The loss of Rudy.... Please help

[Ange&Bill]

Two days ago, my husband and I had to euthanize our 7yr old boxer. Rudy, fought a long battle with kidney disease. It all started when he was just a pup but wasn't really diagnosed until around 4. We did everything we could to keep him as "healthy" as possible during the past 7 years. He was so active and happy most of the time, but there were times, where we just knew it wasn't good. My husband and I always said we would be so lucky if he lived until his 7th birthday and we had to put him down 2 weeks after his 7th birthday. We ultimately knew that with the severity of his kidney disease it would probably come down to us making a decision and our worst fears were realized this week. Rudy went to the vet on Monday morning and was given IV fluids for 24 hours, this wasn't the first time he'd been through this, unfortunately this time the toxicity levels in his blood didn't come down at all. Tuesday morning our vet called to let us know that there was really nothing more we could do. His pancreas was failing and he was severely anemic not to mention that he wasn't able to eat or drink for the past four days. His weight had dropped down to 50 lbs and just wasn't going to make it out of this one. My husband and I work together and had to make a decision. I thank god, that we could be together to make the decision. We decided that we couldn't go to the vet to say goodbye. It was just so hard, and because we own our business we both had to come back to see patients in the afternoon. I feel such a tremendous amount of guilt not saying goodbye to him, but I knew the image of him in such a terrible state would haunt me forever. He was always there for us and we weren't strong enough to be there with him when he needed us most. I just hope he know's how sorry I am that we love and miss him so much. We have another dog at home... Oscar is a 6 year old Boston Terrier that adored Rudy. They were the ultimate best friends. Slept in the same bed, ate and drank from the same food bowl. Basically inseperable from the day they met. My heart bleeds for Oscar and I just miss Rudy so much. This is my first dog I've ever owned and the pain is just so intense. If any of the great boxer lovers out there have any words of advice about how to deal with this loss and how we can help little Oscar, your help would be so greatly appreciated. Thank you all for listening!

All my love to Rudy. We miss you so much.

 

[mobrian]

I am sorry for your loss. I think you know in your heart that Rudy knows that you loved him and did not desert him in his time of need. He is at peace now. Oscar will heal with time just as you and your husband will.

 

[cody&duke]

Oscars does know how much you love him. I had to put Cody to sleep 2 1/2 weeks ago. Everyone said it would get easiar with time but I just laughed at them. However, it does. There isn't one day that goes by that I don't think about him.

I feel Oscar had it all planned, just like Cody. Cody waited for my mom, dad and sister to get to my house before he had two seziures. I think he knows I wouldn't have been able to do it myself. My boyfriend (who had Cody before me) was out of town. We weren't going to put him to sleep until he got home. But Cody had his own plan and I think he didn't want Jon to be there because it would hurt too bad.

Just think...Oscar and Cody are no longer in pain.

Take care and remember all the good times you had with Oscar.

 

[ljnash]

I'm so sorry you lost Rudy! You did the right thing though, to help him to the bridge, even though it is painful to do. Rudy is free from pain, and playing with the other BW boxers there at the bridge.

The only way I know to ease your pain (and maybe Oscar's) is to get another boxer. Another boxer would not take Rudy's place, but it would carve another loving space in your heart and help you heal! You will know if/when the time is right for another!!

Samantha and Beau send you and Oscar lots of kisses!

 

[Ozzie]

The only way I know to ease your pain (and maybe Oscar's) is to get another boxer. Another boxer would not take Rudy's place, but it would carve another loving space in your heart and help you heal! You will know if/when the time is right for another!!

I couldn't have said it any better, and my thoughts have always been, the sooner, the better.

Bob.

 

[Poetic_thing]

My heart goes out to you and your hubby on the loss of Rudy. I do know exactly what you are going through. You did all you could for Rudy - you gave him life where others may not have. Rudy was blessed to have you both in his life - caring and loving him the best way you both knew how. Rudy is no longer suffering, he's at the bridge playing, beaning and woo wooing with all of our boxer babies. Take the time to heal, you will know when it is time to love again. My girl went in May and I'm searching for another baby now. You will never forget Rudy, he will live forever in your heart and you will think of him every day but the pain will lessen and you will know you did right by your boy! God Bless and Take Care.

 

[lafsalot]

I'm so terribly sorry to hear about poor Rudy. Humanely euthanizing a pet is never easy - we helped our Mya cross over on 7/3/2004. Although our entire family, including our two other canines, were devastated, it does get easier with time. Sounds like you were stellar owners who did everything medical possible for Rudy. I felt guilty at first for ever entertaining the thought of getting another boxer, but I was so glad that my dh took the initiative and surprised with a new furbaby. No one dog will ever replace our Mya, but "Thumper" has definitely helped fill the void. Keeping you in my thoughts during this difficult time - Cathy

 

[Poohsmom]

I am so terribly sorry for the loss of your beloved Rudy. Know in your heart Rudy knew how much you loved him and that you only wanted what was best for him. It doesn't seem like it right now,but the pain will ease over time and before you know it,you'll be smiling as you remember something sweet and funny that he did. You'll know when it's the right time to add another boxer baby to your loving and caring family. Right now Rudy is running and jumping and woo-wooing at the bridge,no more pain and suffering.

Godspeed Rudy
Please say Hi to my boys Buddy and Dusty and tell them I love them and miss them

Sue,mom to Pooh,Bownser,Dozer & Cissy

 

[swatman]

I am so sorry for your loss, it is always a devastating and painful experience when we lose such a close friend, family member and companion. I lost my boy Gunther in July at 5 1/2 to lymphoma. I had to help him to the bridge as well and it is devastating. I was with him and to this day it is the most vivid memory I have of him, hopefully that will change. I can not give you any advice as to healing, only time will help with that. I have shed many tears and still do but it gets just a little easier with each day. I also agree with getting a new furbaby, but only when you feel ready.I thought it would take a year to get a pup so two weeks ago I started inquiring from a select few breeders, and today I have a 5 mo. old flashy brindle boy sharing my home. It has helped somewhat, but it also reminds me of my loss everyday as well. I am still overjoyed to have him in my life and it has made my home whole again. I could go on and on but just realize that most of us here at BW have unfortunately experienced the loss of a boxer, some more and we are all here to lend our support, advice ect. in your time of sorrow and healing. Again my condolences. Godspeed Rudy
Mike
--------------------------------------------
Gunther (1999-2004 Flashy brindle male)-Waiting at the bridge
Ramos (04-12-04 Flashy brindle male whirlwind)

 

[Austin's Mom]

I'm so very sorry for the loss of Rudy.