My little dog Benji died last night

I got a phone call from my Mom last night, letting me know my toy poodle, Ben, had passed away in his sleep.  I'd talked to her earlier that day and she was concerned he wasn't eating much, so I asked her to boil him some chicken and puree it with a bit of broth and some rice, to help his tummy in case it was upset.  She made the chicken and pureed it but by the time it cooled enough to feed him, he was gone.

My Dad said he went peacefully, in his favorite chair. He was very old and frail, almost 17.  I just wish I could have been there with him. I hope he didn't feel like I abandoned him to come for my surgery.  I have to stay in Toronto for 2 more days before I can fly home.

I adopted Benji when he was 8 years old, from a lady who had only had him for 2 weeks.  She had adopted him after his original owner passed away from a heart attack.  So Benji is with his first Dad now, and must be happy to be reunited with him. He's also with his brother, Mac, a gorgeous standard poodle who passed away in late summer of last year. This is the first time since 1988 that I've been without a dog.  I wish I could have been with Ben to say goodbye.

OMG! I am so sorry for your loss. They are part of your family and give unconditional love. I totally understand how you feel but at least he was with your parents and not in a doggy-day-care kennel all alone. He is now in a place where there is no suffering and at peace.  We lost our miniature Poodle a few years ago from old age and I still miss my little Frimousse. Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers 

Thank you, MC. I'm sorry for your loss, too.  Poodles are so great.

I am thankful that Ben was with my parents.  He was also in his favorite plush armchair.  I had to buy him little doggy steps so he could climb onto that chair last year, and my Dad said he climbed the stairs, settled in, and went to sleep.  My Dad tried to wake him up to feed him but he was gone.  No more arthritis, no more blindness; he can run and play again at the rainbow bridge without any pain.

Hugs,

Kathy

Very sorry to hear about your loss. Losing a pet is very difficult but it sounds like he had a good long life. Take care of yourself.

Thank you!

I am sorry for your loss. Our furry friends are a part of our families. It is always a great loss. Sounds like you gave him a great second life.

Thank you, Pat.

Oh Kathy, I'm so sorry for your loss.   Passing away in his sleep is best.  You know there wasn't any suffering.   He is at peace.

Thank you. I'm glad he went peacefully.

Sorry to hear this!  17 years is a long life take comfort in that and that he's not suffering anymore.   Hugs!