Im heartbroken.  Stavs died this morning. He was his normal self at 7am, ate his breakfast, played with Lola.  By 9 he was dead.  I cannot believe this.  I cant bellieve he is gone, this dog was my life.  I dont know how I,ll cope without him.

I saw him in the garden, I thought he was rolling around in the grass as his legs were kind of flailing, then he stopped and just led there, I called him but he didnt move, and I ran out into the garden and he was gone.  The vet thinks he had a brain heammorige (I know thats spelled wrong, sorry)

Lola keeps trying to snuggle into me, but it just makes me cry more.  I now know what it means when someone says they are heartbroken, because I truely am.  I loved him SO much.

Thankyou for all your support when I had that trouble, its because of that I wanted to let you know now about Stavs, I know I havnt posted here for long but you all helped me so much.  I cant write any more at the moment,

God bless you Stavs, you were truely a dog in a million and I will miss you for the rest of my life.

Oh goodness! I am so very sorry :(

I am so sorry about Stavs. Big hugs xx

I am so very for your loss. It was obvious from your previous posts just how much Stavs meant to you. Take care.
Jenny

I am so sorry- I understand how you feel as I just put our Dozer down on the 30th last month...

(((hugs))) So sorry for your loss

R.I.P Stavs

Oh my goodness, what an awful shock for you {{{hugs}}}

I'm so very sorry - he was such a special boy to you and you had a wonderful close bond even though he was not the easiest dog to take out.
I will be sending you kind and supportive thoughts today... :)

Lindsay
xx

So so sorry for you and what an awful shock, thinking of you
xxxxx

Hi Stavs,

I didn't expect to come onto CD this morning and have tears in my eyes. I'm so very, very, sorry, how devastating, it's so much harder to accept without any warning whatsoever, many of us have lost our best friends on here, there is nothing to make it better but time, and knowing that he was much loved by you. Cherish the good times you had and you and Lola take comfort from each other.

How very sad, ((((((((CD Hug)))))))

OMG I am so so sorry, what a shock for you, I feel shocked just reading it.
Sending you lots of (((hugs))).
Run free dear Stavs.

Stavs, I'm so very sorry. What a terrible shock for you. :-(

Really sorry to hear this! Sounds how my Tel went fine one minute and gone the next.

It's a terrible shock which only time can help{{{hugs}}}

So sorry for your loss.

You gave that boy the best life ever, no-one could have given him more.

Run free stavs

That's an awful shock. You poor thing. I think many of us feel we got to know Stavs a bit, after all you went through together. You gave him the best possible life and he clearly loved and trusted you so please try, even though you are grieving, to remind yourself how much you enriched his life, something he might not have had without you. From what the vet has said about the cause of his death it was going to happen and that is, alas, something you could do nothing about, so please remind yourself of that too.

Have you got any photos of him you could share with us?

So very sad.....My thoughts are with you.

RIP Stavs xxxxx

What a terrible shock for you.
I'm sorry to hear of your loss.
Thinking of you x

I'm so, so sorry to hear of your loss.  I think we all know how much you loved your boy.  Thinking of you xx

I'm so sorry to hear about your loss, you must be shocked and heartbroken,
sending you hugs x

I am so sorry for your loss. Time will ease the pain you are feeling but it is such a shock to you, and to all of us on here who have read of your love for him. {{{{hugs}}}} to you and Lola.

So sorry to hear you've lost your baby. It must have been the most awful shock to lose him so suddenly. I lost a dog suddenly 18yrs ago and it was the most traumatic thing I have ever had to go through so I know how you must be feeling. You gave him a brilliant life and did everything you could to keep him safe and happy. Big {{{{{hugs to you}}}}}
R I P Stavs

I am SO sorry. Can't help but wonder if his behaviour was related -maybe there was something wrong all along? (I don't mean that as in you missed something, I mean that maybe he couldn't HELP his behaviour.) HUGS.

I am so sorry to hear this sad news Stavs, take comfort in the good times you had together.
RIP Stavs run free at the bridge.
Love Aileen and the girlies

I'm so sorry to hear this. Sending you (((hugs))) & thinking of you.

RIP Stavs.

Claire

I am so sorry He was a very special boy & you cared so much for him

Run Free at The Bridge Stavs happy & carefree & wait for your mum. The world is a lesser place for your passing

Mega Cyber {{{{{{{{{{HUGS}}}}}}}} to you

I'm Still Here

Friend, please don't mourn for me
I'm still here, though you don't see.
I'm right by your side each night and day
and within your heart I long to stay.

My body is gone but I'm always near.
I'm everything you feel, see or hear.
My spirit is free, but I'll never depart
as long as you keep me alive in your heart.

I'll never wander out of your sight-
I'm the brightest star on a summer night.
I'll never be beyond your reach-
I'm the warm moist sand when you're at the beach.

I'm the colorful leaves when fall comes around
and the pure white snow that blankets the ground.
I'm the beautiful flowers of which you're so fond,
The clear cool water in a quiet pond.

I'm the first bright blossom you'll see in the spring,
The first warm raindrop that April will bring.
I'm the first ray of light when the sun starts to shine,
and you'll see that the face in the moon is mine.

When you start thinking there's no one to love you,
you can talk to me through the Lord above you.
I'll whisper my answer through the leaves on the trees,
and you'll feel my presence in the soft summer breeze.

I'm the hot salty tears that flow when you weep
and the beautiful dreams that come while you sleep.
I'm the smile you see on a baby's face.
Just look for me, friend, I'm everyplace!

Author Unknown

I,m so very sorry to hear your boy has gone .
Its absolutely devastating when it happens so suddenly like that. I never knew that I would lose Inga on the day I did  and the shock is awful.
I know how hard you worked with your lad and just how much love you had for him, please try and take some comfort from Lola she,ll be feeling the loss as well and you both need lots of cuddles.
Take care
Sharon

I am so sorry to hear about Stav's such a shock for you

OMG that made me cry then :(:( i am so so sorry for your lost thats so heartbreaking :(:(

Rest in peace little stavs you were a lovely dog by the sounds of it xxx

Oh I am so so sorry to hear your sad news. Try to take heart that you gave Stavs a wonderful life full of caring and love. Many could have given up on him but you loved him so much and took such good care of him. RIP Stavs running free.

I am so sorry to hear of your loss. :-( 
I shall be thinking of you.

Thankyou all so so much, your words really do mean a lot.  You have all said such heartfelt things and I know you all understand how I feel right now. My Brother just said to me "At the end of the day, its a dog. And youve still got another". I couldnt even dignify that cold remark with a reply.  He doesnt understand my grief, nor do some of my mates, but I know you on here understand and that comforts me.

Moonmaiden, that verse was beautifull and I sobbed all the way through it, I will be printing that out and keeping it somewhere safe, thankyou for sharing it.

This morning was horrible waking up without him led next to me, taking up all the bed.  For a second Id forgotten what happened, then I remembered and I could barely get out of bed, I know Lola needs me though, she must be so confused.  Yesterday I couldnt interact with her much at all, I know that sounds cruel but I just wanted Stavs.  Today Ive spent time with Lola and feel guilty about yesterday, she needs me I know that.  I,ll cherish every second with her now, I,ll never take anything for granted.

I cant get the picture of Stavs on the floor out of my head. I keep thinking "If Id realised he wasnt rolling but was having this fit, could I have got there sooner, could I have stopped it somehow?"  but it was so fast, I know deep down I couldnt have done anything.  Im heartbroken that he had died before I got to him though, on his own.  I would have been able to hold him and comfort him if Id got out there faster.

i WAS PRIVILIDGED TO OWN THIS DOG. I really believe that.  He wasnt the easiest dog, as you said Lyndsay, in fact he was downright hard work a lot of the time, but Id swop a thousand easy dogs for just one more walk with stavs.

When I came back from my Mums just now, it was hard to walk back in the door knowing stavs wouldnt be rushing to meet me as if Id been gone for a week, with that silly wide-mouthed staffy grin, wagging his tail so much that he couldnt walk properly.

Please everyone, if you are near your dogs now, go give them a hug, kiss them, you never know when that will be the last time you can do that.

For my special boy, you were a one-off, there will never be another dog like you and if I ever let you down Im sorry.  You loved me no matter what. It was an honour to be your friend. xxxxx

I am so sorry to hear about this.  You made him live for us, almost as much as he did for you, with your postings.  I feel I almost knew him.

RIP Stavs.

I am so so sorry to hear about Stavs, I too felt like I knew him, take care of yourself x

Run free Stavs

I am so very sorry for you, I too know that gut wrenching awful empty feeling having lost my old guy suddenly at the end of December.  My remaining girl went into a horrendous decline where she didn't want to do anything - didn't want to eat, didn't want to play, didn't want to go out, it was almost as though she was saying "I can't live without Tyson" and nothing I did made anything any easier for her.  For days on end she just lay on the bed, totally disinterested in the world.

RIP Stavs, and God Bless you in your pain.

I'm so, so very sorry for your loss.

Lot's of hugs for you and Lola.

Rest in peace Stavs
xxxx

What an awful shock! Poor you and poor Stavs :-(.  I'm so sorry.

RIP Stavs

So very sorry to read of your loss--I followed your posts and (weak word) admired your determination to do all you ever could for Stavs. He couldn't have had a better life, and wouldn't have had but for you; he went very quickly and now all our thoughts are with you to come through your pain--love from all of us on two legs and four xxx

i'm so sorry! what a terrible shock for you, i'm so very sorry.

thinking of you.

I'm so so sorry for your loss.

RIP Stavs

Fiona & Co xxxxx

So very sorry for your loss :-( It must have been devastating to lose him so suddenly.

so sorry to hear this can you remind me how old he was? hugs

im so sorry to hear this :(

Thankyou. ((((())))))

Im in bits at the moment.  I just fed Lola, and got out the 2 bowls to put their food into.  I expect I,ll be doing a lot of things like that though, out of habit.  Stavs lead and harness and muzzle are hanging next to Lolas, and I cant bring myself to put them away.  I want them to stay there, where they always are. But at the same time, I dont want to look at them.  This is all so hard.

I will try to post a photo of Stavs in the next few days. I had a look for one I thought was a nice one, but looking through the photos makes me cry so Im not going to look for a few days.  Tomorrow will be awfull, my 2 youngest kids will be back (theyve been to stay with their paternal Grandparents for Easter) and I have to tell them about Stavs.  They dont know yet as I didnt want to tell them by phone. Im dreading it.  The two eldest are upset, but life goes on for them pretty much the same as always, clothes, boys, texting their mates and going out.

I feel as if Ive lost a child, I know that sounds daft but thats how I feel.   Im surprised at how Lola has been to be honest.  She seems her normal self, apart from being worried about me and coming over when she sees Im crying, shes still eating, playing and being her normal self.  Is that odd?  Id have thought she wouldve been pining for stavs more than that?

Stavs was coming up for 8.  Thats not old, is it.  Why did this happen?  He was always so fit and strong. 

I'm very sorry to read your news and shocked for you too - it's very hard to lose our much loved dogs at any time but even more so at such an early age and without any warning of obvious illness.  For him it was quick and painless, for you the heartache will last a long time and my thoughts are with you and your family.

Some dogs cope better than others when their play mate dies - from what you've written it seems Lola is coping well and while that may be upsetting and bewildering for you now it is a blessing in its own way.  It would be more difficult for you to grieve and come to terms with your loss if you were also anxious about how Stavs death was affecting her physically and mentally.

Blessings and hugs to you all,
Teri x

>Im surprised at how Lola has been to be honest.  She seems her normal self, apart from being worried about me and coming over when she sees Im crying, shes still eating, playing and being her normal self.  Is that odd?  Id have thought she wouldve been pining for stavs more than that?

I know this might seem a funny question, but did Lola see Stavs after he had passed away? I've noticed over the years that my dogs accept a missing dog if they know it has passed away. Once they have sniffed the body they go quiet for a day and then recover far quicker than if they haven't.

Oh.. Im sooo very very sorry to hear this.
  As you see there's not a one of us who wasn't touched by the amazing story of your's and Stavs' journey through good and bad times.
  We're all right here for you *with waterproof shoulders*  Lots of love my thoughts and heart go out to you tonight.
Liv xxxxx

I am so sorry to hear about Stavs having followed all your threads, i know how you are feeling as our Boxer of 11yrs all so died on the 14th April,Doris got up as normal had breakfast wee etc., then went to sleep on the chair for a hour or so she woke up had a little cough like a tickle i thought it was where she had been snoring as boxers do then Doris collapsed her mouth went white almost grey,we rang the vets and took Doris straight there by this time she was walking but still white, the vet kept her in yesterday to run bloods and do xrays and scans,the vet rang with the news that she had three tumors on her lungs one which was above her heart (i know dogs can get this from smokers in the house as we do, but nobody smokes here) the vet said she can be kept alive with steroids for a week to a month the decision was made to put her to sleep she was so happy when she went we were very grateful for the compassion that Jayne our vet has given us on such a upsetting day.Doris is now playing with our other boxers now pain free x .thinking of you take care

I cannot believe I have just read this thread. I felt, through your previous posts that I knew Stavs and feel like I have lost one of my own. I am so, so sorry for your loss.

I am so shocked to read this. The tears are falling from my eyes.

Thinking of you during this time.  It is never easy, and even though you do have another dog, that doesnt replace the grief you are feeling for Stavs.  The comment your brother made was not needed, and it is obvious he truely doesnt understand.  But we on CD do, and want to support you. 

Please dont beat yourself up about not being out there when the fit started.  That you thought he was playing.  There was nothing you could have done.  This isnt your fault. 

Saying a special prayer for you tonight, and for Stavs.  I offer my deepest sympathies for you.  Thinking of you.  Take care.  ((((((((((((((((((((((((hugs)))))))))))))))))))))))))

Kory

Hi Carmel,

I'm so sorry to hear of your loss of the beloved Stavs, i too feel as though i knew him through all your threads and now feel so sad for you, my friend lost her boxer yesterday too..such a sad time.

Just believe that he is now well again running free with all others..he knew you loved him so much and were the best "mum" in the world.

Big hugs coming your way Carmel.

Annee xx

oh my goodness im sorry to hear this, i dont really know what to say, god bless you all at this very upsetting time xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

So very sorry to read about Stavs.  I have followed your posts about him and he was obviously an incredibly special boy.

RIP Stavs xx