my charlie died unexpectadliy today..help

[tlwhitman]

Oh, Miranda, I am so sorry to hear about Charlie. It's absolutely devastating when that happens. We lost our dear sweet Henry in October to what sounds like the same thing. He was fine the night before with the exception of one strange "incident" (he had what seemed somewhat like a panic attack that lasted just seconds) and then the next morning, we found him dead in his crate.

We also chose not to have an autopsy performed and concluded through discussions with our vet and through reading (and the incredible support of people on this board) that it was most likely cardiomyopathy. I understand that cardiomyopathy is one of the leading causes of "sudden death" in boxers. Please read more about it - I am sure that it will eventually give you peace of mind.

I know that you are going through an extremely painful time right now, and missing Charlie terribly. I still think of Henry every day. But, I also know that there wasn't anything I could have done to save him. It's an unexplainable loss and I just have to say to myself that "it just is".

As a side note, I truly believe that our loved ones are always with us. In fact, my daughter just yesterday told me that Henry had awoken her that morning. She said that she woke up to the feeling of dog paws on her shoulders (as Henry often did when it was time to wake her up). Our new puppy, Fred, was downstairs with me and her bedroom door was closed. I have no doubt it was indeed Henry just checking up on her.

My prayers and thoughts go out to you and your family.

 

[boxermuse]

I recommend reading 'Every dog an angel' (I could be wrong on the title, I do not have it with me). I found it at my local bookstore in the pet section and just about cried reading it, I bought it and read it often. Its like the rainbow bridge poem but in book form.. It helped me cope with tragic loss and remind me we will see eachother again.
Gawd im tearing up just thinking about it :( ...but really its a GREAT book.

 

[ninersneal]

I am so sorry about your beloved Charlie :(. It is very frightening that something could happen so suddenly and tragically at such a young age. My heart goes out to you.

 

[miranda]

Once again I would like to thank each one of you for all you support.I wish i would have heard of cardyomyopathy sooner so i could have him tested but now it is to late. After reading the rainbow bridge poem i sort of feel better cause now I know he is not alone!My vet belives it was the same thing as well so i am acceptting that but i am already looking for anotther boxer. It won't be Charlie but he will be loved just the same!Thanks again
Miranda

 

[tlwhitman]

Miranda, I'm glad to hear you are thinking of bringing another boxer into your heart. For us, it was a blessing to focus again on all the puppy stuff while we were grieving the loss of Henry. While it didn't make it truly any easier to bear his death, it was wonderful distraction.

I hope that you do read up more on cardiomyopathy. From what I have read on it, there is very little chance Charlie would have been diagnosed with it already at such a young age. In young boxers, the first real symptom itself is death. It is often undetectable through normal exam. There is probably little you could have done for him. It is hard to comprehend.

I must say that I had been a surfer of this board for months before Henry's death and I had never posted anything before then. When he died, I was searching for answers and posted my first message. The people here were so unbelieveably supportive and have provided such wonderful advice, compassion, counsel - you name it. Please let us know how you are doing.

 

[Paula]

I'm so sorry about Charlie. We greive so for our beloved pets. They mean so much to us. It is obvious that Charlie was very loved and the next puppie will be fortunate to share your family.

 

[alisonCO]

I am so very sorry for the sudden loss of Charlie.

 

[Lava Linda]

Miranda,
How awful, and it sounds like you were home alone when it happened(?)
My heart goes out to you, and my eyes are full of tears.

Although it's already been said, I wanted make sure you understand that there was most likely NOTHING you could have done to help Charlie, even if he had been diagnosed in time. Please don't feel guilty in any way. His time just came, that's all.

I believe there's another boxer out there right now, with love in his heart waiting just for you. Take care during this very difficult time, and please come back and let us know how you're doing as time goes by.
-Linda

 

[cmcleod]

I'm really sorry to hear about your loss Miranda.
My wife (also called Miranda) and I found out that our 2 year old boxer bitch has congestive heart failure today so we are preparing for the worst and therefore kind of understand how you are feeling?!

Life just isn't fair sometimes is it?

Take care.

Craig
Norwich
UK

 

[Shawn]

Sorry to hear of your loss. My heart goes out to you and your family. Try and remember the good times you had while you where together.