It's hard to watch someone you love die.

My dog Fritz is nearing the end of his life. He is 16 years old and he suffers from Cushing's Syndrome.

He has been losing weight since September, and the loss has accelerated recently. The past few days he has begun to lose his appetite. He ate only half of his food yesterday, none the day before, and none so far today.

I offered him the remains of a frozen dinner I had for lunch today, Beef Pot Roast. He sniffed it and walked away. He has never refused such a treat.

He is curled up, asleep in his bed. It takes quite a bit of effort to rouse him.

He's not really even my dog. I didn't choose him. My father did, and I inherited him when my parents died. But even as a puppy, Fritz chose me. I became his favorite person.

How can you not love a creature that adores you so much?

I only hope that his passing, whenever it may come, is peaceful. I also hope I am by his side when it does.

Comments

[Alison]

I remember you saying you hoped you'd both fall asleep one night, and only you would wake up the following morning.

I hope his passing is as painless as possible, for both of you.

[Susan]

I am sorry to hear about Fritz. I have been at the same place.

[bhd]

Oh, dear. I'm sorry to hear things have deteriorated. Poor Fritz. Poor Aalln.

You'll get through it, as you know. And then you can feel good about the wonderful life you gave him. Few dogs are so lucky.

Hugs to you, my friend.

[Sallie]

What a hard thing you are watching... ~sigh!~ I remember watching my friend Hersh' slowly die. I think they know. I believe they understand. Would be nice if we could hear their thoughts. ~My heart goes out to you and yours...~ I hope the end is without pain.

[edieraye]

It is so special when an animal chooses you! Wishing you both comfort in the days ahead.

[Sissy]

Hopefully things will happen peacefully.

I got Kiki over 2 years ago as a baby. I'm not sure what I'll do when it's time. I just can't imagine that.

[bothenook]

that's the problem with pets. with a few rare exceptions, like galapogos turtles, or some breeds of parrots, we outlive them. one of the hard lessons as a kid growing up is learning that the pooch you got as a puppy during elementary school won't be there forever.
but look at the bright side. you can always find another puppy to steal your heart, and to heal your heart.

[Platypotamus]

my heart goes out to you and Fritz.

just be with him.

[Teresa]

I'm very sorry for your dog, and forgive me if I overstep, but wouldn't it be best to put him down? I don't envy you your decision, but I hope everything works out.

[MIchelle]

*hug*

What a glorious friend you have there.

[Beth Donovan]

Allan,

I so admire you for being such a good dog daddy. It sounds like he is not in pain, just worn out. That happened to my sweet Golden Retriever, Mickey. I was out of town, but she barked in the middle of the night, and my husband went over to her and held her in his arms, then she passed away. I truly believe you get lots of points off from Purgatory if you love your companion critters.

<<<>>>

[Carrie]

I read this yesterday and was so sad for you I was in tears.

Just wanted to say I'm sorry and I know what you're going through {hug}

[Bonnie]

Oh, no. I'm so sorry. I don't think you have to put him down unless he seems like he's hurting (or if he stops drinking water). Either way, just make him comfy and give him lots of hugs. And afterward, find someone who can do the same for you. Our virtual arms are all around yout.

[Allan]

Bonnie,

He is not in pain, and I have found some things he will eat, so he isn't starving to death. But he does sleep for 23 hours a day, so...

Thanks to everybody for your sweet comments and well-wishes.

It really means a lot.

[Smitty]

Hang in there, Allan.

Sorry to hear about Fritz. I've dealt with loss of a four-legged friend before.. It's not easy. That being said, 16 years of memories will last a lifetime.

Take care!