Lost my best buddy tonight

[docpd]

Hi, everyone. I just need to vent a bit. I suddenly lost my true best friend. Our 10 year old Golden Retriever, Charlie, suddenly died this evening. He truly has been my best friend for the past 10 years, always happy and excited to see me when I got home from work each day. He always called him the puppy who never grew up, because he was always so exuberant and loving.

We noticed that he had been drinking much more water the past month or so, and had slowed down a lot recently. He had a recent ear infection and when my wife took him back to the vet for a recheck she mentioned the change in him and the vet recommended some basic blood tests. The vet called me this morning to tell me that his liver tests were abnormal and recommended some further testing. We decided to go ahead with that but this afternoon he suddenly started vomiting and collapsed. We took him in and within an hour he had a large GI bleed and went into shock. The vet and I talked it over and none of the possible causes were good. When I went in to see him he wagged his tail as always but could not even lift his head. I knew he would die no matter what we did, so we made the decision to euthanize him then rather than let him die alone later tonight. I held his head in my hands and cried as we said goodbye and watched him take his last breath.

Dogs are such wonderful creatures. They give love unconditionally and live only to please. The only problem is that their life span is so short. Charlie is the 5th dog we have now lost, and it never gets easier. His little sister Coco (yorkie) keeps looking for him.

Thanks for listening. I am grateful that he never really suffered, but I truly was not ready to say goodbye so soon.

[alb]

Oh, Doc! I am so sorry. All I can do is sit here and weep with you. No words can make it better but know that my heart breaks with yours.

[Foothiller]

Sorry to hear this, Doc. Charlie sounds like a very special dog, and losses like this are always hard.

[Beer-lord]

So sorry to hear this. Even for a Golden Retiever, he died much too young. I hope you keep the good memories of Charlie.
As a side note, we have a chocolate late named Charlie who is 6 years old and I my wife is already thinking of the future when he won't be with us.

[T8rSalad]

Doc: My heart and soul are with you tonight. I feel your pain as we lost Bee several years ago (2008) and I told my wife he was the last pet I would own cuz of the closeness and pain I went through...never really finished grieving. Until Frisbee, who has got to be BEE re-incarnated. Thanks for sharing and allow us to grieve with you for Charlie. Man's best friend no matter what other's may say. Allow us a moment of silence for Charlie, Docpd and family and especially for Coco too. The tears they are a-flowing. RIP Charlie

[Kealia]

So sorry Doc. I feel like I've had more than my fair share of loving companions and the pain of the loss of them is never any easier.

I'm sure Charlie had a wonderful life and loved you more than you know.

[mashani]

Doc, I am sorry for your loss.

[teutonic terror]

Doc, I am sad for your loss.
Prayers for you and your family.

[RickBeer]

Goldens are great dogs. Sorry for your loss. I grew up with two, brother and sister, she lasted 10 years and he lasted 13.

[Rayyankee]

Very Sorry for your loss Doc. I have loved and lost many a fine dog in my life. they truly make life better.

[Chuck N]

I cried longer and harder when I put my Mack (Golden Lab) down than I did when I lost my mom (although my mom "died" many years before she actually passed). And now, Doc, I'm crying again. Very sorry for your loss and, you're right; it doesn't get any easier.

[Inkleg]

Doc, I am so sorry to hear of your loss.
We love them while they're here and cry like babies when we lose them.

[joechianti]

So sorry Doc. I never warmed up to dogs myself, but when I was reading your post, I got all teary as I could truly feel the pain in your words. May your fonder memories of Charlie comfort you.

[RickS]

I am so sorry, Doc. I understand the pain that you must be going through. I had to have my besst friend put to sleep, and I didn't even have the courage to watch him go to sleep. It still bothers me to this day and that was more than 10 years ago.

[Gymrat]

I am so sorry for your loss. It hurts so much when thier time comes.