Alfie underwent extensive bowel surgery on Thursday but seemed to pull through. Last night the vet encouraged us to leave him there another night as he wasn't eating or drinking.
My ex had a call just after 4am today to say that Alfie had passed away in his sleep. The night nurse was with him when he passed away.
I was totally floored by the news. He was coming to me for Christmas and he has presents under the tree. I only bought him a toy yesterday.
I admit I'm struggling to come to terms with his passing. It's not the outcome I expected, particularly as he seemed to pull through surgery on Friday.
However my ex visited him last night and tells me he just stood there motionless and didn't appear to recognise him. I can't help but ask myself what trauma he was going through.
Thank you everyone for your kind words. I'm sure it will get easier in time.
I just keep thinking why did he have to die a week before Christmas. Why couldn't he have had one last Christmas Dinner, opened his presents, had a cuddle in front of the fire?
I feel so robbed. His presents are still lying under the tree. This was the inevitable final insult in the most shocking year of my life.
How old was he Nomercy? So sad for you. Things we can't make sense of happens to everyone at one time or another. It's hard to deal with but we manage somehow. He's at peace now. A little comfort I know, but Alfie wouldn't like to see you sad. Thinking of you. xx
I couldn't tell you to be honest, Patsy. My ex and I adopted him in Spain in April 2006 after I saw his photo in an ex pat paper. They described him as a 6- month old Spaniel but he's definitely half red setter. My inkling is he was a bit older than 6 months when we had him.
Given his obviously co-morbidities, he did remarkably well to get to the age he did. 90% of dogs on the continent with Leishmaniasis are euthanised.
So all things considered, he done well. I'm sure that's down to your love and compassion. That special bond will always be in your heart, nobody can take that away.x