sheshistory
Moderator
Heaven got a little brighter yesterday as it gained a very special star in my bulldog, Linus.
For those of you who are regulars on the board, you probably noticed a series of recent threads starting in about April about the decline of Linusā health. Linus turned 7 years old in January and shortly after his birthday; I noticed things starting to happen to him. Most of the changes were non-specific, but when you spend 7 years getting to know and loving a bulldog, you know what is happening in your heart, even when your head tries to tell you it must be something else.
Linus was not in pain when he died. He was just experiencing what all living things do ā he was getting old. He had some unexplained health problems, the most worrisome of which was panting and wheezing after resting and during exercise. We looked for the reason for this, which was neither allergies nor an infection, but a far more difficult to reconcile problem: Linusā big heart was giving out on him. Over the course of the next few months, I noticed Linus lost some weight (which had always been a struggle!), lost muscle tone, stopped enjoying his favorite toys (though heād dig in his toy box for them, by the time he got them out, he was too tired to play), and didnāt have the appetite he used to.
Shortly before his 7th birthday I found out I was pregnant and it wasnāt too long after that I began to secretly worry ā then pray ā that Linus would live to meet his little brother. But it wasnāt meant to be.
Linusā final days were not spent sick or sad or at a vet. The day before he died, he had two regular meals, he spent time outside, he chased our cats, and got his regular treat before bed. As I did every night in the 7.5 years before that, I gave him his treat, turned on his box fan, and told him he was a good boy. Linus never woke up the next morning.
When we found him, he was the same in death as he was in life ā beautiful and peaceful - he looked like an angel. We pet him, we held him, and then wrapped him in a blanket and said good-bye.
Linus had what we hope for all of our pets ā a wonderful life and a peaceful transition into the next. I could not have asked for more for him. He had the best of everything and every single of day of his life was happy and full of love.
Sometimes, when I read all of the issues that so often come up on our board, I think about all the drawbacks of owning a bulldog. But between allergies, hips, ear infections, and stubborn behavior, I have come to realize their biggest flaw is how short their lives are and that, when they pass, they take a piece of your heart with them.
I know tears and pain will turn to laughter and thankfulness for having the opportunity to know and love a special dog like Linus. Until then, I appreciate all of your love, prayers and support as our family copes with such an incredible loss, especially as we anticipate the birth of our first child.
Linus, your mommy loves you and misses you and will never, ever forget you.
For those of you who are regulars on the board, you probably noticed a series of recent threads starting in about April about the decline of Linusā health. Linus turned 7 years old in January and shortly after his birthday; I noticed things starting to happen to him. Most of the changes were non-specific, but when you spend 7 years getting to know and loving a bulldog, you know what is happening in your heart, even when your head tries to tell you it must be something else.
Linus was not in pain when he died. He was just experiencing what all living things do ā he was getting old. He had some unexplained health problems, the most worrisome of which was panting and wheezing after resting and during exercise. We looked for the reason for this, which was neither allergies nor an infection, but a far more difficult to reconcile problem: Linusā big heart was giving out on him. Over the course of the next few months, I noticed Linus lost some weight (which had always been a struggle!), lost muscle tone, stopped enjoying his favorite toys (though heād dig in his toy box for them, by the time he got them out, he was too tired to play), and didnāt have the appetite he used to.
Shortly before his 7th birthday I found out I was pregnant and it wasnāt too long after that I began to secretly worry ā then pray ā that Linus would live to meet his little brother. But it wasnāt meant to be.
Linusā final days were not spent sick or sad or at a vet. The day before he died, he had two regular meals, he spent time outside, he chased our cats, and got his regular treat before bed. As I did every night in the 7.5 years before that, I gave him his treat, turned on his box fan, and told him he was a good boy. Linus never woke up the next morning.
When we found him, he was the same in death as he was in life ā beautiful and peaceful - he looked like an angel. We pet him, we held him, and then wrapped him in a blanket and said good-bye.
Linus had what we hope for all of our pets ā a wonderful life and a peaceful transition into the next. I could not have asked for more for him. He had the best of everything and every single of day of his life was happy and full of love.
Sometimes, when I read all of the issues that so often come up on our board, I think about all the drawbacks of owning a bulldog. But between allergies, hips, ear infections, and stubborn behavior, I have come to realize their biggest flaw is how short their lives are and that, when they pass, they take a piece of your heart with them.
I know tears and pain will turn to laughter and thankfulness for having the opportunity to know and love a special dog like Linus. Until then, I appreciate all of your love, prayers and support as our family copes with such an incredible loss, especially as we anticipate the birth of our first child.
Linus, your mommy loves you and misses you and will never, ever forget you.
so sorry.
