My dog Willow died....she was a beautiful, loving, full of life, embracing the wonders of world with enthusiasm and joy chocolate lab mix. She got sick and when the vet put her under to operate her heart stopped....she was just 3.
I got her to be with my hubby, watching out for him and warning him if there were any big animals coming out of the bush. She was always by his side. When he went into LTC she then became my constant companion there when I left for work and greeting me when I came home. Going on road trips and adventures with me. Lying at my feet at night and god helped anything that came around the cabin at night...a really good guard dog. She also was the neighbourhood dog...anyone going for a walk she would just invite herself along and if you would throw a ball, stick, anything she was your gal. First in the lake swimming when the ice came off and last in the lake when it froze up again. She was never chained up....unless she was being bad and she learned really quickly.
We always said that she won the dog lottery living here free with hundreds of acres to run and the lake to swim in. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her.
Oh Amber, so sorry on the loss of your beloved dog. I know exactly how you feel about her. Our boston terrier has been my loving and devoted companion through the last 6 years of dementia, many of them not so good.
I know there is a big hole in your heart...I will say a prayer for both of you. ((((HUGS))))
I am so sorry to hear of this huge loss. Loosing a loving animal is always so hard but at age 3?! Truly tragic. She clearly brought you much joy and companionship. As you say "another hit" in the journey of this horrid disease.
So sorry that you lost you dear companion. It sounds like you gave her a wonderful home. I know it must be very lonely for you without her. Our pets hold a special place in our hearts, and it is so sad when we lose them. Take care.
Pets are such an important part of our lives especially when our LO goes into a facility or a grave. They give us a reason to get up in the morning, they need attention and give it back without boundary or requirements from us. My kitties are there first thing in the morning with me when I try to read the paper and sip my coffee...but they win out and get tons of cuddles..They race to greet me when I come back from errands. I would be lost without them.
This is just one more hard loss for you....I know there won't be another like Willow...and maybe it is too soon now but in a little time, I hope you can find another pet who will put some joy in your life again.
I've lost three dogs. The last one really was a member of the family. She slept with my husband and I, under the covers in the winter I might add, and just seemed to know when you were feeling bad. The girls wanted her when she was a puppy and at first I said no. But she won me over and became mine. She lived for 14 years and I held her in my arms as she was put to sleep; she was very old and very sick. I still hear her pushing my bedroom door open with her nose getting ready to jump in bed with me. I miss her very, very much and know how you feel.
I am so sorry. Willow (and what a nice name) sounds special and wonderful.
The last dog my husband and I had was Bozena. I was with her when she was euthanized in the Spring of 2012. What a heart and soul she had. It was heartbreaking that my husband did not realize she was gone.
I hope that when the time is right you will have another lottery winner.
A very great sadness to lose our precious pets. they are our constants that keep us sane during our regular lives much less when we are dementia caregivers. I am very sorry to hear of your loss of dear sweet willow. she is now at rainbow bridge waiting for your reunion when that happens. I lost both my babies Chihuahuas after 19 years and the loss was crushing as well. no more for me til after and I will relish having another baby to love at that point. your willow as all our pets enjoyed a great life and gave much in return. special hugs. divvi
Amber,so sorry for your loss.Ican;t helpbut cry when some one loses their pet. I know how much my Scoobi means to me.Has kept me going since DH went into NH.I have always been known as "The Dog Lady" in my area, always taking in strays.May you find another dog to give a home to,even tho it will not fill the place of your lovable Willow.Every dog has their own personality and something special abouit them.
Amber, reading your post made me cry. We lost both our cats -- they were brothers --- this winter within two months of each other. The second one to die was my husband's special friend; he stayed with my husband every night until he fell asleep. My husband did not even notice that they were gone. That's when I realized how far his illness had progressed.
Our cat of 16 years died in January. My hb doesn't even remember her when he sees her picture. But he remembers our dog that died in 2008 and the first two we had early in our marriage.