Missing my puppy Max About This Page:

[LindaLu627]

Hey y'all!

I'm not sure where to start but I wanted to let my PassPorter 'family' know this...

On Sunday, May 30, 2004 my DH and I faced the hardest decision of our marriage. We had to put our beloved Max to sleep.

I adopted Max in 1991 and he was barely 4 or 5weeks old. Some moron lied to the pet store that took the pups in and told them they were 8 or 9wks. After noticing that he couldn't track a ball, I took him to my vet who told me the true age of this little guy. As a result, over the next few weeks I had to sleep with Max to keep him warm at night and hand feed him.

He was with me through my divorce and I made sure he went with me and not the ex (who had no clue how to care for him). He was my constant companion through many tear filled nights and he always made me stop crying with kisses or hugs (yup, he gave puppy hugs!).

I met my husband in 1997 and Max loved him from the first minute! In 2000 he started to have seizures and we thought at that time we would lose him. He turned around when we moved to our new home in 2001 that didn't have the lawn professionally treated.

In the fall of 2002, I gave birth to our first child, Madalyn, and Max was once again smitten. He shared his favorite toys with her, even though she couldn't play back. She suffered from Milk Soy Protein Intolerance and cried all the time during her first 6months, and Max always tried to help her stop. His success came in barking until she stopped. It really was too cute to describe.

In November of 2003, Max was diagnosed with Congestive Heart Failure, a heart murmor, and Preventricular Contractions. Yikes for sure. We hoped that he could make the move from Omaha to Atlanta and he did. Until this past weekend.

He was doing well over the past few weeks and although we knew his heart would take him, we thought we had time. Late last week he started coughing very bad and I took him in Friday morning. Our vet said that he would adjust his med's and he should do better. Saturday night he couldn't find any comfortable way to sleep or lie down. He kept us awake until 5am coughing and hacking. We took him to the emergency vet's office Sunday afternoon and the news was not good. He was only able to use 30% of his lungs as 70% was filled with fluids. His white blood cell count was 22,000 while the normal level for a dog is 13,000. The vet said that even doing everything they could, there was no guarantee that he would last the week and/or not die from a heart attack. Best case, he thought, was two to three months of non quality life.

After 45minutes of talking and crying DH and I decided that it was best to help him let go. It was very quick and he passed with his favorite toy next to him, on his own bed. After he passed, I noticed blood dripping from his nose. So it really was the best thing to do.

I have been up and down over the past few days. Mostly up thanks to 13 years of great memories. DD (19mths) is having a very hard time. DH is ready to adopt again. We thought about doing this in January, but having not yet sold our Omaha house, we decided against it. Prior to taking Max to the vet Sunday, we decided that we would adopt so that Max would have a companion the last of his days. I'm not sure how ready I am, but I can't say that I'm against it. Our cat is 12yrs old and I think the longer we go without, she will think the house is her's and not give another dog a chance. Plus, I don't want DD to develop a fear of dogs since there isn't one around. Not that this would happen, but you never know.

Sorry this is so long, but it feels good to let people know about this little love of my life. He was the most amazing, loving, caring, devoted, goofy, compassionate, and sweet dog I have ever been around. He touched my life and left a mark that I will never forget or replace!

Thanks for taking time to read about Max,

Linda

[Belle*]

Linda, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I have a puppy Max and I know how they steal your heart. to you and your family to help you through this heartbreak.

[rescuesk]

Oh, Linda,

I recently had to put my kitty to sleep, and I know what a heartbreaking time you are going through. Time does heal, and you will know when you are ready to adopt again.

Here is a website you might find helpful at this time:

Pet Loss Support and the Rainbow Bridge

[ripkensnana]

Linda, I know exactly how you feel - my kitty passed away the day before Sue's did...and Sue, thanks so much for the link to that great website!



Here's some pixie dust to help you get through your grieving process:

[statelady01]

I had a lovely puppy named Max for awhile and he was funny and loveable. ( Had to find another home for him due to my severe allergies).

I am so glad you had a wonderful relationship with him and hope the memories will comfort you now and in the future.

[Jennifer2003]

You've got me crying! I'm so sorry for your loss. He sounds like he was a wonderful dog. What breed was he?

Hugs and pixie dust for you and your family...

[wheatenwalker]

Linda, I had tears reading about your Max. I had to have my dog put to sleep in the fall and I know how hard it is-- I am sending you good thoughts and hope you feel better soon, Sheila

[goofy4goofy]

I'm so sorry. That must be so hard for you guys!!! I'm sending you a ton of pixie dust!

Kelly

[joyjoy]

Oh, God, Linda.
I know you were sitting there at your computer crying writing that. You'll cry every time you re-read it and read everyone's replies. I am SO sorry. You and Max had such a wonderful life together. I am so, so sorry. I feel your pain so personally. I know you read my post about getting our new dog Mieke. It has taken me over 18 months to even think about getting another dog since we lost Betsy. It's good, amazing really, that y'all are ready to move ahead with a new love. Maybe my reluctance was because B. was taken from us suddenly, and she was only 9 years old. Okay, now I'M going to start with the crying. If you are not bursting into tears when you see a Petmeds.com commercial on tv, or trying to avoid the pet food aisle at the grocery store, or completely avoiding Animal Planet on tv, I think y'all are okay (that has been me doing all that), and maybe ready to get a new family member. Your little girl won't learn to be afraid of dogs in the interim. If anything, she's got nothing but love for them. So, when you do get one she'll be thrilled.

If you're seriously grieving and miserable, like I was, there are lots of websites that help with it, many with message boards where people can talk. Here is one: http://p079.ezboard.com/fpetlossfrm1 I found that talking about it to other sad dog-parents made me feel worse, so I never got into it. But a lot of people find much comfort and support there. You might want to just see.

I feel so sad for you. I'll keep you in my thoughts and prayers. Good luck, girl.

[luvnwdwgal]

So sorry for your loss. I know how you feel cause we had to put our Springer Spaniel "Meg" down a couple years ago due to cancer, she was 11 years old. I still cry some times when I think about her.

[Colexis Mom]

Linda, I'm so sorry for your loss. Sending you all lots of pixie during this most difficult time Just know that now he's not suffering, and is looking down at you all. Thinking of you all

[ncgal]

Linda, I am so sorry about your loss. Pets truly are members of our families. I lost my beloved cat of 10 years, Martin, due to liver failure almost 5 years ago and am still not over it. When it became obvious that Martin was not going to make it, I knew that I had to adopt before he was gone. I went to the shelter and got a little black kitty just like him! Later that day at the vet's I adopted another little kitty so I went home with not 1 but 2 new babies. Martin lived for another month and having the new babies helped when he was gone. I say adopt another dog! Although it will never take the place of Max, a new 'baby' will certainly bring joy to your family. Here's some to help you with your loss.

[vsonnier]

How terrible to hear about your loss, Linda. I never understood how attached you could get to an animal until we got our puppy Daisy. I know you will always have wonderful memories of Max to look back on

[SarahJ]

Linda, my heart breaks for you. It sounds like Max had a wonderful life with you all and was a cherished member of your family. Pixie dust and hugs to you all.

[my2girls]

I'm very sorry to hear about Max. You and your family gave him such a rich, full life. Sending you lot's of pixies





Kristine