Lost my little doggy.

[JDMopar]

It's taken me a week to be able to post this and still be able to see how to do it. I knew the day was coming, but you never can fully prepare yourself to lose a pet. Especially one who has been by your side for 16 years. Last week, on the 21st, my little Shi Tzu went to the Rainbow Bridge to wait on me. She was 17 years and 12 days old. We got her when she was a year old from a nice young lady who had to give her up because of a life situation. I promised her we would take good care of her and give her a good home. In the kindest way she could muster, she told me to please be patient with her because she doesn't seem to like men. When we got home and gave her a bath, we let her sleep with us on the bed like we did our other little dog. It was that very first night that she took up with me, and we were down like 4 flat tires for the next 16 years. Lots of good times! She was the most stubborn little dog we ever had....to everyone but me! If she got in trouble and my wife yelled at her, she would run around behind me and look at my wife with that "Yeah! Now whatcha gonna do?" look on her face and make my wife even madder...lol. She was always very healthy, but when she was around 14 she started losing her hearing, but adjusted pretty well. Then she started getting cataracts, and our vet said she was too old to get the surgery. She managed that as well as she did the hearing loss and soldiered on. Last year, she started getting Vertigo pretty bad and we had to give her medicine to keep it at bay. The vet said she was also getting cognitive disorder and that there was no treatment for that. He told us the signs and milestones of that to watch for, so we would know when it was time to make the decision to let her go, with the last ones being she wouldn't want to eat as often and not be able to sleep well. Being an older dog, she slept a lot so that was the main one we watched for. She turned 17 on the 9th of this month, while we were at our camper at the beach a few weeks ago. 10 days later, she got to where she couldn't rest, barely ate and was just generally agitated. She had a good life and was a wonderful little dog. We've had 4 Shi Tzu's in the last 25 years and she was the last dog standing. I feel guilty for picking favorites when they all have been great, but she was my favorite dog ever and the best little furry friend I've ever had. I'll go to my grave missing her, but I know that right after the last breath I ever take, the next thing I see will be her standing there at The Rainbow Bridge with that little tail wagging. R.I.P. Prissy. Life won't be the same without you, but I will see you again!

 

[Rat Bastid]

It hurts. Just time will make it better. Some will never understand how little critters like that take hold of you the way they do. They are family. She is a beautiful best friend.

 

[RustyRatRod]

I sure am sorry. It hurts worse than losing a person you love sometimes. You have my condolences.

 

[67Dart273]

They sure do become members of the family.

 

[Car Nut]

Sorry for your loss, it’s hard losing pets.

I love animals more than I like most people.

 

[cosgig]

My heart and prayers are with you, brother. Dogs are Gods gift to us, to remind us to be humble, loving and caring to each other and all of His creatures. You fulfilled your promise in the biggest way, and gave that pup a good loving home. RIP good pup, you did your job here.

 

[Sublime one]

Sad day for sure, just know this site is filled with folks who all feel like you towards their fur missiles. Time will heal, but man that is a raw wound for quite some time. We have all been thru it. It just plain sucks even when you know and are prepared. Be strong.

 

[YY1]

Yes. Very difficult.

I am still not right since we had to put one of our cats down several weeks ago.

Talking about it is good but sometimes you laugh and cry at the same time.

 

[6PakBee]

It hurts. Just time will make it better. Some will never understand how little critters like that take hold of you the way they do. They are family. She is a beautiful best friend.

We lost both of our Yorkies within six months over two years ago. In my case, it hasn't gotten better with time.

 

[4spdragtop]

My eyes got moist reading that. Its very tough losing a loved family member. I know Piper would give you big hugs. When I come home from work and pick her up, she gives hugs.
Thanks for sharing, shes beautiful.

 

[Bad Sport]

Sorry for the loss. I lost my Zeus a month ago, and I don't think I will ever get over it, we had an amazing connection, like no other dog I have ever had.. It's amazing how attached we become, and how much it hurts when they leave us.

 

[badlilred79]

It's taken me a week to be able to post this and still be able to see how to do it. I knew the day was coming, but you never can fully prepare yourself to lose a pet. Especially one who has been by your side for 16 years. Last week, on the 21st, my little Shi Tzu went to the Rainbow Bridge to wait on me. She was 17 years and 12 days old. We got her when she was a year old from a nice young lady who had to give her up because of a life situation. I promised her we would take good care of her and give her a good home. In the kindest way she could muster, she told me to please be patient with her because she doesn't seem to like men. When we got home and gave her a bath, we let her sleep with us on the bed like we did our other little dog. It was that very first night that she took up with me, and we were down like 4 flat tires for the next 16 years. Lots of good times! She was the most stubborn little dog we ever had....to everyone but me! If she got in trouble and my wife yelled at her, she would run around behind me and look at my wife with that "Yeah! Now whatcha gonna do?" look on her face and make my wife even madder...lol. She was always very healthy, but when she was around 14 she started losing her hearing, but adjusted pretty well. Then she started getting cataracts, and our vet said she was too old to get the surgery. She managed that as well as she did the hearing loss and soldiered on. Last year, she started getting Vertigo pretty bad and we had to give her medicine to keep it at bay. The vet said she was also getting cognitive disorder and that there was no treatment for that. He told us the signs and milestones of that to watch for, so we would know when it was time to make the decision to let her go, with the last ones being she wouldn't want to eat as often and not be able to sleep well. Being an older dog, she slept a lot so that was the main one we watched for. She turned 17 on the 9th of this month, while we were at our camper at the beach a few weeks ago. 10 days later, she got to where she couldn't rest, barely ate and was just generally agitated. She had a good life and was a wonderful little dog. We've had 4 Shi Tzu's in the last 25 years and she was the last dog standing. I feel guilty for picking favorites when they all have been great, but she was my favorite dog ever and the best little furry friend I've ever had. I'll go to my grave missing her, but I know that right after the last breath I ever take, the next thing I see will be her standing there at The Rainbow Bridge with that little tail wagging. R.I.P. Prissy. Life won't be the same without you, but I will see you again!

View attachment 1715963972

Sorry for your loss I miss my cloe

 

[68gtxman]

@JDMopar Sorry for your loss my friend. They help us get through life and especially the rough stretches. Rainbow Bridge will make it all better.

 

[JDMopar]

My eyes got moist reading that. Its very tough losing a loved family member. I know Piper would give you big hugs. When I come home from work and pick her up, she gives hugs.
Thanks for sharing, shes beautiful.

View attachment 1715964063

Thanks Steve. Piper looks like the 1st Shi Tzu we had. Her name was Annie. We actually got Prissy to keep Annie company because we lost Rags...who was Annie's birth Mom that we got when my mother-in-law passed away. Getting Prissy kinda backfired, because Annie hated her! Annie was always top dog around here and little bitty Prissy absolutely would not cow down to her when she tried to bully her into recognizing her seniority....lol. Annie eventually accepted that Priss wasn't going anywhere, and just tolerated her. Prissy was always respectful of her and never went near her when she was eating or sitting with us, but she never let Annie bully her even though she was half Annie's size....lol.

 

[ragtopfury]

I feel for you Jackie. Our Golden Retriever was 13.5 when I had to put her down (7 years ago). She was an awesome dog. I still miss her.

 

[tinman2]

Sorry for your loss. I can't even imagine the pain. You just have to believe you will be reunited some day.

I have two Shih Tzus, Riley 13½ and Belle 11, the only pets I have ever had. And they weren't supposed to be mine but I became their caretaker. Belle is a perfect little girl but Riley is my best friend ever. He stays by my side as much as possible all day and at night sleeps against my shoulder. They put smiles on my face and sometimes a tear in my eyes. This is Riley curled up against me as I type this.

 

[Daves69]

Sorry for all the four leg family member losses here. It's tough all around.
We just lost Pixie, our 18 year old long hair chihuahua a month ago.........

Her little brother Pedro is 17 now and almost lost without her..............

 

[Professor Fate]

They're waiting for us at the end of the road...
Be strong.

 

[replicaracer43]

Man that sucks...our pets are definitely family and it hurts to loose them the same....very sorry to read this!

 

[loganscuda]

I am so sorry for your loss. We lost our male in November. It’s been real hard on us, especially the female. She will not go near where their food and water bowls where and she still is hand fed most of the time.

 

[dart4forte]

Yeah, it’s tough. My wife and I have raised Shih Tzu pups since the late 90s so I’ve had my share of sad moments. Probably the best small breed out there. Our latest litter is almost 8 weeks so it’s time for forever homes.

 

[missing linc]

So sorry for your loss, it never gets any easier, they are family members and we become so attached. The hardest thing I've ever had to do is to make that decision, but I have to put the well being of my pet first and my emotions and loss is secondary. Remember all of the silly funny things that made you smile and laugh out loud, that will help ease your pain.

R.I.P. Prissy

 

[barbee6043]

So sorry for your loss.
I say that God does make these "critters" available to us humans. They connect to a little piece of our soul, and IF we never had that relationship that part of our soul would never be found.
I have had more than a few dogs, but I connected with a little Daschund more than any, his name was simply Red Dog. I swear he could read my mind. I had to put him down about 5 years ago, and it still bring a tear to my eye. I loved that dog and he loved me.
About 3 years years ago, I got another red one, his name is Red Dog #2. He is just like his name sake, almost. Not quite as much a mind reader but close.

 

[JDMopar]

I am so sorry for your loss. We lost our male in November. It’s been real hard on us, especially the female. She will not go near where their food and water bowls where and she still is hand fed most of the time. View attachment 1715964095View attachment 1715964096

Thanks. About 8 months ago, my wife made Prissy a new plate that made it easier for her to eat out of. She took a cereal bowl, turned it upside down and glued a salad plate to the bottom of it. It was much easier for her to eat because she didn't have to bend over so far to eat. With her vertigo, she would loose her balance when she tried to bend over so far to eat. For about the last 5 months, I would lay in the floor with her twice a day while she ate, and rotate her plate for her so she could easily find her next bite because she couldn't see very well. She was an Imperial Shi Tzu, which are a small version. She only weighed 9 lbs back in her fat girl days...lol.
Thank you to all who have replied, and others that will beyond this. Reading your stories and seeing pics of your furry family members certainly does help.

 

[mgoblue9798]

It's taken me a week to be able to post this and still be able to see how to do it. I knew the day was coming, but you never can fully prepare yourself to lose a pet. Especially one who has been by your side for 16 years. Last week, on the 21st, my little Shi Tzu went to the Rainbow Bridge to wait on me. She was 17 years and 12 days old. We got her when she was a year old from a nice young lady who had to give her up because of a life situation. I promised her we would take good care of her and give her a good home. In the kindest way she could muster, she told me to please be patient with her because she doesn't seem to like men. When we got home and gave her a bath, we let her sleep with us on the bed like we did our other little dog. It was that very first night that she took up with me, and we were down like 4 flat tires for the next 16 years. Lots of good times! She was the most stubborn little dog we ever had....to everyone but me! If she got in trouble and my wife yelled at her, she would run around behind me and look at my wife with that "Yeah! Now whatcha gonna do?" look on her face and make my wife even madder...lol. She was always very healthy, but when she was around 14 she started losing her hearing, but adjusted pretty well. Then she started getting cataracts, and our vet said she was too old to get the surgery. She managed that as well as she did the hearing loss and soldiered on. Last year, she started getting Vertigo pretty bad and we had to give her medicine to keep it at bay. The vet said she was also getting cognitive disorder and that there was no treatment for that. He told us the signs and milestones of that to watch for, so we would know when it was time to make the decision to let her go, with the last ones being she wouldn't want to eat as often and not be able to sleep well. Being an older dog, she slept a lot so that was the main one we watched for. She turned 17 on the 9th of this month, while we were at our camper at the beach a few weeks ago. 10 days later, she got to where she couldn't rest, barely ate and was just generally agitated. She had a good life and was a wonderful little dog. We've had 4 Shi Tzu's in the last 25 years and she was the last dog standing. I feel guilty for picking favorites when they all have been great, but she was my favorite dog ever and the best little furry friend I've ever had. I'll go to my grave missing her, but I know that right after the last breath I ever take, the next thing I see will be her standing there at The Rainbow Bridge with that little tail wagging. R.I.P. Prissy. Life won't be the same without you, but I will see you again!

View attachment 1715963972

Sorry for your loss sir. The joy pets bring us in life is almost equaled by the grief we feel when they pass away.