I need hugs- we had to euthanize our dog last night :(

My husband and I had to euthanize our 3 year old German Shepherd last night.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=uI31dAnLSC8

Several months ago, he was diagnosed with severe megaesophagus. His esophagus was severely enlarged and his peristalsis wasn't functioning properly. Peristalsis is involuntary constriction and relaxation of the muscles of intestines or another canal, creating movement that pushes content (food) of the canal forward. The vet took x-rays and told us that this was the worst case she has ever seen.

I guess that we were in denial, because for the most part, he was a happy dog.

He would get aspiration pneumonia. This is a lung infection that develops after you aspirate (inhale) food, liquid, or vomit into your lungs. We treated him a couple of times for this condition with antibiotics.

We fed him small meals several times a day. I scrambled two dozen eggs a week, so we could add to his food. We tried wet dog food, dry food, hamburger patties, chicken. My husband built him a chair to sit in. My husband also took him for walks after eating, to help aid with his gerd and digestion.

Monday, August 1, we took him to the vet because he had a fever and we could hear fluid in his lungs. The vet gave him antibiotics and fluids. We brought our dog back home and thought that it would be like the other times that this happened. We thought that he would get better again in a couple of days with antibiotics.

I slept on the couch Monday night, so that I would be by him if he needed to go outside to go potty. The sad part is that this ends up being different from the other times.

He started to vomit violently around 12:00 A.M. and continued to vomit 5 more times until Tuesday around 3:00 P.M.

He refused to eat and had not eaten since 11:00 A.M. Sunday morning. Every time that he drank water, he would vomit. He was so sick and excessively drooling on himself. I had to help him up from the floor so that he could stand.

I am an emotional train wreck today. He was my best friend. I never connected so much with an animal, until I had to stop working due to my Lyme symptoms.

The only time I wasn't with him in the past 2 years, was to go to doctor appointments or to the grocery store with my husband.

He was my healing dog. I talked to him everyday. He would nuzzle his nose in my hair to make me laugh. He would give me "hugs" - he would bump his head on my head. He would lay and snuggle next to me daily on the couch.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=XaKr98ktoxU

I miss my dog so much!!!!!!

I am new here, but I am SO sorry for your loss. Truly. You had to make the choice out of love for your dog, and he knew that on some level I believe. What you did was selfless, unconditional love. We will see our furry family again, of that I'm sure.

Next to the loss of my child, nephew and Mom, I can't think of a hurt to the heart as the loss of a beloved pet. They ARE family, doing only things they uniquely can do. My 13 year old Chihuahua and 14 year old Dachshund are waiting for me. Until then, I continue on loving my 11 month old Shi-Tzu. None "replaced" another, just added to...

Again, I am SO sorry and my heart hurts for your hurting heart right now. I will send giant HUGS and in the meantime, let the tears roll and remember your furry friend is with you. xoxo

So very sorry for your loss. May you find peace in the memories and feel blessed with his spirit in nature.

(((hugs)))

I feel so sad for you. I remember the loss of my last two dogs so well and can still my last sweetie lying on my sofa or feel her nose nudging my hand to pet her.

Time does heal. I now think of her and miss her greatly, but it is with a smile in my heart.

Thank you for trusting us enough to share this very deep hurt.

Hugs Little Bear...... this is so sad.

It is so sad when we say good bye to a fur baby.

So sorry to hear about this Little Bear, hugs to you :(

I am so sorry Little Bear. Gentle hugs to you.

That song - Chasing Cars...was one of my favorite songs years ago....and I am sobbing listening to it..

I also lost my pet a few months ago...my beloved Rusty - little orange kitty. He soothed me many times.


It's just wrong that this stuff happens to us while we are already feeling weak...and emotional.

Nooooooooooo! I am so sorry for your tragic loss. We have a young GSD as well, they are amazing creatures. He brings so much love and light into my life, I feel so connected to him, he is in many ways a healing dog for me.

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. It is beyond gut wrenching to lose these animals to whom we are so intricately connected to, they are beloved family members.

I'm so sorry, Little Bear!! Hang in there!! I do hope you are able to go out and find the newest 'fur baby' to add to your wonderful family soon.

Please do continue to take good care of yourself during this stressful time. -and know that you remain in our hearts!!!

Just had to say, 'rescues' are the BEST pets! They stay grateful their whole lives from what I've experienced! I had two rescue dogs now.

LB~A few years ago I had to take my beloved furry baby, and it truly was one of the most difficult times in my life. The vet appt was set for the evening, as she was getting progressively worse & I had the entire day lying by her side, barely a breath w/o sobs. All the while, she was so sick & yet she was trying to typically comfort me.

When at the vets & saying goodbye, I began by looking in her beautiful brown eyes & listing each of the people in her life that loved her & whom she loved.

I am so sorry & hope that you remember to care for yourself during this profoundly sad time.Sending love.