Goodbye, little Bliss.
Posted on 22. Jan, 2010 by Keri in Dog Bliss News
We said goodbye to Bliss on Monday.
Bliss’ health had been steadily declining since Thanksgiving. One by one, we saw her lose the things she loved: playing catch with her stuffed toys, going on walks, and even rolling over on her back to receive belly rubs. Just getting up and down became increasingly difficult and painful for her, and maneuvering stairs was out of the question. We fashioned a make-shift sedan chair out of a cardboard box so we could carry her up and down the stairs to our backyard. She hated it.
Still, her appetite was good, and her spirit was intact. It was hard seeing her body turn on her. She still wanted to do all of her fun Bliss things, but they only caused her pain and frustration.
We tried new pain medication. It helped a little, but not much. She cried all day and all night. I moved to the couch and stayed with her every night so my husband could get some sleep, but she could be heard all throughout the house. It was physically and emotionally draining for all of us.
Then on Sunday at about 3:00 am, she started panting. The panting turned to whining which turned to crying which turned to something I could only describe as screaming. It was horrible. I tried comforting her, but nothing worked. I sat helpless as my little girl endured something that must have been excruciating. I gave her an extra dose of her pain medication, though she wasn’t due for another 12 hours. It eventually seemed to take the edge off and she dozed off into a fitful sleep.
We knew then it was time.
Monday morning, I gave her extra pain medication to help make her as comfortable as possible, and made an appointment for that evening. I’m still not sure how I found the strength to make that phone call.
Bliss and I settled in for a “girl day” of bad TV and good snacks. She had as many cookies and Greenies as she wanted, and about an hour before the vet arrived she had another dose of pain medication along with her favorite dish: scrambled eggs and shredded cheese. My husband arrived home in plenty of time to give her lots of attention and ear rubs. She was having one of her “good” days; clearly still uncomfortable, but not in the kind of pain we’d seen before. Of course, this was probably due to all the extra medication, but it was making it extra hard to see our decision through. We wavered, but then remembered the screaming, and knew we had to do it.
The vet arrived right on time. He was kind, compassionate, and everything you’d want from a vet in that situation, but nothing could buffer us from the horror and grief of watching that lovely creature, our beloved friend, companion, and family member, slip away from us. That memory will haunt us forever.
And now there is a gaping hole in our family, one that can never be filled. Sure, we could get another dog, maybe even another Keeshond. But Bliss was a once-in-a-lifetime dog. There was something about her that, as my husband said, transcended “dog.” So smart, so happy, so funny and good-natured, and everyone who met her recognized it immediately. Not a mean bone in that body. Never once growled or snapped. Always happy to go where you’re going. Always happy to be where you are. And always, always providing unconditional love. There’s no getting Bliss back.
We already miss her terribly. No longer does she herald our arrival home with her “inside voice” of baroos and howls. No more jumping on our son’s bed to gleefully awaken him. No more bows and high-fives. And no more soft sighs when she settles in for the night, the sigh that lets us know that all is well in the world.
We can’t possibly repay her for all the joy she’s given us. And the one small consolation we have for deciding to end her life – especially when she was having a good day – is that we stopped the pain. We opted to make it harder on us so it would be easier on her. We removed all possibility of repeating that horrific, painful night and let her go in peace and comfort.
I’m not exactly sure where dogs go and what memories they take with them. But my hope is that, wherever she is, she’ll remember that her last day on earth was stormy and wet, but she was dry and cozy at my feet. I hope she’ll remember all the treats, and all the pets, and the great big bowl of eggs and cheese brought right to her. I hope she remembers us, at the last moments, holding her and telling her she was a good girl, good girl, good girl.
And I hope, above all, she’ll remember that she was loved.
No related posts.
Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.
Enrique Ramirez
Jan 22nd, 2010
I am sorry to hear about little bliss.
As a dad of three little 4-legged, cold wet-nose creatures, I can’t imagine my life without them anymore.
They give us so much and ask so little in return.
-Enrique
Deb
Jan 24th, 2010
I am sorry for your loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers during this most difficult time.
~Deb
bed frame
Jan 27th, 2010
I am so sorry for Bliss. I know it was very painful for her and also for your family. Take time to heal! Bliss is no longer in pain.
Kate
Feb 3rd, 2010
I am deeply sorry to hear this very sad news. I know this would be very hard for you and your family but at least Bliss is in a better place now…Be strong, everything will heal soon.
Zaena
Feb 17th, 2010
I am so sorry for your loss! A few years ago i lost two dogs of mine because the family was out of town and, since they missed us, they stopped eating and died of starvation (the person who was supposed to check up on them wasn’t doing their job). I understand what you may be going through and hope you aren’t beating yourself up about it. All dogs ask for is love, and everything else is just a bonus. From what i can tell, you loved Bliss VERY much, so her life was well fulfilled. Take your time in this healing!
Interesting Dog Facts
Feb 26th, 2010
Sorry for your loss, my sister just had to put down her toy poodle she had for over 10 years. She was blind and couldn’t walk anymore. She immediately bought her a new one and this seemed to help alot
Large Dog Beds
Mar 2nd, 2010
Sorry to hear about your loss. My 12 yr old lab is starting to skip a meal every now and then so I’m worried his time is growing short.
Randy
Mar 3rd, 2010
It is hard to see your friend get old knowing there is very little you can do. Alex my Mastiff who was so big and strong just couldn’t get up any more. It almost killed me the day we put him down. My two other dogs are both 12 years old and are starting to show their age. All great things eventually end, but there are other dogs out there that can use the love you have to give. I have been rescuing dogs for years now, there are so many waiting for someone to give them a chance. I hope you find a new best friend.
take care
Jay
Mar 28th, 2010
I am so very sorry for your loss. I can’t imagine, dread the day for I love my dog as well. You can just be glad you and Bliss met and gave each other fantastic lives. Be strong
Jen Arnett
Mar 29th, 2010
I am so so so sorry for your loss. Bliss sounded like a great pup! I like to believe that there is special heaven type place for pups and they get to sniff all the butts they choose and pee on everything thing they want. I also believe the cookie jar is always full and within reach of their little paws. My heart goes out to you and your family!
Michael
Mar 29th, 2010
It is always sad when the life of such a great and longtime companion comes to an end. Some very close friends of mine had to recently put their dog, Bill, and cat, Claws to sleep after long illnesses. Cherish the memory of great times you had together.
Russell
Apr 6th, 2010
When it was time for our old dog Micah to go I couldn’t stand to see her in pain. I understand the agony of seeing a pet suffer and the grief associated with watching them slip away. I guess it’s the innocence of the animal and their helplessness that magnifies the grief.
But life goes on, and now we have TWO pups. Our kids grew up and moved away so we “replaced” them with doodles. They keep us busy and Cooper is even featured on the Dog Training Collars Reviews site.
We miss Micah, but sure have a blast with our new family additions!
DoodyDuffle.com
Apr 7th, 2010
I’m so sorry for your loss. There is not a finer companion than a dog. I’ve had my dog since she was very small and we’ve been inseparable.
Roberta Culver
Apr 9th, 2010
I have read this last post on your blog over and over…the first time very tearfully. Although you can never replace dear Bliss, you can be thankful for the time she was in your life – bringing great pleasure to you and you to her. My heartfelt condolences and may God give you strength to start again with a new friend.
Heidi Kramer
Apr 11th, 2010
I am so sorry for the loss of Bliss. One of the best things about dog people, is that they are willing to take on this responsibility, knowing they will outlive their pet.
If it’s OK, I wanted to tell your readers about a site I’m doing some work for. It’s adogspurpose.com. It’s a website for a book, but they are doing a contest on there where you can win a free donation to the dog charity of your choice, no strings attached.
You nominate your dog for “Dog of the Week” and if you win, they donate a free spay or neuter (value $65.00) to your charity. You also get a copy of the book.
It’s a pretty cool thing.
Again, I’m sorry Bliss is gone, but I know that you were glad every day you had her. That’s how I felt about my dog that I lost a few years back. One day, I’ll get a new dog, but I’m not ready yet.
Mark
Apr 19th, 2010
I’m so sorry to hear of your loss- Bliss really did have a blissful little life. Bless the both of you.
Dog Warp
Apr 28th, 2010
I am so so sorry for your loss. I know how hard it can be to lose a canine member of your family, it is heart breaking. I can’t even think about that time for my little Sammie dog. God bless you and just know bliss is in a better place and you will feel better with each day that passes.
Ralpho
May 1st, 2010
Sorry to hear about your dog. My dog is currently writing a blog in which she is chronicling the last months of her life since being diagnosed with cancer. If you’re interested the address is: gempup.blogspot.com
StuffedBulldog
May 15th, 2010
I am so very sorry for your loss. My own boy is nine, and I really want him to live forever.
cd duplication
Jun 3rd, 2010
So sorry for the loss of bliss. He must have been such a wonderful dog.
KathyC
Jun 11th, 2010
Oh, I’m so sorry to learn of the passing of Bliss. It’s hard to say goodbye to a friend who’s been so loyal. I know so many who are absolutely devoted to their dogs. I’m one of them. You’re not alone.
gerri spiers
Jun 19th, 2010
as a dog lover that is really sad news. It is never easy when a dog dies. People think ah it is just a dog. that is not the case.
My blog is all about dogs as I am passionate
http://www.worldwidedoginfo.blogspot.com
Teakwood Bay
Jul 13th, 2010
I am so sorry to hear about the loss of Blis. I lost my favorite dog Bailey last month…it is not the same without her!
Kristin Nicole
Jul 22nd, 2010
I know how you feel and I’m extremely sorry for you loss, I just lost two of my dogs in a matter of a two week span, so I know how difficult it is to lose the ones we love. I hope you continue to write your blog post as it is very helpful for those who love pets.
xo,
kristin nicole
http://www.soapnights.com
Teresa
Oct 5th, 2010
I’m so sorry to hear about Bliss, she was such a beautiful dog. I lost my Yorkshire Terrier, Otis, about 9 months ago and I still miss him so much. There will never be another dog like him as I know there will never be another like Bliss. God Bless!
RAHUSKY
Nov 29th, 2010
soft husky woooos,
RA
Liz Berry Wagner
Mar 5th, 2011
So sorry to read of Bliss’s passing. My condolences. Our dogs are pure love that will always live in our hearts – even after they move on. Thank you for sharing her story.
Ysabelle Lawrence
Apr 18th, 2011
I know what you’ve been going through. Don’t worry. You’ll be ok in no time.
Dog boarding Singapore
Aug 27th, 2011
sigh. this is sucha depressing read. but we know that Bliss is in a better place, smiling down at you.
Crystle's Pet Hotel
Dec 9th, 2011
You will get through this
Brewster Smith
Feb 6th, 2012
So sorry to read about Bliss. I know how hard that is. My wife Molly and I went through it recently and I wrote about the experience too. I had to.
Anne
Feb 8th, 2012
Sad to see them go, just lost one a few months
: (
Bobby Clark
Feb 14th, 2012
Just found your blog and was really moved by the love you and Bliss shared. I can relate to your decision to let Bliss go. We had to let Tootsie go after 16 wonderful years. Thanks for sharing.