ghggp
Moderator
Riley has crossed the bridge
- Thread starter Piper's mom
- Start date
Cindy
Premium Member
No tears for Gavin... last night we went to a vigil for a local missing elderly man. Gavin wore a balloon on his wheelchair and he got people coming up to me asking me about the missing man and helped distribute flyers. He is a well loved boy, but I know he is lucky and I feel sad for all the senior dogs who aren't cherished as they should be.
Chris
Premium Member
I'm so very sorry.
Piper's mom
Moderator
I spoke to our vet this morning and she thought perhaps he had a stroke or possibly the cancer had metastasized to the brain. Said it wouldn't have been compression of the spine by the tumor as that would've been extremely painful and it wasn't, he went very peacefully. She was emphatic that there was nothing that we would've been able to do and that the fact that he passed at home with my mom was the best thing for him, as shocking as it was for us. I was also able to take his excess Gabapentin to them, as they have a donated meds box for those people who can't afford to pay for meds so at least it will help someone else (was at least 100 pills left).
Sharon7
Moderator
I hope this has given you a bit of peace, that Riley drifted off to the Bridge in a non-traumatic way. It's what I prayed for for Brooke as well. So nice of you to donate the meds - our vet does this as well, what a god-send for folks who are struggling with vet bills.
I wanted to say also, returning the loaned stroller we had was really hard as well - just kind of final. But it brought her so much joy, as I'm sure it did Riley.
I wanted to say also, returning the loaned stroller we had was really hard as well - just kind of final. But it brought her so much joy, as I'm sure it did Riley.
Piper's mom
Moderator
It did help Sharon, all part of the grieving process I think...especially when they pass suddenly. Our vet is awesome, I don't know what I would've done without her throughout Riley's illness.
Hopefully at some point I'll be able to use the stroller again in the future, it will hold both Piper and Finnie lol but I'll always think of Riley when I look at it (although in time I know it will be good memories as Riley did love it).
ghggp
Moderator
SO glad your vet gave you some form of closure. Glad they donated the meds. My vet was great about giving me a full refund for all the special canned wet food I had for Logan and all the non used subQ materials. It was quite a hefty amount that was credited to my account. It helps at times like that for a supportive hand of a vet that truly cares about you and your animals!
KarenCurtis
Forums Sage
Caro
Moderator
So glad you talked to the vet, I did the same with my general vet and it helps a lot. Even though you know it was right, it just helps to have a confirmed by the vet.
I felt the same about Deska's strollers and had packed them away as I couldn't face them. But necessity pushed me forward and now the Burmese cat and Tully use them.
I really understand not wanting to relive the pain - I even avoided places we had walked. In the end I got myself a little sketchbook and now I imagine what Deska would have done and draw a little picture so I never forget. My sketches are not good, but it has made a huge difference, going places is not as painful and I can smile about the good memories. Some days are good, and days like today I just weep from missing his touch.
I felt the same about Deska's strollers and had packed them away as I couldn't face them. But necessity pushed me forward and now the Burmese cat and Tully use them.
I really understand not wanting to relive the pain - I even avoided places we had walked. In the end I got myself a little sketchbook and now I imagine what Deska would have done and draw a little picture so I never forget. My sketches are not good, but it has made a huge difference, going places is not as painful and I can smile about the good memories. Some days are good, and days like today I just weep from missing his touch.
Piper's mom
Moderator
It never gets any easier! Funny though, the first week after he was gone I thought I could hear him walking but the past couple days not so much. Perhaps just my brain playing tricks on me but I like to think he stuck around to make sure we were ok. I find that when I keep busy at home (and trust me, Piper and Finnie keep me very busy) I don't think about it as much but when I'm working its on my mind a lot. I'd asked for his paw prints and a lock of fur from the vet and it came on Friday in a large manila envelope...I haven't opened it yet and I'm not sure when I'll be ready. I know I'll break down once I see them...