This isn’t mundane or pointless, but I figure this forum is the best place to put this post.
Today I had to put my three month old puppy down. You might remember her from this thread. About a week after I brought her home, she started coughing something fierce; the vet decided it was kennel cough and gave me the standard antibiotic treatment. Her cough got better over the next two weeks, but her eyes started getting goopy and red and she started losing her balance.
I took her in today- she had a fever, was falling over, she’d lost a couple pounds (which is a lot in a tiny puppy), her pads of her paws were hard…she had all the symptoms. The vet explained that there is antibiotic treatment, but it was clear the virus was starting to get her brain and the treatment probably wouldn’t do much. Even if she survived it, she wouldn’t be the same.
I would have tried the treatment if I didn’t have other dogs. I just couldn’t put my guys at any more of a risk, no matter how much I loved Bella.
The nurse explained that they have been having to put down a lot of dogs from the pound lately due to distemper. My dad was attached to the puppy, so he wants to get a new one (like…RIGHT NOW. I mean, he wanted to go 3 hours after I put the puppy down) and the boys (Scooby and Doc) seem really sad because the puppy was their little buddy.
I’m not opposed to getting another dog, but I’m worried about getting another dog from the pound. I know I should get a dog from the shelter- I preach it to everyone all the time- but it would just be heartbreaking to get another puppy and watch them deteriorate.
If nothing else, I’m really happy I could make her month good. She was so smart and, even in the end, she still remembered how to sit and shake.
Oh dear. I’m so sorry to hear that…I know how difficult it can be to lose a well-loved friend. And you’re quite right, this isn’t at all mundane or pointless. Am sending good thoughts and puppy kisses your way.
I am sorry for your loss. Unfortunately, sometimes an animal in the shelter is incubating a disease like distemper or parvo and not showing signs until it’s exposed other animals at the shelter. Unvaccinated puppies are the most susceptible.
I might give the shelter another chance, however I would recommend waiting a couple months just in case. This will also give you some time to disinfect the house.
What’s the best way to disinfect? I planed on steam cleaning the carpets tonight, washing the sheets, and throwing away her toys- but is there something else I should do?
I’ve decided I will get another dog from the shelter; afterall, it’s the right thing to do. I will also get a puppy that is older, or even a grown dog.
If this shelter has a distemper problem, why don’t you think about looking at other shelters for now? You’d hate to bring it home again.
Are your other dogs current on their vaccines? Check with your vet, but I don’t think it would hurt to give them a booster even if it’s not technically time for it.
We have two shelters here- the pound and the SPCA. Apparently both are having a problem.
The vet said my other dogs are up on their vacs, so I shouldn’t worry (plus they are a lot older…10 and 8).
My dad wants to go today and get another dog, plus I’ve had about 10 offers to buy me a new dog. It’s nice to know that my friends are there for me :).
She was adorable. I’m so sorry to hear of your loss.
I’ve got a cat at the vet right now recovering after a biopsy, so your thread has upset me even more than usual. I keep trying to tell myself that it’s silly to get so attached to the furballs, but I do anyway.
I"m so sorry. It’s almost eerie sometimes, how fast those little furry things can work their way into your heart. A friend of mine once refered to to puppies as “furry crack cocaine” in terms of addictiveness. At least her life, however short, was happy.
Aw, that’s so sad. She was a cute puppy. I’m sorry that happened to you, especially so soon after getting her. I’m glad that you are planning to get your next dog at the shelter though. They do so need a loving home.
My family’s dog died last weekend. She was 14 years old, so I was sort of expecting it. My mother is quite upset about it (the dog was her constant companion) and doesn’t want another pet…at least not yet. I guess some people need time to recover before getting attached to another dog.
Personally, I’m kind of like your dad in that I’d prefer to get a new one sooner rather than later. It happens that I am just about to move into a no-dogs apartment, but if I still lived at home I think we would be looking for another dog. I don’t think you should forget about a dog after it’s gone (some of them, like ours, are such special companions and have such personality), but I think it helps to have something new and positive to focus on.
It hurts to lose a dog but they can be such a joy to have around that I think it’s ultimately worth it.
I went to the SPCA a little bit ago to look around. They had an adorable lab mix, 6 months old, brilliant, very playful. But then I asked if there would be a chance she would catch the disease from my house and they told me yes. Then they told me I should bleach my grass and wait 6 months to get another dog. jsgoddess I’m sure your baby will be ok- cats are damned strong (strong…stubborn…whichever )
lavenderviolet I’m sorry about your loss. At least your family got many great years with the furball, yeah? I’m sure our dogs are playing together as we speak
When I was a kid one of our dogs died of distemper. Got her from a farmer who does his own innoculations. Apparently he missed one. It’s crappy to lose a family pet and even crappier when you see how awful a death can be with distemper.
I am so sorry for your loss, your Bella was beautiful. I have a little girl named Bella too, she’s a red-headed chihuahua. This makes me so sad, I will make sure I give my doggies extra love tonight!
{{{HUGS TO YOU}}}
Again, I am so sorry for your loss. Take the time you need before you get another one, and please . . . PLEASE adopt from a shelter if you can.
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