K.C. passed away tonight!

[JoeyN5967a0lcom]

We just got home from the vet. I can't remember when I was so sad! To come home and see all fo K.C.'s toys, dishes, blankets, etc. and know we will not have her with us is tough. Today I noticed she was spending a lot of time just lying around, her tummy was getting bigger and when I would touch it, I could feel and hear liquid moving around. She ate every chance she could, but only brought two of her toys out today to play with. I called the vet around 10 and told them her symptoms, how she seemed to be breathing so hard and almost gasping. They suggested we bring her there. (It's a 24 hour facility.) So I held her all the way, crying and telling her how much fun we had had all these years and how I would always love her. She seemed resigned to it all and just relaxed in my arms. My husband carried her in and I signed all the papers while he was in the small room with her. I heard a knock on the door and went right in. She had died in his arms. She raised her head and looked at him and that was it. I'm relieved that we didn't have to put her to sleep. She knew it was time to let go. She will always be remembered by both of us as a great dog. The question I have is, "How long does it take to get over all this sadness? " I just retired at the end of July and I have had two great months alone with my buddy in the day time. I will be so lonely.

[riodogmom]

I'm so sorry to hear about KC's passing. We have been so blessed to have these wonderful animals in our lives and we will mourne them just like any other loved one.

Give yourself permission to grieve for KC the way you would grieve for a family member or close friend. That is what KC has been for you, so allow yourself to feel that grief. I've continued to feel a 'sadness' when I think about the dogs I grew up with, the cats who have entered my life and the horse I had for over 10 years. Every one of those beautiful creatures have made me smile and have touched my heart. I grieved for every one of them as they have been my 'family' from the start. It is normal and ok to feel the sadness.

Also know that you did all that you could for KC and now she isn't in any pain or discomfort. She is patiently waiting til the day she can love on you once again. I know this doesn't help take away any of the pain and sadness you are feeling right now, but perhaps it can give you some comfort during this time. Know we are all hurting with you because we too love our babies as you loved (and will continue loving) KC.

Take care of yourself.
Hugs to you,
Kim

PS - you say you are retired and are concerned about the days without KC...is there an animal shelter or an elderly person with a pet around you that could use your loving animal touch? That may help in refocusing your energy once you have given yourself the time to grieve.

[acushdogsmom]

My heartfelt sympathy to you for your loss of your beloved K.C.

I don't think we ever truly stop grieving for a loved one we have lost, but it does get easier to accept as time goes on. Everyone is different and some people need more time than others to be able to smile again.

I hesitate to say this, because your grief is so new, but I say this because you mentioned how lonely you will be with the house so quiet and no K.C. there with you to love.....

For some of my friends it really has helped them to bring a new dog into their family. Some have done this right away and others have waited a little while before they felt comfortable enough to consider it.

A new dog is not a replacement for the pup who is no longer with them, because you cannot ever simply replace one with another... but it has helped them to heal emotionally and has given them new reasons to smile and they also know that are giving a home to another little one who needs a home and deserves to have a life filled with love too.

You will always have your happy memories of K.C. ... of the fun times and the love that you shared with her and she had a wonderful life because she was part of your family and you loved her so very much.

My heart goes out to you at this very sad time.

[JoeyN5967]

Thank you for your kind words and concern. I never could have made it through the last six monhs without this wonderful site. I will check back periodically to be able to give some comfort to those who will be going through what we did. We are thinking of bringing another dog into our home. Noone will ever replace KC, but we have so much love to share and will love another dog so much.

[arlene77]

I can totally empathise with your loss. I'm still getting over the loss of my dog, fizzy who passed away 2 weeks ago. The first week was very bad but slowly reality sinks in and you know you just have to move on with life. But the memories of her will always remain deep in my heart. How I'm coping with her loss is by getting myself busy helping out an animal shelter. The loss of her made me realise that there are many more other animals out there who are in need of TLC but they aren't given any. Believing that I have so much love to give, I can share it with these animals. I believe you have the capacity to do the same. You can continue to do the kind of good work you did for your dog with other animals who are so much in need of TLC. All the best and take care ya.

[lkoppen]

I just read that you lost your beloved K.C. I am so sorry for your loss. It will take a while to get over the loss. We lost two dogs in less than a year apart about 12 years ago and I still miss them. It does get better with each passing day. Just remembering the love K.C. gave you and you gave K.C. helps. Knowing that K.C. will be waiting for you when it is your time to go can be comforting. K.C. went to the Rainbow Bridge surrounded by your love and care. You are in my prayers.
Linda