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 Expert
Posts: 1432
  
Location: Never in one place long | one week ago today, my precious 11yr heeler died unexpectedly.... like completely.. I am inconsolable and trying to understand. Wondering if anyone else has had this happen?
About 10 days prior, he was acting a little slower but he's had two torn ACL's and surgery and is a little older dog but very fit and healthy otherwise, never sick a day in his LIFE that I knew. Somedays although VERY few, he'd decide he didn't want to go for our nightly walk and wouldn't go but the night he died he had a great appetite, ate his dinner, had some treats, went swimming in his doggy pool and seemed excited to go for a walk (he was always bouncing all over crazy hyper). About 5 minutes into the walk he laid down and collapsed, less than a minute later he let out a few sharp yelps like something was hurting him and then was breathing rapidly and his eyes seemed glazed over and his tongue was hanging out. We rushed him to the Emergency vet as quickly as we could (we're an hr from emergency vet) but he died about 5 minutes before we arrived. I did chest compressions the rest of the way there and they did CPR but it couldn't bring him back. I'm shocked, heartbroken and just looking for answers.. the vet said it was probably a tumor on his heart with no signs/symptoms then one day it just bursts and they die or a stroke. I want to be at peace knowing there was nothing we could do but I keep feeling guilty like I should have known.
Another question, does anyone have any advice on where to purchase a nice memorial plaque/stone to go over his gravesite? I'd like to get something nice that wont' break or weather quickly.
Thank you for advice and suggestions.
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 I Want a "MAN"
Posts: 3610
 
Location: MD | Sounds like a heart aneurysm to me I am so sorry. I lost my heeler 2 years ago and felt like no one understood the loss I felt. |
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Go Get Em!
Posts: 13503
Location: OH. IO | Please don't blame yourself.Since it happened so suddenly im sure you did all you could but it was over so fast he had to have something go wrong very quickly.Im sure you gave him a wonderful life;).as for memorials we bought a regular stone from the funeral home who also does pet stones.IM SO SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS AND YOUR BROKEN HEART. |
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 Expert
Posts: 3815
Location: The best kept secret in TX | I am so very sorry....
Here is a link to the nes we have purchased before at Petsmart Online. I haven't noticed them weathering fast... http://www.petsmart.com/search/?q=Memorial&prefn1=customCategory&srule=relevance&pmin=0&prefv1=Memorial%20Stones |
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 Shelter Dog Lover
Posts: 10277
| I am so sorry |
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Expert
Posts: 1432
Location: Never in one place long | CE's wrapn3 - 2017-07-05 3:43 PM
Sounds like a heart aneurysm to me I am so sorry. I lost my heeler 2 years ago and felt like no one understood the loss I felt.
I agree, my family knows how much I love my dogs and certain dog friends but Co-workers are aghast that I could be so upset over a dog. I think I spend more time with my dogs than anyone. It does hurt so bad. I appreciate your words. |
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 Elite Veteran
Posts: 899
| So sorry that that happened. It is really tough !  |
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Elite Veteran
Posts: 1079
| DLV - 2017-07-05 3:58 PM CE's wrapn3 - 2017-07-05 3:43 PM Sounds like a heart aneurysm to me I am so sorry. I lost my heeler 2 years ago and felt like no one understood the loss I felt. I agree, my family knows how much I love my dogs and certain dog friends but Co-workers are aghast that I could be so upset over a dog. I think I spend more time with my dogs than anyone. It does hurt so bad. I appreciate your words.
 I am so so sorry. Sometimes I just consider how I'll feel someday when my boy isn't here. and honest to God, I can't even bear the thought enough to accept it. Hate even typing those words! If it doesn't outright kill me, I feel like I'll need to be in a hospital for awhile. Prayers, hugs and love in the love of your baby. Some people just can't grasp what a dog can mean to some of us. Don't worry about them. Let the animal lovers lift you up in this terrible time.
Prayers
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Expert
Posts: 1207
| So sorry for your loss. Both of my Corgis went this way. I lost them about 5/6 years ago and I still miss them. But I look at the happy memories I had with them. |
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 I Prefer to Live in Fantasy Land
Posts: 64864
Location: In the Hills of Texas | I'm so sorry for your loss. I understand how you feel.
Many years ago, when my sister in law lost her Am Staff, I went to a human memorial place with a picture and they engraved her picture on the stone that laid flat over her grave.
Hugs and prayers.
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 Elite Veteran
Posts: 1035
Location: TN | I am so so sorry for your loss of your sweet baby. I honestly am feeling the same way you are right now. 6 days ago my corgi went missing and less than 12 hours after we last saw him he was found dead on a highway a half mile away. He NEVER left our yard so I think someone possibly picked him up. I am devastated. I've had him since college. He was only 7 - almost 8. Back in December we lost our beloved Catahoula to bladder cancer. It was less than a week from the time he started acting different (and was diagnosed) to his passing. And on top of all of that my sweet old rescue beagle has cancer and a tumor on her heart. I'm thankful to have read your dog's reaction so I won't panic if that happens to her heart when she passes. She still acts normal (and is terrified of going to the vet) so I can't bear to put her to sleep. I am also searching for memorial stones. I found some stones on etsy that look nice and are reasonably priced, but my husband wants to check options at a human headstone place before we decide what to get. Again I am so very sorry. I know nothing anyone says will make you feel better though. They are our kids - only those of us animal lovers who have been there can fully understand your pain. Sending hugs.
Edited by KatieMac88 2017-07-05 7:20 PM
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 Veteran
Posts: 133
| I am so sorry. It is so hard to let them go. May you know peace and comfort. |
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 Undercover Amish Mafia Member
Posts: 9992
Location: Kansas | very sorry for your loss, praying for you |
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The Advice Guru
Posts: 6419
| If you are looking for answers a post mortum would give you the answers.
Sorry for your loss |
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 Quarter Horse HIstorian
Posts: 2878
Location: Aubrey, Texas | Prayers for you- it is tough, no matter what the circumstances. |
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 My Heart Be Happy
Posts: 9159
Location: Arkansas | I'm so sorry for your loss. And to the other posters also. Other people may not get it, but rest assured that on here, we do understand that having four legs just means it's easier for them to walk into our hearts. Many prayers sent your way |
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 You get what you give
Posts: 13030
Location: Texas | I am so sorry for your loss. I agree with the vet, it was most likely some sort of hidden cardiac condition that he was coping with very well and didn't give you any signs. I wish animals could talk :( |
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Location: South Dakota | My heart hurts and goes out to all of you who have lost precious doggie friends; I have been down that road as well, and it is so painful to lose them....they truly are a gift from God, for the fun, love, and devotion they bring into out lives. |
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Industrial Srength Barrel Racer
Posts: 7268
| star1218 - 2017-07-05 4:10 PM
DLV - 2017-07-05 3:58 PM CE's wrapn3 - 2017-07-05 3:43 PM Sounds like a heart aneurysm to me I am so sorry. I lost my heeler 2 years ago and felt like no one understood the loss I felt. I agree, my family knows how much I love my dogs and certain dog friends but Co-workers are aghast that I could be so upset over a dog. I think I spend more time with my dogs than anyone. It does hurt so bad. I appreciate your words. I am so so sorry. Sometimes I just consider how I'll feel someday when my boy isn't here. and honest to God, I can't even bear the thought enough to accept it. Hate even typing those words! If it doesn't outright kill me, I feel like I'll need to be in a hospital for awhile. Prayers, hugs and love in the love of your baby. Some people just can't grasp what a dog can mean to some of us. Don't worry about them. Let the animal lovers lift you up in this terrible time. Prayers
DLV - I am SO very sorry for your loss! I would suspect an aneurysm also. Many prayers for the hole in your heart and BIG HUGS!!
Sometimes I think about losing our girl and can't BEAR the thought. She is like a child to me! I totally understand your anguish - I know a lot of the folks I work with don't get it either. They are NOT "just a dog" for sure.
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 BHW Resident Surgeon
Posts: 25352
Location: Bastrop, Texas |
I'm sorry this happened to you. It hurts like hell.
These memorials are nice. If you google, you can find a number of these pet memorials etched on stone. We have one of my horse, Bear. It's next to the walkway on the landscaping leading up to the house. I look at it every day. |
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 Elite Veteran
Posts: 1182
Location: Do I hear Banjos? | We are never ready to say goodbye...but when it happens so suddenly it just rips the floor out from under your feet. It sure doesn't sound like there were any signs at all. You couldn't have known. Perhaps a stroke or aneurysm...but whatever happened he didn't suffer a long sickness or pain. I know that's small comfort.
We went to a place in town here that makes human grave memorials/stones. They also do them for pet graves. We had a stone engraved for each of the old guys we lost (one was 14 the other made it to 15...both heelers). They are maybe a foot long, rectangular and turned out beautifully. It is granite and will last forever. I believe they cost about $45 each. I am betting there is a place near you that makes grave stones also.
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Expert
Posts: 1432
Location: Never in one place long | KatieMac88 - 2017-07-05 7:18 PM
I am so so sorry for your loss of your sweet baby. I honestly am feeling the same way you are right now. 6 days ago my corgi went missing and less than 12 hours after we last saw him he was found dead on a highway a half mile away. He NEVER left our yard so I think someone possibly picked him up. I am devastated. I've had him since college. He was only 7 - almost 8. Back in December we lost our beloved Catahoula to bladder cancer. It was less than a week from the time he started acting different (and was diagnosed) to his passing. And on top of all of that my sweet old rescue beagle has cancer and a tumor on her heart. I'm thankful to have read your dog's reaction so I won't panic if that happens to her heart when she passes. She still acts normal (and is terrified of going to the vet) so I can't bear to put her to sleep. I am also searching for memorial stones. I found some stones on etsy that look nice and are reasonably priced, but my husband wants to check options at a human headstone place before we decide what to get. Again I am so very sorry. I know nothing anyone says will make you feel better though. They are our kids - only those of us animal lovers who have been there can fully understand your pain. Sending hugs.
Oh my, I don't know why but gives me comfort to know others are going through the same thing. Yes, I think it hurts no matter how or when it happens. I'm so sorry you're going through that with so many. :(
I did find a nice granite memorial on Etsy also, has good reviews so hopefully I like it. I have to pick out the perfect picture. |
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Expert
Posts: 3815
Location: The best kept secret in TX | DLV - 2017-07-06 10:26 AM KatieMac88 - 2017-07-05 7:18 PM I am so so sorry for your loss of your sweet baby. I honestly am feeling the same way you are right now. 6 days ago my corgi went missing and less than 12 hours after we last saw him he was found dead on a highway a half mile away. He NEVER left our yard so I think someone possibly picked him up. I am devastated. I've had him since college. He was only 7 - almost 8. Back in December we lost our beloved Catahoula to bladder cancer. It was less than a week from the time he started acting different (and was diagnosed) to his passing. And on top of all of that my sweet old rescue beagle has cancer and a tumor on her heart. I'm thankful to have read your dog's reaction so I won't panic if that happens to her heart when she passes. She still acts normal (and is terrified of going to the vet) so I can't bear to put her to sleep. I am also searching for memorial stones. I found some stones on etsy that look nice and are reasonably priced, but my husband wants to check options at a human headstone place before we decide what to get. Again I am so very sorry. I know nothing anyone says will make you feel better though. They are our kids - only those of us animal lovers who have been there can fully understand your pain. Sending hugs. Oh my, I don't know why but gives me comfort to know others are going through the same thing. Yes, I think it hurts no matter how or when it happens. I'm so sorry you're going through that with so many. : ( I did find a nice granite memorial on Etsy also, has good reviews so hopefully I like it. I have to pick out the perfect picture.
Just a thought. Thinking about you today. Sending more hugs. 
Edited by IRunOnFaith 2017-07-06 4:43 PM
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 I Don't Brag
Posts: 6960
| I can think of no way to lose a precious soul where you do NOT second guess yourself. Please give yourself a break and seek some small comfort that your Heeler passed quickly with little suffering. It is NEVER easy to lose them.
Hugs and more hugs |
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Expert
Posts: 1432
Location: Never in one place long | Thank you all for words of comfort and reassurance. I have ordered a very nice granite memorial that will have his picture and a quote on it. Your words of kindness are so appreciated. |
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 Ms Bling Bling Sleeze Kitty
Posts: 20917
Location: LouLouVille, OK | No matter how long or short we have them in our lives... they take a piece of you and your heart when they go... Your boy had a wonderful life, a full life, he knew he was loved beyond measure and you were with him when he passed... what more could he ask for... I lost my sweet girl a month and half ago... I miss her more every day, but my heart has excepted that she is with me in spirit... and waits for me... the days will get a little easier... I was so beside myself for the first 2 weeks that I didn't know which way was up... (((HUGS))) hang in there... grief really is the price we pay for love... He will wait for you...
ps.. I ordered a simple but so pretty headstone for my girl from www.4everinmyheart.com and they did a wonderful job with it... I see it everyday, many times a day... and know she is running free and forever young..
Edited by cindyt 2017-07-07 1:11 PM
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 Elite Veteran
Posts: 670
Location: Running my kids somewhere. | I am so sorry. |
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  Angel in a Sorrel Coat
Posts: 16030
Location: In a happy place | I am so sorry for your loss. It is just indescribable how much it hurts. So glad you found a memorial for your baby. Prayers and hugs for you. |
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"Heck's Coming With Me"
Posts: 10797
Location: Kansas | Amazing how when we lose a beloved pet or horse we manage to blame ourselves even though we gave them a happy life. Can't understand that but we do it all the time don't we.
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Veteran
Posts: 289
Location: Where I need to be | I am so sorry. I lost my dog to a rattlesnake bite last September. We got her to the vet for anti-venom injection and she did well for a couple of days. She was 13 and her body just couldn't handle it, causing her pancreas and kidneys to shut down. I had to put her down. It was so hard. It takes time and gets better. I still go to her grave and talk to her, it helps. I found a very nice granite stone on amazon. There is quite a few to pick from. You are not alone, hang in there. |
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My dog died unexpectedly.. looking for answers