Another Tough Day
I had to say goodbye to our beagle Ruger yesterday morning. I have never had to make a decision like this for a dog as I never had a dog growing up. We always had cats. Ruger was quite the character. Dave swore he was human most times. These two were attached at the hip. I feel I need to tell Ruger’s story today.
When Dave retired after selling our business in 2014, he wanted a dog. We were contacted by a cousin of his who knew someone that had a smelly, skinny beagle sitting in his garage. This dog had been found in the woods by some linesmen putting up lines for windmills. This all happened a week before Christmas and he was abandoned in the woods, left to fend for himself. The week after Christmas the temperature dropped to the negative numbers. He would not have survived.
Ruger is a Lemon Beagle and this breed averages 45 pounds. Ruger weighed 19 pounds when he was found. He was starving to death. He was skin and bones. Dave’s cousin knew he wanted a dog so we ventured over to see him. Dave fell in love with him.
We took him home in our pickup. He was so weak that he could not climb in by himself. The first thing we did was to give him a good bath. When he was found, he was munching on a dead, frozen moose carcass so you can imagine what he smelled like. He also had frostbite on his feet, his lips and a little on his ears. His feet always remained sensitive even after healing.
We fed him and he was so weak that he didn’t even gobble up the food like I thought he would. We immediately called a local vet and she saw him a few days later. Amazingly so, he check out okay healthwise, had no microchip and she said he was probably a hunting dog and either was abandoned or got lost, and they never looked for him. She guessed him to be about 7 years old. He did like to go hunting with Dave so we do believe he was a hunting dog.
Over the years, he was Dave’s biggest companion. Where Dave went, Ruger went. He rode in the tractor, the four-wheeler and he went fishing with Dave:
About a month before Dave made his journey to heaven, Ruger became sick and it happened so quick. I called the vet and after lots of testing, he was diagnosed as a diabetic, had pancreatitis and a urinary tract infection. She couldn’t believe he was still alive.
At the time, I was going to do everything in my power to keep this dog alive because I knew Dave was close to making his journey to heaven and I did not want to break his heart. It cost us a lot of money to get this dog back to being healthy (not knowing what the outcome would be) and one of the last things Dave said to me the week that he passed away was “take good care of Ruger”.
I hope he thinks I did because there were many, many more trips to the vet. I spent thousands of dollars and there were more bouts of pancreatitis and adjustments to his daily x 2 insulin injections. Add in the loss of his favorite human and that was hard on Ruger as well. Ruger looked for Dave at first and he went through grief just like we do. Lots of times I feel he was just so sad.
This past weekend, he vomitted three times (on the rugs of course) and yesterday morning walked out of the bedroom at 3 a.m. and without asking me to go out, pee’d all over the entrance mat. I also could not get him to eat and when he doesn’t eat, I can not give him his insulin for diabetes. I think he was trying to tell me it was time.
I called the vet and it was a very peaceful transition to heaven as I pet and comforted him. It normally takes a few minutes after the injection, Ruger passed in less than a minute. She felt he was very sick. I feel so guilty but know he was getting old, had cataracts in both eyes due to the diabetes and his hearing was decreasing. It’s not an easy decision and one I hope I never have to make again.
I had a hard day yesterday because I felt so guilty. I hope I made the right decision. I’m so tormented by this loss seven months after I lost my hubby Dave. Rest in Peace Ruger. You were a wonderful dog and you made us laugh so much. We love you and I will miss your beagle howl and your shadow as you followed me everywhere! I’m so happy you and Daddy Dave are back together in heaven!
Debbie, I am so sorry for your loss. It is never easy to make the decision to put an animal down, but it sounds like you made the right decision. Now Dave has his dog in heaven with him. I pray that you have peace this day!
Good morning Debbie, I know this has to hurt as we love our pets like they are our chldren, because they are so good to us. I know Dave is thrilled to see Ruger. You have made the right decision. As i have followed you and Dave over the years, I feel he would have made the same decision. You have a HAPPY DAY. What a wonderful reunion for the two of them, bunches of hugs your way. Hope you can feel the HUG. : – )
Debbie, you made the right decision, although not an easy one. He is running in heaven with Dave by his side. Sorry for your loss.
So sorry you had to make a hard decision but he wasn’t able to tell you his time was ending…you didn’t let him suffer…that is a true owner who loves their pet….a prayer of comfort sent to you.
Debbie, I too have had to make this kind of decision, never an easy one. You did the right thing knowing in your heart that you did not want Ruger to suffer any longer. Chin up Girl, you got this! Sending love and healing thoughts…Vicki
So sorry for your loss Debbie. May he now rest in peace with your hubby Dave.
Debbie I feel your pain but Ruger was ready to go be with his Master. Dave and Ruger are rejoicing in heaven. You made the right decision. In time you will find peace and comfort. God and His angels are with you. Prayers for your hurting heart. May you find peace. Raquel
Hi Debbie, my heart breaks for you. I am sure you made the right decision. Think about the happy reunion in heaven yesterday. Ruger was so blessed to have you and Dave rescue and make his last few years so happy. Very lucky pup. Hugs to you!
Debbie, I am so sorry for your loss. Find comfort in knowing you did the right thing. It is always so hard to say goodbye to our beloved pets.
Debbie, I am so sorry that you lost both your favorite guys so close together. It is a hard decision to make for your beloved pet-I know as I had to decide it about my cat. The guilt is very real when the animal is not only a deeply loved pet but becomes part of your family too. The guilt does pass after a time as the sorrow of loss lessens. But the dear pet will always be in your heart and memories.
Better days will return too… Prayers covering you as you deal with another big loss.
Oh, Debbie, I’m sitting here crying my eyes out for you. You’ve had so much heartache during the last year. I feel the pain you’re going thru with your dear Ruger. Please know that you did make the right decision for him & Ruger was ready to go. Take comfort in knowing that Dave now has his beloved companion with him. All dogs do go to Heaven. You have my deepest sympathy.
Oh, Debbie. I am so sorry. I have been there (with my cats). It is so hard. They leave such a hole. You did all you could, and you can stand proud when you see them again. Love you, my friend. Hugs.
Dear Deb—so sorry—but know that these 2 precious loved ones are now celebrating in heaven and watching out for you—take a deep breath—and YOU do something for yourself—-peace and blessings—
Debbie I am so so sorry for the decision you had to make….I’ve seen pets miss their owner so badly they give up..Ruger stayed with you as long as he could….but his health wasn’t fixable..please know Dave and Ruger are ‘singing’ in heaven……lots of orayers, hugs and love …you’ve had a rough weekend and really rough day yesterday…but wonderful memories of a sweet Ruger
So sorry for the loss of your husband and your special dog. Praying for you during this difficult time. Blessings
Phyllis
Oh Debbie I’m so very sorry and my heart aches for you as I read about Ruger’s passing. I know that you struggled to care for him for so long from our messages and the negative impact on your own recovery from exhaustion. Making the decision to put such a beloved pet out of his misery is the last loving thing that we can do for them. I just read an article written by a Veterinarian on how wonderful it is if we can be with them in their final moments so they pass peacefully. You have lovingly honored your promise to Dave by doing everything possible for Ruger. My prayers for your healing and peace. As always, Virginia
Debbie, I know your pain. We have had 3 dogs we have had to put down. You did your best with Ruger and I fully believe Dave is happy to have him. The pain does lessen but the pain is because you loved them both. Take care
Debbie, you did the right thing. You loved him enough to let him go. Thinking of you during this difficult time.
Love and Hugs, Twila
Debbie don’t fret regarding your decision re: Ruger. Just know he isn’t suffering any more and even though you had to part with him it was a blessing for the dog. I have had 4 dogs and 1 cat put down over the span of many years and it never gets any easier but I am a person who believes if an animal is in pain or suffering from illness of any type the animal is better off being put down. Time seems to be a great healer for us humans. Happy memories bring us comfort. Bless you lady as you go on with life.
So sorry for your loss. I understand your loss. I pray for your peace because He certainly is at peace with his beloved Daddy.
I’m so sorry for your loss. I think Dave would agree that you made the right decision for Ruger.
Debbie, I am so sorry for your loss and the fact that you have had to experience this so soon after losing your husband. You definitely have made the right decision, it’s the last final gift we can give them to not let them suffer when we know they are hurting, I lost my husband very suddenly 5 months ago. We have 3 Golden Retrievers, one of which was my husband’s best friend. They are so confused and don’t know why their Daddy is not here anymore, But they have been a great source of comfort to me these last several months as I imagine Ruger was to you. My heart goes out to you and I hope you can find peace and comfort knowing they are together again, Kathi
Debbie rest easy on your decision with Ruger he put up a good fight he did his part with Dave and god said it was time you will miss him like you do Dave but they are happy to be together again they will watch over you and you will see signs from them everywhere and you have a big team here on earth to help with the loneliness me for on if you need anthem give me a shout I will help with that ladder if you need to use one
Debbie,
I am so sorry for your loss. I’ve had to make the same decision and I know how hard it is to make. It sounds like you did the absolute right thing. You were thinking of Ruger and his quality of life. I’m sure Dave would have agreed. Hang in there.
Debbie, I am so so very sorry for the loss of Ruger. You did all that you could for him and it was time for him to be with Dave. You did something that was extremely difficult but in the best interest of Ruger. My prayers ar3 being sent you way in the hopes of easing the pain you’re going through. 😢😢😢
I am so sorry, Debbie We have had to make this decision (twice), and it is not an easy one. Please know that it is hard for you, but you made the right decision for Ruger. He was a wonderful dog; hold on to those memories. You are certainly having a hard time; I am praying for you.
So sorry Debbie. I haven’t lost a spouse, but I have experienced the loss of my own dog as well as the loss of the well loved dog of my son. The pain is so undiscernible! Had to call into work the next day because I couldn’t quit crying. I believe they are all together in Heaven waiting for us to join them in complete happiness. Prayers!!!
Aw Debbie…so sorry for Luger’s passing. Yes, it is really hard when the fur babies pass on. So, I read the poem at the end of your post, and I cried my eyes out. Memories of my dog passing. I pray the Lord’s extra comfort to you at this time. No, it isn’t silly to mourn a dog. It’s silly not to mourn them. Take care and know you are thought of at this hard time. Blessings to you.
Oops…I meant Ruger…Luger was my dog.
That must have been such a difficult decision! But it sounds like it was the right one. You have my deepest sympathy.
It’s so hard having to say goodbye to our fur babies. I am so very sorry that you are going through this. I’m still crying here over the loss is my beautiful ShihTzu Tiki, who passed away on November 6th, 2021 just two days shy of his 17th birthday on November 8th.
Please don’t beat yourself up wondering if you made the right decision. You did sweetie. Ruger was suffering and in pain. He was heart broken too. But you did the right thing for him and by him. Allow the comfort of knowing he is now with Dave again, to bring peace into your heart. You are in my prayers and in my thoughts. I am here should you need a friend to talk with. So sorry!!! Huge hugs!
Your friend Jo
Aka Jo n Kris on Facebook
So sorry to hear about Ruger. Don’t feel guilty. You did the right thing in letting Ruger go. I’ve been there many times. I know you’ll miss Ruger, but take comfort in that Dave and he are together again. It’s a hard decision, but you let him go because you loved him and didn’t want to see him suffer anymore. Prayers for you.
Please know that you made the right decision Debbie. Ruger is now at peace with his human daddy in heaven. I hope that sharing your story of Ruger has helped you in the grieving process.
I wish that I could reach out and give you a hug.
Much love and many blessings
Judy in Australia.
Hi Deb…your far away cousin here in Florida…I love you, you did the right thing…he needed you to know somehow, and without the gift of speech, the pup peed and didn’t eat. You’d have to know after all that he wanted to go with Dad….You’re going to be okay…no guilt should be felt…he didn’t even feel good…and they both know that you’re going to be just fine…I love you..hugs!!
I’m so sorry for your loss of Ruger! He was telling you he was ready to go. You should not feel guilty. I, too, had to put our Golden Retriever, Abby down 2 weeks ago. Like you, we spent a lot to keep her alive. She stopped eating and her kidneys were beginning to fail. The vet put her on prednisone & we had our old Abby back. She was peppy, eating great and had a great last 2 weeks of her life. She just couldn’t hang on any longer. My husband has MS & she kept Bob going. So I do know how your heart is broken. Losing both Dave & Ruger must be unbearable! My heart goes out to you.
Debbie So Sorry to read this but Ruger i and Dave are together again. I can picture Ruger singing/barking to Dave like he use to when Dave came home. You made the right decision it is hard. James(son) lost their dog the day after his dad passed away 2020. Hugs to you
I’m so sorry, Debbie! I truly believe you did the right thing. It sounds like Ruger’s quality of life was bad there at the end, and it was the best thing you could do for him. We’ve had to make that hard decision a few times, and I know how hard it is. It’s been a very hard year for you, and I’ll be praying for you.
I’m so sorry for your losses. It’s so hard to have to make a decision to end a trusty and loyal family pet. We’ve been through it, too. We cherish the memories left behind. Hugs to you.
I am sorry to hear about Ruger. Remember Dave and Ruger are playing together in the yard and every once in a while, they will send you kisses as they come to check on you. They are happy and together and the pain will get easier. Take care of yourself.
Debbie I’m so sorry. But you absolutely did the right thing for both Ruger and Dave. Dave has his boy back and Ruger has his Dad. They will both be playing together in heaven, watching over you. It’s so hard to lose someone you love. We had to put our cat Angie over the rainbow bridge on Sept 10th. I still feel her sleeping with me and every time we eat ice cream, we hold the bowls up to the sky and tell Angie to take her licks. She loved vanilla! It’s still hard, but like you, we know we did the right thing for her. God will take care of Dave and Ruger, just like He will take care of you. Praying for your comfort and peace. God bless you. Hugs…
Never doubt, that you made the right decision. Ruger was ready to go, so you can erase that guilt from your heart and mind. Keeping you close in thought and prayer, as you deal with yet another loss. Staying busy helps.
Dave and Ruger were meant to be and I believe they are together again . It is such a hard decision to make when a pet is suffering but you did the right thing. I remember the story when you first got him! You have shown amazing strength and grace during such a difficult time …..❤️
Precious memories. God bless you, Debbie. He knows and understands.
Diane