My dog crossed rainbow bridge...?

Question

My dog died on Monday, 12/3, right in front of me. She was only about 5-6 yo, and we only had her for a year. We adopted her last year (from a rescue) in November, and she was healthy, but had a heart murmur. Then about 3 months ago, she was diagnosed with heart disease. The doctor said she had advance heart failure, and to let us know she could go at any moment. The thing is, she was close to my mom, but the morning she died, she wanted in my room and onto my bed. Then she walked up to my pillow, and cuddled around my head. She had never done that before, and it was heartbreaking. A few minutes later, she struggled to breath and started coughing up blood. My mom was going to take her to the vet that morninh because she was worried about her breathing the previous night. They opened at 7:00A.M and she passed away at 6:30A.M. The thing is, even if we did take her to an emergency vet, they wouldn’t have been to save her because once a dog is about to have heart failure, there no way you can help them. I just feel horrible that all we could do was comfort her for her last minutes, telling her how much we loved her for the year we had her, and holding onto her. There was nothing else to do. The worst part is, our 16yo shih tzu died from old age last year, then we got our new dog, and she passed away this year. Its so soon for another heartbreaking time. Well, we all are doing better but I still have the emptiness and sadiness in me. We are thinking about either going to a shelter, or the same rescue group we got her at, getting another dog after the holidays. Hopefully it will fill the hole in our hearts. Also, my mom really loves the shih tzu and lhasa apso’s (fluffy breeds). What dogs are friendly, not big, and don’t shed a lot. This is for the future when we are goin to adopt another dog. Thanks everyone.

Answer 1

My beloved Beagle, my best friend and companion, died on 10-27 from complications of a herniated disk. I miss him so badly I could cry, especially with the holidays coming. Your dog obviously needed comfort from YOU at the time she was crossing to the Bridge. Perhaps she knew that it would upset your Mom too much. Don't hurry out right away to get another dog, just to have a pet. Mourn your wonderful girl. Go to a shelter and ask to walk the dogs, or play with them. See if there are breeders of the breeds you favor, in your area, and go check them out.

Choice of a breed is a very personal thing. The dog that I love the very most is a Beagle and there are many that are just happy to be couch potatoes rather than hunters. They are very affectionate and not very large, and do not shed excessively. They are not prone to any particularly illness but do require good health care as does any dog you choose. Your vet will know what shots are required and can make recommendations for a groomer if one is required.

Dogs that are considered non-shedders and non-allergic are poodles and the Bichon Frise. I know that poodles are extremely intelligent. Another wonderful "designer breed' is the Labradoodle which is a cross between a poodle and a lab and makes for a positively charming dog.

Your heart will tell you when it is time. When I lost my first Beagle I cried every single day for 6 months and also spoke with the Pet Loss Grief Counselor at the U of P every day for those six months and then one day I awoke and decided to go to the SPCA and there was my dear Smokey, the one I just lost. He was 7 and a positive joy and delight, every day I shared with him. I LOVE giving a home to an older dog as so many pass them over. Yes, it means I do not have quite as much time with him as if he were a pup, but as you have sadly learned, the end can come when we least expect it. My friend just lost her 8 year old Lab to heart trouble. My daughter lost hers at 8 to an eye socket tumor. They are just like people in that they can get pretty much every disease we do. We are here to love them for the time we get to share their lives, and hopefully to make their lives as full as they make ours.

Good luck. Go to www.rainbowsbridge.com and set up a memorial for your lost fur baby if you want. It's $25 a year and well worth it. My heart goes out to you. If you need contact info for pet loss counselors, see if you can email me through this reply.

Answer 2

First I am sorry and know wht you went through. My mom had a dog we had actually about 10 years she was about 23 years old and she had a heart attack on a Sunday the vet was willing to come in to the office but he wouldn't be able to get there for an hour and half. My mom held the dog and loveed it but about 45 minutes later the dog passed. teh worst part for my mom was it was more her dog and this happend on Mother's dDay.
Teh dog that we had was Cockapoo
I like Poodles or poodle mixes.
I personally don't like shihtzusor lhasas.
There is also
Pomeranians
Long Hair chihuahua
Yorkies
a lot of other fluffy dogs are shedders.

Answer 3

I'm sorry for your loss. You did all that you could for her. I think she sensed it to by saying goodbye to you that morning.

Overtime you will remember her for the happy times you had. Don't rush in and get a new dog just yet, give it some time and make sure every body's ready for a new dog.

Shih tzu's and lhasa's are nice breeds. Also look into a Maltese or a miniature poodle. They are similar to what you have had. Take care.

Answer 4

I am so sorry for your loss . Go to the local kill shelter and spend a day with the dogs .One will steal your heart and you will save a life! I just today spent the entire day at the shelter and I fell in love with many of the dogs . If nothing else it will be great for the dogs to get out of their cages and have some positive human contact ,even if only for a short time . Good luck in your seach.

Answer 5

My deepest sympathy. Losing a dog is one of the hardest things to go through. Maybe because of the fact that a dog gives you unconditional love, no matter what, 24/7 they will lick your face and love you.

As far as dogs that are friendly... I can only speak from experience. Labs are not small, but they don't shed much, and they are full of love. They are also very happy dogs and enjoy alot of play. They have what I like to call "smiling eyes".

Anyway, that's just one guys opinion. The final decision is up to you.

Answer 6

Miniature Schnauzers are great- as are cocker spaniels and shih-tzus.

Some advice, though- not nagging- just person to person:

Wait at least six months. When people rush to get a new puppy to fill the "hole" from the one that has passed, they are often disappointed. The next dog is rarely like the last. It can sometimes only make your grief worse.

I'm really sorry to hear you lost your dog. I know that's hard. I will keep you and your family in my prayers.

Answer 7

Shitzu's are small and VERY friendly and don't shed a lot at all. Yorkie's are also good. Sorry for all the losses, best of luck :)

Answer 8

I'm sorry for your loss .My wife and I know exactly how you feel, we still miss Casey our cocker spaniel. Now we have Copper,he is a cross between English and American breeds.
They say there is no better psychiatrist than a puppy licking your face and I agree. I hope the best for you and your mother.
Copper is red,of course,and we keep his hair cut short, very friendly,he has never met a stranger, and is well spoiled.
Good Luck

Answer 9

im sorry for your loss .i have a minpin they are very sweet check out internet minpin theres alot of little one needing a good home

Answer 10

well im sooo sryy to hear what happened.....well some fluffy dogs are like pomeranians their small and fluffy, shih tzu(as you menchined) Um toy poodles( i have one thats 13 and i fear her death....their good dogs) or mix breeds are always good, yorkies, minature dachshunds, teacup dogs.....