Just lost my 12 year old Weim - devastated.

mazzywest · Last edited by mazzywest on Wed Jun 25, 2008 3:58 pm; edited 1 time in total

Hi everyone,
I just found this forum (I wish I had known about it years ago, when I was training two weim pups!). Anyway, I just had to put my 12 year old Weim Gus down last weekend, due to complications from dilated cardiomyopathy and congestive heart failure. Over the last six months, Gus' health had been pretty bad -- he was diagnosed with diabetes and subsequently went blind, he got bloat in March and had to have emergency surgery, and he also had hypothyroidism. In the end, he was taking no less than 12 pills a day and barely scraping by. My husband was carrying him (and he was about 90 lbs) up and down two flights of stairs the last few weeks, and he had been urinating on himself and not making it to the door. When he stopped eating and couldn't lie down due to all the fluid in his lungs, we knew it was time to set him free.

Gus was put to rest in his own bed surrounded by us in our apartment in San Francisco, on a beautifully sunny day. As the vet injected the fatal shot, Gus leaned over and licked the hand of the vet, as if to thank him. The vet and I got really choked up over this sweet gesture. It really captured who Gus was. He was a beautiful, noble, sweet and gentle soul. We were so lucky to have him for in our lives 12 special years.

We miss him terribly, and I can't bear to take up his beds, throw his pills away or even vacuum up his fur on the floor. Every jacket that I own has poop bags in the pocket, and there are reminders of him everywhere. My husband and I cried most of the weekend, and I have been seeking some solace and peace going through old photos, making a video of him, and talking about all the goofy things he used to do.

I am hoping that with time, we will heal, but right now, we are still so torn up over losing him.

Here's the video we made in his memory: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XlCEUmEQdjE

My heart goes out to all of you that have lost a loved one.

GailB · Posted: Wed Jun 25, 2008 3:40 pm Post subject:

GUS

What a heart warming and very touching story...So sorry for your loss. Crying or Very sad

BEANSnBERRY · Posted: Wed Jun 25, 2008 3:41 pm Post subject:

What a beautiful tribute to such a wonderful member of the family.

My thoughts and prayers are with you... it's terrible to lose these babies, I know what a huge hole they leave in your heart.

Run free, Gus.

And welcome to the site. You'll love it here.

Phoenix1705 · Posted: Wed Jun 25, 2008 3:47 pm Post subject:

I am soooo sorry for your loss. Just reading your post choked me up. I look forward to watching the video tonite when I get home from the office. Welcome to our happy crazy home!

marniekat · Posted: Wed Jun 25, 2008 4:01 pm Post subject:

Before I even look at the video I have to say that I'm so sorry for your loss. I cannot even imagine the sorrow you are feeling right now. I've only been blessed to have my little guy for three weeks now and I cannot imagine life without him. After twelve years with such a wonderful companion, his passing has no doubt left a very big hole in your life and your heart.

However, please remember that wherever Gus is now, he loves and misses you too. He was very lucky to have been so loved.

My heart goes out to you.

rejoh0605 · Posted: Wed Jun 25, 2008 4:04 pm Post subject:

I am very sorry for your loss. I am going to look at the video tonight when I get home.
These dogs become parts of our lives, losing one them is like losing a member of the family. We will be thinking of you.
Presumed innocent

Gus

weimdawgs · Posted: Wed Jun 25, 2008 4:08 pm Post subject:

I am so incredibly sorry for the loss of your sweet boy. I am sitting at my desk crying for you.

I have an old boy that will be 11 in a couple weeks and I dread the day. I've only had my Jake since he was 9.

Gus is a handsome boy. My heart aches for you.

God Speed

Presumed innocent

Sweet Gus

waitingonmyweim · Posted: Wed Jun 25, 2008 4:11 pm Post subject:

So sorry for your loss - boy he looked like an awesome dog...what fun times you had with him!

May you take comfort in the fact that he is no longer in any pain. You did the right thing.

Shamaya · Posted: Wed Jun 25, 2008 4:15 pm Post subject:

So very sorry for your loss. Crying or Very sad

It's a very touching story.

I watched your video. It looks like Gus had a great life, with many adventures. I especially liked the picture of him with his one ear up. It looked like he was pointing "that way!" Smile

Christina · Posted: Wed Jun 25, 2008 4:50 pm Post subject:

As I sit here and wipe my tears, I must say that my heart is breaking for your loss. I watched your video and Gus looks like he has a WONDERFUL life and couldn't have been a happier or more beautiful boy. You did the right thing for him and I can't even imagine the pain you must feel right now. Again, I am SO sorry for your loss. Thank you for sharing your story and video with us and allowing us to see Gus as you did.

mazzywest · Posted: Wed Jun 25, 2008 4:51 pm Post subject:

thank you, everyone, for the outpouring of support. it lifts my spirits to see photos of all of the beautiful dogs on this forum. also, i just noticed there was a tribute thread, which i didn't see before i posted here in this thread. sorry for the breach of etiquette. I should probably have looked around before posting.

i appreciate your kind words and good thoughts for Gus. He will live on in my memories...

kjnewk · Posted: Wed Jun 25, 2008 5:44 pm Post subject:

I am so sorry for your loss. Sob / cry

Gus obviously lived a wonderful life and had a great family.

I just read your post that our boys crossed the rainbow bridge on the same day. I am sure they are running free and having a great time together. It makes me smile and cry at the same time to picture it.

mazzywest · Posted: Wed Jun 25, 2008 6:01 pm Post subject:

kjnewk, i have a feeling Gus and Ivan are romping around having a grand old time. Gus used to love to roll around on his back in the park, and I went over to Golden Gate Park the other day and laid where we used to take him for picnics, and rolled around in the grass for a while. Some people looked at me like I was crazy, seeing this grown woman rolling around on her back, but it made me feel better. When he got sick, Gus stopped wanting to roll over in the grass and he stopped wagging his tail. I know Gus is now in a place where he can roll around again and feel the sunshine on his tummy.

I am so sorry for your loss too. Thanks for your kind words. My best to you and your family.

momofbeau · Posted: Wed Jun 25, 2008 6:26 pm Post subject:

I just saw your video, and have tears running down my face. I know what that is like. I only had Oliver for 18 months, but he was 8 and had bone cancer. He told me when it was time to go, but it didn't make it any easier. Except I know he is running free and painless and romping with all the other weims at the Rainbow Bridge.

I didn' t think I could ever love another, but I adopted a 4 year old named Beau. He is the light of my life, mainly because I believe that the spirits of Oliver and all the ones who have come before come to us through the next love. That way we have the best, worst, most comical and move loving of all those we have loved in the one we love today.

I feel for your loss, and I wish you peace. Gus has it now and loves you for it.

Dana and Beau

SparkyTansy · Posted: Wed Jun 25, 2008 8:57 pm Post subject:

I am so sorry for your loss... Gus looked such a lovely boy.
I am sure he is roming around on the grass over rainbow bridge.
Thinking of you at this difficult time.
Andrea