I miss my dog

 We had to put my dog down due to a condition called “bloat”, where their stomach twists and cuts off circulation and digestion.

My partner and I went on vacation a short while ago, and when we got back I went to pick my dog up from the boarders.  For context, my dog was a large mix breed, about 130 pounds, and he was about 10 years old.  I don’t believe the boarders did anything wrong, this is just something that can happen to big dogs.

When I got there to pick him up, they told me my boy wasn’t wanting to eat or stand up.  I went back to see what was going on, and his belly was very distended.  I called ahead to the vet and got him there as fast as possible.  The vet confirmed my fears: it’s bloat, he probably wouldn’t survive even if we operate.  Even if he did survive then he’d have months of misery recovering from it.  I made the call to let him go.

They got some pain meds in him.  My partner was able to get there, and we both spent a while just telling him how good he is, and how much we love him.  We sat with him as the vet helped him pass on.

I wish I’d known that week was his last.  I’d never have left him.  I wish he was still here looking at me when I stand up to take a break from work.  I wish he was at the top of the stairs when one of us comes home.

I miss my dog.