thank you

[doublevision1]

Thanks to all who sent condolences on the sudden and unexpected death of my standard poodle.  He was a mere 9 years old.  His name was Lars (named for Lars Ulrich, drummer for Metallica).  He was my husband's best friend, and my solace during my year of ill leave following my dx.  He was by my side and on my lap every day.  I don't know how I would've gotten through that terrible time without him.

It has not been a good week; his death is hitting us hard, he truly was a member of our little family.  The cause of his death was that his stomach became twisted.  When we could see that he was not himself: lethargic, gagging, stomach gurgling, laying down in the snow in minus 30 celsius, we rushed him to the on-call vet on Monday night, and he was to have emergency surgery, but even though we acted quickly, it was not quick enough.  His little heart was so weak he didn't survive the anesthesia.  We returned to the animal hospital to say goodbye and I thought my heart would break watching my husband holding him.  Even the vet's assistant was crying and the vet himself looked distraught.  

We're heartbroken beyond words but I know it will ease with time.  It has to.  We have his little half-sister to think of and are keeping her close.  She looks around the house for him but otherwise isn't showing signs of distress.  She does seem a little lost; Lars was the alpha dog and she followed him everywhere.

For all dog owners out there, I urge you to do some research on this twisted stomach thing so that if it happens to your pup, you will recognize the signs quickly.  Certain dogs are more prone to it, including standard poodles, however it can happen to any dog.  I found a good website on this.  I will look it up later and post it for you.

I have posted some pics on my page so you can see for yourself what a sweet, beautiful creature he was.

Thank you again.  Your heartfelt words mean a lot.

[michelleric]

My thoughts are with you on the loss of Lars.  Pets are really a huge part of the family, and do leave big holes in our hearts when they pass.

I will be thinking of you,

MIchelle

[Quixotic1]

One day at a time.  You never get over it, but you learn to live with the hole he left.  

A new little playmate for Nakita??

Q

[doublevision1]

Hi All,

as promised, here are the resources I mentioned re: bloat/stomach torsion in dogs:

http://en. wikipedia .org/wiki/Bloat

http://www. tiarapoodles .com/bloat.html

If you have a dog, please read this so that you are prepared, if this ever happens to your pup.

I wish I'd known about this before; on the other hand, having read this material I'm not sure what we could've done differently.  We got Lars to the vet very quickly, he just went downhill so fast he couldn't be saved.

Each day gets a little easier.  I didn't go in to work at all last week.  I went in today, and all my co-workers are so sweet, most of them have or had dogs and could really empathize.  Even a co-worker who lost her teenage son this year commented that it's a lot like losing a child.  I didn't want to overstate my situation given what she's going through, what I imagine must be the absolute worst thing in the world, to lose a child, but she also has lost a dog said she understood the hole it leaves behind.  

Today was the first day little Nakita was by herself for 9 hours.  Seriously, the first time in her entire 8 year old life she was ever alone that long.  I fully expected to come home to poop and pee everywhere; she is a somewhat anxious dog, although getting better with age.  Anyway we are giving her 40mg Clomicalm, 2x per day, perhaps that's what made the difference.  

Whatever the reason, I came home to what appeared to be a happy, rested dog who didn't make a mess or destroy anything.  She didn't leap over the baby gates we set up to protect the new carpet.  She can easily get over them or knock them down but it looks like she didn't even try.  Seeing that she seems to be OK certainly alleviates some of the stress, but I still miss my little Lars terribly.  :(  

[doublevision1]

You are all so sweet.  Your kind words are very comforting.  Thanks for reminding me to focus on the happy memories, as there are so so many.

[Heather3418]

Do you mind if I cry with you?  This is such sad news.  How devastating, when it seems to hit so suddenly.

I wish I could reach through the computer and give you some gentle hugs and just look at pictures of Lars.  He was one handsome man.  No doubt you will be looking for him around every corner, for quite some time to come.

You've lost a dedicated friend.  It IS like losing a member of your family.  Sweetheart I am so sorry.  You are definitely in my prayers and well-wishes for brighter days, soon.  Lars, you comfort your mommy and let her know that you are alright now.  Many of our "family members" have crossed that "Rainbow Bridge" before you.  You are God's gifts...I am sure of it.  Run with wind Lars.  No more pain.

All my love and tender hugs,
Heather

[cainer]

      its  tough  we  have  been  through  it.   they  r  part  of  the family  thanks  4  sharing-  i  didnt  know  about  the  twisted  colon.

       big   soft    hug      tick

[StormyRenee]

I am so sorry you have lost your beloved friend....I have been through it myself too many times....

Please Take Care, Theresa

[Charley123]

I know how sad it is to lose a much loved pet and my heart goes out to you.  We lost several and they are still missed.  They do bring such love and comfort into our lives.  Hugs, Charley.

[Udkas]

I am so sorry this happened, we like to think we will have our pets forever and that when the time comes they will just drop off in their sleep, but unfortunately it does not always happen that way.

The photos of Lars brought tears to my eyes, what a beautiful collection of photos you have, he was a gorgeous looking fellow and I know how losing a dog leaves a bit hole/void as dogs never judge you and they just give you their love.  I hope your other poodle is coping with the loss as she would be missing Lars too.

Thinking of you,
Cheers,
Udkas.

[LLWB]

I am so sorry for your loss. I looked at Lars' pictures. What a handsome gentleman. He must have given you both great joy.

Perhaps in a year or so when the pain is less, you could contact a Standard poodle rescue group, and adopt another one needing a new "forever" home.

Hugs & Prayers
Maggie

[meg321]

I am so sorry for your loss.  We had a sister and brother and two yeras ago he had to be put to sleep, he really couldnt be saved, we did try but he didnt get better. My husband had a very hard time for a long time, he had to hold him when they injected him, i can barely even think about it but it gets easier.

We stiil have Molly and he was the alpha dog too and she followed him everyway, he was definitely in charge.  She seemed to be grieving while he was so sick, as if she knew what was happening.

It was so funny how she seemed to bloom after he was gone..it was as if could now be who she wanted to be...

I used to have a standard poodle, I loved him so much..

take good care...

meg

[mistylee]

Lars was very fortunate to have you as an owner. I know her time here was wonderful. She was well loved.

I have 5 dogs and they are all part of the family. We lost one of ours too and we were devestated. Just know that she was a happy dog and had a wonderful life and take comfort in this.

You may find the little one will pine for Lars as ours did. Heartbreaking . Thats when we got a playmate for him and they are now inseparable.

Take care
mistylee

[Quixotic1]

I am so sorry this happened to you.  Our pets are literally soulmates and they leave huge holes in us.  I hope you, your family and the littler one come through this.  There are no words of real comfort, but Lars knew your love the whole time.  

My thoughts are with all of you.

Quix

[ShockedToday]

I'm so sorry to hear about your beloved dog passing on.  I will keep you and your family in my prayers.

[Fluffysmom]

Lars was a handsome fellow.  I'm sorry for the pain you and your husband are going thorugh, as well as Nakita's confusion.  

I think the same thing happened in the movie Marley and Me; the twisted stomach problem. I thought I would hate the movie, but ended up crying like a baby, and that was a movie.  I can imagine how heartbroken you are, and my heart goes out to you, to offer what support I can.

I still have a framed picture on my bookcase of my cat Ginger, who was killed by a car 13 years ago; she was my comfort and friend through a very difficult time in my life.

Kathy

[MsWobbles]

You have my deepest sympathy on the loss of your beloved poodle, Lars.

I know what pain that can bring, having lost beloved cats in the past.  They are members of the family and the pain can be excruciating.  Other pet lovers will know how it feels and can empathize with you.  You are right that the pain will ease with time, but it may take a long, long time for that to happen.  The measure of your pain is the measure of what you have lost - a beloved friend and integral part of your family.  It isn't easy and I hope you will find some solace in the memories of the time you all spent together.

WAF  

[rendean]

Thanks for sharing what happened to Lars and for informing the forum about this condition.  Our mutt, Jake, had this occur as well but we were lucky  he survived the surgery.

Again, I am so sorry for your loss. I know how much this hurts. Sending comforting hugs your way.

Ren

[Zacksmomi]

Thank you for sharing what happened.  I was wondering but did not want to ask and put you thru it again.  

I have heard of this problem from when dogs drink too much too fast???Is that right?

I am sorry again and I know it will heal.  I hope he didn't suffer too much.  I lost my doggy of 12 years this summer to a coyote attack.  It took my male a little while to get over it.  I miss, but am thankful for having had her in my life.

Just be there for your hubby and your pup and know you did all you could.

Take care
D