Ask Amy: Health Watch

The loss of a pet

If any of you have had to put your pet to sleep you know what I am going through. Yesterday was a horrible day for me and my family. I could not stop crying. I drove to Cleveland Monday night after work. My mother called me that day and said Chessa, our dog of 14 years had to be put to sleep. I knew this day would come but I never wanted to think about it. Who would? Chessa had a heart murmur and a list of other health problems. Three years ago the vet told us she would only live for three months but our vet was so wrong. Chessa lived for three more years. Her birthday was Sept. 21st a day before mine. Chessa was the perfect dog and a part of our family! Whenever we were sick it was like she knew. She would lie on my lap or follow me around the house. It was like she was checking up on me. She was such a good dog. In her last few days, Chessa was suffering so much and we hated to see that. She wouldn’t take her medication, she wasn’t eating or drinking and she could barely walk. She went down hill in just a matter of days. My mom said she would never let Chessa suffer. Together, as a family, we decided it would be best to put an end to her pain. Our vet came to our house (Chessa hated going to the vet) we were all holding her and just crying. The vet started to cry too. It was only a few minutes before Chessa closed her eyes and went to sleep. My entire family, we were all just sobbing. It was awful! We took some comfort in the fact she was with us and not hurting anymore. I drove back to Columbus Tuesday and went to work. When I walked in everyone came up to me and I just started crying again. I cannot tell you how upset I was. She was such a big part of our family and we were all so attached to her. We loved her so much. It’s been a tough week. If you’re an animal lover I know you can understand. Have any of you been through a similar situation?

Amy

After writing this blog, I’ve received such nice and thoughtful emails ... thank you for your kind words!

Hello Amy -

I am can sympathize with you, in fact I had tears in my eyes reading your post.  We had to put down our dog on May 21st last year.  I got Bo when I was still in high school.  He traveled every where with me.  He was there with me through so much.  When I got married and had kids he was so sweet to them, seemed like he was always sitting back watching to make sure they were behaving!  He also had heart problems.  He started having congestive heart failure that we treated for a few years, then of course other medical problems kept popping up.  Chessa’s last days sounded very similiar to Bo’s.  He also stopped eating, drinking and one day we came home and he couldn’t get up off the rug.  It was so heart breaking, still is.  I find myself still walking down the stairs and putting my hand behind me to pat his little head…he was always there.  I like to think he still is…

Hang in there! 

Barb

Amy,
Your story about Chessa broke my heart. I’ve had Westies all my life and the loss of each one was a painful experience. When I lost my little “Trissy” she took a part of me with her. That sad feeling is still with me even after six years, so I understand how you and your family must feel.

Take your time to adjust and know that many people are thinking of you. You will be in my thoughts and prayers.

Take care,
Sue

I’m so sorry to hear about your loss. My last dog died in my arms after we got back from a run. I thought I was going to die…I loved that dog so much. But, we can rest in the fact that we gave them a good life and lots of love. :-)

Hi Amy,

Really felt so sad to know about chessa. I can understand as I went thorugh same pain when we lost out pet Julie. Your post just reminded me that very moment . she was for 10 years with us being a greater part of our family. after she left us, we did not even think about any other pet.

dog stairs

I felt so sad while reading your post. I also went through same paid last year when we lost our beloved dog Julie. she was a cute white dog. your post has just reminded me that very day.
after she left us, we even did not think about any other pet.

dog stairs