Missing My Sweet Boy Options

[Poppy's Mom]

I'm new to this site and I came across it by chance looking for some comfort after losing my ##er Spaniel mix of 15 years. He was so special to me. We had a strong loving bond and we have gone through a lot together.

He battled with Mast Cell tumors and underwent many painful surgeries and chemotherapy. The vet also suspected he had cushings. He also suffered from severe hip dysplasia along with many other problems, but he held on like a little trooper and showed me what courage and perseverance was. Always by my side: in the bathroom when I showered, by my recliner, by my bed, next to me when using my PC. Then last Wednesday, I came home from work and found him having tremendous difficulty lying down. He would inch his way down to the floor and I got very concerned. I thought, maybe it was the rain and the weather that had caused more pain in his hips and arthritis, so I gave him a Tramadol for the pain. He did not eat or drink that night or after that.

The next day, he could barely walk and refused to drink or eat. Worried, I called in to work and stayed home. The next few hours that followed are so painful to remember. He spiraled downward and became worse, unable to stand, panting excessively, showing signs of a lot pain. I gave him water through a dropper because he could barely lift his head and called the vet. Not having any money, I pleaded with them and they would not work with me.

I went to the pawnshop and pawned everything I had of value and rushed him in to the vet at 3:50 p.m. knowing in my heart this would be the day my beloved Poppy would leave me. The money I had was not enough and I only had enough for either a very expensive x-ray and blood work, or x-ray and euthanasia. I chose the latter not being able to watch him suffer anymore. I nearly lost it when I saw him go.

I have lost several pets before and it was painful then, but Poppy was like my child and the grief is tremendous. I have another little one that’s been with me for 3 years (Pekingese mix) and he is grieving and won’t eat. I don’t know what to do and I’m worried I may lose him also. My house has become a house of mourning and although I try not to cry in front of the other one and I do it quietly, he knows. It breaks my heart to see him suffering for his lost friend. Unfortunately, I have to work all day and he has to stay at home alone. If I had the money, I would find a doggie day care for him for a little while. The people around my block all work during the day and I have no one that can come to check in on him or walk him to keep him company, so I leave the radio on or the TV, but I know it’s not the same. The house has lost all peace and joy at our loss.

Does anyone have any suggestions on how to get my little one to eat or on anything? I don't know what else to do. I've tried giving him even table scraps, which he loved, but refuses them now. I take him for walks and cuddle and hug him, but then he's alone all day till I get home. I'm torn at the loss of my Poppy and the fear of losing this one.

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[JoanneL]

Dear Poppy's Mom
I just wanted to stop by and let you know I also am thinking of you and Gordo. I am lucky that my husband is retired so he is home with Zack during the day. We were advised to give Zack lots of extra attention-although he got a lot of our time before his sister died. I am seeing great improvement in him in the last 2 weeks and hope Gordo will also begin to adjust.
I think for people it takes much longer to grieve and come to accept that our companions are no longer with us. I too miss Zoe every day and every night. I still wake during the night and think of her. I have cried part of every day and night since she was killed not quite 3 weeks ago.
I read Moon_Beam's wise words and know that we cannot rush through grief. I hope for you that as time passes you and Gordo will make a new life and new memories even though Poppy is not with you. Of course as I say that I am thinking of my family, also, without Zoe. Losing someone we love is soooo hard.
Sending warm wishes to you and Gordo
Joanne

[Poppy's Mom]

Dear Poppy's Mom
I just wanted to stop by and let you know I also am thinking of you and Gordo. I am lucky that my husband is retired so he is home with Zack during the day. We were advised to give Zack lots of extra attention-although he got a lot of our time before his sister died. I am seeing great improvement in him in the last 2 weeks and hope Gordo will also begin to adjust.
I think for people it takes much longer to grieve and come to accept that our companions are no longer with us. I too miss Zoe every day and every night. I still wake during the night and think of her. I have cried part of every day and night since she was killed not quite 3 weeks ago.
I read Moon_Beam's wise words and know that we cannot rush through grief. I hope for you that as time passes you and Gordo will make a new life and new memories even though Poppy is not with you. Of course as I say that I am thinking of my family, also, without Zoe. Losing someone we love is soooo hard.
Sending warm wishes to you and Gordo
Joanne

Joanne, thank you so very much for your words of encouragement. Gordo has begun to eat his regular meals and today he got a nice warm bath. All the extra attention I'm giving him while I'm at home has helped him. He still goes through spurts of loneliness and grief, but I know it will take time for both of us to adapt. It will be harder for him because I'm at work all day but even in this he will adapt.

I hurt with you for the loss of your Zoe and appreciate your kind words trying to help me in my healing. I hope in doing so, you will also receive the healing that you need. we need to take one day at a time. Yesterday I had a bad day with the memories and crying a lot. Today, I'm having a better day. One thing I did before my pet passed on was to clip a lock of his long silky fur. Yesterday, I was missing him terribly and pulled out this lock and stroked it. I cannot tell you how much this has helped me. It felt good to feel his fur again.

Sending warm hugs.