I had a really sad couple of days leading up to Christmas :'( hence it wasn't just Christmas busyness that had me a little quiet on here...... My friend and her Husband won an all expenses paid trip to LA to see the X Factor Finals.Shes got ( had :'( :'( :'( ) 3 dogs and the oldest was Rekku who has been in failing health for a while.My friend works from home and while he hasn't been in pain she has been able to nurse and look after him so carefully as she prepared for the inevitable.... Myself and another friend really encouraged her to take the trip ,Rekku whilst poorly ,has been stable recently and responding really well to a drip treatment my friend was able to administer at home.She really soul searched about going ,and it was a reluctant decision but we said if she boarded her 2 other dogs we would be 'Team Rekku 'and look after him,the trip was 5 nights .Mariet moved in to take care of the nights and I was time tabled for 3 visits a day but really I ended up staying every afternoon with him.He had a really good ,peaceful 4 days and then the day before my friend was due to fly back he took a bad turn through the night.It was so upsetting,we carried him to the vet,who knows us all and was aware of the trip and they basically kept him sedated and pain free for 24 hours until my friend got back.the vets were so kind I must have visited him about 6 times and even out of hours and they just let me sit with him,I couldn't bear to think of him alone when he was so loved......and I didn't want my friend to think he wasn't with people that cared about him. My friend went to him as soon as they got back and they let him go straight away.... We all knew this situation was a possibility but,call me naive ( although I just like to think positive and optimistic)I really thought for such a short amount of time we could manage his care. I've never had to take an animal for their final vet visit ,mum and dad always did it for the family dogs..those couple of days will stay with me forever.....it's so dreadfully sad,even more so at Christmas time Anyway thankyou for indulging me I just wanted to recognize Rekku,he was a handsome,brave ,lovely old boy and I know he will be very,very missed x
Re: A Brave Old Boy Oh, Angela, that is so terribly sad :'( How typically lovely of you to make sure Rekku was cared for and with familiar people while his own people were away. So glad your friend got to hold him at the end. It's a truly gut wrenching time - it makes so much difference to have friends that really, really, really understand, as you do.
Re: A Brave Old Boy Well done for being such a good friend. It sounds such a heart braking experience with the added responsibility of not being your dog. I'm so pleased your friend was able to say goodbye to Rekku. Alice
Re: A Brave Old Boy So sad :'(. It sounds like you managed it wonderfully, and in a really caring way. I'm glad your friend got back to say goodbye. Hugs to you.
Re: A Brave Old Boy Rekku is now known to hundreds of people, a fitting epitath to such a well loved dog. Your friend must be heartbroken, but much comforted to know that you were with her beloved dog and he had all the care he could have.
Re: A Brave Old Boy Oh Angela, I am sad to read this post, what a big hearted person you are. I am so glad your friend got to say her goodbyes to Rekku. Rest assured you enabled Rekku to have a peacful end to his life and your friend will never forget that :'( :'( :'(
Re: A Brave Old Boy Thank you for being so kind and caring to Rekku. So difficult to go through this difficult time - especially at Christmas. I am sure your friend must really appreciate all your loving attention to the dear old chap. :'( xxx
Re: A Brave Old Boy I'm so sad to read this post too, but Rekku had such a lot of love and care from you he would have been a peaceful loved boy, and his people got to say goodbye to him and be with him at the end which is the most important thing. You are such a kind person....
Re: A Brave Old Boy Thankyou everybody,you are all so kind,it was hard not to question did we miss something and should we have acted sooner but my little inner voice tells me that it was just his time and I am so glad my friend got back in time....if she hadn't that truly would have been the worse case scenario... Best wishes Angela x
Re: A Brave Old Boy He held on for her. That's what I like to think about these things. He was not in pain and was with people who cared for him, and with his special human at the end. I would call that a good and peaceful passing, heart-wrenchingly sad as it is.
Re: A Brave Old Boy So sorry to hear about this, Angela. What a hard time for you. Hugs to you and your friend.
Re: A Brave Old Boy Oh angela i feel so sorry for you and your friend and her family. It must be very upsetting for all of you. At least your friend got to say a final goodbye before they let him go. :'( :'( Sending you hugs and lots of cuddles and licks from barley and puzzle
Re: A Brave Old Boy I find this poignant poem a great comfort: A DOG’S PRAYER If it should be that I grow weak And pain should keep me from my sleep Then you must do what must be done For this last battle cannot be won You will be sad, I understand Don’t let your grief then stay your hand For this day more than all the rest Your love for me must stand the test We have had so many happy years What is to come can hold no tears You would not want me to suffer so The time has come, please let me go Take me where my need they’ll tend And please stay with me till the end Hold me firm and speak to me Until my eyes no longer see I know in time that you will see The kindness that you did for me Although my tail its last has waved From pain and suffering, I've been saved Please do not grieve, it must be you Who has this painful thing to do. We've been so close, we two, these years, Don’t let your heart hold back its tears I hope it helps Roger
Re: A Brave Old Boy This poem did make me blub... but I do agree whole-heartedly with its message! Thanks for sharing it, Roger. Clare
Re: A Brave Old Boy Thankyou Roger,I've sent a copy to my friend.....had me in tears of course but the words are very comforting....x
Re: A Brave Old Boy Lochan posted a beautiful poem in a thread. Totally does me in. http://www.thelabradorsite.com/forums/index.php/topic,1745.msg13283.html#msg13283 Had news last night that my old dog's best and lifelong friend Lucia, a Maremma Sheepdog, has passed away at 15 :'( She was smart, independent and beautiful and was also a remaining connection to my boy, Nicolae, who I lost a year ago. I'll miss her :'( Friends are coming round on Sunday for dinner and reminiscences and no doubt a good bawl.
Re: A Brave Old Boy Rachael, that's very sad news I am so sorry :'( Have a good bawl it always helps. xxx
Re: A Brave Old Boy Thanks, Helen. Totally agree abut the therapeutic value of a good bawl. It actually happened a month ago but my friends were so cut up by it they couldn't bring themselves to talk about it till now. Totally understand.
