Some sad news. Our old boy, Alfie passed away this week. He was a good age for a Bernese at almost ten years old. He was absolutely fine one evening, and the next morning had lost the use of his back legs completely. No feeling, or function there at all. We were given suggestions of him going to specialist centres hundreds of miles away. But he's never been apart from me, and it was kinder to be with him at the end. So we made the heart wrenching decision to help him pass away gently. He was old, and it wasn't fair to start him on procedures, and treatments at his age. In almost ten years this gorgeous boy has never been more than 6 feet away from me. And now I feel completely lost. I reach down by my chair, and my stomach churns. I have a physical ache for him, and it won't let up. He was the most gentle soul, and has been a nanny dog to so many of our own, and friends puppies. I will miss him beyond words, and I will never be lucky enough to have another soul like him touch our lives.
Re: Goodbye Alfie So very, very sorry. Yours was clearly a very close and special bond. You will never forget him. X
Re: Goodbye Alfie Oh TM, I'm so terribly sorry :'( What a huge loss. 10 years is a venerable age for a Berner. One of my friends is a massive Berner fan. She says that the Swiss have a saying about Bernese: "Three years a young dog, three years a good dog, three years an old dog. All else a gift from God". It sounds to me though that Alfie was a special gift in and of himself, all his life. He'll be with you forever. Big hugs to you. Will be thinking of you.
Re: Goodbye Alfie Deeply sorry for your loss, the pain you feel brings tears to my eyes, he sounded such a wonderful dog to have known and I am sure you gave him the happiest of lives.
Re: Goodbye Alfie I cried when I read your post. I am so sorry to hear you have lost a dog you loved so much. I think the decisions you made were very brave, and if (when) such a time comes in our house I hope I'm as wise and sensible as you. Best wishes to you, and your family, and I hope the lovely, lovely dogs you still have are a comfort to you at this very sad time.
Re: Goodbye Alfie Oh TM, I too cried as I read your post :'( :'( I am deeply, deeply sorry that you have lost your best friend Alfie, what a stunning boy he was and so kind and gentle. You have your memories and all the wonderful photos you kindly shared with us. You did the best thing for your friend please take comfort in that. I will be thinking about you and your family and hope that the lovely Harry and Charlie help you during this very, very sad time. My love and best wishes to you all. Helen, Hattie & Charlie xxxx :'( :'( :'(
Re: Goodbye Alfie I am deeply sorry for your loss, it is devastating news. At least he went peacefully with you by his side. Run free over rainbow bridge alfie :'(
Re: Goodbye Alfie I am so sorry to read this TM , but you did make the bravest and kindest decision for your dear boy , so sad for your loss xxxx
Re: Goodbye Alfie Thank you so much everyone. Reading your replies is helping me realise that this is all real. That makes me sound crazy, but I'm having trouble believing what's happened. It's just awful here.x
Re: Goodbye Alfie Not crazy at all. Completely understand - the longing to have him back must be overwhelming, of course it's hard to accept. I hope it might get a little easier with a bit more time. Big hugs to you from us.
Re: Goodbye Alfie TM my tummy turns when I see a new post in this section and then to see that it's from you,no need for me to say I'm having a weep while I'm writing this ,bless your heart. I wish I was clever enough to send you some words to mend your pain but I'm not so I won't even try. Please know that I am thinking of you and the rest of your family ......and sending my sincerest condolences on your loss of Alfie xxxxxxxxxx
Re: Goodbye Alfie So sorry to hear this news TM. Quite a shock to hear - can't even imagine what you are feeling. Thinking of you and your boy Alfie ♥ Love to you and your fur babies from me and Lilly xx
Re: Goodbye Alfie Apologies for this late response but I have had 5 dogs in my lifetime and have a routine that will not suit all when the time comes to say goodbye but is worth rcording. First, I always buy a new puppy which seems to give the older dog a new lease of life and gives me some hope for the future when he dies. Secondly, when the time comes to have the older dog put down the decision is easy to make because it is obvious and only needs a rubber stamp from the vet. Finally, I am comforted by this poignant poem: The Dog's Prayer If it should be that I grow weak And pain should keep me from my sleep Then you must do what should 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 to 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 have been saved. Please do not grieve, it must be you Who has the painful thing to do We've been so close, we two these years, Don't let your heart hold back its tears. I hope this helps. Roger