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RIP Harold - mommy misses you...

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Real Estate Agent with Coldwell Banker DRE# 01706589
If you follow me on Facebook or Twitter, you will know that this week has been an emotional one for me. On Wednesday, my sweet 8-year old bloodhound Harold, began showing signs he was suffering from some sort of ailment. Harold is a big boy of about 140 pounds, and was pretty much immobile due to his ailment...I could not get him to his veterinarian's office, and over a couple hours Wednesday afternoon, it became clear that his condition was not one that was going to improve. I desperately tried to find a mobile vet that could come out immediately and examine Harold to no avail. I finally found one that could come out on Friday, and unfortunately by the time he was able to be examined his condition was imminently dire. The only option was to put Harold down.
If you have ever had to euthanize a pet, you will know just how heart-wrenching it is. Thankfully, the mobile vet was able to give Harold a sedative first that made him basically fall asleep, and I do not think he aware of what was happening. He died in my arms. Let's just say I cried pretty much all of Friday, and had a few teary episodes this weekend. I know it was the only humane decision, and a part of responsible pet ownership.
I got Harold when he was 7 weeks old from a breeder in Southern California. He weighed 20 pounds at that age, and we all knew he would be a big one, eventually growing to 140 pounds. He was such a character and definitely ruled the household.
Some of my favorite memories include taking him camping - a couple years ago I rented a tent trailer, and Harold pertty much claimed an entire side for himself! He also used to love to go for rides in the back of the truck or for walks, and just saying "Do you want to go bye-bye?" would make him so excited he would totally prance around! Also, he frequently would sneak on to the couch and fall asleep when I was not looking, including once on the top of a pile of my freshly washed laundry. I loved giving him a bath so he could snuggle with me, sometimes on the bed if he was really good - which was pretty much always. He brought me so much joy over the last 8 years, and he will always have a special place in my heart. I know he will be missed by my other babies too - Hubert and Howard. RIP my sweet boy.

Comments(7)

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Donne Knudsen
Los Angeles & Ventura Counties in CA - Simi Valley, CA
CalState Realty Services

Erin - My heart goes out to you tonight.  As a long time dog mama, I have been in that same situation and it is heart wrenching as you hold your fur baby in your arms for the last time.  Take peace in knowing that your Harold had a good life with a loving family.

Feb 21, 2010 01:50 PM
Robert Machado
HomePointe Property Management, CRMC - Sacramento, CA
CPM MPM - Property Manager and Property Management

That was one beautiful dog.  I had to put our dog down a few years ago.  I got him to the vet, but there was nothing they could do. I feel your pain.   We can't get our golden retriever off the couches.  She thinks she is human.

Feb 21, 2010 04:17 PM
Debbie Baldes
Calling Boise Home - Boise, ID
ABR, SFR, e-PRO, CHS

Erin - My thoughts and prayers went out to you when I read this.  I had to put my springer spaniel down a few years ago and then my 16 year old kitty last summer.  So hard to deal with, but even harder is watching them suffer. He has no pain anymore!  All dogs do go to heaven!  :-)

Feb 21, 2010 04:51 PM
Jim Hale
ACTIONAGENTS.NET - Eugene, OR
Eugene Oregon's Best Home Search Website

Sorry for your loss.  A good dog is easier to find than a good friend.  And easily as hard to say goodbye to.

Feb 21, 2010 08:15 PM
Lori Kim Polk
Premiere Home Staging : Home Staging Services - Roseville, CA
Home Stager - Roseville, Sacramento

Oh Erin, I am so sorry. May he rest in peace without pain now.  Know in your heart that you were the best mom for him. You gave him the best life he could have and in return he loved you dearly too.

Feb 24, 2010 02:07 AM
Erin Newington
5305573559 - Grass Valley, CA
Sierra Foothills Realtor

I am so sorry Erin. I wondered what happened... it broke my heart when we lost our Benji. I am so sorry.

Feb 24, 2010 08:07 AM
Gordon Lane - serving the Sacramento Region
eXp Realty - Sacramento, CA
Making selling or buying a home easy

That's tough Erin. A few years ago I had to do the same for Jasper, my German Shorthair Retriever. The last few days of his life I carried him outside each morning and put him in the shade by an enormous banksia rose (a mound 10 feet high and 20 across) which was the daytime hiding place of the cottontail rabbits he loved to futilely chase. He spend those last days mostly dozing, interspersed with awake periods with his nose lifted and soaking in all the scents coming to him on the breeze.

On his last day I spent an hour with his head on my lap, telling him what a good boy he was. I'm still glad I made the effort to be sure that his last days and hours were good ones. He was a rescue dog and came to me abused and fearful and died in peace after living 5 years in a country home with a loving family.

Feb 27, 2010 12:06 AM