# New Puppy Passed Away - Feeling Very Down **URL:** \ **Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\ **Created:** [October 25, 2013, 3:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-puppy-passed-away-feeling-very-down/672214 "2013-10-25T15:06:21Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![AnthonyElite](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/b487fb/32.png) [@AnthonyElite](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AnthonyElite)\ **Post date:** [October 25, 2013, 3:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-puppy-passed-away-feeling-very-down/672214/1 "2013-10-25T15:06:21Z")
The new puppy, Rocky, I recently adopted from the shelter just passed away. He was already an unhealthy dog when I got him from the shelter, and I brought him to the vet’s office and it looked like things were going to be alright for him. He was quite skinny, but eating well. The vet said he needed a de-wormer, and told us he might not be very hungry the next day, which was nothing to worry about, and may have some odd stool, which was expected. The next day he wasn’t eating or drinking, and was somewhat lethargic. I wrote it off as what the vet had explained. His stool was irregular, as expected. Sunday night he started vomiting, over and over. I left work early on Monday and took him to the vet - they said it looked like he had complications and may have been recovering on the tail end of Parvo, and the de-wormer might have tipped him over the edge. They suggested fluids, and to keep him on his antibiotics. Tuesday I stayed out of work (I had been somewhat ill myself) and took care of him, administering water with a turkey baster, giving him his meds, taking him to the bathroom. I read all day long about dog illnesses whenever he didn’t need attention. That night he started having bloody stool that had the typical Parvo odor. I called the vet and they said they could put him up overnight, that it would be quite expensive, and that there was a fair chance of him expiring before the night was over. I didn’t like those odds, or the idea of him dying alone. So, I decided to continue caring for him. He got progressively worse, then seemed to be getting better around noon Wednesday. Suddenly, his gums become quite clammy and his limbs seemed stiff. He began to have trouble breathing and passed away in minutes. I hadn’t slept in days, caring for the dog, and I’m pretty torn up by the whole thing. I cared for him nonstop in that time, and was holding him in my arms when he passed. I buried him that day, in a sunlit grassy grove at my girlfriend’s family’s home. It hurt me incredibly - I didn’t realize how much hope I had until it was shattered. I want to keep the good memories of him fresh - how he smelled, his silly bark, the way he played, but the traumatic moments of caring for him keep coming up in my mind. In the end, I know I did right by him, and tried my best. He would have been put down that day if I hadn’t rescued him, and even if only for a week, he had a life outside of isolation in a shelter, Rocky had a name, people who loved him, a leash, a collar, two dishes, and an army of toys to call his own. An older companion in my dog Slater as well. I couldn’t give him life, but I did give him a family. I know all of this, but still I feel so hurt. ---
**Author:** ![Capt\_Kirk](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/779978/32.png) [@Capt\_Kirk](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Capt_Kirk)\ **Post date:** [October 25, 2013, 3:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-puppy-passed-away-feeling-very-down/672214/2 "2013-10-25T15:16:40Z")
Oh no, I am so sorry. His pic was so cute. I am relieved he at least had a good week My sincere condolences **Capt** ---
**Author:** ![Minnie\_Luna](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/4bbf92/32.png) [@Minnie\_Luna](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Minnie_Luna)\ **Post date:** [October 25, 2013, 3:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-puppy-passed-away-feeling-very-down/672214/3 "2013-10-25T15:20:22Z")
I’m so sorry for you loss. Did the vet not test for parvo in the initial visit? Whenever I have gotten iffy or sickly puppies from the shelter I ask the shelter to test them or get them tested myself ASAP for parvo. Does the shelter know that the puppy died from parvo? Was the dog formally tested and positive? You might want to alert them so that they can contain an outbreak. Is your older dog vaccinated? ---
**Author:** ![AnthonyElite](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/b487fb/32.png) [@AnthonyElite](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AnthonyElite)\ **Post date:** [October 25, 2013, 3:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-puppy-passed-away-feeling-very-down/672214/4 "2013-10-25T15:27:07Z")
> [@Minnie\_Luna](#): > > I’m so sorry for you loss. > > Did the vet not test for parvo in the initial visit? Whenever I have gotten iffy or sickly puppies from the shelter I ask the shelter to test them or get them tested myself ASAP for parvo. > > Does the shelter know that the puppy died from parvo? Was the dog formally tested and positive? You might want to alert them so that they can contain an outbreak. > > Is your older dog vaccinated? Slater, my older dog, is vaccinated. However, that doesn’t mean that he can’t still get it, unfortunately. I took yesterday off work to wipe down every surface in the apartment with bleach-water. The puppy was partitioned off, of course but you cannot be too careful. I informed the shelter and told them it was likely Parvo. The vet told me that the Parvo test ran negative, however he had all the classic signs. The ONLY thing I can think it might have been otherwise is this [http://www.freep.com/article/20131004/NEWS05/310040040/](http://www.freep.com/article/20131004/NEWS05/310040040/) I cannot be certain it wasn’t that, as the symptoms seem quite similar. ---
**Author:** ![BoBettie](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/4af34b/32.png) [@BoBettie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BoBettie)\ **Post date:** [October 25, 2013, 4:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-puppy-passed-away-feeling-very-down/672214/5 "2013-10-25T16:20:52Z")
I am so sorry for the loss. I can’t help but think how lucky he was to die in your arms, knowing right to the end how loved he was. My own dog of 13.5 years went the same way and no matter if it’s months or years, the love you give a dog is never wasted. ---
**Author:** ![filmore](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/7993a0/32.png) [@filmore](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/filmore)\ **Post date:** [October 25, 2013, 4:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-puppy-passed-away-feeling-very-down/672214/6 "2013-10-25T16:39:40Z")
What a wonderful way to go. You were an angel. I’m sure that puppy thought he was in heaven when he was with you. Dogs live in the moment. He was so happy to be out of the shelter and in a caring home. I’m sure he felt like he was falling asleep in your lap with a smile in his heart. Of course it’s sad, but he left feeling the happiest he had been in his whole life. ---
**Author:** ![PunditLisa](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/4af34b/32.png) [@PunditLisa](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/PunditLisa)\ **Post date:** [October 25, 2013, 4:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-puppy-passed-away-feeling-very-down/672214/7 "2013-10-25T16:54:02Z")
Aw, that’s a major bummer. I’m so sorry that he didn’t make it. ---
**Author:** ![Malacandra](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/45deac/32.png) [@Malacandra](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Malacandra)\ **Post date:** [October 25, 2013, 5:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-puppy-passed-away-feeling-very-down/672214/8 "2013-10-25T17:09:24Z")
Aw maaaan. ☹ You did all you could. We’re not masters of life and death no matter how much we’d like to be. ---
**Author:** ![JohnT](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/johnt/32/15048_2.png) [@JohnT](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JohnT)\ **Post date:** [October 25, 2013, 5:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-puppy-passed-away-feeling-very-down/672214/9 "2013-10-25T17:23:18Z")
I’m so sorry! You gave the puppy a shot, which is more than he had before. He passed having his own “people”, and he knew that you were on his side. The last week of his life was when he was most loved and cared for, and how many of us get to say that? ---
**Author:** ![Infovore](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/infovore/32/420_2.png) [@Infovore](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Infovore)\ **Post date:** [October 25, 2013, 5:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-puppy-passed-away-feeling-very-down/672214/10 "2013-10-25T17:29:34Z")
I’m so sorry for your loss. ☹ ---
**Author:** ![jayrey](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/47e85d/32.png) [@jayrey](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jayrey)\ **Post date:** [October 25, 2013, 5:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-puppy-passed-away-feeling-very-down/672214/11 "2013-10-25T17:50:11Z")
Oh, I am so sorry. I was so proud of you and your girlfriend for giving him a shot at a good life. I was so moved in fact that I decided it was time for me to act on my desire to have a dog in my life again. I adopted a 8 y.o. miniature poodle last week. Even thought about naming him Rocky in honor of your Rocky. My sincerest condolences on your loss. You are good man, with a big heart. ---
**Author:** ![Merneith](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/57b2e6/32.png) [@Merneith](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Merneith)\ **Post date:** [October 25, 2013, 7:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-puppy-passed-away-feeling-very-down/672214/12 "2013-10-25T19:54:05Z")
I’m sorry about Rocky. You did a good thing, taking care of him like that. ---
**Author:** ![Missy2U](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/3bc359/32.png) [@Missy2U](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Missy2U)\ **Post date:** [October 25, 2013, 7:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-puppy-passed-away-feeling-very-down/672214/13 "2013-10-25T19:55:02Z")
I’m very, very sorry for your loss. ---
**Author:** ![Rhiannon8404](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/rhiannon8404/32/17929_2.png) [@Rhiannon8404](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rhiannon8404)\ **Post date:** [October 25, 2013, 9:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-puppy-passed-away-feeling-very-down/672214/14 "2013-10-25T21:12:54Z")
I’m really, really sorry. ☹ ---
**Author:** ![scootergirl](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/e99b99/32.png) [@scootergirl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/scootergirl)\ **Post date:** [October 25, 2013, 9:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-puppy-passed-away-feeling-very-down/672214/15 "2013-10-25T21:45:53Z")
Sorry for your loss. I worked for Veterinary hospitals for many years. I’m quite familiar with Parvo. Unless it is diagnosed and treated early on, it can take a young pup very quickly. At the second place that I worked, I was also the nighttime caretaker of the hospitalized pets. I lived in an apartment attached to the clinic. I saw pups die routinely when they were too far gone at admission; and it was always sad. I am sure you did try your best, even when they are hospitalized, being given antibiotics and an IV drip in place, their chances can be slim. Adopt another pup when you are ready. Take care. ---
**Author:** ![Helena330](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/helena330/32/531_2.png) [@Helena330](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Helena330)\ **Post date:** [October 25, 2013, 9:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-puppy-passed-away-feeling-very-down/672214/16 "2013-10-25T21:54:19Z")
I’m so sorry. Thank you for giving him a loving home even for a little while. I read somewhere that when we lose an animal, we take on their suffering. So while you’re hurting, at least little Rocky isn’t. ---
**Author:** ![IvoryTowerDenizen](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ivorytowerdenizen/32/17937_2.png) [@IvoryTowerDenizen](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/IvoryTowerDenizen)\ **Post date:** [October 25, 2013, 9:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-puppy-passed-away-feeling-very-down/672214/17 "2013-10-25T21:59:56Z")
I’m so sorry. :(. It’s good he died loved. ---
**Author:** ![Sudden\_Kestrel](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/ecd19e/32.png) [@Sudden\_Kestrel](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sudden_Kestrel)\ **Post date:** [October 25, 2013, 10:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-puppy-passed-away-feeling-very-down/672214/18 "2013-10-25T22:01:49Z")
I’m so sorry you lost your pup, **AnthonyElite** , after working so hard to save him. I’m so glad the little guy had you to watch over his transition and give him comfort. You did a wonderful thing by loving him. ---
**Author:** ![Baker](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/bb73d2/32.png) [@Baker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Baker)\ **Post date:** [October 25, 2013, 10:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-puppy-passed-away-feeling-very-down/672214/19 "2013-10-25T22:02:03Z")
At least he had some good time with you and didn’t die in a shelter. I’m so sorry to hear about this. I hope you can keep your spirits up. ---
**Author:** ![Leo\_Bloom](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/leo_bloom/32/10377_2.png) [@Leo\_Bloom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leo_Bloom)\ **Post date:** [October 25, 2013, 10:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-puppy-passed-away-feeling-very-down/672214/20 "2013-10-25T22:07:08Z")
Your love you shared for him is and will be there now in your savings bank, and you can draw from it forever. [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-puppy-passed-away-feeling-very-down/672214.md?page=2)