Update on Dublin

[Susan L.]

It is with enormous sorrow that I write this. I had to put my baby down this morning. Dublin been having bad stomach problems from the potassium bromide he was on that were controlling very nicely his seizures. He has had runny stools for over a week and I saw both our vet and called the neuro about it. They didn't react quickly enough I am afraid to say because he woke today vomitting blood. He was trembling in pain and I rushed him to the vet and insisted they do the pancreatitis blood work. She didn't understand why I insisted on this test FIRST. I know that the drug he was on can cause it. She should have read more! Anyway he did have it and it had caused several ulcers hence the bleeding. He was in so much pain I just died. I ended his suffering earlier than some might think but I knew we couldn't afford all that was needed to be done today alone. Ultrasounds, IV and at least a week in the hospital let alone they had to stop his drugs and then start all over again with newer more expensive human drugs to try to control his seizures. And they said he would probably need surgery for the ulcers. I am pissed that money or lack of it meant he couldn't get a chance to survive but the end result is that he wasn't going to well even if I did have the money. He was suffering and I just couldn't do it anymore. I just didn't have 4 or 5 thousand dollars laying around. My household is devestated and my best friend is gone and I am so empty and I do not know how to go on without him here. He was only two but it felt like he had touched so so many people. Not a dry eye at the vets office and I have no idea how to tell all his friends at the dog park. He was just this huge presence in so many people's lives. My favorite breed, and I am afraid to get another one. But I don't think I can live without one either. Sigh.....sorry if I bummed anyone out. I just needed to vent and let my feelings out.

[kathie jo ottinger]

When Scout became ill I put in a doggy door as he could not be left outside and it made it easier to train Hawk. When no one was home he followed the girls around and I only had a few accidents. Hawk sleeps all night I never had to take him out at 2 am. He is a very different boy. I have to wake him up in the mornings to potty and eat breakfast.

[Patricia Bouch]

Hi Susan, just picked up your awful news. I am so so sorry. I lost my Setter, Zeus, back in July - 10 yrs old. He too was such a terrific companion. The fact that Dublin was only two yrs old is tragic. Life seems so unfair at times doesn't it? I think you did the best you could for him. You really have to take the awful decision knowing that you have put an end to his pain although it is more painful to you. My dog had heart disease and was starting to suffer real bad in the end and so we really had no choice, all had been done that could have been. I too was angry with having all blood tests, scans, ecg's, x-rays, monitors and, in the end, 10 tablets a day. We are now looking to rescue two setters hopefully, - this is my dream! One thing is certain though - no other setter will ever take the place of your first. Take care.

[Nicky Vangalis]

Hi Susan, I don't know you but I know all too well what it's like to lose a young one. I lost my girl back in July, she was only 11 months old. Yes money was an issue but the major problem was she wasn't going to survive anyway. It absolutely devastated me but, having been ther first hand. I promise you it will get easier. You will never ever forget Dublin, same as I'll never forget Eva. I would say that you need to focus now on raising awareness of his illness like I have been with her (she had AIHA, which is a severe form of sceptecemia, and can kill within 12 hours). 5 months on, I am about to get another irish setter puppy. A male this time. It will take time but I promise you you will be okay and he will always be in your heart. Lots of love to you x x x x

[Mel Hillocks]

Hi Susan,

I am so sorry for your loss but i think you have done the right thing and with some time you will have less guilt over this issue as the worst thing we could do to our friends is let them suffer. If you feel you need another puppy when the time is right then go ahead and enjoy safe in the knowledge that Dublin's memories good and bad will always be with you as he has been a part of your life that can't be erased. I have experienced a similar situation (Bloat and he was 5) first hand many years ago and it took me several years after Leo's death to even look at a picture of him I was so distraught. Finally in 1997 I comissioned a painting of my Sh Ch Jonola Southern Comfort and so glad I did because now I can look at him and feel he is still with me. Time is a great healer but you never forget them and I look at him now over the mantelpiece and as glorious as he was in the flesh all those years ago and yes I still cry. I think the tribute you have done to Dublin is lovely and I did similar for my Krissy (Sh Ch Jonola Libertybelle) last year and although it is difficult to do you at least felt you have done something meaningful for them and for you. I can only say I am sorry for your loss but I wish you all the best in whatever you decide to do.

[Susan L.]

Many thanks for your kindness Mel, a painting would be so wonderful. I have found a puppy and we will be getting him mid January. He is only 13 days old right now! As joyous as that is, this gives me some time to deal with the loss for a while more. It has hit me harder than I ever could of imagined. I almost feel guilty because my husband and I are taking this harder than my boys are and we had Dub less time than any other dog of ours. But each one effects you differently I guess. I know the new pup will give me focus again and maybe all the idle time I have right now that would have been spent with the dog, isn't the best thing.

[Jacky]

Hi Susan, I have only just read your news, so sorry to hear about Dublin, but he will live in your heart 4 eva. Good luck for the future. Jacky

[karen jewitt]

Sorry to here you lost dublin, my heart goes out to you .... I lost my old lady in april she was 12yrs 8mth but now with my little one, the pain is slowly easing, for both me and Ruby who lost her mum

[Phil du Plessis]

Susan, I am so sorry about your special friend. This part, the dying part, is the most difficult step in having a irish setter child. I am sure Dublin would agree to a puppy that can comfort you in your sorrow and that can be a friend to you. Greetings out of Knysna!!!!

[Denise Vince]

Dear Susan,
following my reply to you re: the wee discussion (!) I find that you have only recently lost your beloved Dublin. May I offer my sincere condolences. You did the only thing you could do in your situation, and it was the right thing too. What a lucky dog he was to have you, such a special owner (although I am sure he owned your heart as much as visa versa). You will I suspect have anothe setter in time and you are in my prayers now. What a fantastic idea your wonderful friends in the park have. so kind. Yes don't rush into that puppy, do your research and you will find it all come together. WIth best wishes, Dee, BOnnie and Bronte.

[Pam Stork]

Hi Susan, I lost my last red dog in 2005, and the previous in 2002 - I still haven't got over either loss. I made the mistake of not getting another Irish straight away because I knew I would never find another "Best Friend" like the ones I had lost. Now, so many years later, I regret that I didn't just go out and get another red dog immediately. Not a day goes by that I don't miss having a beautiful, lively Irish loving me. I have learnt that it is "far better to have loved and lost, than to have never loved at all". It took a while, the pain was so great, but the memories are fantastic, and I wouldn't trade them for anything in this world. I understand only too well how the devil dollar can dictate in these circumstances. Don't beat yourself up over it. You obviously did the very best you could with what you had, and above all that - you loved your baby. How lucky was he. How lucky were you! Thank you for sharing your grief with us. It's a sign of trust. I hope we have not betrayed that honour. Take heart. Have a huge cry, and just keep reminding yourself that your darling boy isn't suffering any more, and that's the most important thing. My heart goes out to you. I look forward to hearing the next chapter, which will no doubt be a happier one. Kind regards, Pam