The Loss

The day has come, you are off to collect your new family member today. Its a beautiful sunny day and you have read all of the books on the breed of dog that you have chosen. You know what is to come. A few hours later you walk through the door and introduce your new fur baby to the rest of the family. Everyone is in love and at last your family is complete. 

 

 

When we take on a new puppy, the last thing on our minds is being without him/her. No one wants to think of a time that a decision has to be made to do what is best for him/her. We sign an emotional contract to look after that helpless being through cloudy/rainy days as well as sunny ones. Dogs are an expensive and time consuming business but this must be considered when picking up that bouncing bundle of fun. We have to ensure that we have the facilities to ensure that they are happy and healthy at all times. 

 

 

 

Yes, dog ownership is quite a pricey business but its not just financial, they are incredibly dear emotionally too. The love that you feel for your dog will never waver, even when they bark at 3am at a passing Pidgeon 3 miles away or when they roll in fox plop after being freshly groomed. These little foy balls become the stories that you look back on with fondness and love. 

 

Its important to remember to be prepared. Our pets are living, breathing animals that can get ill just like us. They cant tell us when they don't feel well but you can usually tell just by their behaviour. You have to learn to read between the lines. Regular trips to your groomer can help too, they have their hands on dogs all day and can usually tell if there is something that is slightly out of the ordinary. Obviously, they cant tell what is wrong but it may flag something up early so as to allow you to notify your vet and start a course of treatment early. 

 

Unfortunately, not everything can be treated. Some conditions are for life and may mean a miserable existence for your bouncing bundle of fluff. Decisions have to be made and advice has to be sought. What we have to do is remember that we have conscious thought, we have to do what is the best for our pets as they cant make the decisions themselves but we must also make sure that we consider our own hearts too.  

 

A few years ago I got a black standard poodle puppy called Alfie (pic above), he was the most beautiful puppy in the world in my eyes. Wonderful nature, incredibly calm, walked to heal naturally until he got to the park and ran around like a nut case. At 4 months old, we were over the park and Alfie was once again running around like a nut case when all of a sudden he collapsed. Literally from no where. I ran over to him and all of a sudden he jumped up as if nothing had happened. I thought it was strange but I guessed he was just being silly, then it happened again and I had to carry him back from the field barely conscious. We rushed him to the vets and on the way he seemed to perk up, by the time we got there he was back to his normal self. I felt like a bit of a fraud but I wanted to make sure he was ok. Unfortunately, Alfie was diagnosed with Cardiomyopathy. The vet that we went to recommended euthanasia there and then. My heart broke immediately. I absolutely didn't believe the vet and whisked Alfie away wanting to protect him with all of my power. He was only 4 months old for goodness sake. How can this happen??

 

I went for a second opinion, this time the vet had a much better bedside manner and gave me options. Unfortunately, Alfies pedigree Pet Plan Insurance had lapsed and I was in the process of getting a new insurance for him so he had no cover. I didn't care....I would have re-mortgaged my house to make him better had it been possible. 

 

He went for several tests and procedures but nothing that made him uncomfortable. It came to the point 3 months later where we had to make a decision. Alfie had another heart attack and his heart stopped in my front room. He rallied again and back he came as if nothing had happened and we knew that the day had come and we had to take the decision to end his suffering. It was the hardest decision I have ever had to make in my life and not a day goes by that I don't think of Alfie. 

 

His treatment cost me over £5000 but I would have happily sold my house to ensure he lived a long and happy life, unfortunately, nothing could be done for Alfie, his cards were marked from the day that he was born. I take comfort in the fact that he was loved every day of his short life and he never knew anything but a loving family. I feel privileged that he came to me! 

 

We have to make hard decisions when it comes to our pets, its part of the job. Its so incredibly important that you arm yourself with the knowledge that things like this can happen and to be ready to step up if the worst is asked of you. Being with them through the good and the bad is what makes us great owners. They need you all the time. 

 

The thing is, for all the sad and terrible things that inevitably happen during the course of your pets life, the great outweighs the bad. The amount of joy your pet brings you, the unconditional love that they show you is absolutely worth the investment of your heart. So, don't be afraid to give your dog 100% as they will certainly give you the same back. 

 

I always say to my customers that have lost a beloved pet, that they should feel proud that they gave that little being love and care and that their pet knew how much they loved them. A lot of people say 'I could never get another dog' and I always say, once a pet lover always a pet lover. Time heals, you will never forget the pet that you lost but in time there may be enough healed heart to allow another little soul in. 

 

Dot be afraid of loving that little pet but remember, all relationships have their ups and downs, we just all have to do our best. Love and laugh on the sunny days and don't be afraid to cry on the rainy and cloudy ones. 

 

RIP ALFIE (DADDY WILL ALWAYS LOVE YOU) XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX