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Heartbroken - pet loss
As if I don't have enough on my mind at the moment . . .
My sister just called to tell me that my father had our beloved family dog, Tucker, put down. He was 13 and apparently caught a virus and was horribly sick.
I get that he was getting older, and that he was sick . . . but my father has been bitching about the burden of taking care of him since my mother died 7 years ago. He never has a kind word to say about Tucker and seemed to look forward to his eventual death if only because it would free him from the hassle and responsibility of having a pet. UGH.
And get this - - he wasn't put down today . . . oh no, it happened on MONDAY and he just today called my sister to tell her. He hasn't had the balls to call me and tell me. Thankfully my sister first chewed him out for his selfishness and thoughtlessness (to the point where he essentially hung up on her), and then she called me and was very sweet in telling me.
Thankfully, knowing he was getting up in age and I don't have many opportunities to see him, I always made extra sure when I was at my Dad's to spend time just cuddling and snuggling Tucker. I would always take his head in my hands and put my nose to his and look into his soulful brown eyes and say "You know how much I love you, don't you? You know you are the best dog ever, don't you?" He would then do his "Tucker-hug" and sit back and put his front paws around my wrists and just sit there looking at me with such sweetness. God, I'm going to miss that . . .
I am disgusted with my father's behavior. Disgusted that he was too cowardly to call us sooner, disgusted that he seems to have taken the easy way out (the vet did say Tuck was quite ill, but I doubt my father even inquired about his recovery chances and needs). Disgusted with every thing he has done regarding this - - I don't even want to talk to him. Of course, I am sure he is too chickenshit to call me - he knows how much I loved Tucker and he knows how upset I must be.
GAH!! I have been dreading this moment for so long - - but I just saw Tucker two weeks ago and he was fine. A little slow, yes, and he had some large cysts/tumors which are common in older springer-spaniels, but over all, he was in great health. This virus could have been treated and he could have recovered, I know it - - and if my dad didn't want to deal with him, my sister would have taken him (we can't because of our condo rules) - but my Dad didn't even consider any other option beyond putting him down.
Tucker has been an incredibly sweet, loyal, patient and loving dog for 13 years and he deserved better than this.
Re: Heartbroken - pet loss
Whoa - that was long. Sobbing while typing does not help brevity apparently!
""No one else will ever know the strength of my love for you. After all, you're the only one who knows what my heart sounds like from the inside."
"On the night you were born, the moon smiled with such wonder that the stars peeked in to see you and the night wind whispered "Life will never be the same." Because there had never been anyone like you... ever in the world." ~ Nancy Tillman
jack | born 9.13.12 at 40w4d | 9 lbs 12 oz | 23 in
my puppy loves - chloe & jenson
pregnancy blog | chart
I'm so sorry... Even if putting him down WAS the best thing for him, the least your dad could have done was let you know about it. Maybe you could have even gone and said your goodbyes beforehand. It's really sad that your dad denied you that opportunity, and denied you a sense of closure regarding the loss of your dog
Tucker knew that you loved him. I'm sure he was comforted by your recent visits. Try to honor him with the memories of the happiness he brought you, and allow yourself to grieve.
Thanks so much ladies. Knowing how many women on here adore their pets, I knew you all would understand and sympathize.
I've been crying all evening but DH has been wonderful - and immediately poured me a glass of wine (after holding me for a good long while).
Add to all this, when my sister called, I had been napping. I had a dream where my mother was suddenly alive and everything was normal - I was crying in my sleep and was so happy to see her again. To wake up from that to the news that my dog was dead was incredibly painful - and yet, part of me wonders if she appeared in my dream to remind me that now they were together again. I am clinging to that thought for comfort.
My sister has posted pics of Tuck on FB (along with ones I have, but she's a photographer so hers are better) and I wanted to post some on here, but I cannot seem to get it to work - - once I get it figured out, hopefully I'll be able to share his adorableness with everyone.
No words- just that I'm so so sorry. Not sure if you'd be interested in this but I've thought about hiring an animal communicator since Bijou passed and I've heard of other people who have felt some closure with that. Maybe you could talk with an animal communicator and get some closure. I've heard dogs are really telepathic. (sorry if I sound super loony with this suggestion) I'm really sorry for your loss.
Photo taken at 16 months old
<hugs>
I can't read your whole post or the replies, since we just lost our cat of 15 years earlier this week and I'm pretty sure I'd be balling my eyes out. I just wanted to say I'm really sorry you have to go through this. I posted about my kitty a few days ago, and the ladies on here gave me some really advice on dealing with a lost pet.