I wanted to share this story of our pet Bichon Poo named Satch. My wife found him in 1996. She called me at work one day and said she thought she was going crazy. She went to a local pet store and fell in love with a puppy. She never had a dog before but she said she had an instant connection with him unlike any other dogs she saw before. We went back that night and bought him. For the last twelve years he was a pleasure and a part of the family. He had a great disposition and personality and was always at my wife's side. When she wasn't home Satch would wait by the window for her to return. He would follow her all over the house. They were very close and I was dreading the day something happened to him.
One night last week he spat up blood. We brought him to the vet the next day who said it was probably from his gum disease. They took his blood and found that he was anemic. They gave him antibiotics and we scheduled a teeth cleaning. The blood spitting stopped but his condition worsened over the next two days. He started having seizures on Sunday and we brought him in Monday. The Vet took Xrays and saw his heart and liver were enlarged. He saw no tumors but wanted to do an ECG and ultrasound the next day. That night he wasn't him self and was ignoring both of us when we called his name. He was avoiding eye contact with us which never happened before. Then a very strange thing happened. At 7:30PM he got up from the foot of the bed and walked over to my wife (which took a great deal of effort) layed down put his head on her chest looked up at her. My wife looked at me and said "He's going to die now" I was in shock and looked at her and said "How do you know?" and she said "I just know". I thought she was being paranoid but a few seconds later his breating became heavy and I realized she was right. I called the my kids in who were both home (they are 20 and 17 now and usually they aren't home most nights). What happened over the next few minutes will stay with me forever. He looked right at me and his breathing slowed until he was gone.
It was one of the most intense and emotionally heartbreaking experiences I've ever had but at the same time uplifting the way it happened. It was if Satch knew this was going to happen and waited for the right time to pass away and cause the least pain. He will be missed forever.

Dear Satchy,

I am so sorry to hear of Satch's passing. It is good that you were able to find something positive, or uplifting, in the way he passed. It's good that you can find a comfort in that.

My dog used to wait for me too-- either at the window or on my bed while I was gone, it's been over 3 months and still I miss her terribly.

People in this group are very kind and supportive; you have come to a good place.

God bless you and your family.

Sincerely,
hope2heal

I am very sorry to hear about Satch's passing. I am glad you had him for the many years you did.
He sounds like such a sweet boy.

Your story is truly heartbreaking. He is at peace and it sounded like it was quick...and he was with both of you when it was his time to go.

This is a good forum to write your feelings, your thoughts...maybe post a picture of him. If something makes you feel better to do...it is the right thing to do.

I know you and your wife miss Satch terribly. I have a favorite Mom saying I found on the forum.
She said: The pain of losing him will never ever be greater than the joy of knowing him.

This thought helped me many times. I hope it helps you both.

It takes time. I do wish you and your wife peace and healing. I know how hard it is when one is such a permanent part of our lives.

Come and talk anytime. There is always someone listening.

Thanks, that saying is very helpful.

My kids are taking it very hard too. For them it's hard to remember life without him.

Your story brought me to tears as I'm sitting in my cubicle. Your story touched me. Many of us here have many a sad story about how our loved pets may have suffered, but it looks like though he might have uncomfortable, I kind of wish my Candy went out like that.


All my best to you and your wife.


I'm very sorry for your loss.


Candy's Dad

Hal

Hi, Satchy, please permit me to offer you my sincerest sympathies in the loss of your beloved Satch. Losing a beloved companion is never easy regardless of the cir%%stances or how long we have been blessed with the privilege of their company. You, your wife, your children, and Satch were very blessed to have his death occur in the privacy and comfort of surroundings that he loved best - - his home and those he loved and that he knew loved him. Although his physical presence is no longer with you, his sweet living Spirit will always be with you in your hearts and in your memories that transcend time and space. Thank you so much for sharing your memories of Satch with us, Satchy. Each of us here do understand how devastating it is lose a beloved companion. Please know we are here for you for as long and as often as you need us. And please know you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.

Peace and blessings,
moon_beam

I would like to offer my sincere sympathy, in the loss of your dear Satch. I know how hard this is for you and your family. Your story is unlike most of the ones we read on this board. Your Satch went peacefully at home by his families side. You were so fortunate to have him in your lives, and he was blessed with a loving home.

May the happy memories of Satch comfort all of you at this difficult time.

Nancy

Thanks everyone. I showed your kind replys to my family and it helped more than you know.

I am so sorry for your loss. Satch was a very special dog indeed. Our pets are such amazing creatures. The way they are able to "connect" with us. When we form a close bond, we know what they know. I've heard from many pet owners and this has also happened to myself, that when they are ill they are able to give us this eye contact. It's strangely and instant feeling we get, it's not the same every day look. Almost like they want to prepare us. As hard as it is, you truely must be at peace with his passing, he pasted the way "he" wanted to, peacefully, with his loving family. How truely special that is. You were very lucky to have had Satch in your family for 12 yrs. Hugs to you and your family.. Ann