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delwhjr's avatar
delwhjr
Explorer
Aug 27, 2021

Goodbye old friend, You will be missed

We stopped camping the first of this year when our 19 year old dog,Abby, lost the ability to stand on her rear legs. We just could not leave her behind. We continued to assist her in walking and getting around. She ate well and could walk with assistance. Then earlier this summer she began sleeping 20 hours a day. We were hoping for a few more days but this month she lost the ability to even stand with assistance. It was the hardest thing to do but she was no longer really living; just existing. The vet agreed it was time and she is now running and playing at the rainbow bridge. Where we will meet again!
  • Campinghoss's avatar
    Campinghoss
    Explorer II
    Aug 27, 2021
    I am sorry for your loss. Your description of Abby is so similar to our Lucky. He is having problems with his hind legs as well. There is a ramp for the fiver and one for the truck but I still have to help him navigate them. He is also sleeping more each day. He turns 14 in September.
    I can only imagine what you are going thru with Abby's passing.
  • dturm's avatar
    dturm
    Moderator
    Aug 27, 2021
    Sorry for your loss. It seems you had many good years and experiences with her and you eased her final years and repaid some of the companionship and love she gave during her life.
  • Crowe's avatar
    Crowe
    Explorer
    Aug 27, 2021
    So sorry to hear. 19 years is an amazing lifespan. Kudos to you and your family for taking care of her so well.
  • Scottiemom's avatar
    Scottiemom
    Nomad
    Aug 27, 2021
    So sorry for your loss. She knew you loved her unconditionally and obviously enjoyed her life with her loved ones.

    Dale
  • Deb_and_Ed_M's avatar
    Deb_and_Ed_M
    Explorer II
    Aug 27, 2021
    I'm so sorry for your loss, but clearly you took fantastic care of Abby for her to have lived such a long life!! Cherish the many memories (((HUG)))
  • BB_TX's avatar
    BB_TX
    Nomad
    Aug 27, 2021
    Deciding when is always a very difficult time. Hard to let go, but best for the pet when that time comes.

    Take the time to mourn. And then go forward with another. A rescue is always a good way to go. We have only had one at a time, and lost those at 16 yrs, 14 yrs, 12 yrs. The first from a pup. The others older rescue/adoptions. Now our latest is going on 11. Loved them all.
  • ferndaleflyer's avatar
    ferndaleflyer
    Explorer III
    Aug 27, 2021
    My dog Jack never showed any signs of decline but had a heart attack and died instantly 1 month before his 18th birthday 6 years ago. 2 years ago our Brussels started kidney failure at 13. With hydration and hand feeding she was fine for a year and then just started failing so we had her put to sleep. We miss them every day more than I can ever say. I can never know how bad you feel but it is just awful. Treasure the times you had.
  • riltri's avatar
    riltri
    Explorer
    Aug 27, 2021
    It is so very hard to loose a pet who has become a family member. Keep in mind that Abby was a very lucky dog to have been loved and cared for for 19 years....and she knew it!
  • magnusfide's avatar
    magnusfide
    Explorer II
    Aug 27, 2021
    You have my sympathies. It's always difficult when we lose a family member. With time, perhaps you will open your heart to another who can continue Abby's legacy.
  • delwhjr's avatar
    delwhjr
    Explorer
    Aug 27, 2021
    Thank you all for your kind responses. The hardest part is watching her "sister" constantly looking around for her. They used to have a ritual when going outside that one would go first and then wait for the other one to come out before continuing on.

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