www.iva.co.uk

Hi

my eldest dog (I have 3 - long story but took on my sons dog he'd got just a few months before he was killed at 18) is worrying me at the moment. He's a golden retriever and is 12 and suddenly seems to have gone downhill. He's not even barking properly, it's more of a little yap, fairly quiet and he's not moving around much, as if everything is a massive effort. He's not uncomfortable or in pain or anything but I'm really worried he's going to go to sleep and not wake up. I would be devastated because he's a massive part of the family, we love him to bits and it would be like losing another link to my son.
Things never get any better for us, I feel like giving up.

Thanks for listening

P x

I'm so sorry Pap. I know there's nothing I can say to make you feel better, but I do know how hard it is to lose a pet that's a link to someone you've lost. I feel silly saying this, but before he died my dad bought me a rabbit, and when the rabbit died it was like I'd lost another part of my dad.

Hopefully your dog is just feeling a bit under the weather and he'll feel better soon.

You know where we are if you need us xxx

Thanks Skippy,
It's not silly what you said about your rabbit, I think we attache the feelings we had for the people concerned to our pets and it is like losing the person or part of them again.
I guess I just feel a bit sorry for myself and bewildered, so auch has happened in the last couple of years and basically I don't think we're particularly horrible people, it's hard to understand why.
I keep thinking I can't feel any worse, the corner to turn must be coming up and then wham! along comes something else.

Thanks for your support - I don't always whinge, honest!

P x

Pap, I can totally sympathise with you.

We lost one of our dogs last year at the ripe old age of about 14 (rescue dog so no idea how old she actually was) and we were devastatd. We knew it was coming, but didn't expect it to be as sudden as it was.

I suppose we have to accept that once they get to 12+ we are going to lose them - doesn't make it an easier, and in your case it will be a double blow as he is the last link to your son.

I hope he recovers.

And you rant all you like. You'll get whatever support you need.

Thanks Jan,
we'll just have to keep our fingers crossed but he's gone downhill so quickly. Hubby got home from work earlier and the dog didn't even move, usually he'd be up to greet him.

Thanks for your support

P x

I really feel for you - it is an awful time when pets are sick.

I've got everything crossed.

Hi Pap,
So sorry to hear your doggie is under the weather. We get so attached to them it's like having a sick child/sibling. I really hope he perks up soon and that it's not something serious.
Thinking of you and sending positive vibes to the dog.
Chardonnay x

Ask your vet about vivitonin tablets,my little dog is on them and is a lot brighter and sharper than he had been for years!!!

Sorry to hear about your poorly doggie,Pap..It's awful when you have a poorly pet,after all they are one of the family and you love and get as attached to them as much as the rest of the family..We've had our fair share of poorly pets in the past and it's horrible..I hope he recovers very soon for you all..Hope you're feeling ok too..take care..xx

How is the dog today Pap?

Thanks everyone for your messages,
He's much the same today, just very lethargic but doesn't seem distressed or in pain at all. He's asleep most of the time so we'll keep an eye out and if there's no improvement we'll get him to the vet.
Still, at least he hasn't got any worse.

Thank you all

P x

I hope he does improve Pap, I can understand how awful you must be feeling at the moment xxx

Thanks Skippy,
we're keeping our fingers crossed.

P x

Thinking of you Pap

I'm so sorry that your dog is poorly Pap...it really is heartbreaking to see a beloved pet unwell and not their usual self, as you just feel so helpless. I do hope that he gets better soon though. Thinking of you all...take care xxx