On Christmas Day we went out for dinner and arrived home expecting to find him excited to see us, and eager for his dinner. Instead he didn't get out of his bed. He got up a bit later for a drink but he was confused, he didn't know us, then his back legs gave way, we helped him stand and he managed to get back to his bed. His breathing was laboured but he calmed down a bit and slept a bit. My daughter and son-in-law took it in turns to stay up with him. The following morning he seemed better, he had a drink and went into the garden but he didn't want to eat and he still seemed confused.
After examination and test his heart rate was 200. There was blood in his abdomen which the vet thought could be a tumour that had burst, and there was a shadow on his heart. The vet could have operated to see what was happening inside, but at nearly 13, and with the shadow on his heart it wasn't what was best for him.
My grandson and I stayed with him to the end. Before administering the final injection I asked the vet if we were doing the right thing, she said yes, but it didn't make it any easier. It all happened so quickly. I’m struggling to process it and I can’t stop crying. He's not at the bottom of the stairs waiting for breakfast and/or a walk, there's no 5 o/clock dinner to prepare, the doorbell rang earlier, he wasn't there to run to the hall to see who it was, it's strange locking the back door last thing at night without calling him to go out for a wee.
He was a rescue dog, a real character, fearless, crazy and funny with a sweet nature
very handsome, all legs, never walked, ran everywhere.
He loved his toys. The green squeaky in the middle was his favourite.
This was a doorstop but he liked putting it in his bed now and again.
He never damaged it.
He never damaged it.
He wasn't impressed with the santa costumes
We enjoyed lots of lovely walks
particularly in bluebell wood
Sometimes he got dirty
and sometimes he got disgustingly smelly!
He loved a comfortable place
even more so in the sunshine
My favourite photo
On a lighter note.
Where's my dinner, no seriously where is it?
Where's my dinner, no seriously where is it?
He had a good life with lots of love.
Dear Rufus, my heart is aching 💔 You will be sorely missed
Very sorry for the loss of your lovely dog. He was a delightful chap.
ReplyDeleteThank you.
DeleteI am so sorry to read this. It's heartbreaking to lose your dog, even though you know it was the kindest thing to do. Rufus had a lovely life with you and he looked so happy.
ReplyDeleteThank you Janice, he was a happy boy.
DeleteI’m sorry to hear you have lost your good friend, he looks like he was fun to have around. That’s a fabulous portfolio of photos you’ve posted, thank you for sharing with us
ReplyDeleteThank you Cathy
DeleteMy condolences, Polly, on the passing of your beloved Rufus, who was certainly a good friend and is already missed.
ReplyDeleteThank you Beatrice.
DeleteYou did the exact right thing.
ReplyDeleteIt is the last loving service we do for them and love is hard sometimes.
I'm so sorry, what a loss. Every photo shows just what a gorgeous character he was 💔
Thank you Kylie, he definitely was a gorgeous boy
DeleteI’m not commenting on blogs much at the moment because I’m having tech issues But when I read this, my heart went out to you. I went through something very similar with our dear old girl Bella a few weeks ago 😔
ReplyDeleteYour Rufus looks a lovely boy. He was loved which means so much and you were with him at the end. So very sorry for the loss of your dear boy.
Alison in Wales x
Thank you Alison
Deletei'm sorry for you.You did give him a lovely life Polly..His photos tell us that.Take care.
ReplyDeleteThank you Monique.
DeleteOh, dear Rufus, how terribly sad! My condolences to you, Polly, and to everyone who loved him. What a wonderful life he had with you, the best life any dog would ever want! I know Rufus will live on in all your hearts.
ReplyDeleteThank you Debra. He will always be in my heart. My daughter and I are struggling but I know that one day we will be able to remember him without crying.
DeleteI'm so sorry for your loss, and may Rufus fly high over the rainbow bridge, where there will be unending walks, lots of food and toys. There is always a huge gap when you lose your pet. Hugs Xx
ReplyDeleteThank you Gill. That's a nice thought.
DeleteThat must have been a very painful decision for you to have to make, but no one would want him to suffer. Poor Rufus, but as La Table De Nana said you gave him a really lovely life full of love and kind attention.
ReplyDeleteIt was Rosemary. He did have a wonderful life.
DeleteOhhhh Polly, wat een verdrietig bericht, jullie lieve kameraadje is overleden.
ReplyDeleteWens je heel veel sterkte en liefs toe, het is zo moeilijk om ze te missen.
Hopelijk zullen de mooie herinneringen jullie troost kunnen geven met dit
verdrietige verlies.
Heel veel sterkte en liefs,
Josephine
🧡🦴🧡🦴🧡
Thank you for your kind comments Josephine. I'm sure one day we will remember all the lovely times without crying.
DeleteI'm so sorry for your loss, Polly. Losing a beloved pet is so sad. It's clear to see that he was loved and had a good life with you. Sending you virtual hugs across the miles.
ReplyDeleteThank you Michelle
DeleteI am so sorry for your loss. They leave a hole in our hearts. He was lucky to have you and you were loved in return. I am sending you hopes for comfort and healing your heart.
ReplyDeleteThank you Betsy.
DeleteI am so very sorry for the loss of your beloved Rufus. I have been through a similar experience and I know how heartbreaking it is . You keep expecting them to appear for their dinner or to play and they aren't there. It seems like Rufus had a wonderful life and he was fortunate to have a loving owner and a good home. He has left paw prints on your heart and a host of beautiful memories.
ReplyDeleteThank you for your lovely comments
DeleteI feel very sad for you but he will always be in your heart, I still have the odd weepy moment and its over a year since Nell went.
ReplyDeleteThan you Chris, he will
DeleteWhat a beautiful boy. I'm so very sorry. That's a devastating loss.
ReplyDeleteLove,
Janie
Thank you Janie
DeleteI am so sorry. There simply no words I could say to bring comfort at this time. Hugs & prayers for you & your family.
ReplyDeleteThank you Paula
DeleteI'm so sorry for the loss of your dear friend Rufus. He was a charming character, thanks for sharing him on your blog.
ReplyDeleteBonnie in Minneapolis
Thank you Bonnie.
DeleteOh that is so sad. Bless Rufus. Love to you. It is so horrid to lose a loved pet.
ReplyDeleteThank you Liz. I know you have been through the same loss.
DeleteOh Polly, I just saw this today. And my heart is breaking in two for you. It's the hardest thing, isn't it? They are our secret keepers, our companions, our unconditionally loving partners and the pain is terrible (and lasts far longer than we ever think it will.) I hope your friends have brought you boxes of tissues, for I know if you are like me (and I think you are), you will need them. Yes, you did the right thing. And no, it never makes it easier. Maybe the letting go but not the loss after. But, we do what we must.
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad you shared so many wonderful photos. I will miss walks with Rufus on your blog, but I suspect you will miss them thousands of times more. Wrapping my cyber arms around you in the biggest hug I can give with all wishes for peace and healing.
Thank you for your lovely thoughtful words Jeanie, and the hug. Your comments about secret keepers, companions and loving partners was spot on. It will be sad not doing any more walks with him, and no more him getting his paws on the laptop to do his blogs!😊
DeleteI did get through a mountain of tissues, not quite so many now. x