Sad about our coton

We had to euthanize our coton yesterday. He was 15 years old plus almost a month. I have a hole in my heart. The house is quiet. My heart wants another, my mind says not so fast or maybe not at all.

He was a lot of work as he got old and sick. I had to carry him to bathroom outside like 20 times a day for about 4 years (could not make it up the one step anymore to the outside without hitting his paw under the step - not enough pep like when he was younger to get up the one step). My husband and I have less energy than we did the first go around 15 years ago. Plus we had most days the last 2 years or so of his life without a full night's sleep, as he had more bathroom needs as he aged.

He was the nicest dog ever. I feel kind of lonely. I will have to slowly learn to pick up the pieces of my broken heart. A new dog would not be the dog I had and I want the dog I had back.

I would welcome any thoughts.

Comments for Sad about our coton

Average Rating

Click here to add your own comments

Apr 23, 2015
Rating

for Joyce with older dogs NEW
by: Iris

Hi Joyce. So nice to read about your decision to take in older dogs and to keep them going to 17 years old. I am curious. Please tell more. What care did they receive and also type of food and exercise before you got them, and since you had them.
I want to keep my Tuffy going in the best of health as long as he's meant to live. Love to hear from you.
Best regards, Iris Miller

Apr 23, 2015
Rating

Sad for you NEW
by: Anonymous

Our ten year old morkie left us last year. In her place we got a Coton puppy. It's not easy having a puppy as we are in our sixties but honestly he took the pain out of our loss. Even though there were days I thought about how nice life could be without a puppy a year later I'm so happy I kept him. He's our love. So for us a new fur baby was our answer to deep sorrow. Good luck with whatever you decide.

Apr 23, 2015
Rating

sad about loss of coton NEW
by: sherry cotton candie

I am so very sorry about your loss. Our dogs become so much a part of us it is understandable how empty and lost we feel when we lose them. Years ago I lost my little GiGi girl and I thought I would die. She had developed tumors all over her and the groomers could no longer trim her. Then she went blind and soon after became incontinent but I could not bring myself to put her down. We kept her in a tiled area and she was not in pain. Ate well and seemed content with her life....Then one day she could not get up and we had no choice. I realize now it was selfish of me to keep her so long.

Like you I never thought I would want or love another, well I have two now that are so important in my life. No they are not a replacement---they are like children -- all different but each special in their own way. They give me something to focus on and love.

In time you will probably want another dog but fostering is a great idea. Lots of dogs need love and attention and it sounds like you are a very caring person and it would be a win win situation for you both.

Again, I am so sorry!

Apr 23, 2015
Rating

Sorry NEW
by: Lois

I am so sad for you. My Sherman is only 2 1/2 but I can not stand the thought of saying goodbye some day. We just said good bye to a very young English Cocker and I miss him so much. I still cry at times with the thought of him and yes like you he is the dog I want not a replacement.

Apr 23, 2015
Rating

Sad about your Coton NEW
by: Iris

My heart goes out to you as you grieve for your dear Coton. He was blessed to have you for caretakers.
I'm sure the memories of him will always be with you.
I have also experienced the death of family dogs and other pets. The grief remains, at least in my case.
I could not imagine rushing out for a replacement because there's really no such thing. What I did, I visited the humane society and local shelters and helped give a little human company to the dogs and cats and helped with the dog walking of the older dogs. This is the best way to show love and honor the memory of our dogs who passed away. It took me many years to get another dog. It was pure emotion when I discovered the Coton de Tulear breed. I love my Tuffy with all my heart, even with all the challenges,he's recently suffered through a series of illness and surgery. But we're together for the long run and it's true love.
Many blessings♡

Apr 23, 2015
Rating

Sad about Coton NEW
by: Joyce

I understand - I have had to say good by to several of our beautiful wonderful boys and girls. The only thing I can say is an older dog is what we started doing, since most people won't even consider them. My Pepe was 9 when we got him and he lived to be 17 1/2 years young. Kuddles was 8 and lived to be 17 - so who would have taken them. We did and loved all the years we had with them and kept them from being put down before their time. Good luck - I know - Kuddles wasn't able to make it outside at the end either.

Apr 23, 2015
Rating

Thoughts & Prayers NEW
by: Vicky & Jonah

When I lost my Silky Samantha my heart broke. For the 1st time in my life I did not have a dog in my home. I think the older we get the harder it gets to accept another loss of our pets.

I also thought I was getting to old. It took me 5 yrs to bring Jonah home I was then 53 & he is now 7. All I can say is in your own time you will know if you can bring another into your home & life.

In the meantime think about becoming a foster parent where most are puppies or pretty young where you can take your time & you know you are prepping them to go to forever homes. You don't have to have one all the time you do it at your own pace & I know it helped to heal my heart.

I have no perfect words for your loss except all dogs go to heaven & remain forever in that special place we file them in our hearts. We never forget any of the ones that have been part of our family.

Click here to add your own comments

Join in and write your own page! It's easy to do. How? Simply click here to return to Coton FAQs.