was just so sweet of the staff to do those extra little things. I actually thought we’d have to just carry her out in the blanket we brought in and was happy to see the box. The extra was just super nice.
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August 29th, 2010 8:10 am
Oh, this made me cry. Now I am looking at my own dogs and never wanting them to die. I’m sad for you, and everyone in your family. I am so glad that you were able to spend extra time with her these last few days. *hug*
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Chickie said:
August 29th, 2010 at 6:43 pm
I’m now doing what I can to try and make sure that this sort of thing doesn’t happen to Oliver. I guess his breed is more likely for this.
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August 29th, 2010 11:52 am
Oh, I’m so sorry. Losing a furry friend always hurts. – G
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Chickie said:
August 29th, 2010 at 6:44 pm
So true…a friend mentioned to me that the bad thing about having a pet is you know that you’re going to out live it. I’d never thought about that before but that comes with being a pet owner.
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August 29th, 2010 12:22 pm
Oh, I am so, so sorry.
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Chickie said:
August 29th, 2010 at 6:45 pm
Thank you, dear.
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August 29th, 2010 1:31 pm
Hey girl… so sorry to hear about your precious Stinky. I know she meant the world to you.
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Chickie said:
September 1st, 2010 at 11:47 pm
Thank you, MsEmily.
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August 29th, 2010 8:33 pm
Baby, I’m so sorry. It’s great she’s not hurting anymore, but I know how much hurts either way.
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Chickie said:
September 1st, 2010 at 11:47 pm
I feel bad because it was such a rough way for her to go…I really hope she forgot the car ride.
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August 29th, 2010 8:45 pm
:(
I saw you tweet this post and my heart sunk. I’m so sorry, but I’m glad you had so many years to make wonderful memories.
Thinking of you. xoxo
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Chickie said:
September 1st, 2010 at 11:47 pm
Thank you, sweetie.
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August 30th, 2010 12:01 pm
Bawled my eyes out reading this. I’m so sorry. Everyone around here at the Cricket Casa is feeling super bad for you. Even my kids totally know how much you love your dogs and everyone has asked if you were okay.
Thinking of you.
xoxo
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Chickie said:
September 1st, 2010 at 11:48 pm
Thanks for thinking of me. It sure is quiet around here.
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August 30th, 2010 9:15 pm
Lost one of my furbabies recently too.
Hang tough.
You took good care of stinky.
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Chickie said:
September 1st, 2010 at 11:48 pm
Ah, I’m sorry. It really sucks. I’m still in the habit of waiting for her when I open the door to let the other dogs out.
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August 30th, 2010 11:35 pm
I am very sorry to hear about Tasha. I know how much you cared for your dogs. Hugs.
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Chickie said:
September 1st, 2010 at 11:48 pm
Thank you. .
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August 30th, 2010 11:53 pm
Thinking of you, my dear, and hoping you are doing as well as can be expected…..I know you must miss her terribly. That sweet sweet Stinky of the kind and tender Heart….I send you hugs, dear Chickie, and just know, you are in my thoughts.
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Chickie said:
September 1st, 2010 at 11:49 pm
Thank you, Naomi. She was such a good pooch.
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September 1st, 2010 2:54 am
Chickie, I am so very sorry. It is so hard to lose a pet and I hope you know our thoughts and prayers are with you. She couldn’t have asked for a better “owner.”
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Chickie said:
September 1st, 2010 at 11:49 pm
Thanks, Mike.
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September 1st, 2010 1:17 pm
I read this a few days ago, and couldn’t even form sentences to respond.
I am so, so, so very sorry for your loss. Stinky Dog was such a good girl.
I am stunned beyond words at the kindness and thoughtfulness of the Emergency Vet place. They may do this for everyone, but the little acts of kindness go a long way.
If you can tell us the name of the place without giving up your location, I’d like to hear about it.
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Chickie said:
September 4th, 2010 at 10:04 pm
We went to the one in Casselberry. It’s about 30 minutes from our house and it was the longest ride ever.
They even sent a sympathy card to us. I’m going to send them a letter thanking them for their kindness. They made a really awful situation as good as it could be.
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September 4th, 2010 8:54 am
I’m in the same boat as so many others, crying my eyes out reading this. I will miss Stinky/Tasha as if she were my own “kid”. I know she had a wonderful life with you and your family. I hope your hearts heal quickly. ((HUGS))
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Chickie said:
September 6th, 2010 at 12:46 am
Thank you. I’m glad that you all got to know Stinky.
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September 5th, 2010 4:14 pm
Oh, I’m so sorry! I haven’t been by in awhile and was just catching up. :-( Glad you were able to be with her at the end and that she went painlessly and quickly.
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Chickie said:
September 13th, 2010 at 9:51 pm
Me too. Thank you.
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September 13th, 2010 2:30 am
Reply to “I miss her.”