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On Monday we put our sweet baby Murphy to sleep. At just over 13 years old Murphy had been in a gradual slide since Christmas. He'd developed Cushing's Syndrome in the past year and the symptoms were catching up to him.
In early December Murphy lost his vision and he was at risk for falling off the bed and down the stairs. Poor little guy, he couldn't find his way around the house any longer. Then when his hearing started to go too, his confusion became worse. We often came to his rescue when he'd wandered into a closet or was stuck in a corner and couldn't figure out how to turn around.
One of the symptoms of Cushing's Syndrome is a ravenous hunger and let me tell you we just couldn't seem to satisfy his need for more food. He would whine and yelp for food long before his normal feeding time, and nothing would quiet him but the "food". His constant desire to eat resulted in a major weight gain. He gained eight pounds since October. This tremendous weight gain stressed his joints and his little legs were having difficulty supporting him and he no longer wanted to go for walks.
Another issue was his frequent need to urinate, often in the house and without any warning. Poor little guy he would never have accidents when he was healthy.
So as Murphy's health declined, we were forced to make one of the hardest decisions of our lives. We went through a lot of what ifs and soul searching, but we knew it was time. We were able to stay with him right to the end and he went quickly and peacefully and that's all we could ask for.
Our little Murphster was just the light of our lives and made every day so special. He went every where with us and was always such a good boy. I'm sure he had more friends in the neighborhood than we did, as everyone knew his name. Everyone he met loved him. He was one of those special little characters. And, from the outpouring of love and support we've received this week from friends and family we know that he touched many lives. We're missing him so much, but at peace because we know he's no longer suffering.
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| This picture taken at Christmas was just before he went blind. We're so happy our friend was thoughtful enough to take it and to share it with us. |
19 comments:
Penny, what an awful time for you to write this. It is a beautiful tribute to "our little friend and Jellicoe's favorite playmate", when we visited each other. I know he is in doggy heaven and having a wonderful time with all the other dogs. Take care Sis,
Love, Heather
Penny- What a beautiful photo! I'm so sorry for your loss.
Penny, I am so sorry. It is so hard to let go of our pets, even when we know it's best for them. {Hugs} to you and your husband - take care of each other.
Penny, I know this is a harsh but loving decision you've had to make. I've had to do it several times over the years and it is as hard each time. Just remember that your sweet Murphster will be waiting to greet you at that Rainbow Bridge. In the meantime, it's a blessing to have photos of him. It will be both hard and comforting to see him in those pictures. Consider this a virtual "hug". Take care, Heidi
Oh Penny, I am so sorry to hear about little Murphy having to be put down. We had to put our dog down not long ago & it is the most heart wrenching distressing thing to do. My thoughts are with you at this time.
Penny, my heart goes out to you after reading your post. I am so very sorry for the loss of your beautiful baby Murphy. The decision is never an easy one. Thinking of you and sending a big hug your way.
Penny, I am so sorry. I got tears in my eyes reading your post. It is so very difficult to let them go even when we know it is for the best. Sending hugs your way.
So sorry to hear Penny-it is never easy to loose a furry family member! Take care!
I am so very sorry for your loss.
So sorry to hear about Murphy and for your loss. What a beautiful dog. Hugs to both you and your husband.
Penny
So sorry for your loss! Thoughts and prayers are with you.
~ Megin of VMG206
So sorry for your loss Penny!
Penny and Bob...lots of hugs and know that Murphy is romping around in doggie heaven having a great time with all the other doggie angels! Thinking of you. Sheri
Your post and photos are a beautiful tribute to a family member who loved you unconditionally. Big hugs to you and your family. I know how hard it is to say goodbye to a good friend.
Hugs,
Terry
Penny, I am so, so sorry to hear of your beloved Murphy's passing. What a tough, but right decision. Remember him with love, as he will remember you, at the Rainbow Bridge. Love & ((hugs)). Deborah
I am so sorry...to lose a pet is such an awful event. It is just so hard...I know, I've had to experience this type of loss as well.
Nancy Schoff
Penny, I am so sorry for the loss of your special baby. A year ago on Feb. 11 we had to make the same decision about our beagle, Molly. She was almost 15 years old but not sure because we adopted her from the local shelter and they were not sure her age at that time. She had gone blind and we had to have her eyes removed. We were lucky because she had gone blind gradually and knew her way around the house and outside. She too had started to have accidents in the house and we knew it was the right time - even though it was a very, very hard decision to make. We got to be with her the whole time and it was nice to get to hold her until the end. (((HUGS))) to you and your husband.
Penny, it's always a difficult decision trying to decide when the time has come to "help" our pets when their health is declining. I've been in the same position many times through the years; it is never easy. I'm sorry for your loss. I, also had a dog named Murphy that we had to put down several years ago...
Penny, just scrolling thru your posts, I am so very sorry to hear (although quite late and for that I am sorry) about losing Murphy. Its such a hard and heart breaking thing to go through. We had to make the same decision with our 13 year old last year - ebony - she was nearly blind, wouldn't eat, deaf. It was the single most hardest thing I have had to do to date so my heart broke for you. Still 1 year on and we miss her to bits as I am sure you will too. They leave a hole in your heart don't they? Hugs to you and your husband - even now as I am sure you still miss your little Murphy xx
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