Lost my Corgi, suddenly, two days ago. I'm still completely overwhelmed with grief.
Hi everyone,
I visited the message board to see happy stories of Corgis and try to bring my spirits.
Two days ago, in the afternoon, we unexpectedly had to put our Corgi to sleep. He was almost 14 years old. My wife, kids, and I all knew the time was coming but never expected such a turn of events. I work from home and left my office to take a break. Our Corgi, Toby, always lounged by our front door, on the cool tile floor. I noticed that he was panting and breathing quite heavily. As I got closer, I realized that he had urinated on the floor where he lay. I immediately knew something was wrong. I thought maybe he had a seizure. I called the vet and they suggested I bring him in.
The vet examined him and said his temperature was low and his gums looked pale. She decided to do blood work and x-rays. As she left the room, she said he was "critical". My heart sank. A short time later, the vet brought me back to see the x-rays. There was a large tumor on his spleen and a large mass in his abdomen that had pushed his organs to one side. I immediately began to break down. She went on to say that he most likely had Hemangiosarcoma and that one of the tumors had ruptured and he was bleeding internally. My options were not good. He could have surgery to remove his spleen but, with the cancer spreading, he wouldn't live but a few months anyway. Plus, he would mostly likely be in pain and not a great quality of life.
I felt like a wimp because I literally could make the decision myself. I spoke to my wife and older son who has spent the most time with Toby. The only consensus was to do the humane thing and end his suffering. It was so unexpected as he showed no signs of pain; was active that morning, ate his breakfast and played with our other dogs.
Two days later I still question my decision but logically it was the only one to make. Thanks for listening everyone.I can barely concentrate on work and home at the moment. I hope it gets easier with time.
- Jamie
Comment
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Comment by Sherry Kiley Oden on May 7, 2018 at 7:59pm
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I am so very sorry for your loss. I found out this past Christmas that my little buddy, Bandit, has cancer. He had stayed up late Christmas Eve with me wrapping gifts and was fine. While getting dressed the next morning I noticed his jaw was swollen. I called my son in to look and he volunteered to take him to the Emergency Vet while I finished my Christmas preparations. I figured the vet would be busy since it was a holiday but when almost 3 hours had passed and I had not heard from my son I started to worry. I called his phone and as soon as he answered I could tell he was very upset. He had been trying to get the courage to call me with the bad news. It was worse than I could even imagine. It wasn't an infected tooth like I was hoping but cancer, lymphoma.
I lost my husband to cancer in 2004. Bandit has been my constant companion since my son brought him home as a puppy in 2008. There isn't a cure for his type of cancer but it could be treated. My veterinarian assured me if the treatment caused any suffering we would stop and I would let him go. Bandit is still with me, still chasing me through my house and running around the park on his daily walks. I watch carefully for signs of distress, pain or sudden flare ups. My vet has told me that the treatment will work until it "just doesn't". I pray for courage when that day comes.
So I understand your heartache and grief. I hope your other fur babies give you some comfort and can help you through your loss.
Sherry
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Comment by Carolyn and Gracie on May 7, 2018 at 6:48pm
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Thank you James. I'm glad you're feeling somewhat better. It's been 2 1/2 months now for me and I'm doing ok, still sometimes think it's a mistake when I watch her in a video and she's so bright and alive. I think, how could this happen? I would love another Corgi too. They seem to be rare these days, none at the shelters and you have to book ahead months for a puppy. But I'm probably not ready. My friend joked on Saturday that a new pup wouldn't stand a chance at measuring up to Gracie the Best Dog in the Whole World. :) I laughed and then of course, tears ran down my face a minute later. No, I'm not ready yet. Best of luck to you too. Hugs to your 'mutts'. I bet they're wonderful company.
Carolyn
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Comment by James Hurley on May 7, 2018 at 12:57pm
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Thank you everyone, for the comments. It's been a couple of weeks now and I'm only barely starting to adjust not having him around. I even keep finding his Corgi hair around the house, occasionally. :) I miss him tremendously but, now, I know that I made right decision and that it was his time. I was lucky to have him for almost 14 years.
Carolyn - I'm sorry you lost Gracie so young. It must have been quite the shock. I was, at least, expecting that my Corgi's time was short. Now, I embrace the fact that I had to make a fast, educated decision about our Corgi's care. It was much better for us and him to not prolong any advanced illness. :(
I wish you best. I would love to have another Corgi, as part of our family, but I'm not quite ready yet. We have two other dogs, "mutts" that we adopted from a shelter. I'm trying to concentrate on spending time with them.
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Comment by Laura and Tommy Jefferson on May 5, 2018 at 4:09pm
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I'm so sorry for your loss, Jamie :(
RIP, little friend
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Comment by Natsuhi Shirosaki on April 22, 2018 at 11:21pm
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I am so so sorry to hear that :(
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Comment by Beth on April 19, 2018 at 7:56pm
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I am so sorry. Whether it's sudden or you know it's coming for a long time, it's never easy. I'm sorry about your sweet boy. You did the right thing. The first few weeks are the hardest.
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Jamie,
Your story does sound very similar to mine and Gracie's. I couldn't make the decision alone either. I just stood there stunned and my brain didn't want to register what was really happening. I had to call my best friend to come and help me. I think I was in shock the day after, I was so cold and couldn't get warm under piles of blankets. I keep thinking back, did I miss a sign? She was only 10 years, 8 months so I wasn't expecting it at all.
I'm so sorry for your loss. Corgis are such wonderful, funny, sweet, loyal, adorable little dogs. We were very fortunate to have been blessed with one in our life.
Carolyn
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