Bye Duke!

[lostman]

Duke was a stray Lostdaughter found at the post office in Austin in spring of 2005. When she had to travel for post season play and summerball, we dogsat Duke for a bit, but when she took him back to Austin he was not happy. So Duke quickly found his way back to Houston. He was a scrappy little guy, even if he was missing 7 teeth. He loved nothing more than to talk to you when it was meal time or to snuggle for a bit before bedtime or on a weekend morning. The last 4 years of his life were most definitely cushy!

We had to put Duke down this morning. He had spondylosis (degenerating discs in his back), and was at the vet last weekend for more issues with that. We also commented to the vet that he was breathing a little harder than usual the last day or so, as well. X-ray showed a mass in his chest, pushing on his heart , trachea and lungs. Duke was 14-15 years old, so we decided to treat the back issue as usual and watch the breathing.

Over the weekend, his breathing worsened a great deal and he began to lose interest in eating and drinking. Picking him up caused breathing spasms that lasted 4-5 minutes. So this morning we headed back to the vets. The vet agreed that it was time to say our goodbyes. Lostboy 2 and I were with him as he passed on.

So Duke is with Abby (our golden) now, who we lost to pneumonia back in October. They are now running a fenceline together again, Abby barking at a squirrel or other dog and Duke following her, yipping fearlessly at the same squirrel or dog!

 

[alt875]

That sucks, sorry. My dog is getting there, he has trouble with his hips and his breathing. I don't even want to think of that though.

But as you said, Duke's final years were cushy. Nothing better for a dog.

 

[LonghornCougar]

These threads are always so hard for me to read. Makes me want to go give Rufus a big hug.

RIP Duke.

 

[GT WT]

You're a good person Lostman.

 

[SunBurntOrange]

Just reading this made me tear up. Had to put the gf's dog down not long ago for the same disc condition. By far one of the most difficult things I have ever been a part of. So my thoughts are most definitly with you.

On the bright side, you gave him a life he almost certainly would not have had otherwise. And thats good.

 

[Texanne]

lostman,
I know the pain you are feeling, and the feeling of helplessness as you watch a dear friend suffer. I believe that pets go to Heaven. I believe that any creature that feels love has a soul, because that's what a soul is. Trust in the knowledge that you will see Duke -- and your other beloved pets who have gone before -- again by and by.

I am so sorry for your loss.

The Rainbow Bridge

Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.

When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge.
There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together.
There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.

All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by.

The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.

They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent; His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.

You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.

Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together....

Author unknown...

 

[johnny chimpo]

When our vet put down our 5 year old Scotty earlier this year (cancer), and I was mumbling about how young he was, she said "dogs don't know how long they lived, only whether they had a good life or not." I took a lot of comfort in that.

 

[S.A.Diva]

My heart goes out to you and your family...it is so hard to lose one of your own...My beloved bulldog, Samson, died suddenly last year of stomach bloat...like the dog in the movie "Marley and Me"...somehow you are never prepared for the end.

Be comforted in knowing that you gave her a good life...

 

[TxEx2x]

RIP, Duke...

 

[lostman]

Thanks, all. It has been a tough 6 months in our house, losing our golden Abby, losing Duke, and also in between those losing my dad. We are without a dog in our house for the first time in over 20 years and it is very strange. We will eventually get another dog. We have some summer travel planned and its probably better to wait till after we are done.

Texanne, thanks for the Rainbow Bridge. I love that poem. Since it was Lostboy2's first time to witness one of our pets leave us, I had him read your post. Makes me teary every time, and we were both sniffing!

Thanks again everyone. You all are great, even to those of us who weren't born in burnt orange!

 

[DallasCowpoke]

Sorry to get in this late lostman but I had a short, unexpected hospital stay.

Sorry for your loss.

Duke was well loved, well cared for, and obviously will be well remembered.

 

[l00p]

I stayed away from this thread as long as I could knowing all along I would read it. I knew what it meant and ugh, I was right. Respects to the "lost" family. I am sure that Duke saw lostdaughter as his hero, which she was. I am sure that lostfamily were good pets to Duke! It sure sounds like it.

Tough losses for sure and my dog and I send our love, respect and well wishes to the lostfamily. Safe travels and when you do get another four legged friend you must share pictures with us all.