The Loss Of Leon, complete sorrow Options

[Leonpup]

I just lost my dog at 2:30 am on November 24th. I am completely devastated. It happened so fast- we only recently started seeing symptoms, about a month ago his appetite changed, he had some diarreha, then he stopped eating, he started drinking water and peeing a lot. He was only 7 years old and had a huge mass on his spleen- we decided to do surgery, but while in surgery they found cancer in his lymph nodes, on his liver, and some on his stomache. We decided to put him to sleep while he was still under anesthsia. The doctors told us he wouldn't have survived more than a couple weeks, and the pain from the surgery would've been bad.

It is all I can think about- I am at work right now, but only thinking of the pain. I miss him so much- we were soul mates.

It happened so fast- I can look at pictures taken just 2 months ago and see how healthy he was- then he lost so much weight, but even still wanted to play with his toys.

I'm not sure how to get through this. My husband and I are so lost without him.

I want to do special tributes to Leon- I also just so badly want him back.

It doesn't feel real yet, and I am so afraid that we did it all wrong.

It is just an awful thing to go through, and I am so sorry for anyone feeling these same feelings and loss.

-Rebecca

[QorquisDad]

Hi Rebecca,

I'm so sorry to learn about Leon. You loved Leon or you wouldn't have had him in for the surgery. Then, you showed more love for him by not allowing him to be in pain for what would have been his last days anyway.

Your greif is still so new. It's going to take time to adjust and get through the ups and downs that are still to come. Especially after a sudden and unexpected loss like this.

It's been nearly 9 months for me and I'm still having days where I can't believe she's gone. Not as often as in the beginning, but here and there.

You're so lucky that your husband feels the same way you do. I didn't (don't) have that kind of support at home. It'll really help to be able to support each other while you go through this together.

Expect good days and bad days. Allow yourself as much time as you need to greive and don't believe you should "get over it" because "it was just a dog". If you read through the posts here you'll see that for most folks that find LS, it was a lot more than just a dog or a cat, it was a member of the family, or, as many people put it, a part of themselves that they lost.

Above all, don't forget to eat and sleep. These seem to be the first things we let slide and they're so important in getting through the early days. You're physically and emotionally drained enough from a loss like this. You don't need to compound it by neglecting your basic needs and ending up sick on top of it.

Take care,
Tim

[pamurchu]

I am so sorry to hear about the loss of Leon. Please rest assured that you and your husband did everything right--don't second guess yourself. You were Leon's best friends, both in life and when that life passed. Take care of yourself. It will take time for the hole in your heart to go away. I am sure the shock is greater because your dog was so young and healthy for so long. Try to remember the good times. Come back and let us know how you are doing. We do understand and care.

[Leonpup]

Thanks for all the support- It is just tough... My husband and I miss Leon so much! It is comforting to come here, though... Leon was not alone on his journey- going on this new adventure... Our loved-ones are all safe, happy and so so loved...

-Rebecca