View Full Version : Goodbye to my faithful dog Corey!
On Monday the time came when we had to say goodbye to our dog Corey. We have had him for 15 years and he has been the best friend anyone could have to myself, hubby and two children. He has been ill for quite a while but has managed to carry on in his own way and we had been assured by the vet that he was not in any pain, so we kept him as long as we could. Unfortunately he took a turn for the worst and on Monday evening the decision had to be made to put him to sleep. I am devastated, he is missed so much and I know the pain will get easier, but it is so hard to imagine life without him. As you can imagine the tears keep flowing (sometime uncontrolably) and the house seems to empty. I know that others have been through this, as I have read on here before, but it is so very hard to come to terms with. We all miss him so much!!!
Julia,
I am so sorry to hear your sad news about your beloved Corey. I know exactly how you must be feeling as we lost our faithful friend Daisy just over 2 years ago. Our home was never the same afterwards and we now have our lovely Lily. Lily will never take the place of Daisy but she did keep us busy at a very sad time, as puppies do. Be comforted that you gave a very special dog a lovely home for 15 years and you had no choice when the time came to have him put to sleep.
Take care.
My heart goes out to you. Its like losing a member of the family. It takes a long time to get over and its very hard.
We lost our family pet a Lhasa apso (got her when I was 7 years old and she passed away when I was 21) that was 7 years ago now and its still very sad. When I visit my parents I still expect her to greet me at the door.
My hubby and I have a dog now, another Lhasa and I cannot imagine what will happen if anything happens to her...
I am sure you gave your pet a good life and made sure they were loved and just keep that in mind.
Chin up.
x
sundowner
13-08-2008, 20:51
Very sorry to hear your news. Our little nipper was almost 18 yr old and my sister-in-law was looking after him because we were at the villa.
He had a stroke a few years before and pulled through, to some extent, but we knew it could happen at any time. That was just over 2 yr ago, and although it does get easier we still expect to see him out in the garden or 'scrounging'and hoping to catch meat when I am slicing the roast on a Sunday.
Julia, my heart goes out to you.
The loss of a beloved pet is never easy and non animal lovers just don't understand how you are feeling. 15 years was a long time so don't let anyone make you feel silly about mourning Corey.
Like others here I understand the pain and guilt you are going through, so there's no need to suffer on your own.
[grouphug]
steph_goodrum
13-08-2008, 20:57
Julia
Sorry for your loss , it is always hard when you lose a pet who has been a part of your life for no matter how long but sometimes the best decision is to let them go peacefully.
My sister had to make the same decision on Saturday when her dog was found to have a tumour on his spleen that had ruptured. As there was only a 20% chance it wasnt malignant and he could possibly have a few more months (if he survived the anaesthetic as he was 12/13 was nearing the end of his natural life she felt it would be cruel to make him suffer for her benefit. It was extra diffcult because they had had Oscar for around 8 years after my nephew who was 14 at the time was working in a dog rescue center and begged her to let him have a dog, and he idolised him. Sadly 3 years later just after he turned 18 he died suddenly and so for the last 5 years Oscar has been one of the most tangible reminders of her son and given her more comfort than anything else and certainly more than anythiing we can say to help her through.
sammibabe
13-08-2008, 22:31
My heart goes out to you (and also your sister Steph as it is a double for her). I lost one of mine 9 years ago and the other 8 years ago but I can remember that time so clearly and the devastation we all felt. I look at photos and a painting we have and remember the love they gave us and can now do that with a smile rather than tears.
thornton
13-08-2008, 23:25
I am so sorry to hear your news. I know just how you feel, we have been through it twice but have another border collie as neither of us can bear to be without a dog in the house.
SteveandJan
14-08-2008, 02:12
Oooh, am so sorry. We lost our dog nearly two years ago who was almost 19 and we still think about him.
luckylady
14-08-2008, 03:39
So sorry to hear your sad news, it's heartbreaking.We lost out boxer Amber 8 years ago.
I look at photograghs of her,still now upsets me.
But how ever hard it was for you to let go,it is for the best. As much as you will miss your beloved pet the time was right for her to go to sleep.
Sorry to hear about your dog Julia, sad news.
Barbara
Thank you all for your kind words. I dont write often on here although I do read all the posts most days, but I knew this was a good place to find people who understand how hard this is. There are some very caring and thoughtfull people on here, thank you all again xxx
Steph, my heart goes out to your sister, it is hard enough at the best of times (as I am finding), but for your sister it must be terrible, my thoughts are with her xx
SunLover
14-08-2008, 15:28
Julia
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Having been through this myself around 5 years ago, I remember the emptiness and devastation you are feeling right now.
As others have said, I feel sure that you will have many many happy memories, and the knowledge that you gave Corey a wonderful life in a loving family will surely be a comfort to you.
When my doggy had to be put to sleep lots of friends said to get another pet quickly to soften the blow, but that just didn't feel right to me. To this day, I don't yet have another dog. I intend to, but the time is just not right, even five years on.
However, what has made a huge difference to me and has given me my "doggy fix" without the responsibility of full ownership is volunteering at my local Dogs Trust Rehoming Centre. I started off as a dog walker and after about 6 months I was "promoted" to dog socialising, which is a posh title for someone who sits and plays with the dogs on a one to one basis to get them used to interacting with humans again, before they are put up for rehoming.
For me this has been a complete lifeline, and I just absolutely adore doing it. So who knows, rather than taking on the responsibility of another doggy, this might be something that you could consider to help you through this difficult and empty time.
Good luck :)
LiesaAnna
14-08-2008, 17:15
Hi Julia
im so sorry to hear of your sad loss of Corey, we lost our dog Arnie a year ago today, his first anniversary....... we all still miss him so badly and still shed tears for him now.... we also got a new dog 2 months after he had died, we had talked about getting a new dog some time later expecting Arnie to have gone for a few years more even tho he was 14, he was never an ill dog always fit, so thought he would last longer, anyway we spent sometime with Tricia (southsider) and fell in love with her big boy Murphy, a great dane...... so started on the road to gather as much info about the breed, sadly as Arnie left us before we expected...... but a great dane puppy came up 2 months later and we picked him up the day after we came home,
hes now our life!!! he is loved by absolutely everyone and we know Arnie is always in our hearts ........ hopefully one day Julia you will feel better.... just dont expect to much from yourself, theyre not just 'a dog' not just 'a pet' theyre part of the family xxx God bless Corey xxx Rainbow Bridges gain......
Julia I am so sorry to hear your news and do feel for you, we lost our eldest dog in May aged only 11 but she had torn her cruciate ligament when 2 and despite 2 repairs it was never the same again, and she was quite badly crippled when I had to make the horrible decision. It is never easy but I do feel that we owe it to our beloved animals so ensure they do not suffer in pain after all the happy years of love and devotion we receive from them. I still haven't changed my avatar of Lottie, despite having another her niece at home, along with a new puppy who can be a little terror! Nothing can take away the memories you have and I am sure Corey had a happy life and was much loved. [grouphug]
Liesa is it really a year since you lost Arnie? It doesn't seem possible. I clearly remember you writing about how awful you were feeling at the time, Fiona too earlier this year.
Julia I hope you are feeling a bit stronger today? As Liesa and Fiona prove your pain will lessen in time and you'll be able to smile when you think of Corey rather than break down.
Take care [grouphug]
So sorry to hear of your loss Julia, most of us know the feeling and understand how sad you feel at the moment.
[grouphug]
Liesa, I remember you loosing Arnie, I cant believe it has been a year already. I think I posted on your message back then. I know Corey wasnt to well around that time, I am lucky that he made it another year from then on. I dont know about getting another dog yet, I would like to but miss Corey so much at the moment, I dont think anything can help that feeling, just time to adjust I suppose. This empty feeling will surely go away and then all the good memories can take over, but the tears are not ready to stop yet!!
Nina, I am feeling a bit better thank you, but as I said this empty feeling is horrendous. Coming into the house and he is not there is just awfull. My children must think I am mad at the moment, I keep talking as though Corey is still around, saying goodnight to him etc. it just helps a bit, but I think my daughter is to young to understand that. We have to collect Coreys ashes on Tuesday, but I am hoping to feel a bit better then, I think it will feel as though he is back with us. We have a special place to bury them along with a few of his favourtie things. Will be very emotional but hopefully it will still help.
Thanks everyone again xx, it definately helps to speak to people who undestand how I am feeling.
LiesaAnna
15-08-2008, 00:12
awww bless you Julia xxxx
Liesa,
I did not know what you meant about "Rainbow Bridges gain". I have just found out by reading the poem. It is beautiful and I really hope that it is true, so that one day I will know that I will be with Corey again. Got to say I am very emotional again at the moment, just cant seem to go to bed, hopefully I will soon and just wish I could wake up and that this had been a very bad dream. Unfortunately this is not going to be the case I know!!
LiesaAnna
15-08-2008, 15:08
sorry Julia, but we have been there and have come thru it, its sad but you would never want Corey to suffer.... there will come a day when the tears wont flow as much as they do today...... something silly may trigger them off just go with it and never be embarressed, he was your faithful copanion and am sure hes still around you in spirit..... thinking of you with tears in my eyes as im still missing my Arnie so much....
http://www.rainbowbridge.com/hello.htm
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Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.
When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.
All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor. Those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.
They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent. His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.
You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.
Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together....
Author unknown...
Liesa that is so lovely it's made me cry dam it [msncry]
It's great to have a place where people understand. I wonder if John and Roger would consider a pets corner thread to share our happy and sad stories?
LiesaAnna
15-08-2008, 17:57
awww that would be nice...... made me cry to xx
bjpointon
16-08-2008, 00:18
My Friend in Canada did a calendar and this was October -
Dog's Soul
How can we say that a dog has no soul
If you own one you know it's not true
For when he looks with those lovely brown eyes
His very soul is looking at you.
No heart in this world is as loyal as his
No human has his patience,
He lives just for you, you are his all
To obey, stand guard, and come at your call.
In heaven there must be a place for a dog
He has earned it, God Bless him
To be there beside God
LiesaAnna
16-08-2008, 00:26
[msncry]beautiful[msncry]
Sorry to hear about your dog corey,brings back memories of when i had to let our dog of 21 years go.The poems on here are lovely brings a tear to my eyes.Eastenders didnt help tonight either,i had to walk out of the room when they put well ard to sleep,i know its only a programme but i dont see why you had to watch him being put down[msnsad]
I made a big mistake of watching Eastenders this evening. I was uncontrollably crying and had to answer loads of questions from my daughter afterwards about Corey. Unfortuantely we were not with Corey when he was put to sleep, but the one good thing is that my daughter now knows that Corey being put to sleep was quick and painless.
I agree that the poems are fantastic, so beautiful and the meanings are so true. I have cried alot in the past 24 hours reading things, but did also find a fantastic dogs tribute website which I have put Corey on. Not sure if I am allowed to put the website on here, but if anyone is interested they can DM me. Thanks again everyone xxxx
LiesaAnna
16-08-2008, 12:25
Steve and i were both in tears when watching well ards last seen, at the same time tears running down our faces we both pointed to Arnies picture...... if that hadve been shown thursday..... well.............
well heres hoping Julia your tears will slow down and you will let the wonderful memories come through that Corey has left you with..... dont ever try to stop the tears, he was a lovely family member someone who will be missed greatly...... dont expect to feel much better a year down the line..... its so nice to talk with people who understand what your going through as we had friends who said 'he was just a dog' never!!!! like one of my kids is not 'just a kid'
take care Julia if you ever want to chat about him just dm me, always here to help xxxx
Such sad news, it is so hard to say goodbye to them when we have to. I am thinking of you and your family, thinking of your happy memories with him I hope will help you smile again
Thank you everyone for your kind thoughts and replies. I am feeling alot better, I think shock took over, but I am coming to terms with it a bit more now. Have to collect Corey's ashes a little later today, so will be emotional but we are going to plant and apple tree as hubby said we can then call it "Apple Cor Tree" (obviously we used to call him Cor for short) which we all smiled about and thought it a nice idea.
Thank you Liesa for being so understanding, I will probably take you up on a chat in a few days once everything has calmed down again.
Best wishes to you all.