Pets
Related: About this forumMy oldest child's bearded collie cross the rainbow bridge on Thursday
The beardie was just over 14 years old which is a good lifespan for this breed. Simon had some grand mal seizures a week ago and was put on some seizure meds but held back on a drug due to some past liver issues. My oldest had spent several hours at the vet hospital with Simon and was able to take Simon for a walk. After getting home, Simon had a good week and my youngest child got to see him last weekend. This Wednesday night after midnight, Simon started foaming at the mouth and lost control of his bowels. My oldest got Simon to the emergency vet and stayed with Simon 7:30 AM when the meds had settled him down. My oldest was told by the vet that it was time to say goodbye. The Vet gave some steroid shots and other meds (there were no futher concerns about the liver issues).
I came into town and went with oldest to the vet hospital around 3 in the afternoon. Simon was still out of it but seem to recognize my oldest. The vets brought Simon into a room and place him on a mat with towels and sheets. Simon was unable to stand up or move much and it was clear that Simon was blind. By then Simon was awake and could recognize my oldest and I by the sound of our voices and smells. My oldest got to lay down next to Simon and we were amused when Simon asked/demanded that I pet him (beardies in general can be very bossy). We spent over an hour with Simon and while he was blind he knew we were with him. After over an hour, Simon was having trouble staying alert and so my oldest had the vet give the two shots while Simon was lying next to my oldest.
In hospice care they talk about the last good day for a patient. My oldest and I got to see Simon for the last couple of good hours. Simmon knew that he was loved, and we were with him until the end. I went home with my oldest for a couple of hours and went home when my oldest was okay.
It is hard to say goodbye to a family member.
RKP5637
(67,112 posts)jls4561
(1,451 posts)brer cat
(26,164 posts)It is such a difficult time!
Chicagogrl1
(471 posts)We went through a similar situation w/ our Whippet Maximus 5 yrs ago on St Patricks day. He had some type of cancer & went down hill fast. Started having breathing problems & we took him to the emergency vet. It was time to let him go, so we held him & layed on the floor until he passed. He was my 3rd son, so i understand how hard it is. Sending you 🤍
niyad
(119,637 posts)loving arms, and send peace and comfort to his grieving loved ones.
I am so sorry for the loss of your precious Simon. It is indeed hard to say goodbye to them.
Rhiannon12866
(221,379 posts)But please remember that you both gave Simon your best and he was so fortunate to have you.
2naSalit
(92,451 posts)LetMyPeopleVote
(154,119 posts)The breeder is concerned because she and saw that my oldest also applied to be on the beardie rescue group (my breeder is on the national board for this group). My breeder is afraid that a rescue beardie will have a ton of problems. I had to assure the breeder that my oldest simply does not know what he wants and is looking at all alternatives.
My oldest is grieving and really does not know what he wants other than the fact that he is in a large new house that feels empty without Simon. I told my son that there is a reason why Jews sit shiva for seven days after a death and the same principles apply to the loss of a dog.