My 10-year-old dog passed away last night. Two weeks ago, he was treated for a severe ear infection; the vet prescribed Dermipred 20 (one tablet morning and night for five days, then half a tablet morning and night for 10 days). On the very evening the treatment finished, Wednesday 24th October, he started panting and couldn't put any weight on his front left leg. We took him to the vet on Thursday 25th October. He was diagnosed with muscle weakness in his leg. The vet put him on a drip, supposedly to help with the pain. On the Friday, he decided to do an X-ray. We went in to see him and, to our shock, he couldn't stand on his legs at all and started urinating on himself. We left him there for the X-ray, but an hour later the vet called to tell us he had died. Granted, he was old and had arthritis, but today we're wondering if the Dermipred was responsible for his health deteriorating so quickly and ultimately for his death.
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So, at the minute, my husband and I are looking into Spanish Mastiff crosses, just like Lorna suggested. I really like the look of them too... but there are so many of them that I haven't really had that "instant connection" with any of them yet. It’s not easy just looking at photos, and they bring them over from Spain by van. The whole concept feels a bit odd to me; I’d feel like I was having a parcel delivered when it’s actually a living soul. But then again, I understand they can't house them all over here because of a lack of space... Anyway, that’s where I’m at, feeling a bit lost again. But I haven’t given up hope of one day bringing some happiness to a lovely pooch, just like you have, @Mjdino. Life goes on, even if there's someone missing from our lives. Do keep me posted, it makes you feel a bit less alone during these difficult times... and @Bille de verre, I'm not familiar with how pet sponsorship works. The shelters I've used before didn't do it. I think you donate money to help a pup without necessarily going to see them, but have a look on your local shelter's website to see if they offer it, or perhaps check the RSPCA website as it's very comprehensive.
Evening Bille de verre and Mjdino, chatting with you both has really helped me too, as we lost our dogs around the same time and I’m feeling much the same as you. I’m still so sad about losing my dog, to the point where I thought I wouldn't be able to get another one anytime soon, but then again, the house feels so empty without a dog that it almost feels essential to get another. Plus, my son is still so heartbroken; I think only welcoming another dog will bring a smile back to his face, as we just haven't managed to help him get over Snoopy's death ourselves.
Like you, Bille de verre, I find myself checking all the local rescues to see the dogs available for adoption. I even contacted a Bernese Mountain Dog rescue—they're my dream breed. My husband and I had talked about it and picked out a 14-month-old that he really liked too (a total miracle!), but the lady there didn't exactly "sell" the breed to me. She told me their health isn't robust at all, and that the rescue insists on adopters taking out pet insurance for the dog's entire life because you can end up in the red so quickly since they're so fragile. She said these dogs could pass away at 18 months or 10 years old, with the average being around 7, and that it’s better to get a four-year-old because before that, Bernese don’t have a brain—they won’t listen to a word, they'll destroy the house, and so on.
Mind you, she still insisted I fill out the application form because they don't actually let you choose the dog; they match one to you based on the life you can offer them. I suppose that’s a good thing, really... But having my heart broken again in three years? I just don't have the strength. I was already dreaming of adopting this little lad... I was gutted. It's not going to be him.
It’s lovely to hear from you as it’s been a little while since you last posted. I can completely relate regarding work as things have been quite hectic on my end lately too. I’ll try to get some photos sent over soon; I can assure you that Tino is very, very happy with us, but even though he brings us so much joy, I must admit I often think of Dino and feel quite guilty. He’s always in my thoughts and I’ll never forget him. My husband and my grown-up children have always lived with dogs, so getting another pet felt like the natural thing to do for them. I’ll admit I had my doubts; it felt too soon and the pain was so raw, but the moment I saw Tino, those doubts vanished and I just knew it had to be him and no one else. That said, I think wanting to be a sponsor is a wonderful idea; I’m sure the rescue centre will really appreciate it, and who knows, you might have that "instant connection" just like we did with Tino. I’m more than happy to give you regular updates, and please know that chatting with you and @enicia has really helped ease my grief. I hope I’ve managed to do the same for the both of you. Your two pups were adorable and had so much love in their eyes, just like my Dino. Speak soon
Yes, it's been a while since I've been on here; work has been really hectic these past few weeks, I haven't known whether I was coming or going and I'm a bit fed up with this lifestyle. And I miss my little girl.
I'm really chuffed that things are going well with Tino and I hope you'll still send us some photos of a happy, bouncy Tino with a family that's found its smile again and is full of life! Even if I can't always make it onto the forum, I'd love it if you kept giving us updates every now and then; it really does make me happy.
If I lived alone, I think I'd have already caved and got a dog from my local rescue centre. I've been tempted so many times; my heart just melts when I see the photos and I tell myself that Siska, wherever she is now, would understand if it were a poor soul in need. But, for one, I know perfectly well that I wouldn't have the time to look after one properly at the moment and I'd be gutted if they weren't happy with me, and secondly, the rest of the family isn't on board. At the same time, I'm also afraid of it all blowing up in my face—this irrational sense of guilt towards Siska that keeps creeping in. I know what I'm like.
So, I'm thinking about maybe becoming a "sponsor" for an animal at my local shelter in the meantime. I'll have to see what that involves; I'm hoping it means finding a way to spend a bit of time with them every week. I need to see if I can sort myself out and if it's possible at the weekends. If it's just a financial thing, well, we're already donors, and that's that.
I'll ask Enicia, actually, she used to volunteer at the RSPCA.
Anyway, it's all still a work in progress, but I'm dying to adopt one of those beauties with such lovely eyes that I keep seeing on the local rescue's website... or from anywhere else.
Chin up!
Hope to see you again soon.
Caption: Come on then!! Mamie Nova, are you going to get a move on or what???!!!!
Good evening Bille de verre,
It’s been a little while since I last heard from you. How are you doing? Is the pain feeling a bit more manageable? As for us, it’s official—we’ve finally adopted Tino from the RSPCA, and I have to say we’re so happy, and so is Tino. He’s very comfortable in his new home and has really found his feet. Of course, we’ll never forget Dino, he’ll always stay in our hearts, but I’m now able to look back on the happy memories with fondness. Actually, some of Tino's mannerisms really remind me of Dino—it's true they’re the same breed—and sometimes I almost feel like I can see him right there in front of me. Believe me, he’s a real bundle of love. I hope that you too will find the joy of taking in a new four-legged companion. Good evening.
I just wanted to say that Tino is lovely, really cuddly and not aggressive at all—autocorrect can definitely play tricks on us sometimes! Good evening, and I hope to speak to you soon.
Evening @bille de verre, it’s lovely to hear from you. I’ve had a tiring week at work too—long days—so I completely understand how exhausted you must be. You’re right, Dino was a bit of a chunky Labrador, and Tino really is his spitting image, just a bit slimmer. Personally, I fell for him precisely because he reminds me so much of Dino. It’s true that this breed absolutely loves the water; we’ll be taking Tino along so he can enjoy it too. You know, I think we’ve found a truly wonderful dog—kind, cuddly, and so full of love. My son came over today with my granddaughter because she wanted to meet him, and she’s completely smitten. He was incredibly gentle with her. And how are you doing? Are you starting to feel a bit more like yourself again? It’s good to talk about happy memories, it really does you good. I find myself remembering little things too; for example, I usually call my mum in the evening, and as soon as I’d say goodbye to her, Dino would get up and come over. It was his cue—he knew that his dry food was coming next. It’s amazing, he was so incredibly clever. I also hope @inicia is feeling more like herself again. Sending love to you both.
Evening @bille de verre and @enicia, just a little update on Tino. He’s settling in really well to his new home and I think we’re starting to go completely dotty over him; he’s so sweet and has so much love to give. It’s true he’s a bit on the thin side and I reckon he must have been mistreated by his former "owners". But he’ll soon get some meat on his bones with us. This dog is a wonderful gift; he reminds us so much of Dino with his expression and his little mannerisms. And how are you two doing? I saw the photo of Siska in the water; we used to take Dino to the beach and he also loved a good paddle. I really hope that once the heartbreak eases, you’ll find the strength to get another little four-legged companion to bring a smile back to your faces like we did, and we’ll always keep the memory of our dog in our hearts. Goodnight to you both.
Evening @Mjdino,
Sorry, I’ve been really tied up the last few days, getting home late and exhausted.
Enicia was asking about Dino’s breed, but personally, he looked like a Labrador to me straight away, just like Tino, except that like all Labs and dogs in general, he’d put on a bit of weight as he got older; to me, Tino is the spitting image of Dino, just at a different age.
Yes, when I lived by the water, the Labradors especially used to have the time of their lives in the sea. It was a joy to watch them dive in, swim, come back and... do it all over again!
Mine would go in but then dart back as soon as a wave came near... and then I’d find her digging a deep hole in the sand as fast as she could to get at some dried-up, stinky fish that she thought smelled heavenly! 😁 She definitely needed a bath when we got home because she smelled like properly rotting fish when I put my nose near her fur; of course, she wasn't a fan of being washed... 🤧 we clearly had different standards! 👎😁
Evening bille de verre and enicia, just a quick update on Tino. He’s settling into his new home really well and I think we’re already starting to go a bit gaga over him – he’s such a sweetheart and has so much love to give. It’s true he’s a bit on the thin side, and I suspect he might have been mistreated by his former ‘owners’, but he’ll soon fill out with us. This dog is such a wonderful gift; the way he looks at us and his little mannerisms remind us so much of Dino. How are you two doing? I saw the photo of Siska in the water; we used to take Dino to the beach and he loved a good paddle too. I really hope that, once the worst of the grief has passed, you’ll find the strength to take on another four-legged companion who’ll bring a smile back to your faces just as it has for us. We’ll always keep the memory of our dog in our hearts. Good evening to you both.
