Lost a piece of my family Tuesday evening.

[Bryanccfshr]

Pudge (he shaved Shih Tzu on the right) was 13 years old and had been diagnosed with heart murmur a few years ago and his heart enlarged so that he was experiencing cardiopulmonary failure. In December We put him on heart medication and diuretics. Pudge remained active and happy till the end, He ran his body till it literaly gave out and lived life to the fullest.

Tuesday was the last full day I had with him before I left to Alaska for work. So I spent quality time with him and his companion China. Pudge would get dizzy and faint lately if he became excited or overexerted himself he could not sleep a night through and I would get up and carry hm outside to relieve himself and take him for water. Tuesday he wanted to get up early and get the day started so I gave him a good breakfast and took him out to relive himself. He rested a couple of hours by my side while I ate and watched TV. I then took him to a favorite spot of his a park by the Comal river. We spent an hour there taking it easy, I would let him walk around and if I thought he was getting tired I would carry him as I had gotten in the habit of doing to avoid him fainting.
I then went home and worked in the yard some planting a southern Jasmine , he supervised as usual.
Later on I was sitting on the porch and he came out and fussed for some food. I fed him his favorite meal with a diuretic inserted as was his treatment. I gave him a slice of roast beef in addition to aid his voracious appetite, he loved to eat. I patted him and went outside to await my wife calling her on the phone to see if she could pick up some of his food since he had just run out. She had already left the store. My female dog China sat with me a few moments and my wife pulled up. And I yelled for "buddy"(Pudge) that "momma was home" As I looked in the front door I wondered why he was just laying their and fear of what I was going to discover. Pudge must have passed a moment before.. He wasn't breathing my wife joined us on the floor.

Pudge was a fishing buddy, A fourwheeling enthusiast and a great travel companion. He was a source of activity and joy in my house and it is very quiet without him. My wife will be picking up his ashed this afternoon or tomorrow.
Rest in peace Pudge, I'll see you on the other side.

 

[Doc8404]

Brother, I am truly sorry for your loss...it sucks, it's like another kid.

 

[Bryanccfshr]

Thank you. Instead of Children we decided on Dogs. The remifications of loving a soul so much with less time on earth are striking home. We spent the energy and attention most people our age spend on children on Pudge and China.

 

[Bryanccfshr]

I forgot to add Pudge is the Sire of 15 pups with China through 3 litters and by now who knows how many descendants.
China having had Pudge in the house since we brought her home is a little confused.

 

[Pablo]

That does suck. I cried when Rex, my Dalmatian, died.

 

[Bryanccfshr]

I have been going through spells of losing control and crying since it happened. I should be hapy, he had a full life, he lived well, and had a very good last day with me. Hopefully the pain will fade to manageable levels and I can enjoy the happy memories I have with him. Here is a happier healthier picture. And yes, that's speggatti.

 

[Gary Allan]

It's a tough experience ..especially when the pet is truly integrated into your life. You're not typically prepared for the short life of most pets.

My daughter just bought a beaut of an English Bulldog. The daily maintenance required to take care of the animal is kinda a bonding agent. Otherwise the thing (a female) just loves, eats, and sleeps. She'll be heartbroken when the animal has to be put down eventually.

 

[wavinwayne]

Sorry to hear about the loss of your beloved Pudge. Remember the good times you guys had together & smile. I'm sure that's the way Pudge would want it.

 

[Jett Rink]

You have my sympathies. You'll never forget him. Just remember the good times that you had him.

My Australian Shepherd / Border Collie mix dog passed away a few months ago very suddenly from kidney failure. He was 10 years old and his name was Wiley. As in Wile E. Coyote, from the Roadrunner cartoons, because he seemed to look like him when he was a pup. He was a great dog, I loved him, and he was a constant companion in my life. I'll never forget him. The loyalty that he had was a constant marvel to me.

At first I thought I didn't want to get another dog because it was pretty hard on me. I felt alot better after I got his ashes back, though.

Then I adopted two greyhounds. Retired racing dogs. I enjoy them alot. They are completely different dogs. Most people are under the impression that the greyhounds don't make good pets. Not true. They are fine just going for a couple of walks a day. I just turn them loose once a week in a big fenced area and let them run like crazy for a bit. That's all they need.

This is for any single BITOGERs out there. Chicks dig greyhounds. Since I am a married man, it is lost on me. But they will definitely attract attention, if you walk one around in public.

 

[buster]

Sorry to hear that. I love animals. It's very tough when a pet passes. Cute dogs btw. I like those.

 

[Bryanccfshr]

Thank you all. I am putting together a memory book book/photo album of him So tha anytime Pam or I remember a detail of his life, personality or quirks that made me happy or even irritated Pam and I(because imperfections are endearing too), we can write it in the book. We will never forget.

 

[moribundman]

He looked like a little Wookie or an Ewok.

 

[Sparkman]

I'm sorry for your loss. I never knew how much a pet could mean before we put down our 13 year old lab last march.

 

[nyr197]

Sorry to hear about your loss. The thing about pets is that no matter what changes around you (neighbors, cars, world events, jobs, etc) they always remain the same. They are one of the few constants in life, and when they are gone, it hurts.

I lost my golden, Murphy, about 2 years ago. He lived to be 14 years old, and I still look for him laying down in his usual spots sometimes.

 

[Bryanccfshr]

One of his pups was dubbed Gizmo.


When I would come home from a long flight home after a couple of weeks away I could always count on him to be ecstatic about my return. He would howl and play and then I would lie in the floor and he would sniff me head to toe and come up and give me a special lick on the face. His kisses were rare and special. China on the other hand would try to clean my airway like a momma dog.
He definately got sweeter and more lovable as he aged.

Again, I appreciate everyones kind words. I just got off the phone with my wife and our female China is doing ok but she has been wondering around the house this afternoon looking for Pudge.

 

[Blue_Goose]

It never gets easy...having a pet pass..I always say that's it...no more heartache...not going through that again..................and I always become a liar...


They bring so much happiness to our lives...can't get away from it.

Sorry to hear of your loss...tugs at my heartstrings...cute little fella


Goose

 

[Bryanccfshr]

Thanks, We have decided to find another puppy(we talked about it alot when we found out Pudge became ill), For us and for China. A puppy will keep us busy enough to distract us from our broken hearts. We can never replace Pudge but we have more love to give and look forward to a new bond. In the meantime his passing haunts me, I was not prepared for this much emotion. I had dogs and cats when I was a kid but never have I been this close. I got so much joy out of him it is hard to let go. Thanks Blue Goose.

 

[Shannow]

Bryan,
sorry mate, they certainly do grow on you.

I still tear up over my old Elkhound after 18 months.

 

[Bryanccfshr]

Thank you .

 

[MarkC]

My old Elkhound dropped dead in front of me 10 years ago next month. Pretty hard to take. It's always hard losing dogs, or any pet. I've lost many over the years.
Even my little friend's chinchilla dying last summer was traumatic.
Wish more animals had longer lifespans.