When our dog was being groomed he had a minor accident, the scissors caught his ear and caused a slight nick.  When he shook his head the ear 'popped out' of the bandage/dressing and started to bleed again.  For this reason we took him to our vet who stated that he would have to give the dog a general to be able to shave and clean the ear to enable him to check the situation out properly.  The plan then was to stitch if required and bandage in such a way that the ear had less chance of working loose.

Everything went well with the procedure and the dog was recovering when he arrested three hours after the procedure.  Although they did everything they could to recover him he died.

The reason I am writing here is to try to get some of the grief out, it feels really awful doesn't it!  My wife, as you can imagine, was in floods of tears but being 'a bloke' I managed to hang on until we got home.  The vet was as gutted as us, nearly, as he had lost a healthy 18 month old dog.  If you post replies please do not 'beat up' the vet.  Nothing he or we can say or do will bring our boy back.

As we obtained our boy from a breeder and his brother is already at stud we contacted the breeder to let them know, in case it is something that happens with any of the others in the litter.  We have been offered the chance to have a puppy from another litter later in the year.

Thanks for reading this and for any help/advice you give. RobKay

I am so sorry to hear about your dog, and hope the new pup will give you some comfort. Was you dog a sighthound? Did the vet use an anaesthetic or sedation, sorry to ask you questions but your answers may help others. Just realised you are a guest so why not join us an talk dogs whilst you are without it may help to talk and you can answer our questions.

Guest, I'm so sorry to hear of your loss. Many years ago I too lost a beloved dog in similar circumstances, so I understand the dreadful shock you are feeling. I certainly wouldn't blame the vet - as you rightly say, he is shocked too. It was an unfortunate and tragic accident. Please don't be too hard on yourself - you have my sympathy, and my thoughts are with you and your wife.

So sorry for you, your wife and your lovely boy :-( It's something that sometimes happens no reason so please don't be hard on yourself. The time will come when you remember the good times and can talk about him without feling so sad. Why don't you join and put something on the Rainbow Bridge for him when you feel able
{{{{Hugs}}} and much sympathy
                                    Anne

Dear Rob & family

Just to say we are thinking of you and your family what a horrible, horrible accident.   Remember your beautiful boy with gladness.

Regards

Margot and family

This is so sad and I cant think of what to say only to send you my sympathy
We  lost a  Lovely Labrador   Minnie last year just 2 and a half so I know how you feel  seems such a waste we got Annie some months later she has filled the space Minnie left and we love her very much she is so like Miinnie its as if she has come back in the other pup  even down to little traits she had so Im sure you grief will lessen when your new baby arrives  xxx

So sorry to hear your news, particularly in such tragic and unexpected circumstances.  We all grieve terribly when we lose our family friends and only time will heal.  However you should not be afraid to grieve or express your thoughts openly - I know the "guy thing" makes it difficult :-(

You're naturally devastated and even tho' you know it was just a horrible accident and not your vet's fault you will nevertheless have feelings of anger, frustration and "why our dog?" on top of the hurt.  Try and share these feelings with someone - or even just join this forum and air them more.

Thinking of you all.  Teri 

I am not sure if it helps  others but I always put my  sadness down in words on paper over the years Ive written quite a few things and its helped, ok it makes me cry to read even now but getting the tears out really do help. this was for a friends dog Buster he was four and had a heart attack her family and her were greiving very badly  I had a really funny dream where I saw him and I wrote down the words I felt as I truly belive our dogs will be waiting for us werever it is we go after here.

Dear Mum

When Jesus sent me down to earth
To show the folks just what I'm worth
He said go and find a Mum and Dad
Give them the best love they've ever had
Do everything that you can do
To make them very proud of you
But when I call you back to me
You must come back immediately

Well then he called to soon I Know
But I knew I had to go
He needed special help you see
He knew he could depend on me

My Job is to wait at heavens gate
And welcome folk inside
One day I know I'll see you there
With both arms open wide
I'll run so fast to get to you
we'll cuddle and kiss as we used to do

Be patient Mum and don't you sigh
It makes me sad to see you cry
I'm so sorry that I had to go
remember though I love you so
Time stands still in Heaven
So when you knock upon the door
I'll be just how you remember me
A beautiful dog aged four.

Glenys Fryer   (for Buster)
(copywrite)

My heart goes out to you both.    We all know what it is like to loose a beloved pet.

how awfull for you,what a terrible shock.
just shows we must all treasure every moment with our babies

So sorry for your loss...
Archer

I know what its like to lose a dog so young, my heart goes out to you and your wife.

That's a lovely poem. I don't write them but do read them a lot when something like this happens.

Guest, you and your wife must be devastated. My first Belgian's littermate died under anaesthetic back in the mid 80s and so i never dared put my girl under until she had a womb infection at the age of 10 and a half, and so we had to do it. I was terrified but she came through as by then (1995) the vets had isoflurane and safer anaesthetics.

I'm just so sorry for your loss.

Lindsay
X

Please don't be worried to cry,it's all part of the grieving process.Just because you're a bloke doesn't mean you feel any less pain over your loss.Both my hubby and I shared many tears when we lost our first dog.It's a year since and it still hurts.We have another dog now and she is absolutely wonderful,but you'll never forget the one/s you lose.We try to concentrate on the happier times recalling special walks and moments,even when Spice now sometimes looks at me or does something to bring back memories of our first dog it can cause a tear or two.
It does get easier with time,but healing is a very personal thing and getting over a sudden loss is so much more difficult to come to terms with,all our thoughts are with you at this moment.
Jacqueline.

Just an addition to my previous post - please show your wife that you are upset too. When my husband and I lost our first 'together' dog, he told me that he had tried to 'be strong' but couldn't. I reassured him that I found his emotion enormously reassuring and it helped us both grieve together. You and your wife are hurting together - please don't shut each other out.

I'm so sorry for your loss.  Only doggy people understand how devastating a time this is for you and your wife.