My 17 y/o pug died in my arms last night.

[Puglover]

I promised myself I wouldn't post this but I feel like 17 kinds of shit and need a hug or something.

We had taken him to the vet at 4pm to discuss whether or not it was time to let him go. (He had a collapsing trachea which is common in pugs the last two months of his life.) The vet said yes he was tired, so we made the appointment for 12n the next day. (today)

We brought him home and he was mellow and sleepy. The vet had given him a shot to suppress coughing so that contributed to the sleepy. We were hanging out on the bed watching TV and just being with him. At around 9pm he coughed a few times and I put my arms around him, and when I did he simply died. His tired little body just relaxed in my arms and he was gone. (My partner quipped later that he must have heard us planning the euthanasia and decided "screw that"!)

That's all.

Thanks Nicky for 17 great years. I love you.



P.S. His left ear was chewed off when a great dane owned by some repug wingnuts next door went after him.

[northzax]

1. one last jibe, huh?

he wasn't going to give you the satisfaction, and he wanted to do it on his terms. stubborn little guy!

rip.

[SoCalDem]

81. oops replied to the wrong post

But,hi there , You!! :hi:

[Magrittes Pipe]

2. I'm sorry, Puglover.

:(:hug:

[ET Awful]

3. RIP Nicky.

:cry:

You and he gave each other 17 years of love and companionship, what more could a little dog ask?

:hug:

[miss_american_pie]

4. I'm so sorry

:hug:

[Lavender Brown]

5. I'm sorry

:hug:

[Akoto]

6. I'm very sorry. This is always hard.

I have lost several dogs, but they all lived full, happy lives. It sounds to me as though your little guy was in the same situation. :)

I think you should remember that, even though he died, he was in your arms when it happened. That probably made him feel more secure than anything else could.

[Lucy - Claire]

12. It is a nice way for him to go......

My S/O's dog died three weeks ago on the sofa,his favorite sleeping place, with his sister dog licking his face and S/O by his side. In this case it was an Irish Setter

[Radio_Lady]

79. So much better than our beautiful Cocker Spaniel, who was four years old

when a January snowstorm hit our area in Boston. The sky cleared to blue the next day, and my husband wanted to see if there was a newspaper anywhere. He let Spicy bound out of the house, without her leash. Nothing was moving on the road -- you couldn't even see the blacktop -- but a four-wheel drive vehicle came by from nowhere, and caught her under its wheels.

The driver stopped and apologized. He wasn't even driving fast at all. My husband agonized that he was responsible for her death -- why didn't he put her on a leash? He lay her still-warm body in the garage and covered her with a blanket. She was buried on our property, near our first Cocker Spaniel, Buffy, who lived for fourteen years.

When all this happened, I had just turned on a videotape of a Carly Simon concert -- the famous one she did on Martha's Vineyard in the 1980s. I could never watch that tape again.

We never got another dog, because the kids were grown and we both had busy jobs -- now we're retired and traveling a lot. It wouldn't be fair.

Rest well, Sweet Spice of Alpen Knoll. Four years just had to be enough.

&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&

[merh]

7. Rest in peace, sweet Nicky.

:hug: Sorry for your loss, Puglover.

They are incredible pets, they just are so full of love.

May your memories of all that you shared with Nicky give you comfort. :grouphug:

[progmom]

8. i am so so so sorry

:hug:

I'm glad he went peacefully.

[MissMillie]

9. He is going to miss you a lot

I'm sure he's glad to have gone the way he did, at home in your arms.

[myrna minx]

10. I'm so sorry for your loss.

:cry: :hug:

[Call Me Wesley]

11. Safe passage, Nicky.

And peace and comfort to you and yours. :hug.

[Hobarticus]

13. Nicky was one lucky dog...

He was obviously loved, treasured, and lived the life of Riley. He loves you very much, still. Please take comfort in that, and may you find peace soon.

[AllieB]

14. I'm so sorry!

:hug:

[Catchawave]

15. Awwww, so sorry....

What a long and loving good life your little puggy had, I know he'll be missed very much :hug:

Here's some inspiration and comfort for you, from a dog's point of view courtesy of Eugene O'Neill:

http://www.eoneill.com/texts/blemie/contents.htm

[Puglover]

32. Oh boy

that made me tear up again.

Thanks, beautiful words.

[slide to the left]

16. I am so sorry

Its the same as losing a family member.

[Love Bug]

17. So sorry for your loss. He looks really sweet.

It's always hard to lose a fur-baby... :cry:

[anarch]

18. sorry for your loss

RIP, Nicky.

[LostinVA]

19. Oh Puglover... I'm so sorry....

Some friends have a pug -- Cooper -- and he's the nicest little guy. I know how I'll feel when my furbaby cat dies...

PM me if you need to talk, man...

[johnnie]

20. I'm so sorry

RIP Nicky.

[seemunkee]

21. 17 years of love and affection

So sorry he is gone.

[Richardo]

22. So sorry for your loss - it's so hard.

What a blessing for him that he was able to be at home in the arms of those he loved best. :hug:

[speedoo]

23. From one dog lover to another...

so sorry for your loss.

[jukes]

24. condolences

i share your pain. remind yourself what a good life he hed.

[Puglover]

25. Thanks for every special message my DU family.

It DOES help. The house seems very empty this morning.

[marzipanni]

83. I agree with Blemie, Eugene O'Neill's dalmation

Keep your heart open; though you are mourning the loss of Nick, he knew better than anyone about the love and care you could give a dog.
Our Billie-girl died in my arms at a campsite at Lake Tahoe three and a half years ago. I wrote down the funny little idiosyncracies she had so I could always call to mind clearly how special she was.
About 2 months later, a few days before my son's eighth birthday, we went to meet 2-year-old Sally and adopted her from the SPCA . I had found her photo on their adoption site - she's a black and white heeler mix whose face reminded me of Billie. We're so glad she's part of our family.

[ThomCat]

26. I'm very sorry, PugLover.

:cry:
I'm glad it was peaceful. She knew she was loved. :hug:

[El Fuego]

27. I am so sorry!

:hug:

[crispini]

28. Awww.

:hug:

[bigwillq]

29. I am so sorry.

:hug:

[HuskerDU]

30. I am sorry for your loss. However, when my furry friends go, I

would want them to go the same way as your pug.

[Sugar Smack]

31. I am so sorry, Puglover.

My best friend's pugs are family to her, and I know how she loves them. Take good care, and big hugs to you.

:hug:

[LaurenG]

33. I am sorry Puglover

I know what you mean about not really wanting to post but the grief is just so overwhelming you need some love and support. Every time I read that someone has lost a friend or loved one my heart hurts for them. I relate to the losses, I think we all do. I offer you my heartfelt sympathy and hugs. :hug:

[WillParkinson]

34. Aw, I'm so sorry!

And wish your family the very best.

[guinivere]

35. I'm sorry.

Rest in peace, Nicky.



:hug:

[ScreamingMeemie]

36. Puglover, my heart is sad for you. His little face just has loved

and adored all over it's puggyness. You will be in my thoughts today. I cannot imagine the pain. :hug:

[radwriter0555]

37. What a LUCKY DOGGIE!!!!! And how lucky you are, that you got to spend

the last moments of that little dude's life with him, safe, warm and comfy, cradled in your arms.

That is the absolute very best way to finish up a long, happy, healthy life!

Dude didn't want to die in a hospital, he wanted to be alone with his family, the people who loved him the most and who he loved more than anything.

You are righteous doggie parents... I hope I can be so lucky with my girls when their turns come.

(((BIG hugs)))

[deadparrot]

38. So sorry, PL.

:hug:

Nicky looks like a sweet dog. You (and he) were blessed.

[RevCheesehead]

39. So very, very sorry.

I went through something similar with my cat last spring. The vet asked if I wanted to put him down, and I just couldn't do it. I told her I wanted to try to do everything to save him. He got some fluids, and even ate a little bit at the vet's... so I took him home. But he was in obvious distress a few hours later. I stayed up with him all night, and I finally told him that if he survived the night, I'd take him back to the vet. He finally let go, and died in my arms.

I know that pain well. My deepest sympathy. :hug:

[xchrom]

40. so sorry puglover.

it's so hard to lose our doggy friends.

[chookie]

41. :-(

I am very sad for you.

[Polly Hennessey]

42. Goodbye Nicky

17 years of love and loyalty. Both of you were very lucky. You gave him the greatest gift --- he was in your arms when he died. Pugs are delightful. My mom has Sophie and she is a treasure.

[graywarrior]

43. Oh, that's so sad.

Sorry, Puglover.

[CottonBear]

44. I'm so sorry. Nicky was beautiful!

Thank you for sharing your memories of him. :) Take care of yourself. I know you're sad right now.
:hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug:

[AirmensMom]

45. I'm sorry, Puglover.

But I'm glad you posted. RIP, Nicky. :grouphug:

[Puglover]

46. I really am touched by the warmth

from all of you. I don't have the words. Thanks

[lavenderdiva]

47. oh, Puglover, I'm so sorry to hear of Nicky's passing

What a sweet boy. And to have the great gift of passing away in his beloved owner's arms. I'm sure he felt loved, safe and secure right there. My heart goes out to you and just aches for the sorrow you are feeling now. It will get better, but there will always be a special place in your heart for Nicky.

Our sweet Emma passed away 3 weeks ago, in my arms, but we had to have her euthanized. She was suffering from kidney failure. We miss her terribly, but know she is free from pain and whole in her being. We will see her again, and will cover her sweet face with kisses...

You and your family will be in my prayers... :hug: :cry: :hug:

[Alleycat]

48. So sorry

He loved you very much and after 17 years he saved you a very hard decision.

[Bunny]

49. Aw, I'm so sorry.

:hug: Your Nicky was a cutie. I have a little Pug too - they're so loveable, aren't they?

[NewWaveChick1981]

50. I'm so sorry. Sending big hugs your way!

I've had dogs all my life and am a huge dog lover, and I know your pain all too well. You had some great years with him, and that will always be special.

When you're ready, you might think about adopting another sweetie. It'll never replace Nicky, but the new member of the family will love you too. :)

[cssmall]

51. Have all the hugs and love you need.

:hugs:

[schmuls]

52. So sorry to hear about your good little boy...he passed over in

the arms of his loved one, you can take comfort in that.

[Shine]

53. What bettter ending than to die in the arms of Love?

My heart goes to you, puglover, in your time of sorrow.

I had the exact same thing happen to me, with our 19 yr old cat, Alfalfa. She died in my arms and I was truly surprised at the depth of pain I felt, but I was also comforted by knowing I was giving her one last gift.

Would that we ALL could die in the arms of Love....

Be gentle with yourself, my friend. :hug:

[SeattleGirl]

54. I'm sorry for your loss

:hug:

[novalib]

55. I'm So Sorry

I know how it feels to lose a dear friend and companion.

I just know that Nicky is now "At the Bridge", playing at a place where there is no more pain.

[Pithlet]

56. I'm so sorry.

Lots of :hug:s for you. I lost my childhood pet pug, Lucy, a few months ago. It's hard :(

[amitten]

57. Losing a pet is heartbreaking...I hope you feel better soon!

It took me about a month to get over the worst of the grief when my last kitty died.

You'll always miss him, but the really bad pain will be over soon.

Comfort yourself with the knowledge that he died painlessly in your arms, and had a great life with you! :hi:

[BrklynLiberal]

58. Sweet boy saved you from having to make the decision.

How wonderful to die in the arms of someone who loves you.

So very, very sorry for your sadness and loss.
He is at peace, and will live forever in your heart.

[In_The_Wind]

59. I'm sorry for your loss, Puglover.

:hug:

[ceile]

60. So sorry, Puglover!

You had 17 years of unconditional love and joy-cherish it always!

:hug:

[MissMarple]

61. Here's a big hug, sweetheart!

:hug: Thanks for link. That was thoughtful.

[maveric]

62. I'm so sorry.

17 great years is a long time.
Relish the good memories forever.

[JI7]

63. sorry

i know it's hard. harder than you think it will be. but you will also never forget him and think about all the good times with him every single day.

[qanda]

64. So sorry

Glad you got to be with him when he died.

[hyphenate]

65. Rest in peace, little guy

I hope you're chasing butterflies in the new place!

[Dangerously Amused]

66. So I've been putting off writing an answer to your post

...because these always make me cry.

Just look at all the years of love reflected in that sweet old pug face. =sniff= Bless his heart and his little torn ear. You and Nicky went through a lot together. I hope you will find some comfort in the fact that you gave him a long and comfortable life filled with love. What's more, you were courageous enough to stay with him through the very end, making sure he was in a warm, safe and familiar place, watched over by those who love him best. It is a bittersweet blessing.

I know how your heart aches now. It will take time, just let the tears flow.


Hugs for you :hug: and a candle for Nicky:

[salin]

67. How terribly hard for you...

I lost my beloved golden last year - but I didn't get to hold her in the last minutes ... I got the call... and began a slow hour and a half drive home... and apparently she drew her last breadth (in a family member's arm) as I threw the front door open - and died before the twenty seconds it took me to run through the house to her. Still fills me with sadness that I missed giving her comfort in those last moments... though in my head I know that she knew my car, and my sounds, and apparently had been laboring to breath for a couple of hours - and only relaxed enough to pass-on when she knew I was there (even if I wasn't yet holding/petting her.) Only write this to acknowledge how hard the loss is - and to send my sympathy, and my thoughts that I hope that the fact that as hard as it was, that you might find some comfort in knowing that you were there, providing comfort and companionship in his hard passage. Peace be with you.

[legally blonde]

68. I am so sorry, Puglover

O8)

[Janice325]

69. Add me to the long list of those expressing sorrow for your loss.

Please take consolation in the fact that so many have responded to your post.
It's a painful thing. I had to have my "geriatric puppy" put to sleep just after Christmas,2004.
If I write much more, I'll probably start blubbering or something.
That was a beautiful post, Puglover.
Nicky loved you, and you loved Nicky.
RIP, Nicky.
:hug: and :grouphug: to you, Puglover

[MissB]

70. I'm so sorry for your loss.

What a wonderful life he must've had with you. :hug:

[driver8]

71. I am so sorry for your loss...I love dogs so much and it tears me

up when people lose their friends. (I had to put my Border Collie, Cody, to sleep last year.)

You and Nicky were both very lucky in that you had 17 wonderful years together.

[NMDemDist2]

72. I so sorry

he had a long good life with you, RIP Nicky

:hug:

[Mayberry Machiavelli]

73. Sorry about your beloved pug...

[UrbScotty]

74. Much love to you, Puglover.

:hug:

[tibbir]

75. I'm also so sorry for your loss.

Our pets become members of our families and, especially if they've been with you many years, it's a horrible loss. When you are able, remember the good times you had together.

[Skittles]

76. so sorry

Grieve not,
nor think of me with tears
But laugh
and talk to me as if I were beside you.
I loved you so . . .
'Twas Heaven here with you


-- Isla Paschal Richardson

[u4ic]

77. I'm so sorry, Puglover

:hug:

[arwalden]

78. So Sorry To Hear About Your Loss...

It's very difficult to lose a cherished family member. It's clear to me that Nicky was loved very much and very well taken care of. I hope that in time the pain and heartbreak you're feeling today will eventually be replaced with fond memories and smiles whenever you think about happier days with Nicky.

~Allen

[pdxbecca]

80. What a sweet face

From one puglover to another, I know what you're going through. I lost my 13 year old pug 2 years ago to a brain tumor, it is sooo hard to lose them. I have since adopted two rescue pugs whom have healed my heart. I'm sure your heart will heal over time too.:loveya:

[SoCalDem]

82. That's the only bad thing about pets.. We usually outlive them

and spend a lot of our lives missing them :cry: 17 years is a good long time though ...you did right by him, and he knew it:hug:

[hang a left]

84. Just lost our baby last month.

So sorry :hug:

[Syrinx]

85. I love my dog, so I think I can understand how you must feel

I'm so sorry.

[applegrove]

86. He will be with you for a while yet. Form has just changed. Sorry.

[riona]

87. what a sweet little guy - you'll miss him

[Cobalt Violet]

88. My sympathies to you and your partner.

:hug: